Two doctoral tracks are offered; Type 1 – Dissertation only and Type 2 – Coursework and Dissertation. The dissertation only track is appropriate for students with research and publication expertise while the coursework and dissertation track provides students with a strong foundation in research methodology. Type 2 recruits both graduates from master’s degree (Type 2.1) and bachelor’s degree (Type 2.2)
In addition, students are required to take part in the following ongoing academic activities to building their research skills:
Seminars
To promote a scholarly environment and to provide students the opportunity to develop public speaking and presentation skills, students are required to present a seminar on a topic related to their dissertation once every semester for at least 3 semesters. Attendance at student seminars is mandatory.
Research Practicum
Students gain invaluable research experience through a research practicum conducted under the supervision of FON faculty. Type 1 students must complete a 240-hour practicum while Type 2 students must complete a 180-hour practicum. Students have the opportunity to join ongoing research projects at FON and to gain experience at any stage of the research process such as writing grant proposals, collecting data, analyzing data, developing a data collection instrument, writing a research report or presenting findings. The research practicum allows students to experience research in an academic environment and to take part in collaborative research projects with governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as local community groups. Half of the research practicum hours can be completed abroad at a foreign institution.
Qualifying Exams
Qualifying exams allow students to demonstrate a basic understanding of knowledge in nursing, nursing philosophy and theory, research methodology, and an area of specialization. Students must pass their qualifying exams prior to developing their dissertation topic to ensure that they have the skills necessary to successfully conduct the dissertation.
Dissertation
Under supervision of an advisory committee, students will develop, plan, implement, and analyze original research in the student’s area of specialization. Students must develop a dissertation proposal to be presented and approved by the student’s dissertation committee. After completion of research and the dissertation itself, students must undergo a dissertation defense. Students have the option of conducting their research abroad and writing their dissertation with an overseas expert in conjunction with an advisor from the Faculty of Nursing.
Publication
Part of the dissertation must be published and/or accepted for publication in a program-approved peer-reviewed journal or other academic forum, such as a conference proceeding book. Published work must be accessible in print or electronic form.