PhD PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK - Columbia University ...

PhD PROGRAM
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2012-2013
Rev 7.2012

Table of Contents
Preface .............................................................................................................................................1
Description, Purpose and Objectives................................................................................................2
Advisement........................................................................................................................................3
PhD Curriculum…............................................................................................................................. 4
Coursework in the Theoretical Foundation of Nursing Science.............................................. ..5
Coursework in the Analytic Foundation of Nursing Science......................................................5
Practicum………………………………………………………………………………………………...6
Coursework in Human Subjects Training………………………………………………………….….8
TA Workshop/TA’ship……………………………………………………………………………………8
Elective Courses..……………………………………………………………………………...............8
Grading Policies.........................................................................................................................9
Prerequisites and Expected Proficiencies at the Time of Enrollment.........................................9
Resources…....................................................................................................................................9
PhD Student Office Space and Lounge......................................................................................9
APA Online Tutorial.................................................................................................................9
Plan of Study…….....................................................................................................................10
PhD Program: Schedule of Courses Offered..................................................................................11
Transfer Credits...............................................................................................................................12
Plan of Study BS to PhD…..............................................................................................................13
Comprehensive Examination...........................................................................................................14
Comprehensive Examination Committee (CEC)…………………............................................14
Eligibility for Exam……………………………………………………………………………………..14
Comprehensive Examination Timeline....................................................................................15
Description of the Comprehensive Examination………………………………………………..….16
Written Component……………………………………………………………………………………16
Oral Component……………………………………………………………………………………….17
Grading of the Comprehensive Examination……………………………………………………….17
Comprehensive Examination Process………………………………………………………………17
Applying for the Master of Philosophy Degree………………...........................................................19
M.Phil. Degrees………………………………………………………………………………………..19
Dissertation Sponsor ......................................................................................................................20
Approved Dissertation Sponsors and Research Interests..……......................................................21
Dissertation Proposal………………………………………………………………………………………..22
Steps in the Dissertation Process……………………………………………………………………22
Dissertation Proposal………………………………………………………………………………….22
Submission to Institutional Review Board (IRB)……………………………………………………23
Dissertation Proposal Defense………………………………………………………………………….....24
IRB Approval…………………………………………………………………………………………...25
Dissertation Defense Phase............................................................................................................25
Distrubution, Defense and Deposit…………………………………………………………………..26
Degree Calendar……………………………………………………………………………………………..28
Registration for U.S. Students……………………………………………………………………………...28
Registration for International Students in F-1 or J-1 status……………………………………………..28
Registration for All Students………………………………………………………………………………..29
Nomination and Appointment of the Defense Committee……………………………………………….29
Scheduling the Defense...................................................................................................................29
Distributing Dissertation Copies...............................................................................................30
Defense and Evaluation...........................................................................................................30
The Vote: Pass, Incomplete or Fail..........................................................................................31
Pass with Distinction................................................................................................................32
Emergency Absentee………………………………………………………………………………….32
Award of Degree......................................................................................................................33
Centers at the School of Nursing……………...........................................................................34

The Center for Health Policy....................................................................................................34
The WHO Collaboration Center for International Development...............................................34
The Center for Evidence-Based Practice in the Underserved…………………………………….34
Reducing Health Disparties Through Informatics…………………………………………………..34
Center for Interdisciplinary Research related to Antimicrobial Resistance (CIRAR)…………...35
Center for Children and Families……………………………………………………………………..35
Clinical Resources…………………………………………………………………………………………...35
Other Institutes and Centers………………………………………………………………………..….36

APPENDICES
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix E.1
Appendix E.2
Appendix F
Appendix G
Appendix H
Appendix I
Appendix J
Appendix K
PhD Student Program Plans: 2008, 2009 & 2010 Cohorts
Contract for Research Practicum
Application for Comprehensive Examination
M.Phil Degree –Dates and Application for Degree of Master of Philosophy
Report of Dissertation Proposal Committee
Dissertation Proposal Outline: Quantitative
Dissertation Proposal Outline: Qualitative
Dissertation Outline: A Guide
Proquest
Application for Dissertation Defense
Completion of Dissertation Defense
PhD Program Completion of Requirements
FT Student Status Memo
Appendix L Course Plans for 2011-2012

PREFACE
Welcome to the community of scholars at the Columbia University School of Nursing Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) Program. This handbook is intended to aid doctoral students in planning
courses and proceeding through all phases of the curriculum.
The PhD degree in Nursing is conferred by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS)
upon successful completion of both a master’s of philosophy degree (MPhil) and a dissertation
defense. The School of Nursing defines and administers the programmatic policies of the MPhil
in Nursing degree, including course requirements and qualifying examination procedures. Upon
conferral of the MPhil degree, the eligible student is admitted to PhD candidacy in the Graduate
School of Arts and Sciences according to the rules and regulations described in the GSAS PhD
handbook. Details of each phase of the doctoral training experience are provided in the
following sections of this handbook, with relevant forms included in the appendices.
The PhD Program Office is located in Suite 239 of the School of Nursing (Georgian Building),
630 W. 168 th Street, New York, NY 10032. (FAX: 212-342-0408)
Barbara Luna
PhD Program
Administrator
Bal2146@columbia.edu
(212) 342-4172
Pat Stone, PhD, FAAN
PhD Program Co-Director
ps2024@columbia.edu
(212) 305-1738
Arlene Smaldone, DNSc, CPNP, CDE
PhD Program Co-Director
ams130@columbia.edu
212-342-3048
The Dissertation Office is located in 107 Low Memorial Library, 535 West 116 th Street, and is
open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM—4:45 PM. (FAX: 212-854-2863).
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/sub/dissertation/main/welcome/index.html
Salvo Candela
Academic Affairs Officer
(212) 854-2866
Esmeralda McCormick
Dissertation Secretary
es183@columbia.edu
(212) 854-2854
NOTE: This handbook is congruent with and superseded by information in the School of
Nursing Bulletin, the School of Nursing Student Handbook, FACETS, GSAS documents, and
other Columbia University resources, and does not supplant any official policies of the School or
the University. Your advisor, the PhD Program Director, Administrative Assistant, and the Office
of Student Services are all available to answer questions not covered in these documents.
Please refer to the Student Health Service website and School of Nursing Student Handbook for
details about medical services, mental health services, the student health insurance plan and
enrollment and waivers.
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/nursing/students/pdf/StudentHandbook2011-2012.pdf
1

DESCRIPTION, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The PhD program is a research-intensive curriculum that prepares nurse scholars to conduct
research in clinical outcomes and health policy, both independently and as part of
interdisciplinary teams. The program provides students with research skills, knowledge of
frameworks for the critical understanding of outcomes and policy questions, and mentored
opportunities that move the student toward independent research.
Graduates of the PhD program have knowledge of health policy and the research skills
necessary to make a major impact on health care nationwide, to further clinical nursing
knowledge and to translate this knowledge into practice. Specifically, graduates are prepared
to:
1. Design, conduct, direct, and report research studies that increase knowledge about
the outcomes of nursing and other clinical practice.
2. Provide leadership in improving the health care delivery system at local, national and
international levels.
3. Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and develop policies for the
organization and delivery of health services.
4. Translate evidence accumulated through research into practice and policy at multiple
levels.
2

ADVISEMENT
Upon acceptance, the student will be assigned a faculty advisor based on the student's
professional goals and the compatibility of clinical and research interests. A major role of the
advisor is to ensure that the student enrolls in courses consistent with good scholarship, special
interests and career goals including the topic and method of dissertation research; evaluating
transfer credits; general program and departmental degree requirements; and filing the official
program plan of study.
The advisor is expected to meet with the student on a regular basis. As the student progresses
through the program and his or her interests are more fully understood, change in the advisor
may be initiated by either the student or the advisor. Students are encouraged to become
familiar with the expertise of other members of the faculty, and to turn to them for consultation
as appropriate.
When ready for dissertation work, the student selects an approved sponsor for dissertation in
consultation with the advisor. (The list of approved Dissertation sponsors can be found on page
21). If the sponsor is different from the advisor, the sponsor becomes the candidate’s academic
advisor as well.
3

PhD CURRICULUM
The PhD curriculum builds upon the foundation of nursing science refined at the master's level.
It provides the basis for graduates to expand the horizons of nursing by bringing together clinical
practice, health policy, research, and leadership. The development and enhancement of
research, leadership and policy analysis skills are the primary foci of the program and are based
on two tenets: 1) Expert clinical and administrative nurses can bring a unique and important
perspective to the improvement of health, health care and health care delivery through
research; and 2) Nursing practice takes place within and is influenced by a complex array of
policies and systems of care delivery. Of particular focus is the development of skills to employ
knowledge gleaned from nursing research to effect change at the local, national and
international level.
Program Overview:
PhD courses are offered in three major groups: 1) Theoretical foundations of nursing
science, 2) Analytical foundations of nursing science, and 3) Electives and applications
courses through which the student develops additional expertise in their area of interest.
4) Human subjects training. The minimum number of pre-dissertation course credits
required is 37 beyond the master’s in nursing degree.
Upon completion of core coursework, the student must successfully complete a
comprehensive examination with written and oral components
Upon successful completion of required course work and comprehensive examination,
the student is awarded a master’s of philosophy degree and must apply through the PhD
Program Director’s Office in the School of Nursing to GSAS for doctoral candidacy.
The program culminates with a dissertation research project in which the student
develops, conducts, writes and defends an original research study (see Appendix E).
Dissertation work requires a minimum of 4 credits per semester, generally for 4
semesters (16 credits). Altogether, most students will complete a minimum of 55 credits
(7-8 semesters) to complete the full academic program required for graduation. A typical
4-year study plan can be found on page 10 of this handbook.
Scholarship Expectations of Students
In addition to the specific requirements of courses, comprehensive examination and
dissertation, the faculty of the PhD program have the following expectations of each student in
the program:
1. Publication: at least one manuscript submitted for publication in an appropriate
peer-reviewed journal
2. Grant: at least one grant application submitted to an appropriate funding agency or
organization
3. Presentation: at least one paper or project submitted for presentation as a poster or
oral presentation at an appropriate professional meeting
4

PhD CURRICULUM (continued)
4. Networking: at least one regional or national research meeting should be attended
such as those sponsored by the ENRS, AHSR, AHRQ, NCHS, NINR, CDC or others.
If you have any questions about these expectations and how you can meet them, please consult
with your advisor. Periodic brown bag discussions open to all PhD students are scheduled as
needed by the Director for discussions of questions and issues related to the doctoral program.
Coursework in the Theoretical Foundation of Nursing Science
The theoretical foundation component of the PhD program provides the scholarly framework for
examining nursing care and delivery systems, and how "systems" of care—which include the
nursing care of individuals, family, and community—can continue to improve the outcomes of
health care and address the emerging health problems of the nation, especially those of
vulnerable populations. This component broadly addresses the social, cultural, and political
evolution of health care, the evolution of nursing as a part of the care delivery system, key
public policies that have affected both nursing and the health care system at large, and the
development and articulation of nursing knowledge.
There are two courses (6 credits) that comprise this component of the program
1. N9001: Social and Intellectual Foundations of Nursing (3 credits) The study of the
scientific, historical, and philosophical foundations relevant to nursing knowledge and
practice, within the socio-cultural-political evolution of the health care system and within
evolving perspectives in philosophy of science.
2. N9351: Concept Development and Measurement of Clinical Phenomena in Nursing (3
credits)
This doctoral-level theory course is designed to enhance the student’s ability to
conceptualize and measure phenomena of interest to the discipline of nursing. The
course examines approaches to the analysis and development of concepts, the
applicability of nursing concepts and theories to clinical practice and research, and
issues related to instrumentation and measurement of concepts. Focus will be on
development of critical thinking skills in analyzing literature portraying key concepts,
extant practice for theory implications and critical analysis of measurement methods.
Coursework in the Analytic Foundation of Nursing Science
The PhD program provides the analytical skills necessary to design and conduct meaningful
research. The core research courses provide the foundation which is individually refined
through elective courses that support the proposed dissertation research.
There are 11 courses plus the dissertation in this component:
1. N9103 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 credits; cross-registered in the School of Public
Health as SP6103) All Nursing students must register under the Nursing course
designation for this basic introductory course in statistical tests and methods.
2. N9355: Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
This course provides a foundation for quantitative research methods and design.
5

Research process topics examined include: appraisal of the quality of existing evidence;
identification of gaps in the literature; formulation of researchable questions and testable
hypotheses; types of research variables; sampling designs and power analyses; and the
uses, strengths and weaknesses of various experimental and quasi-experimental
research designs.
3. N9265: Interdisciplinary Research Seminar (0 credit)
This seminar provides a venue for presentation, positive critique and scholarly
interchange regarding ongoing cross-disciplinary research and related methodologies.
Designed for nursing doctoral students, it is open to pre- and post-doctoral fellows, and
students, faculty and visiting scholars from other programs on a non-credit basis.
Students are expected to participate throughout their program.
4. N9352: Qualitative Research Design and Methods (3 credits)
This course provides an in-depth examination of qualitative study designs and methods
through a combination of theoretical discussion and hands-on practical experience.
Topics include paradigm distinctions, theoretical perspectives, designs and methods,
critique of research reports, and ethical issues in qualitative research.
5. Advanced Statistical Analysis (3 credits)
Upon successful completion of N9103, the student must take an advanced statistics
course offered in the School of Public Health or offered elsewhere in the University. An
advanced statistics course is one that includes multivariate statistics.
Recommended second level biostatistics courses in the School of Public Health include:
1. P8100 Applied Regression Analysis (3 credits)
The study of linear statistical models. Regression and correlation with one
independent variable. Partial and multiple correlation. Multiple and
polynomial regression. Single factor analysis of variance. Simple logistic
regression.
2. P8120 Analysis of Categorical Data (3 credits)
Prerequisites: Public Health P6104 and P6400 or their equivalents. A
thorough study of the fourfold table, with applications to epidemiological and
clinical studies. Significance versus magnitude of association; estimation of
relative risk; matching cases and controls; effects, measurement, and control
of misclassification errors; combining evidence from many studies; logistic
regression.
6. N9505: Research Practicum (2 credits; may be repeated)
One individualized practicum in research (N9505, 2 credits) is required in the program.
The student works with a faculty member or other scientist who is conducting a research
project. The student and faculty member negotiate and agree upon the objectives,
specific experiences and requirements for the practicum. The specific nature of the
experience depends on the nature and stage of the research, but might include a search
and review of relevant literature, data collection, data analysis and/or grant preparation.
These are summarized in the Contract for Practicum Experience (See Appendix B)
which is signed by both student and faculty member prior to beginning the experience.
6

7. N9353: Advanced Methods in Health Services Research and Policy Analysis
(3 credits)
Building upon the foundations provided in the quantitative and qualitative research
method courses, in this course students examine advanced methods and frameworks
frequently used in studying health policy, health services research problems and
comparative effectiveness research. In addition to a critical review of the methods, the
course examines the relationship among science, policy and healthcare delivery, and
identifies critical questions shaping the future policy research agenda. An introductory
health policy course at the graduate level (e.g. N6920 Health and Social Policy) is
required as a prerequisite to this course, but can be taken concomitantly.
8. N9506: Research Synthesis (2 credits)
This seminar is designed to strengthen the student’s ability to synthesize information
gained in doctoral coursework and to apply this integrated knowledge to common
challenges in the evaluation of a body of work relevant to nursing scholarship. The
content is designed to assist in codifying the student’s area of dissertation interest, and
serve as the basis for the early chapters of the dissertation that provide a critical
literature review and rationale for aims, and hypotheses of the proposed work.
9. N9260: Building Interdisciplinary Research Models (2 credits)
This course will introduce the students to competencies in interdisciplinary research
through a combination of readings and lectures in each necessary aspect, chosen from
fields essential to successful interdisciplinary research. The course is co-taught by
instructors from Nursing and other CU medical campus schools. Replaces N9502
Guided Study in Research Methods, which is now a nursing “elective” (does not replace
the requirements for external electives).
10. N9001: Research Residency (1 credit)
This residency course is designed for doctoral students who are in coursework prior to
completion of the comprehensive exam (year one or two). The course is intended for
PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are not associated
with the required course sequence. Such activities must accrue more than 20
hours/week.
11. N9502: Guided Study in Research I (3 credits)
The student will decide, with the research advisor or selected others, on an individually
determined study of statistics and research methods based upon the selected focus of
dissertation study. Selected courses throughout the University may be used to satisfy
this requirement.
12. N9840: Dissertation Research (4-8 credits/semester)
All students must register for at least 4 dissertation credits each Fall and Spring
semester until the dissertation is complete (typically 4 semesters).
13. N9900: Dissertation Seminar (2 credits--may be repeated)
The seminar will focus on skills needed to complete the dissertation process including
site access, IRB regulations, proposal development, and writing of dissertation.
Students begin to develop and refine their research ideas within an atmosphere of
collegial/peer review and support. Prerequisite: completion of comprehensive
examination.
7

PhD CURRICULUM (continued)
Coursework in Human Subjects Training
G4010: Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
This course explores a variety of ethical and policy issues that arise during the conduct
of basic, translational, and clinical biomedical scientific research. Topics addressed
include: (1) research misconduct; (2) "every day" ethical issues faced by biomedical
scientists; (3) the use of laboratory animals in scientific research; (4) human research
participants and scientific research; (5) authorship practices in scientific publications; (6)
conflicts of interest arising from scientists acting as policy consultants and experts; (7)
data sharing and data secrecy; (8) mentoring; (9) research with stem cells, and (10)
scientists as citizens. Course sessions will include lectures, discussion periods, and
analyses of case studies.
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/gsas/ac_programs/rcr-crse.htm
RASCAL Training is required for all students. The following two courses can be taken
online at the following website: https://www.rascal.columbia.edu/
TC0087 Human Subjects Protection Training
TC0019 is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Additionally, N9355 Quantitative Research Design and Methods, N9352 Qualitative
Research Design and Methods, N9353 Advanced Methods in Health Services Research
and Policy Analysis and N9506 Research Synthesis all include an objective about
Human Subjects.
TA Workshop and TA’ship
As a PhD graduate you will have a role and responsibility to educate the next
generation; and, the expected outcomes include “contributing to a global community of
scholars” and “contributing to the formal and informal education of future nurses through
discover, application and integration”. Therefore, to help you build your skills in
pedagogy, all students must participate in a TA workshop and most students will be
given a TA’ship. Being a teaching assistant [TA] is a mutually beneficial experience: it
provides a direct service to students, especially newer ones who may be having difficulty
adjusting to the intense student experiences in this school, especially at the basic and
master’s level. Being a TA also provides an opportunity for the TA to engage in
reflection about components and characteristics of successful teachers and creating a
successful learning experience and environment for students.
Elective Courses
This component includes a minimum of 9 credits of electives/cognates (in addition to an
advanced statistics course). This component allows the student to develop expertise in
areas of scholarship that support the student’s selected focus area, dissertation topic, or
personal scholarly interests. The advisor plays an important role in helping the student
identify relevant courses, generally outside of the School of Nursing. (Note: Electives
from the broad array of course offerings in the DNP program may be taken, but do not
count towards the 3 credit minimum). It may be necessary for a student to take
additional credits to develop depth in content or methodology required to complete the
planned dissertation. (N9501 or N9510 should be taken for this purpose.) The need for
additional credit is determined by the advisor and/or dissertation committee.
8

PhD CURRICULUM (continued)
Grading Policies
All PhD students are expected to maintain an average grade point of B or better (> 3.0 on a 4
point scale) throughout the program, as calculated across all course work being taken to meet
degree requirements. Please refer to the School of Nursing Student Handbook for policies
regarding academic standards.
All PhD courses use letter grades with the exception of N9900 Dissertation Seminar, N9840
Dissertation Research, and N9265 Research Seminar which use the Pass/Fail grade.
Prerequisites and Expected Proficiencies at the Time of Enrollment
It is expected that MS to PhD students will have successfully completed graduate course work
in nursing theory, research, and health policy. Students not meeting these requirements may
complete these credits at Columbia University before progression to, or connected with, doctoral
study; however, courses taken to meet prerequisite requirements do not count toward
PhD degree credit requirements. Any prerequisite course requirements taken elsewhere in
the University are the responsibility of the student, including assuring that all records from such
courses reach the School of Nursing Office of Student Services in a timely fashion.
It is expected that students who are admitted to the program will be computer literate (able to
use at least one word processing program). In addition, all incoming students will be expected
to attend the “Survival Skills Workshop for Doctoral Students” offered on August 30th as
part of orientation.
Students may also take classes online. The Columbia Libraries subscribe to a service called
Lynda.com (http://www.lynda.com/portal/columbia) where they can learn to use Word, Excel
and Endnote.
Students are also eligible to attend in-person workshops offered at Teachers’ College for a fee
of $15 for every two hours of class-time.
See http://devtc4.tc.columbia.edu/workshop/user/overview.php for their full roster of classes.
A tutorial for APA style can be found at: http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=apa_exposed
Student E-mail
Students are expected to have e-mail access, and to regularly access email through the
individual accounts that are established through the University computing center at the time of
enrollment in the program.
PhD Student Office Space and Lounge
Students who are working as assigned GRAs or appointed as NIH trainees working on a grant
may be assigned a desk and computer by their advisors. Please speak with your mentor or the
Program Director if you have any questions. A work area and lounge with computer, internet
and telephone access is provided for PhD students within the School of Nursing in Rooms 258-
262.
APA Online Tutorial
Mages WK. (November 2009). APA Exposed.
http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=apa_exposed
9

PLAN OF STUDY
All degree requirements (course work, comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal
defense, dissertation defense, must be successfully completed within seven (7) years
(post MSN) following matriculation.
The full-time plan is provided as the template and time frame within which program
requirements can be met. Each student is expected, with assistance from their advisor, to work
out an individual plan of study that meets all program requirements. The plan of study shown
contains the minimum number of dissertation research credits (4-8/semester) and non-nursing
elective/cognate credits (6). Students typically take additional dissertation credits, and may find
it necessary to take additional specialty/cognate /elective credits to provide the essential
background for the dissertation research.
Students are required to maintain full-time enrollment from the time of initial enrollment until
successful defense of the dissertation proposal. Full-time enrollment is defined as 9 credits or
more during Fall, Spring semesters of MPhil coursework; summer semester study (optional)
prior to candidacy status requires a minimum of 5 credits. Students do not register for
Dissertation Seminar (N9900) or Dissertation Research (N9840) until after they have completed
all course requirements and the comprehensive examination.
Full-time status during dissertation phase is a minimum of 4 credits.
Full time student status needs to be certified through the Office of Student Services. Please see
Appendix K for the memo which needs to be completed and signed by the PhD Program
Director to certify full time student status.
10

PhD Program: Schedule of Courses Offered
Typical Four-Year Plan of Study for Full-time Students Entering Fall, 2012
(Study Plans for the 2009/2010/2011 student cohorts are located in Appendix A)
Year Term Course Course
Semester
Cumulative
First Fall ‘12
P6103 Intro Biostatistics (formerly SP6103)*
Credit
3
Credit
Credits
N9001 Foundations 3
N9355 Quantitative Methods 3
N9265 Research Seminar 0
Spring ‘13
TA Workshop 0
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement of
3
Clinical Phenomena in Nursing
N9352 Qualitative Research Design & Methods 3
9 9
Advanced Stats
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research
N9265 Research Seminar
N9505 Research Practicum+
3
1
0
2
12 21
Second Fall ‘13 N9353 Advanced Methods 3
ELECTIVE #1 (Statistics; Theory) 3
ELECTIVE #2 (Dissertation topic) 3 9 30
Spring‘14 N9506 Research Synthesis 2
N9260 Interdisciplinary Research Models 2
Elective #3 3
N9265 Research Seminar 0 7 37
Summer
Comprehensive Exam
Third Fall ‘14 N9900 Dissertation Seminar
2
N9840 Dissertation Research@
4 6 43
Spring ’15
N9840 Dissertation Research
4-8 4-8 47-51
Fourth Fall ’15
N9840 Dissertation Research
4-8 4-8 51-55
Spring ’16 N9840 Dissertation Research 4-8 4-8 55-59
* Students must register under N9103 for this SPH course as part of the PhD program requirement.
+ Work for the research practicum may extend into summer months, but should be registered for in
Spring semester
One elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam
@ PhD students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of N9840 Dissertation Research/semester, and be
re-enrolled in this course (Fall/Spring) until the dissertation is successfully defended.
Course offerings in 2010-11 are based on student enrollments and therefore subject to change.
This plan reflects the minimum requirements of 55; additional credits may be needed to complete all
prerequisites or other requirements as determined by the academic advisor.
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.
11

Transfer Credits
A maximum of 6 credits for applicable courses taken prior to enrollment may be transferred.
Coursework essential to the student’s area of study and not offered within Columbia University
will be considered for exception to this guideline.
12

PLAN OF STUDY BS to PhD
The post-BS entry option is for students with baccalaureate preparation who desire PhD
preparation, but do not desire the advanced practice preparation offered at the master’s level. It
is streamlined and individualized, with students taking extra coursework as needed (see table
below for sample courses that may be of interest). This is the pathway of choice for able
students who aspire to careers in research, administration, clinical leadership (e.g., patient care
coordination or outcomes management), or health policy but who do not wish to become nurse
practitioners.
Course Number
N6826
N6920
N8290
P6103
Other Nursing courses
Courses from other departments
Course Name
Evaluation and Application of Research
Social and Health Policy
Genetics
Intro to Biostatistics
Selected didactic courses (e.g., psychiatry, adult
care, informatics, emergency preparedness)
Selected cognates (e.g., economics, psychology)
Additionally, the student must demonstrate sufficient expertise in a substantive area of nursing
science (area of concentration) to serve as the underpinning for his/her doctoral studies. This
expertise can be developed through course work in nursing or another discipline, or can be
demonstrated through other competencies, e.g., having authored a book or multiple papers on
the topic. The student ultimately integrates expertise in the chosen area of concentration with
expertise in health policy or clinical research and leadership. For example, a student choosing
HIV/AIDS as the area of concentration might blend that expertise with health policy to focus in
health policy in HIV/AIDS or with clinical practice to focus in clinical research regarding aspects
of the care of patients with HIV/AIDS. Possible areas of concentration include 1) the School’s
master’s-level sub-specialty programs (e.g., HIV/AIDS, emergency preparedness), 2) topics that
cross traditional clinical majors (e.g., health promotion/disease prevention, chronic
illness/symptom management, urban health), or 3) topics configured by the student with input
from the advisor (e.g., health policy, informatics).
13

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
The comprehensive exam is an integrative exam that assesses the student's ability to process
and utilize information regarding relevant policy analysis and research methods from course
work and independent study, and to analyze and synthesize this material.
Comprehensive Examination Committee (CEC)
The examination is given by the Comprehensive Examination Committee (CEC), which consists
of three members of the faculty who are each appointed for a three-year term (on a rotating
basis) by the Director of the PhD Program. The members of the CEC prepare, administer and
grade the exam for all of the exam candidates in that year.
Eligibility for Exam
With approval of their advisor, students may sit for the comprehensive examination after successful
completion of the following required courses as listed below:
N9001 Social and Intellectual Foundations of Nursing (or equivalent course: Philosophy of Science)*
N9103 Introduction to Biostatistics (cross-listed with SP6103)
N9353 Advanced Methods in Health Services Research and Policy Analysis
N9260 Building Interdisciplinary Research Models
N9265 Interdisciplinary Research Seminar
N9355 Quantitative Methods
N9352 Qualitative Research Design and Methods
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement of Clinical Phenomena in Nursing
N9505 Research Practicum
N9506 Research Synthesis
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research
Elective course in Advanced Statistical Analysis
NOTE: Any incomplete grades must be removed before sitting for the comprehensive
examination.
Students must sit for the comprehensive examination within two (2) semesters of completing all
required course work. Successful completion of the comprehensive exam implies readiness to
pursue dissertation research.
NOTE: To ensure eligibility for the exam, students must complete an application (see
Application for Comprehensive Examination form, Appendix C). The application must be signed
by the student’s advisor and the Director of the PhD program and then submitted to the Doctoral
Office. The date the application is due will be announced by the doctoral office.
Students who fail the comprehensive examination on their first attempt must drop dissertation
credits and enroll in a guided study or other course determined with the advisor and focused on
the remediation plan.
Dates of Examination
The comprehensive examination is usually held twice each year (January and June). The exact
date for the written portion of the examination is determined by the CEC. The same written
examination will be given to all candidates on a designated date. The oral component of the
comprehensive examination is scheduled one to two (1-2) weeks following the written
component.
14

Comprehensive Examination Timeline For June Exam
October
Email invitation to students to identify
themselves for June exam
Early November In the fall prior to the June exam
students and the Committee will
meet to discuss the code of
conduct, the process for selecting
a topic and the peer reviewed
articles.
Selection of Comps student
contact person
Late January Comps student contact will advise
the CEC of the proposed topic.
All students planning to take
exam must have filed
Comprehensive Examination
Clearance with PhD office
Students begin the literature
search.
On or about The student contact will provide
February 1 st the CEC with the following
electronic copies of proposed
reading list.
Students will provide the
Committee with a list of 12 peer
reviewed articles, 3 per topic area
as follows:
Qualitative
Quantitative
Measurement
On or about
March 1 st
Policy
The Committee will meet and give
feedback of either approval or the
need for new articles
The Comprehensive Examination
Committee (CEC) will review the purpose,
structure, timeline and student expectations
for the examination.
On review, the CEC may suggest
alternate wording or alternate topic
Comprehensive Exam Clearance Form is
in the PhD Student Handbook
Face to face or email discussion between
comps students and CEC will take place
until agreement reached – target March
15 th .
The CEC, in reviewing the proposed
reading list, may identify gaps or other
problems and request alternative or
additional articles.
March 15 th Approved reading list distributed Approved reading list goes to CEC
Early June Comprehensive exam – written 9am – 3:30pm; 9am – 6pm for students with
ESL or International Students.
One wk post- Students move to the oral exam
exam
2 week postwritten
exam
Mid June
Oral examination with CEC
Approx. 30 minutes each
Post Oral exam
Examination results communicated to
students by doctoral program director
Results sent electronically and confirmed in
writing by the PhD Program Director.
15

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
Description of Comprehensive Examination
Upon identification of the students who will take the examination, the Chair of the CEC will
convene a meeting with the students to review the comprehensive examination process. The
students taking the exam will together select a single topic area and a reading list of 12
research articles from the relevant health care literature on this topic. The CEC approves the
final reading list for the examination, with the prerogative of adding or deleting from the list.
Examination questions are based on the selected topic area and reading list, and cover
research design and measurement, health policy, concept development, interdisciplinary
research competencies, and other core components of the required PhD courses.
Detailed instructions will be communicated 1 week prior to the exam via E-mail. Students
should email the program administrator with any questions or concerns about the exam,
process or timeline. The program administrator will convey communications from the
Comprehensive Examination Committee to the students. PhD students are expected (honor
system) not to discuss the written or oral exam questions with each other until all students have
completed their exams.
Written Component
The first part of the examination consists of a written, closed-book examination, prepared by the
members of the CEC and other faculty. The CEC will provide the student with clean copies of
the selected articles on the morning of the exam. The same written examination will be given to
all students who sit for the examination in a given session. A student may opt out of the
examination, at any time, including the day of the examination, before reviewing the test
question.
The examination is proctored by the Chair of the committee or designee. On the morning of the
examination, students meet at the designated area at 8:30am.
Room assignment will be given on the day of the exam. Students will be provided with a laptop
or desktop computer without Internet access and with the current version of Word as well as
pen and paper. Do not bring into the exam room the following:
Electronic devices including cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers
Backpacks, handbags or other personal belongings
Students may not bring any reference material to the examination, except in the case of ESL
students who may bring an English Dictionary.
The proctor provides students new copies of the article and a blank flash drive. Students
complete the examination on the computer hard drive and copy the completed written
examination to the flash drive. Upon completion of the written examination, the student gives
the flash drive to the Program Administrator. The student will receive a paper copy of their
exam answers.
If you go over the time a proctor will let you know that time is up. Be mindful of your time and
save all work at least five minutes before the end of the exam.
In answering the questions, students are expected to draw on the required reading list, and are
expected to integrate content from multiple foundation doctoral courses. Students may be
16

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
directed to prepare answers to all of the questions, or may be allowed to choose from among
several questions. Students should cite the work of authorities in the field and take defensible
positions on key conceptual, methodological and substantive issues. Answers must be written
in complete, coherent and grammatically correct sentences and paragraphs.
Students are given a total of six and a half hours for the written examination. Students for
whom English is not a first language can petition the Director of the PhD Program for additional
time (up to a total of nine hours). The exam begins promptly at 9am and ends at 3:30pm.
International students also start the exam at 9am and end at 6pm. Students with disabilities
registered with the Office of Student Services may request that information on approved
accommodations be provided to the Comprehensive Examination Committee, and that relevant
accommodations be provided.
Oral Component
The oral component of the examination provides an opportunity for the student to clarify and
amplify responses on the written exam. During the oral component, additional questions will be
posed to further test the student’s mastery of the basic elements of nursing science, and to test
the ability to apply these elements to the chosen specialty area.
Grading of the Comprehensive Examination
The CEC determines if the students’ ability to organize and present answers that are
comprehensive, accurate, logically consistent, scholarly, and reflective of knowledge of current
and relevant literature. Passing is based on the students' ability to think critically, which is
reflected in both verbal and written responses.
Comprehensive exam are not given letter grades and students’ earn either a pass, minimal pass
or fail. The written examination is reviewed by the three members of the comprehensive
examination committee. The oral examination provides an opportunity for the student to expand
on the responses provided in the written examination and address questions developed by the
examiners during review of the written examination.
No more than 3 days after the last student has completed the oral phase of the examination, the
PhD program director informs each student in writing of the committee decision regarding grade
of pass or fail on the comprehensive examination. The CEC will provide a brief written
statement of areas of deficiency to any student who does not pass the examination. Students
who do not pass the examination may retake the examination one time, at the next scheduled
time. It is expected that the advisor and student develop a remediation plan to prepare for the
next examination. Students who receive a “minimal pass” grade (see below) for the
examination on the second attempt will be dismissed from the program.
Comprehensive Examination Process
Students who receive a minimal pass the first time will be given an option of either taking the
exam a second time OR receiving the MPhil degree and terminating their doctoral study. If they
receive a minimal pass on the oral component of comps on the second attempt they will receive
the MPhil, but cannot continue in the PhD program.
17

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PROCESS
Written Examination
Oral Examination
Pass
Minimal Pass
M.Phil: Proceed to
Dissertation Work
Retake Comps
M.Phil: Exit
Program
Pass
Minimal
Pass
M.Phil:
Proceed to
Dissertation
Work
M.Phil: Exit
Program
18

APPLYING FOR THE MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE
ADMISSION TO PHD CANDIDACY
The Master of Philosophy degree (M.Phil.) is awarded after taking the comprehensive
examination. The student must submit an M.Phil. Degree application to the PhD Program
Director (Appendix D.1) attesting to the completion of all prerequisites, including all required
course work completed over a minimum of four full-time semesters at Columbia University
(to fulfill required GSAS residency units for students with advanced standing) and at least
one attempt at both the written and oral components of the comprehensive examination.
M.Phil. Degrees*
Conferral Date
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT:
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
*Candidates who have completed all the necessary requirements should apply through their departments
in order to receive the M.Phil. degree. Applications for the M.Phil. degree can be filed at any point in the
calendar year. Degrees are conferred three times during the academic year—in October, February, and
May. Convocation and Commencement ceremonies are held in May.
For students proceeding to PhD candidacy, the M.Phil. application form, once signed by the
Program Director is then forwarded by the Program Administrator to the Dissertation Officer in
the GSAS Dean’s Office. As is the case for other CUMC PhD Programs, there is no language
proficiency requirement for the Nursing PhD degree.
NOTE: It is a GSAS expectation that students submit their dissertation proposal within 6 months
after completion of the MPhil degree. The Dissertation Office of the Graduate School of Arts and
Sciences (GSAS) provides advanced doctoral candidates with dissertation guidelines and forms
including the application to defend the dissertation and the final deposit and award of the Ph.D.
degree. http://gsas.columbia.edu/dissertations
The Dissertation Office is located in 107 Low Memorial Library, 535 West 116 th Street, and is
open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM—4:45 PM. (FAX: 212-854-2863).
http://gsas.columbia.edu/dissertations
Salvo Candela
Academic Affairs Officer
sc2858@columbia.edu
(212) 854-2866
Esmeralda McCormick
Dissertation Secretary
es183@columbia.edu
(212) 854-2854
19

DISSERTATION SPONSOR
The Dissertation Sponsor (http://gsas.columbia.edu/content/faculty-sponsorshipdissertation)
A sponsor of a dissertation is defined as a faculty member approved by the student’s
department/program to guide dissertation research and to participate at the defense (as one of
the required three members of the GSAS Faculty.) The faculty member must be involved on a
continuing basis in doctoral instruction and research. No faculty member may sponsor a
dissertation unless he or she has been nominated by a Doctoral Program faculty and approved
by the Executive Committee of the Graduate School and the GSAS Dean.
NOTE: Adjunct faculty in GSAS departments/programs are eligible to serve as sponsors,
provided that a full-time Columbia faculty member who is an approved sponsor serves as a cosponsor
and accepts that designation as a genuine responsibility. The co-sponsorship proviso
reflects the GSAS Executive Committee's conviction that all Columbia University dissertations
should be sponsored or co-sponsored by regular full-time faculty members.
The list of approved Faculty Sponsors in the School of Nursing is below. The dissertation
sponsor is usually an expert in the substantive area of the student’s research; in some cases,
the sponsor may be expert in the methodology of the dissertation or a closely related area. In
such a case, the remainder of the dissertation committee will provide expertise related to the
substantive area of the students’ dissertation project. Students should consult with several
qualified faculty to determine who are the most appropriate in terms of expertise and working
styles. During the dissertation phase, the sponsor will provide academic advisement as well as
dissertation guidance.
20

APPROVED DISSERTATION SPONSORS AND RESEARCH INTERESTS
Suzanne Bakken, DNSc RN, FAAN
Bobbie Berkowitz, PhD, RN, CNAA, FAAN
Mary Byrne, PhD
Elizabeth Cohn, DNSc
Richard Garfield, DrPH
Judy Honig, EdD, DNP
Haomaio Jia, PhD
Joan A. Kearney, PhD
Elaine Larson, PhD
Robert Lucero, PhD
Jacqueline Merrill, DNSc
Mary Mundinger, DrPH
Lusine Poghosyan, PhD
Nancy Reame, PhD, MSN
Arlene Smaldone, DNSc, CPNP, CDE
Janice Smolowitz, EdD, DNP
Patricia W. Stone, PhD
Nursing Informatics: Tailoring Interventions to Patient
Profiles
Public Health Nursing Practice, Health Disparities,
Public Health Systems and Services Research, Health
Policy
Compromised Infants/Child, Parenting, Early
Childhood Development, International Health, Clinical
Education
Health equity and the social determinants of health in
urban populations.
The representation of minorities and women in clinical
and behavioral research.
Community Health, International Health
School age Children - Health Promotion, Screening for
Depression in Primary Care
Biostatistics, Epidemiologic Research
Infant , Child and Adolescent Mental Health,
Developmental Psychopathology, High Risk
Parent/Child Populations
Infection Control, Hand washing and Barrier Protection
Nursing Care Quality
Patient Safety in Hospitals and Communities
Knowledge Discovery using Informatics Methods in
Health Services Research
Public Health, Informatics
Public Health Workforce and Infrastructure
Health Information Technology
Organizational Management
Emergency Response and Preparedness
Information Visualization
Health Policy, Health Services Research
Health Care Workforce, Health Policy, Primary Care,
Organizational Impact
Women’s Health; Bioethics of Reproduction;
Menopause
Child Health
Pediatric chronic disease self-management
Diabetes and Hypertension Management, Quality
Improvement; Parkinson’s Disease
Cost-Effectiveness Research, Patient Safety, Nurse
Work Environment, Quality Outcomes, Comparative
Effectiveness Research
21

DISSERTATION PROPOSAL
Students commence work on planning the dissertation research and preparing the proposal
before taking the comprehensive examination, often in conjunction with course assignments and
independent study experiences. Students should plan to submit the dissertation proposal to the
dissertation committee within six months of completing the comprehensive examination. The
student generally registers for Dissertation Seminar in the semester immediately following the
comprehensive examination, and uses the seminar as a resource in developing the proposal
Steps in the Dissertation Process
The dissertation process following successful completion of the comprehensive examination
includes:
• preparation of proposal
• proposal defense
• acceptance of proposal
• completion of the research
• application to defend dissertation and selection of defense committee
• defense of dissertation
• final editing
• final filing of dissertation
Dissertation Proposal
Preparation of a dissertation proposal is the first step in the process of conducting dissertation
research. The proposal is a formal document detailing the problem to be studied, the purpose
and specific aims for the project, the scientific background for the study, hypotheses to be
tested and/or research questions to be answered, and the specific instrumentation, data
sources, methods and procedures for carrying it out.
The format for the proposal is determined by the student’s dissertation committee. One of the
two following alternative formats will ordinarily be selected.
a) The proposal is written so as to contain all of the information and detail that would
ordinarily be found in the first three chapters of the dissertation (i.e., Introduction and
Statement of the Problem, Review of Literature and Methodology) as outlined in
Appendix E.
b) The proposal is written in the format of a federal (e.g., National Institutes of Health)
grant submission to include the following components: specific aims, background
and significance, progress report/preliminary studies (if any), research design and
methods, human subjects protections and any other relevant assurances, and
literature cited.
American Psychological Association (APA) format should be used for headings and citation
references. At the discretion of the dissertation committee, the literature review for the proposal
can be less comprehensive than that included in the dissertation; but should be presented in
sufficient detail to establish the intellectual background and context for the research.
The dissertation sponsor functions as the chair of the student’s dissertation committee and is
the faculty member with primary responsibility for guiding and approving each phase of proposal
development and the conduct of the research. Ordinarily the dissertation advisor reads and
makes suggestions about preliminary drafts of the proposal before the “final” version of the
proposal is distributed to the other members of the committee for review. It is expected that the
22

entire committee meets at least once prior to the formal dissertation proposal defense.
Dissertation proposals shall be approved in writing by the dissertation committee (Appendix E)
following a formal Proposal Defense in which the proposed study is discussed. The approved
proposal constitutes a “contract” with the student about what will be required for the dissertation
research. Any unanticipated major modifications to the proposal must be approved in writing by
the entire committee.
A copy of the form approving the dissertation proposal (Appendix E) including the title of the
proposal and committee shall be sent to the Office of the Director of the PhD Program.
In order to submit the proposal, the student must have completed the literature review, begun
the process of securing IRB approval for research regarding human subjects (ordinarily final
approval cannot be secured until the proposal is approved by the dissertation committee), and
possibly conducted pilot testing of instruments. Additionally, the student should have completed
applications and submitted proposals for external funding of the dissertation research.
Submission to Columbia University Medical Center
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Any doctoral student research involving human subjects, including reviews of patient records,
must undergo IRB and/or HIPAA review.
1. Policies and guidance for IRB submission can be found at
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/irb/policies/index.html#irb
2. Consent forms, HIPAA forms, and IRB forms are completed through Columbia University’s
Research Administration System (RASCAL), https://www.rascal.columbia.edu/
3. Because the University assumes responsibility for any research conducted under its aegis, a
faculty member must serve as principal investigator (PI), i.e. students may not be PIs.
Following approval of the student’s research protocol (e.g. after successful completion of the
doctoral proposal defense), the student should
Discuss the protocol with his/her faculty dissertation sponsor and get the faculty
member’s permission to be designated as PI;
Prepare the IRB and/or HIPAA submission forms, designating his/her faculty advisor or
dissertation sponsor as the PI and the student as the co-PI.
o Designate the Associate Dean for Research (Larson) as the administrative
approver of the proposal for the School of Nursing
23

DISSERTATION PROPOSAL DEFENSE
Dissertation Proposal Defense
The dissertation proposal defense is a formal meeting of the dissertation committee during
which the student is examined about the proposal and an agreement is reached about the
specific nature of the proposed dissertation research. The student may be asked to answer
questions about and defend any aspect of the proposal, including the choice of problem to be
studied, the theoretical and empirical background for the study, methodology chosen (including
instrumentation, design, statistics, etc.), and anticipated difficulties and ways to handle them.
Because the proposed research reflects the students' understanding of the area of
specialization and the integration of knowledge of various aspects of nursing science, as well as
knowledge from disciplines relevant to the research topic; the proposal defense provides an
opportunity for the dissertation committee to assess mastery of these areas. In addition, the
proposal defense includes assessment of the quality and feasibility of the proposed research,
and formal action to approve and/or recommend changes in the proposal. Ordinarily the
dissertation proposal defense will not exceed two hours in length. Following the meeting the
committee confers to determine the grade and any specific recommendations for revision of the
dissertation proposal. The student is then informed of the committee’s decision.
Evaluation of the student’s performance in the dissertation proposal defense takes into account
evidence of familiarity with and ability to assess the most important literature (classical and
current) in the field, ability to cite the work of authorities in the field, ability to articulate an take
defensible positions on key conceptual/theoretical, substantive and methodological issues
regarding the specialty and the area of research; evidence of critical and creative thinking about
the specialty; and ability to present and defend plans for research that advances the field of
study.
Grading options for the dissertation proposal defense include Pass with Distinction, Pass,
Conditional Pass and Fail. An unconditional passing grade (Pass with Distinction or Pass)
signifies both acceptable (or outstanding) performance by the student in answering questions
posed during the defense and an acceptable proposal for the dissertation research. A
Conditional Pass signifies acceptable performance by the student in answering questions posed
during the defense, but the need to revise the proposal based on the committee’s
recommendations. The condition is removed once the committee agrees that the proposal is
acceptable. A grade of Fail signifies unacceptable performance by the student in answering
questions posed during the defense or an unacceptable proposal requiring major revision.
Students who fail the dissertation proposal defense on first attempt are permitted to submit a
revised copy of the dissertation proposal and to repeat the defense no sooner than one month
and no longer than six months after the initial defense. A student who fails the dissertation
proposal defense a second time or who does not make the required changes and re-defend the
proposal within the designated time frame will be terminated from the PhD program.
The results of the dissertation proposal defense are reported to the Director of the PhD Program
using the form in Appendix E, which can be downloaded from the GSAS website:
http://gsas.columbia.edu/content/forms-library
24

DISSERTATION DEFENSE
IRB Approval
Following approval of the dissertation proposal, the student is expected to seek Institutional
Review Board (IRB) approval (if indicated), and is responsible for becoming familiar with and
following all IRB precautions and procedures for protection of human subjects. Data collection
CANNOT begin until the study receives full IRB approval from the Columbia University/New
York-Presbyterian Hospital IRB, as well as from IRBs of all institutions/settings in which data
collection will occur. For purposes of the Columbia IRB, the dissertation sponsor is considered
to be the Principal Investigator of the study; however, this in no way diminishes the student’s
responsibility for participating fully in the process of securing IRB approval for the research.
THE DISSERTATION DEFENSE PHASE
The dissertation research, report, and oral defense are the culminating and most important
requirements of the PhD program. The dissertation itself is the written report of an original and
independent research project that is designed to contribute toward the advancement of nursing
science. The research should yield improved understanding of a significant phenomenon or
problem in the student’s specialty area that is related to advanced nursing practice and/or health
policy. The dissertation research topic is chosen by the student with the advice and approval of
the dissertation sponsor (dissertation chair) and committee. The specific methodologies to be
used in the dissertation research depend on the nature of the topic being studied and the
availability of supervisory faculty expertise.
Because the PhD in Nursing degree is granted by the Graduate School of Columbia University,
all policies, regulations and rules for the development of the dissertation and its defense are
governed by GSAS. Information on each step of the dissertation phase is available in 107 Low
Memorial Library and on the GSAS website at
http://gsas.columbia.edu/dissertations
The steps in the Dissertation Defense phase include:
Registration and application
Nominations and Appointments of the Defense Committee
Scheduling the Defense
Distributing Dissertation Copies
Defense and Evaluation
Award of the Degree
25

DISTRIBUTION, DEFENSE AND DEPOSIT
____________________________________________________________________________
All of the steps below can take place at any time during the year. However, if you are aiming to
receive your degree at a specific degree conferral (October, February or May), you must follow a
set of deadlines for that conferral. These deadlines are available online here. Please note also
that these steps are intended to be a general guideline for the distribution, defense, and deposit,
but it is your responsibility to review the more detailed policies on the Dissertation Office
webpages.
1. Get in touch with your department or program's office. Your program administrator
should be your first stop when preparing to distribute and defend. They are knowledgeable about
GSAS policies, and can advise you on any program requirements that go beyond GSAS rules.
2. Declare your intent to distribute and defend. Every Ph.D. student must submit the Intent to
Distribute and Defend form. This form tells us that you understand all the policies and
procedures regarding the dissertation defense, and allows us to ensure you are registered
correctly, and that we send you information in early April about Convocation and
Commencement. Every student who is planning to distribute and defend must submit this
form directly to GSAS. The form can be downloaded here.
3. Discuss with your sponsor (advisor) to determine your five-person examining
committee. Guidelines for the nomination and appointment of the defense committee are
available here. Any questions about committee composition should be directed either to your
Chair, DGS, ADA, or to the Dissertation Office. Please note that GSAS policy states that
students should NOT be put in the position of approaching faculty members about serving on
their committee. This is the responsibility of the sponsor and/or department.
4. Your department or program (not the student!) submits the five names of your proposed
committee to GSAS for approval. The Application for Dissertation Defense form is signed by
your department or program's Chair or Director of Graduate Studies, and is submitted by your
program's office to the GSAS Dissertation Office. The form is available online here.
5. Your department or program (not the student!) schedules the defense.
6. Distribute final copies of your dissertation to your five examiners after your committee is
approved. You must be registered for the semester in which your distribution takes place. This
is your final semester of registration, even if your defense and deposit take place in a subsequent
semester. Click here for more detailed information about final registration requirements.
International students with questions about their registration and remaining in visa compliance
should contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
7. Defend your dissertation. Please remember that during the actual examination, there should
be no one present other than the five examiners and the doctoral candidate.
8. Complete any required revisions. Students who receive a vote of "pass with minor
revisions" are given a maximum of six months to complete these revisions and deposit their
dissertation. For more detailed information, please consult this page.
26

9. Obtain approval to deposit your dissertation. This is done using the Approval Card, given
to you upon passing your defense. After your revisions are approved, the card must be signed by
your sponsor, as well as your department Chair or program Director. These signatures allow you
to deposit your dissertation.
10. Deposit your dissertation with GSAS. This is the final step to earning the Ph.D. degree.
Complete information regarding the deposit is available through the Deposit Gateway. You
should also review the FAQ about the electronic deposit system.
ELECTRONIC DEPOSIT
Complete these four steps in any order, to complete your deposit:
1. Complete the GSAS deposit application and pay the $85 processing fee;
2. Submit the required Survey of Earned Doctorates online;
3. Upload and submit a PDF copy of your dissertation;
4. Obtain a signed Approval Card that certifies you have made all required revisions and
that the dissertation has been approved for deposit by your sponsor and by your doctoral
program.
There are specific formatting requirements for your dissertation. Please click here to read
the GSAS guide to formatting.
The deadline for depositing your dissertation is six months from the date of your defense.
If you wish to receive your degree at a particular degree conferral (October, February, or May)
please click here for the relevant deadlines for each conferral.
FAQs about the Electronic Deposit
Will paper copies of dissertations be available through the Columbia University
Libraries?
Dissertations will be made available online, through the University's research repository,
Academic Commons, which will be considered the repository of record for Columbia University’s
Ph.D., D.M.A., D.E.S., D.N.Sc., and J.S.D. dissertations. All deposited dissertations will have a
catalog entry in CLIO (Columbia’s library database). J.S.D. dissertations will also be cataloged
in Pegasus (the Law Library’s database). Ph.D. dissertations from Teachers College programs
will be housed in the Academic Commons as well as in the Teachers College library's academic
repository, Pocket Knowledge.
Please visit:
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/sub/dissertation/deposit/edeposit/index.html
For other frequently asked questions about electronic deposit.
27

Degree Calendar for 2012-2013
Ph.D. Degrees
Defense
Intent to Defend
Application
Deadline
Deadline
Deposit Deadline
Conferral Date
August 6, 2012 September 4, 2012 October 15, 2012 October 19, 2012
December 3, 2012 December 17, 2012 February 4, 2013 February 8, 2013
March 1, 2012 April 12, 2013 May 10, 2013 May 15, 2013
* Convocation: May 12, 2013 (Consult GSAS website after September 1, 2012 for May deadlines)
Ph.D. degrees are conferred three times during the academic year—in October, February, and
May. Students intending to defend the Ph.D. dissertation must file an Application for
Dissertation Defense in their departments (see above for suggested deadlines). The defense
application is used in place of a Ph.D. degree application. When the faculty committee has
certified that the student has passed the dissertation defense, the candidate must, in order to
receive the degree, arrange with the Dissertation Officer (107 Low Memorial Library) for the
deposit of the dissertation. Please visit: Dissertation Office | Columbia University | Graduate
School of Arts and Sciences
Registration for U.S. Students
U.S. citizens must be registered during the term (including summer) in which they distribute the
defense copies of the dissertation (as approved for defense by the sponsor) to the five approved
defense committee members. See Distributing Dissertation Copies. Provided that all required
Residence Units are paid, students who are distributing and/or defending must register for either
Matriculation & Facilities or Extended Residence. Students who are defending while on teaching
or research appointments, or who are also completing pre-dissertation degree requirements,
must register for Extended Residence; other students should register for Matriculation and
Facilities. These rules apply to the summer as well as to the fall and spring semesters. The
semester in which distribution occurs is the last semester in which a student is permitted to
register.
If U.S. students distribute any time between the first day of the Fall semester and the day
before the start of the Spring semester, their final registration is in the Fall semester.
If U.S. students distribute any time between the start of the Spring semester and the day
before the start of Summer Session, their final registration is in the Spring. If U.S. students
distribute any time between the start of Summer session and the day before the start of the
Fall semester, their final registration is in the Summer.
Registration for International Students in F-1 or J-1 status
International students must be registered during the term (including summer) in which they
distribute the defense copies of the dissertation (as approved for defense by the sponsor) to the
five approved defense committee members. The semester in which distribution occurs is the
last semester in which a student is permitted to register. International students in F-1 or J-1
status must consult with the International Students and Scholars Office regarding their
registration requirements.
28

Registration for All Students
All students must submit page one of the Intent to Defend form by the respective deadline.
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/sub/dissertation/forms/dates/index.html.
The Application for Dissertation Defense is due at the time of distribution and at least four
weeks prior to the dissertation defense.
The student signs and submits the Intent to Defend form to the Dissertation Office in 107 Low,
and submits the Application for Dissertation Defense to the professor or administrator
responsible for organizing the defense committee. The organizer of the committee enters the
names of the defense committee members, obtains the Department/Program Chair’s signature,
and gives the form to the Program Administrator for submission to the Dissertation Office. After
receiving the Application for Dissertation Defense the Dissertation Officer confirms that the
candidate has received the M.Phil. degree, and was registered when distribution of the
defense copy occurred. The Dissertation Officer also confirms that the committee, as
proposed by the department/program, is in accordance with GSAS rules on committee
composition.
Nomination and Appointment of the Defense Committee
A full discussion of the appointment process for committee members can be found at:
www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/sub/dissertation/rules/nomination/index.html
It is important to note that: 1) the student must not be involved in the selection of
committee members; this is the role of the sponsor, working with the Program Director;
2) committee members must be approved by their schools/depts.; 3) special terms apply
to “interdisciplinary” committees where the external member may come from inside the
school but outside the field. When in doubt, consult with the PhD Program
Administrator.
Scheduling the Defense
No defense shall be scheduled until the dissertation sponsor (and second reader) and
department/program chair by signing the defense application have signified that, in their
judgment, the dissertation is acceptable enough to warrant a defense and final examination. A
decision by the sponsor (and second reader) that a dissertation warrants a defense does not
necessarily indicate how either would vote after the dissertation defense.
The GSAS Dissertation Office does NOT schedule dissertation defenses for the PhD in Nursing;
these are scheduled by the PhD Program Director. This occurs after a proposed defense
committee has been approved by the Director and after copies of the dissertation have been
distributed to members of the defense committee. No student may schedule his or her own
defense.
Once the defense time, date and place have been set, this information is forwarded to the
GSAS Dissertation Officer who prints the Voting Sheet and sends it, along with copyright,
formatting and deposit information (described below) to the PhD Program Office (“blue folder”).
During the defense, committee members indicate their votes on and sign this voting sheet,
which becomes a formal record of the Graduate School. The department/program returns the
signed Voting Sheet to the Dissertation Office: the voting sheet should not be given to the
student. The candidate receives all deposit materials at the conclusion of the defense.
29

Distributing Dissertation Copies
Students should note the registration requirements (above) pertaining to the distribution of the
dissertation. The student must distribute copies of the dissertation to defense committee
members at least four weeks before the anticipated defense date so that committee members
have time to read the dissertation thoroughly before the defense. If a particular conferral date is
desired, the candidate should be careful to distribute the copies early enough to allow
committee members time to read the dissertation at least four weeks in advance of the defense
date.
Following approval of the dissertation for defense, the student or the department/ program
should give a copy of the dissertation to each of the five members of the approved defense
committee. These copies should be in individual 8 ½” x 11” boxes. The department/program or
dissertation sponsor must notify the Dissertation Office when all committee members have
received their copies. This will trigger the release of the Blue Folder containing the voting sheet
to the PhD Program Office. Students are not allowed to be involved in the retrieval of the blue
folder from the GSAS Office.
Each distribution copy of the dissertation must be complete with bibliography, abstract, table of
contents, as department/program guidelines dictate. The copies should be neat, without lengthy
ink insertions or corrections and can be on ordinary copy paper. Students should not use
colored or lined paper. The Dissertation Office does not usually examine the defense copy, but
students should keep in mind that their committee will look at style and neatness. Objections to
the format of the defense copy raised by a committee member must be addressed before
the defense is scheduled.
Defense and Evaluation
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences requires that all doctoral dissertations undergo a
formal examination in which the student has the opportunity to discuss and defend the
dissertation with respect to its sources, findings, interpretations, and conclusions before a
committee of faculty knowledgeable in the student's field of research. All faculty members of the
defense committee are expected to be present at the defense.
Only the candidate and the approved members of the dissertation defense committee
may be present during the defense. Columbia University policy never allows spectators or
other individuals to attend a defense. There are no exceptions to this rule.
The defense must be conducted in English.
A committee is permitted to convene in the absence of one member only in cases of extreme
circumstance or emergency. If a member of a committee will not be able to attend the defense,
the Dissertation Officer must be notified prior to the defense to obtain approval of the Dean. A
defense may not be conducted without the chair of the defense or the sponsor physically
present. If the Dean grants permission for the defense to take place, the absent member is
required to write a detailed letter containing all comments and questions that would normally be
raised at the defense and his or her provisional vote. The Chair of the committee will present
these questions to the candidate and rule on the candidate's responses.
If the emergency that prevents the member from being present cannot be anticipated, the
absent member is requested to comply with the regulations above as soon as possible AFTER
the defense. The vote will not be considered final until the required letter is submitted to the
Dean's Office by the absent member of the committee.
30

The examination normally lasts two hours. The candidate is generally asked to begin by
summarizing the pertinent background and findings. Such summaries should be limited to five
minutes. The Chair of the Committee is responsible for allotting time, normally allowing each
faculty member 20 minutes in which to examine the candidate.
Typically examiners provide lists of points they wish to discuss. These points are either
substantial or editorial. Unless it is necessary to show that a very poorly written dissertation
must be entirely rewritten, examiners should not take up these editorial comments one by one.
Examiners should give their sheets of notes on these matters to the candidate, leaving time to
examine matters of substance.
When all examiners have finished their questioning, the Chair asks the candidate to step
outside and wait for a signal to return. The committee rises on the candidate's leaving and
entering.
During the discussion period, the Committee makes its decision on the defense. The three
possible decisions are Pass, Incomplete or Fail.
The Vote: Pass, Incomplete or Fail
Pass:
The dissertation is deemed acceptable subject to minor revisions.
The dissertation is revised by the candidate in light of the comments made by the committee,
and the revisions are supervised by the student's sponsor. Usually it is not necessary to seek
approval from the defense committee for minor revisions, provided the approval card is signed
by the sponsor and department/program chair. The defense committee, however, reserves the
right to review those revisions. Upon completion of the required revisions, the candidate is
recommended for the degree.
The candidate must complete all revisions and deposit the dissertation no later than six months
from the date of the dissertation defense. A unanimous vote or a vote with only one dissent in a
lower column constitutes a pass. In the case of three votes for pass and two for incomplete or
fail, the voting sheet and dissertation must be submitted to the Dean for review and the
candidate should be informed that the committee's vote was not conclusive and he/she should
await further communication from the Dean.
Incomplete:
The dissertation is deemed acceptable subject to major revisions. Upon completion and
acceptance of the required revisions, the defense is considered to be successful and the vote is
changed to Pass.
Where a dissertation is considered incomplete (i.e. acceptable subject to major revisions,) the
Chair of the Defense Committee is required to form a revisions subcommittee made up of one to
three members of the original committee, whose names must be entered as such on the Voting
Sheet. Usually the sponsor of the dissertation is chair of the subcommittee; the other members
should be those committee members who have made the most extensive objections to the text
as it stands. When the student has finished the major revisions, he or she must submit the
revised dissertation to each of the members of the revisions subcommittee. Specified revisions
must be made and the approved copies submitted to the revisions subcommittee no earlier than
three months and no later than one year after the defense unless otherwise directed by the
31

committee. If the revised dissertation is accepted by the subcommittee, each member of the
revisions subcommittee must confirm acceptance in writing to the Dissertation Office. Once all
these letters arrive, the Dissertation Officer changes the vote from “Incomplete” to “Pass,” and
the candidate may deposit the dissertation.
Fail:
The dissertation is deemed unacceptable and the candidate is not recommended for the
degree. No candidate may have a second defense unless the Dean considers, upon the
evidence provided, that the first one involved procedural irregularities.
Pass with Distinction
After the committee decides to the acceptability of the dissertation, they address the question of
awarding the degree "with distinction." A vote on this question will be taken by secret ballot. For
a degree to be awarded "with distinction" the ballots must be unanimous.
If the examining committee votes to award distinction, a member of the examining committee
other than the sponsor must prepare a letter to the Dean outlining the qualities of the
dissertation that merit the award of distinction, including the nature of its contribution to
scholarship in its field and its broader significance as a contribution to learning. The Dean's
Office, which acts on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Graduate School, will maintain a
file of such letters of support for review.
Although there can be no rigorous quota on the number of dissertations awarded distinction, the
standard of merit should be such that no more than ten percent of dissertations receive
distinction. The dissertation may be recommended for distinction only by the original examining
committee.
A student whose degree is awarded "with distinction" shall, upon final deposit of his or her
dissertation, receive a letter of commendation from the Dean; the student's permanent transcript
and the Doctoral Convocation program shall be annotated accordingly.
Emergency Absentee
A committee is permitted to convene in the absence of one member only in cases of extreme
circumstance or emergency. The absent member may not be the Ph.D. candidate's sponsor, or
the chair of the committee. If a member of a committee will not be able to attend the
defense, the Dissertation Officer must be notified prior to the defense to obtain approval
of the Dean of GSAS. If the Dean grants permission for the defense to take place, the absent
member is required to write a detailed letter containing all comments and questions that would
normally be raised at the defense and his or her provisional vote. The Chair of the committee
will present these questions to the candidate, rule on the candidate’s responses, and signs the
voting sheet in the absent committee member’s name.
If the emergency that prevents the member from being present cannot be anticipated, the
absent member is requested to comply with the regulations above as soon as possible AFTER
the defense. The vote will not be considered final until the required letter has been submitted to
the Dean’s Office by the absent member of the committee.
32

Questions, comments and a vote must be submitted in writing even if the absent committee
member participates via conference-call. The dissertation office cannot make arrangements for
conference call set-up, projectors or audio equipment.
Award of the Degree
After the successful defense and complete deposit of the dissertation, the degree is awarded on
the next subsequent conferral date, in October, February or May of each year. Please provide
an electronic copy of your dissertation to the PhD Office after you have deposited.
The student should clear all outstanding accounts, including those in Student Financial
Services, Health Services, Columbia Information Technology, the Library and the Registrar’s
Office.
Celebrations for candidates from these three conferral dates are held once each year in May:
degree candidates are invited to robe and march in the annual Doctoral Convocation in the
Graduate School and University Commencement. There are no conferral ceremonies held in
October or February. At the time of deposit, all candidates will receive a letter from the Dean's
Office certifying completion of all academic requirements for the doctoral degree.
33

RESOURCES
CENTERS AT THE SCHOOL OF NURSING
The following Centers, established within or closely aligned with the School of Nursing,
represent important priorities of the institution, as well as focal areas of faculty expertise and
research. Accordingly, they represent potential substantive specialty areas in which Columbia
University School of Nursing doctoral students can receive particularly rich experiences.
The Center for Health Policy
Director: Pat Stone, RN, PhD, FAAN
The center adds the perspective of scholarly nursing domestic and international issues of health
services and health policy. The center is engaged in collaboration with other Centers at
Columbia University including the University-wide Public Policy Consortium, and with leading
Nursing Schools and related policy centers around the world. The Center sponsors policy
dialogues for School of Nursing faculty and students and engages in inter-disciplinary policy
research with the other health science schools of the University. The Center has received predoctoral
funding from the National Institutes of Health and is participating in the Columbia Public
Policy Forum (including support of a Public Policy Fellow).
The WHO Collaboration Center for International Development of Advanced Practice
Nursing
Director: Richard Garfield, Dr. PH, F.A.A.N
Admin Director: Sarah Sheets Cook, DNP Senior Associate Dean and Professor of
Clinical Nursing
The School joins collaboration nursing centers in the western hemisphere and over 30 plus
centers throughout the world, in developing programs and models for advanced practice nursing
research and education among international colleagues. The Center has a close working
relationship with the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization in
relation the themes of its terms of reference in advanced practice nursing, preparedness training
for nurses and others, and the monitoring of humanitarian conditions in areas of crisis.
Reducing Health Disparities Through Informatics
Director: Suzanne Bakken, RN, DNSc, FAAN; Co-Director: George Hripcsak, MD
CEBP’s affiliated pre-and post-doctoral training program, Reducing Health Disparities Through
Informatics (RHeaDI) aims to: 1) Recruit and train a qualified cadre of ethnically-diverse nurses
(predoctoral and postdoctoral) to conduct interdisciplinary research focused on the use of
informatics to reduce health disparities and facilitate evidence-based practice in underserved
populations; and, 2) Enhance the knowledge and skills of predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees
in translating research findings into practice and into health care policy to reduce health
disparities and facilitate evidence-based practice in underserved populations. Through funding
from the National Institute of Nursing Research (T32NR07969), RHeaDI provides the program
trainees with a monthly stipend as well as partial tuition support.
Qualifications
Registered Nurse
American citizen or permanent resident of the United States
Pre-doctoral: accepted as a pre-doctoral student in either the PhD program,
Columbia School of Nursing, or the PhD program, Department of Biomedical
Informatics
Strong academic qualifications as evidenced by standardized test scores, grade
34

Process
point average, and letters of recommendation
Full-time student (at least 9 credits for Fall and Spring semesters)
Research focus congruent with the aims of the training program
Ability to work approximately 20 hours per week on designated faculty research
project
Applications are available upon request from the Program Director.
Appointment as a trainee is for one year and is renewable for a maximum of 4 years
pre-doctoral and 3 years post-doctoral based upon adequate academic performance
Center for Interdisciplinary Research related to Antimicrobial Resistance (CIRAR)
Director: Elaine Larson, RN, PhD, FAAN, CIC
While much progress has been made to control preventable infectious diseases, infections
remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Many of the traditional treatments for common
infections are no longer effective because of the fast-growing problem of antimicrobial
resistance, first associated with hospitals, but increasingly widespread in the community.
Antibiotic resistance is now a global problem of major concern. The ultimate goal of this Center
for Interdisciplinary Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (CIRAR) is to develop strategies to
implement and evaluate a long term collaborative program of interdisciplinary research on
reducing antimicrobial resistance.
The specific aims of the CIRAR are to:
Plan, implement, and evaluate outcomes of a core program and curriculum to prepare
biomedical researchers to conduct interdisciplinary research;
Develop the expertise of CIRAR investigators in interdisciplinary research;
Conduct interdisciplinary demonstration projects related to the prevention and control of
antimicrobial resistance and evaluate their outcomes;
Implement dissemination and implementation strategies that assure the sustainability
and expansion of CIRAR's interdisciplinary research projects and programs; and
Formalize plans for a sustainable Interdisciplinary Research Consortium for
Antimicrobial Resistance.
Center for Children and Families
Director: Mary W. Byrne, Ph.D., MPH, FAAN Stone Foundation and Elise Fish Professor
of Health Care for the Underserved
The mission of the Center for Children and Families is to improve the health of children and
families at risk through the generation and sharing of clinical and research knowledge,
consultation, education, advocacy, and promotion of innovative clinical practice.
The overall objective of this Center is to provide the infrastructure to inspire, promote, and
integrate culturally sensitive research and practice that will ensure optimum health for children
and their families.
Clinical Resources
In addition to New York Presbyterian Hospital and Harlem Hospital, the school has major clinical
affiliations with New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center, St. Luke-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital and
Montefiore Hospital as well as approximately 200 other clinical sites.
Other Institutes and Centers
Columbia University is privileged to sponsor a number of institutes and centers that engage in
35

funded, interdisciplinary research and program development, sponsor workshops and courses,
and act as a clearinghouse for information related to their specific focus. Faculty from the
School of Nursing are members of most of these centers and institutes. Of particular interest to
a PhD student would be the institutes and centers listed below:
Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research
INCHOIR (International Center for Health Outcomes and Innovative Research)
Women's Center
American Law Institute
Center for the Study of Alzheimer's Disease
Center for the Behavioral and Clinical Study of AIDS/HIV
Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology
Center for Law and Economics
Center for Neurobiology and Behavior
Center for Research in Career Development
Center for the Study of Society and Medicine
Center for Human Rights
Institute for Human Nutrition
Institute for Study on Women and Gender
Legislative Drafting Research Fund
36

APPENDIX A
____________________________________________________________________________
PhD STUDENT PROGRAM PLANS OF STUDY: 2009 Cohort
Typical Plan of Study for PhD Students Entering FALL, 2009
Year Term Course Course
Semester
Cumulative
Credit Credit Credits
First Fall ‘09 TC5041 Nature & Practice of Science (replaces N9001
3
Nursing Foundations)
N9354 Measurement
3
N9600 Legal and Ethical Issues
3 9 9
Spring‘09 N9103 Intro Biostatistics* 3
N9301 Qualitative Research Methods 3
N9300 Quantitative Research Methods
3
N9505 Research Practicum
2
N9265 Research Seminar
1 12 21
Second Fall ‘10 N9205 Analysis of Health Policy 3
ELECTIVE #1* advanced statistics 3
ELECTIVE #2 (dissertation topic) 3 9 30
Spring‘11 N9506 Research Synthesis 2
N9260 Building Interdisciplinary Research Methods 2
N9 350 Concept Development 3 7 37
Spring ‘10 Comprehensive Exam
Third Fall ‘10 N9900 Dissertation Seminar 2
N9840 Dissertation Research 4 6 43
Spring‘12 N9840 Dissertation Research@ 4-8 4-8 47-51
Fourth Fall ‘12 N9840 Dissertation Research@ 4-8 4-8 51-55
Spring ‘13 N9840 Dissertation Research@ 4-8 4-8 55-59
* = cross-registered with SP 6103; Nursing students must enroll in N9103
** An elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam
@ Students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of Dissertation Research, and be enrolled during the
semester of Defense. Students will need to re-enroll in this course until the dissertation is successfully
defended.
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.

PhD STUDENT PROGRAM PLANS OF STUDY: 2010 Cohort
Typical Plan of Study for PhD Students Entering FALL, 2010
Year Term Course Course
Semester
Cumulative
First Fall ‘10 N9001 Social/Intellectual Foundations 3
N9600 Legal and Ethical Issues 3
N9205 Analysis of Health Policy
N9265 Research Seminar
Credit
Credit
Credits
3
1 10 10
Spring ‘11 N9103 Intro Biostatistics (formerly SP6103)*
N9350 Concept Development
3
3
N9300 Quantitative Research Design
3
N9505 Research Practicum+
2 11 21
Second Fall ‘11 N9354 Measurement of Clinical Phenomena
ELECTIVE #1 (multivariate statistics)
3
3
ELECTIVE #2 (dissertation topic) 3 9 30
Spring‘12 N9506 Research Synthesis 2
N9260 Interdisciplinary Research Models
2
N9352 Qualitative Research & Design Methods
3 7 37
Summer Comprehensive Exam
Third Fall ‘12 N9900 Dissertation Seminar
2
N9840 Dissertation Research@
4 6 43
Spring ’13 N9840 Dissertation Research 4-8 4-8 47-51
Fourth Fall ’13 N9840 Dissertation Research 4-8 4-8 51-55
Spring ’14 N9840 Dissertation Research 4-8 4-8 55-59
* Students must register under N9103 for this SPH course as part of the PhD program requirement.
+ Work for the research practicum may extend into summer months, but should be registered for in
Spring semester
One elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam
@ PhD students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of N9840 Dissertation Research/semester, and be
re-enrolled in this course (Fall/Spring) until the dissertation is successfully defended.
Course offerings in 2010-11 are based on student enrollments and therefore subject to change.
This plan reflects the minimum requirements of 55; additional credits may be needed to complete all
prerequisites or other requirements as determined by the academic advisor.
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.

Typical Four-Year Plan of Study for Full-time Students Entering Fall, 2011
Year Term Course Course
Semester
Cumulative
First Fall ‘11
N9103 Intro Biostatistics (formerly SP6103)*
Credit
3
Credit
Credits
N9001 Foundations 3
N9355 Quantitative Methods 3
N9265 Research Seminar 0
Spring ‘12
TA Workshop 0
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement of
3
Clinical Phenomena in Nursing
N9352 Qualitative Research Design & Methods 3
9 9
Advanced Stats
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research
N9265 Research Seminar
N9505 Research Practicum+
3
1
0
2
12 21
Second Fall ‘12 N9353 Advanced Methods 3
ELECTIVE #1 (Statistics; Theory) 3
ELECTIVE #2 (Dissertation topic) 3 9 30
Spring‘13 N9506 Research Synthesis 2
N9260 Interdisciplinary Research Models 2
Elective #3 3
N9265 Research Seminar 0 7 37
Summer
Comprehensive Exam
Third Fall ‘13 N9900 Dissertation Seminar
2
N9840 Dissertation Research@
4 6 43
Spring ’14
N9840 Dissertation Research
4-8 4-8 47-51
Fourth Fall ’14
N9840 Dissertation Research
4-8 4-8 51-55
Spring ’15 N9840 Dissertation Research 4-8 4-8 55-59
* Students must register under N9103 for this SPH course as part of the PhD program requirement.
+ Work for the research practicum may extend into summer months, but should be registered for in
Spring semester
One elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam
@ PhD students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of N9840 Dissertation Research/semester, and be
re-enrolled in this course (Fall/Spring) until the dissertation is successfully defended.
Course offerings in 2010-11 are based on student enrollments and therefore subject to change.
This plan reflects the minimum requirements of 55; additional credits may be needed to complete all
prerequisites or other requirements as determined by the academic advisor.
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.

APPENDIX B
Nursing PhD Program
CONTRACT FOR RESEARCH PRACTICUM
Student Name:
Faculty Member:
Semester:
Site and Mentor for Experience: (Attach resume if not a Columbia University faculty member)
Brief Description of Planned Experience:
Learning Objectives:
Expectations/Requirements (Note: 1 credit = 4 hours/week)
Student Signature:
Faculty Signature:
Date:
Date:

APPENDIX C
APPLICATION FOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
FOR THE PhD DEGREE
(Please type or print legibly)
I, ___________________________, have completed the following requisite courses with a
cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (with no incomplete grades):
N9001 Social and Intellectual Foundations of Nursing (or equivalent course: Philosophy of Science)*
N9103 Introduction to Biostatistics (cross-listed with SP6103)
N9353 Advanced Methods in Health Services Research and Policy Analysis
N9260 Building Interdisciplinary Research Models
N9265 Interdisciplinary Research Seminar
N9355 Quantitative Methods
N9352 Qualitative Research Design and Methods
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement of Clinical Phenomena in Nursing
N9505 Research Practicum
N9506 Research Synthesis
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research
Elective course in Advanced Statistical Analysis
Elective course in Advanced Statistical Analysis: ____________________
I hereby apply to take the comprehensive examination in (month) _______, 20.
Student Signature
Date
Approved: (signatures)
Advisor
Date:
Director, PhD Program
Date:

APPENDIX D
_____________________________________________________________________________
M.Phil. Degrees*
M.Phil. Application Deadline
Conferral Date
Friday, October 5, 2012 Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Friday, January 25, 2013 Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013 Wednesday, May 15, 2013
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT:
May 15, 2013
*Candidates who have completed all the necessary requirements apply through the PhD
Department in order to receive the M.Phil. degree. Applications for the M.Phil. degree can be
filed at any point in the calendar year. Degrees are conferred three times during the academic
year—in October, February, and May. Students receiving an M.Phil. only do not participate in
Convocation nor Commencement ceremonies.
Please complete form on next page and submit to the PhD Program Office in the School
of Nursing. This form can be downloaded from GSAS at the following link:
http://gsas.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/GSAS-master_phil_app.pdf

Weblink: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/pdf-files/report_proposal_comm.pdf
APPENDIX E

APPENDIX E.1
(Page 1 of 3)
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL OUTLINE: QUANTITATIVE
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION/PROBLEM
• Introduction
• Broad area of concern
• Lays the groundwork for the questions posed
• Include some of the pertinent literature verifying this area of concern
• Problem statement
• Clearly stated in ½ page
• Purpose/Aim may include:
o Specific questions to be answered
o Hypotheses
• Operational definitions of central concepts
• Assumptions
• Theoretical framework or rationale
• Concepts/variables: definitions
• Significance/Rationale
• Importance
• Projected outcomes
• Contributions to future knowledge
CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
• Succinct, relevant literature review
• Focus on relationship between the research questions(s) and the literature reviewed
• This is a summary of the state of the knowledge concerning the stated question(s)/intent
CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY/RESEARCH DESIGN
Should follow from Chapter I (Problem-question(s)-hypothesis(es)) and Chapter II (your
assessment of the state of knowledge as documented in the literature review).
1. Design Strategy
• Examples are: Experimental, Quasi Experimental, other
• Rationale as to why this design
• Expected outcomes from this design/justification for it
• Background of method if necessary
2. If part of a larger project, specify:
• Relationship to the project
• How the student will control the dissertation research part of the project
• Whether permission to utilize data or source has been obtained or is in the process of
being obtained

APPENDIX E.1 (continued)
(Page 2 of 3)
• Status of the project in regard to human subject review
• Anticipated problems and how to overcome each
• The extent to which the design, methodology, collection of data and interpretation
findings will be the student’s responsibility
• Obligations to the larger project and restriction to publications, if any
• Agreements as to manuscripts or material review
3. Report on Pilot work, completed or planned, should be included
4. Specify methodology as appropriate to the design
• Population/Sample/Participants
Description of subjects
Source of subjects
Selection process
Numbers
Criteria
• Description of design and treatments if appropriate
• Data Collection
Concepts/variables and how measured
Specify sources such as interviews, histories, instruments, documents, etc.
Describe each used:
• Type, # of items
• Task for respondents
• Administration and scoring procedures
• Storage
• Context
• Adoption, adaptation or invention
Validity
Reliability
Description of data collection should be in sufficient detail to enable any other
researcher to carry it out. In quantitative studies most of this can be done prior to
the collection. In qualitative, should be in sufficient detail to demonstrate a well
thought out plan although actual approach may change during data collection.
• Protection of human subjects
Consents
IRB status
Confidentiality issues
• Data Analysis
Strategies that will be used to analyze the data to answer the
Questions(s)/Hypotheses/ Purposes posed, such as statistical, historical,
philosophical, comparative analysis, etc.

APPENDIX E.1 (continued)
(Page 3 of 3)
5. Limitations of the study
• Obstacles
• Difficulties expected and ways to overcome them
6. If course work and other experience have not fully prepared the student for dissertation,
what is planned?
7. Time Table
• Realistic
• Feasible
Instruments, instructions, consent forms, letters of invitation to participate, permission to use
copyright material, letters of support, and other communications are not included.

APPENDIX E.2
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL OUTLINE: QUALITATIVE
1. Aim of the Study
• Phenomenon of interest
• Perceived justification within specific context
• Assumptions and biases
• Qualitative research methods and its justification
• Relevance to nursing
• Overview of Chapters
2. Evolution of the Study
• Rationale
• Historical Context
• Experiential context
• Theoretical context
3. The Method of Inquiry
• Introduction to methodological approach
• Rationale for chosen approach
• Data collection and analysis
• Data coding
• Sampling
• Reliability and validity
• Coding and Field Notes
4. The Method of Inquiry: applied
• Storing and sorting of data
• Data analysis
• Negotiating the field experience
• Entering the field
• Ethical situations in context
• Problems that are valued, and ethical problems
• Identifying cultural values and norms
• Overlapping of data collection strategies
• Sampling issues
• Interaction style in handling ethical situations
• Human subjectivity considerations
• Limits to confidentiality
• Reliability and validity
5. Findings of the Study
6. Conclusions and Recommendations
• Limitations
• Implications for Nursing Education
• Implications for Nursing Administration
• Implications for Nursing Research
7. References
8. Appendices

APPENDIX F
DISSERTATION OUTLINE: A GUIDE
• Preliminary Pages (See page 58 for title page requirements)
• Abstract
• Acknowledgments
• Table of Contents
• List of Tables
• List of Figures
• Chapter I: Introduction/Problem or Purpose Statement
- Same as proposal. Sometimes add an outline of remaining chapters.
• Chapter II: Review of the Literature/Setting the Context
- Detailed discussion of the literature reviewed for the dissertation
- Summarizes topical areas as appropriate
- Discusses theoretical conceptual framework as appropriate
- Summary of the state of the knowledge surrounding the specific problem/topic
• Chapter III: Methodology
- Research design description
- Description of setting and sample/participants
- Procedure for data collection and analysis
- Human subjects protection
• Chapter IV: Research Findings/Results*
• Chapter V: Summary, Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations
- Summary of Study
- Discussion of results
- Implications
- Limitations
- Recommendations for future research and practice/policy
• References
- Those used in text
• Appendix
• Instruments
• Pertinent communications
• Consent forms
• Supporting documentation and tables (e.g. pilot data)
*Reports of Qualitative studies often combine results and discussion in one or more chapters
that are written as a logical narrative.

APPENDIX G

Copyrighting the Thesis
The existence of a copyright page in the proper form {see above} is sufficient to establish
copyright. The author may also wish to have ProQuest “register” the copyright for a $45 fee,
payable to ProQuest Information and Learning, to register the copyright at the Copyright Office.
If there are concerns about future copyright infringement, registration of the copyright at the
Copyright Office is recommended. ProQuest will accept money orders and personal checks for
payment of this fee.
“Registration” of copyright is optional. ProQuest will act as the author’s agent and will deposit a
microfiche or digital copy of the dissertation at the Copyright Office in the Library of Congress.
Having the dissertation registered at the Copyright Office places the exact details of the
copyright claim on public record, such registration being necessary if one is bringing suit for
copyright infringement and seeking damages. Registration is also necessary if a missing or
incorrect copyright or title page must be replaced. If the author chooses ProQuest as an agent,
a signed authorization is necessary. A form for this purpose is included in the deposit materials
received at the defense. The author will hold the copyright. Later, if the author arranges to
publish the dissertation commercially, the copyright registration may be transferred to a
publisher. The copyright year is the same as the year of conferral. The author may also register
the copyright directly with the Copyright Office.

APPENDIX H

APPENDIX I
COMPLETION OF DISSERTATION DEFENSE
After obtaining the defense time, date and place, the Dissertation Office prints the Voting Sheet
and sends it, along with copyright, formatting and deposit information (see Formatting and
Depositing the Dissertation) to the candidate’s department/program. During the defense,
committee members indicate their votes on and sign this voting sheet, which becomes a formal
record of the Graduate School. The department/program returns the signed Voting Sheet to the
Dissertation Office: the voting sheet should not be given to the student. The candidate
receives all deposit materials at the conclusion of the defense.

APPENDIX J
PhD Program
COMPLETION OF REQUIREMENTS
(Please type or print legibly)
Date:
Student:
ID Number:
Projected Graduation Date:
TOTAL CREDITS ACCOUNTED FOR:
Total Credits Earned (see transcript)
Advanced Standing/Transfer Credits
Unresolved Incompletes (see transcript)
Subtotal
Total Required
Proposal Defense Complete
Comprehensive Examination Completed
Dissertation Defense Completed
Date:
Date:
Date:
Is Student Eligible To Graduate?
Director's Approval: _____ Date: ________

APPENDIX K
Office of DNSc/PhD Programs
630 W. 168 th Street
New York, NY 10032
(212) 305-6761
(212) 342-0408 (FAX)
Memorandum
Date:
To: Tania Quispe, OSS administrator
From: Professor Pat Stone
Re: Exception Request to Certify PhD Student as Full Time
Name of Student: ___________________________________
The above PhD student is currently enrolled in the full allotment of courses and credits required
for this semester according to his/her approved program plan. I request that the student be able
to certify as Full Time student status for this term.
Program Director: Pat Stone, PhD, FAAN
Program Director Signature: __________________________

APPENDIX L
Fall/Spring 2011-2012
Year Term Course Course
Semester
Cumulative
Course Taken
First Fall ‘11
N9103 Intro Biostatistics (formerly SP6103)*
Credit
3
Credit
Credits
(√)
N9001 Foundations 3
N9355 Quantitative Methods 3
N9265 Research Seminar 0
Spring ‘12
TA Workshop 0
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement of 3
Clinical Phenomena in Nursing
N9352 Qualitative Research Design & Methods 3
9 9
Advanced Stats
Course No:
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research
N9265 Research Seminar
N9505 Research Practicum+
3
1
0
2
12 21
Second Fall ‘12 N9353 Advanced Methods 3
ELECTIVE #1 (Statistics; Theory)
Course No:
ELECTIVE #2 (Dissertation topic)
Course No:
Spring‘13 N9506 Research Synthesis 2
N9260 Interdisciplinary Research Models 2
Elective #3 3
3
3 9 30
N9265 Research Seminar 0 7 37
* Students must register under N9103 for this SPH course as part of the PhD program requirement.
+ Work for the research practicum may extend into summer months, but should be registered for in Spring semester
One elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam
@ PhD students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of N9840 Dissertation Research/semester, and be re-enrolled
in this course (Fall/Spring) until the dissertation is successfully defended.
Course offerings in 2010-11 are based on student enrollments and therefore subject to change.
This plan reflects the minimum requirements of 55; additional credits may be needed to complete all
prerequisites or other requirements as determined by the academic advisor.
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.
Date: ________________
Student:
Student’ Signature: ________________________
Advisor: __________________________
Advisor’s Signature: ________________________

BSN-PHD Full Time Students Entering
Fall 2011
Year Term Course No./Course Name
Course
Credit
Semester
Credit
Cumulative
Credits
Course Taken
(Please Initial)
First Fall ‘11 N6826 Evaluation and Application of Research 3
N6920 Social and Health Policy 4
N8290 Genetics 3
N9103 Intro to Biostatistics 3
Other Nursing courses Selected didactic courses (e.g., psychiatry, adult
care, informatics, emergency preparedness)
9-12
Courses from other departments Selected cognates (e.g., economics,
psychology)
6-9
Year Term Course Course
Semester
Cumulative
Course Taken
First Fall ‘11
N9103 Intro Biostatistics (formerly SP6103)*
Credit
3
Credit
Credits
Spring ‘12
N9001 Foundations 3
N9355 Quantitative Methods 3
N9265 Research Seminar 0
TA Workshop 0
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement 3
of Clinical Phenomena in Nursing
N9352 Qualitative Research Design & Methods 3
9 9
Advanced Stats
Course No:
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research
N9265 Research Seminar
N9505 Research Practicum+
3
1
0
2
12 21
Second Fall ‘12 N9353 Advanced Methods 3
ELECTIVE #1 (Statistics; Theory)
Course No:
ELECTIVE #2 (Dissertation topic)
Course No:
Spring‘13 N9506 Research Synthesis 2
N9260 Interdisciplinary Research Models 2
Elective #3 3
3
3 9 30
N9265 Research Seminar 0 7 37

* Students must register under N9103 for this SPH course as part of the PhD program requirement.
+ Work for the research practicum may extend into summer months, but should be registered for in Spring semester
One elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam
@ PhD students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of N9840 Dissertation Research/semester, and be re-enrolled
in this course (Fall/Spring) until the dissertation is successfully defended.
Course offerings in 2010-11 are based on student enrollments and therefore subject to change.
This plan reflects the minimum requirements of 55; additional credits may be needed to complete all
prerequisites or other requirements as determined by the academic advisor.
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.
Date: ________________
Student: __________________________
Advisor: __________________________
Student’ Signature: ________________________
Advisor’s Signature: ________________________