Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) represents the highest level of formal education for a career in nursing research and the scholarship of discovery. It prepares scholars for expression and communication of the knowledge base in the profession of nursing. PhD graduates develop the scientific foundation, steward the profession, define its uniqueness, maintain its professional integrity and educate the next generation of nurses. The PhD in Nursing program at Stony Brook University (SBU) School of Nursing (SON) will have a strong scientific emphasis within the discipline of nursing and an understanding of the science of related disciplines and translation science. The program is designed in a broad, cross-functional perspective to prepare nurse scientists to collaborate across disciplines to solve complex problems and address multiple issues facing individuals, families, communities and populations. Translational and innovative research, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration at the highest level, will be foundational to the program. To foster success and promote transformational, far-reaching opportunities, students will engage in a diversified curriculum.The 54-credit curriculum is designed for Master’s-prepared nurses who aspire to research and academic roles within health care and educational settings. It will build on the foundation of research and scholarship gained at the master’s level. The full-time, cohort-based program, to be offered on-site (one dayweek) with web-enhanced technologies, contains three phases: Coursework, Proposal Development and Dissertation. Coursework and proposal development will take two and one-half years to complete with an additional one year for dissertation completion. The PhD candidate will select an area of research congruent with interdisciplinary faculty expertise. The SBU intensive research environment provides opportunities for mentorship by faculty within and outside the SON. Our Office of Nursing Research assists faculty and doctoral students in meeting research goals by providing administrative support, grant preparation support and management, statistical consultation, and dissemination of research findings through posterpodium presentation and manuscript preparation.