Program Mission
Embedded in a research-intensive academic context, the Faculty of Nursing’s PhD Program is renowned for global leadership. The program develops nursing scholars who generate and mobilize knowledge, speak as influential voices for nursing, and lead with purpose and inclusivity to enhance healthcare outcomes and nursing within a global context.
Program Vision
Students in the PhD Program demonstrate excellence in the development, organization and evaluation of new knowledge. The Program is characterized by rigour in the quality of scholarship and relevance to nursing and the student’s career goals and research interests.
Program Requirements
Program learning outcomes for the doctoral nursing curriculum are guided by the National Nursing Education Framework of the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing, and informed by the PhD Learning Outcomes as articulated by GPS in the University of Alberta Calendar. Program outcomes are achieved through a constellation of experiences within the program, including formal coursework, teaching and research assistantships, conferences and workshops, research training opportunities, and mentorship and coaching by the graduate supervisor and supervisory committee members. These activities may occur within the Faculty of Nursing and other faculties, and within relevant professional and community networks.
It is anticipated that by completion of the program, all doctoral students will achieve these learner outcomes, recognising that there is a spectrum of attainment based on individual career goals.
Students will take the following required courses (18 credits), typically in the first two years.
In consultation with the supervisor and based on individual program plans, students typically take a total of approximately 30 credits of doctoral level courses. Elective courses focus on the substantive scholarship in the field of the student’s anticipated dissertation, and research design and methods relevant to the emerging research project. The number and type of courses will vary according to students’ academic backgrounds, experiences and career goals.
Elective graduate courses offered by the Faculty of Nursing have the prefix of either NURS or INT D. All NURS courses require permission of the Faculty for registration by students from other faculties.
Examinations
There are two examinations during the PhD program: The Doctoral Candidacy Exam which must be completed by the end of the third year; and the Doctoral Final Oral Exam. English is the language of study. All requirements for the degree must normally be completed within six years from the time a student first registers as a graduate student.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
The Faculty of Nursing and Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies offer many opportunities for scholarships and assistance to qualified graduate students.
Academic Standing Requirement
Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, with no grade less than C+, throughout the course of the program. Failure to maintain the required cumulative GPA will normally result in a recommendation by the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies to GPS that the student be placed on academic probation or required to withdraw.
Residence Requirement
There is no requirement for a minimum period of residence on campus. Individualized plans for period(s) of on-campus study are based on supervisory expectations and student needs and goals. These plans may be influenced by opportunities for scholarly socialization, networking, and mentorship; as well as research training, funding opportunities, graduate teaching and research assistantships, and student career plans. An agreement for on-campus study must be explicitly negotiated and documented by the graduate supervisor and the student as part of the application and admission process.