PhD PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK - Columbia University ...
PhD PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK - Columbia University ...
PhD PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK - Columbia University ...
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<strong>PhD</strong> <strong>PROGRAM</strong><br />
<strong>STUDENT</strong> <strong>HANDBOOK</strong><br />
2012-2013<br />
Rev 7.2012
Table of Contents<br />
Preface .............................................................................................................................................1<br />
Description, Purpose and Objectives................................................................................................2<br />
Advisement........................................................................................................................................3<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> Curriculum…............................................................................................................................. 4<br />
Coursework in the Theoretical Foundation of Nursing Science.............................................. ..5<br />
Coursework in the Analytic Foundation of Nursing Science......................................................5<br />
Practicum………………………………………………………………………………………………...6<br />
Coursework in Human Subjects Training………………………………………………………….….8<br />
TA Workshop/TA’ship……………………………………………………………………………………8<br />
Elective Courses..……………………………………………………………………………...............8<br />
Grading Policies.........................................................................................................................9<br />
Prerequisites and Expected Proficiencies at the Time of Enrollment.........................................9<br />
Resources…....................................................................................................................................9<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> Student Office Space and Lounge......................................................................................9<br />
APA Online Tutorial.................................................................................................................9<br />
Plan of Study…….....................................................................................................................10<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> Program: Schedule of Courses Offered..................................................................................11<br />
Transfer Credits...............................................................................................................................12<br />
Plan of Study BS to <strong>PhD</strong>…..............................................................................................................13<br />
Comprehensive Examination...........................................................................................................14<br />
Comprehensive Examination Committee (CEC)…………………............................................14<br />
Eligibility for Exam……………………………………………………………………………………..14<br />
Comprehensive Examination Timeline....................................................................................15<br />
Description of the Comprehensive Examination………………………………………………..….16<br />
Written Component……………………………………………………………………………………16<br />
Oral Component……………………………………………………………………………………….17<br />
Grading of the Comprehensive Examination……………………………………………………….17<br />
Comprehensive Examination Process………………………………………………………………17<br />
Applying for the Master of Philosophy Degree………………...........................................................19<br />
M.Phil. Degrees………………………………………………………………………………………..19<br />
Dissertation Sponsor ......................................................................................................................20<br />
Approved Dissertation Sponsors and Research Interests..……......................................................21<br />
Dissertation Proposal………………………………………………………………………………………..22<br />
Steps in the Dissertation Process……………………………………………………………………22<br />
Dissertation Proposal………………………………………………………………………………….22<br />
Submission to Institutional Review Board (IRB)……………………………………………………23<br />
Dissertation Proposal Defense………………………………………………………………………….....24<br />
IRB Approval…………………………………………………………………………………………...25<br />
Dissertation Defense Phase............................................................................................................25<br />
Distrubution, Defense and Deposit…………………………………………………………………..26<br />
Degree Calendar……………………………………………………………………………………………..28<br />
Registration for U.S. Students……………………………………………………………………………...28<br />
Registration for International Students in F-1 or J-1 status……………………………………………..28<br />
Registration for All Students………………………………………………………………………………..29<br />
Nomination and Appointment of the Defense Committee……………………………………………….29<br />
Scheduling the Defense...................................................................................................................29<br />
Distributing Dissertation Copies...............................................................................................30<br />
Defense and Evaluation...........................................................................................................30<br />
The Vote: Pass, Incomplete or Fail..........................................................................................31<br />
Pass with Distinction................................................................................................................32<br />
Emergency Absentee………………………………………………………………………………….32<br />
Award of Degree......................................................................................................................33<br />
Centers at the School of Nursing……………...........................................................................34
The Center for Health Policy....................................................................................................34<br />
The WHO Collaboration Center for International Development...............................................34<br />
The Center for Evidence-Based Practice in the Underserved…………………………………….34<br />
Reducing Health Disparties Through Informatics…………………………………………………..34<br />
Center for Interdisciplinary Research related to Antimicrobial Resistance (CIRAR)…………...35<br />
Center for Children and Families……………………………………………………………………..35<br />
Clinical Resources…………………………………………………………………………………………...35<br />
Other Institutes and Centers………………………………………………………………………..….36
APPENDICES<br />
Appendix A<br />
Appendix B<br />
Appendix C<br />
Appendix D<br />
Appendix E<br />
Appendix E.1<br />
Appendix E.2<br />
Appendix F<br />
Appendix G<br />
Appendix H<br />
Appendix I<br />
Appendix J<br />
Appendix K<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> Student Program Plans: 2008, 2009 & 2010 Cohorts<br />
Contract for Research Practicum<br />
Application for Comprehensive Examination<br />
M.Phil Degree –Dates and Application for Degree of Master of Philosophy<br />
Report of Dissertation Proposal Committee<br />
Dissertation Proposal Outline: Quantitative<br />
Dissertation Proposal Outline: Qualitative<br />
Dissertation Outline: A Guide<br />
Proquest<br />
Application for Dissertation Defense<br />
Completion of Dissertation Defense<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> Program Completion of Requirements<br />
FT Student Status Memo<br />
Appendix L Course Plans for 2011-2012
PREFACE<br />
Welcome to the community of scholars at the <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong> School of Nursing Doctor of<br />
Philosophy (<strong>PhD</strong>) Program. This handbook is intended to aid doctoral students in planning<br />
courses and proceeding through all phases of the curriculum.<br />
The <strong>PhD</strong> degree in Nursing is conferred by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS)<br />
upon successful completion of both a master’s of philosophy degree (MPhil) and a dissertation<br />
defense. The School of Nursing defines and administers the programmatic policies of the MPhil<br />
in Nursing degree, including course requirements and qualifying examination procedures. Upon<br />
conferral of the MPhil degree, the eligible student is admitted to <strong>PhD</strong> candidacy in the Graduate<br />
School of Arts and Sciences according to the rules and regulations described in the GSAS <strong>PhD</strong><br />
handbook. Details of each phase of the doctoral training experience are provided in the<br />
following sections of this handbook, with relevant forms included in the appendices.<br />
The <strong>PhD</strong> Program Office is located in Suite 239 of the School of Nursing (Georgian Building),<br />
630 W. 168 th Street, New York, NY 10032. (FAX: 212-342-0408)<br />
Barbara Luna<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> Program<br />
Administrator<br />
Bal2146@columbia.edu<br />
(212) 342-4172<br />
Pat Stone, <strong>PhD</strong>, FAAN<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> Program Co-Director<br />
ps2024@columbia.edu<br />
(212) 305-1738<br />
Arlene Smaldone, DNSc, CPNP, CDE<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> Program Co-Director<br />
ams130@columbia.edu<br />
212-342-3048<br />
The Dissertation Office is located in 107 Low Memorial Library, 535 West 116 th Street, and is<br />
open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM—4:45 PM. (FAX: 212-854-2863).<br />
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/sub/dissertation/main/welcome/index.html<br />
Salvo Candela<br />
Academic Affairs Officer<br />
(212) 854-2866<br />
Esmeralda McCormick<br />
Dissertation Secretary<br />
es183@columbia.edu<br />
(212) 854-2854<br />
NOTE: This handbook is congruent with and superseded by information in the School of<br />
Nursing Bulletin, the School of Nursing Student Handbook, FACETS, GSAS documents, and<br />
other <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong> resources, and does not supplant any official policies of the School or<br />
the <strong>University</strong>. Your advisor, the <strong>PhD</strong> Program Director, Administrative Assistant, and the Office<br />
of Student Services are all available to answer questions not covered in these documents.<br />
Please refer to the Student Health Service website and School of Nursing Student Handbook for<br />
details about medical services, mental health services, the student health insurance plan and<br />
enrollment and waivers.<br />
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/nursing/students/pdf/StudentHandbook2011-2012.pdf<br />
1
DESCRIPTION, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES<br />
The <strong>PhD</strong> program is a research-intensive curriculum that prepares nurse scholars to conduct<br />
research in clinical outcomes and health policy, both independently and as part of<br />
interdisciplinary teams. The program provides students with research skills, knowledge of<br />
frameworks for the critical understanding of outcomes and policy questions, and mentored<br />
opportunities that move the student toward independent research.<br />
Graduates of the <strong>PhD</strong> program have knowledge of health policy and the research skills<br />
necessary to make a major impact on health care nationwide, to further clinical nursing<br />
knowledge and to translate this knowledge into practice. Specifically, graduates are prepared<br />
to:<br />
1. Design, conduct, direct, and report research studies that increase knowledge about<br />
the outcomes of nursing and other clinical practice.<br />
2. Provide leadership in improving the health care delivery system at local, national and<br />
international levels.<br />
3. Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and develop policies for the<br />
organization and delivery of health services.<br />
4. Translate evidence accumulated through research into practice and policy at multiple<br />
levels.<br />
2
ADVISEMENT<br />
Upon acceptance, the student will be assigned a faculty advisor based on the student's<br />
professional goals and the compatibility of clinical and research interests. A major role of the<br />
advisor is to ensure that the student enrolls in courses consistent with good scholarship, special<br />
interests and career goals including the topic and method of dissertation research; evaluating<br />
transfer credits; general program and departmental degree requirements; and filing the official<br />
program plan of study.<br />
The advisor is expected to meet with the student on a regular basis. As the student progresses<br />
through the program and his or her interests are more fully understood, change in the advisor<br />
may be initiated by either the student or the advisor. Students are encouraged to become<br />
familiar with the expertise of other members of the faculty, and to turn to them for consultation<br />
as appropriate.<br />
When ready for dissertation work, the student selects an approved sponsor for dissertation in<br />
consultation with the advisor. (The list of approved Dissertation sponsors can be found on page<br />
21). If the sponsor is different from the advisor, the sponsor becomes the candidate’s academic<br />
advisor as well.<br />
3
<strong>PhD</strong> CURRICULUM<br />
The <strong>PhD</strong> curriculum builds upon the foundation of nursing science refined at the master's level.<br />
It provides the basis for graduates to expand the horizons of nursing by bringing together clinical<br />
practice, health policy, research, and leadership. The development and enhancement of<br />
research, leadership and policy analysis skills are the primary foci of the program and are based<br />
on two tenets: 1) Expert clinical and administrative nurses can bring a unique and important<br />
perspective to the improvement of health, health care and health care delivery through<br />
research; and 2) Nursing practice takes place within and is influenced by a complex array of<br />
policies and systems of care delivery. Of particular focus is the development of skills to employ<br />
knowledge gleaned from nursing research to effect change at the local, national and<br />
international level.<br />
Program Overview:<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> courses are offered in three major groups: 1) Theoretical foundations of nursing<br />
science, 2) Analytical foundations of nursing science, and 3) Electives and applications<br />
courses through which the student develops additional expertise in their area of interest.<br />
4) Human subjects training. The minimum number of pre-dissertation course credits<br />
required is 37 beyond the master’s in nursing degree.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Upon completion of core coursework, the student must successfully complete a<br />
comprehensive examination with written and oral components<br />
Upon successful completion of required course work and comprehensive examination,<br />
the student is awarded a master’s of philosophy degree and must apply through the <strong>PhD</strong><br />
Program Director’s Office in the School of Nursing to GSAS for doctoral candidacy.<br />
The program culminates with a dissertation research project in which the student<br />
develops, conducts, writes and defends an original research study (see Appendix E).<br />
Dissertation work requires a minimum of 4 credits per semester, generally for 4<br />
semesters (16 credits). Altogether, most students will complete a minimum of 55 credits<br />
(7-8 semesters) to complete the full academic program required for graduation. A typical<br />
4-year study plan can be found on page 10 of this handbook.<br />
Scholarship Expectations of Students<br />
In addition to the specific requirements of courses, comprehensive examination and<br />
dissertation, the faculty of the <strong>PhD</strong> program have the following expectations of each student in<br />
the program:<br />
1. Publication: at least one manuscript submitted for publication in an appropriate<br />
peer-reviewed journal<br />
2. Grant: at least one grant application submitted to an appropriate funding agency or<br />
organization<br />
3. Presentation: at least one paper or project submitted for presentation as a poster or<br />
oral presentation at an appropriate professional meeting<br />
4
<strong>PhD</strong> CURRICULUM (continued)<br />
4. Networking: at least one regional or national research meeting should be attended<br />
such as those sponsored by the ENRS, AHSR, AHRQ, NCHS, NINR, CDC or others.<br />
If you have any questions about these expectations and how you can meet them, please consult<br />
with your advisor. Periodic brown bag discussions open to all <strong>PhD</strong> students are scheduled as<br />
needed by the Director for discussions of questions and issues related to the doctoral program.<br />
Coursework in the Theoretical Foundation of Nursing Science<br />
The theoretical foundation component of the <strong>PhD</strong> program provides the scholarly framework for<br />
examining nursing care and delivery systems, and how "systems" of care—which include the<br />
nursing care of individuals, family, and community—can continue to improve the outcomes of<br />
health care and address the emerging health problems of the nation, especially those of<br />
vulnerable populations. This component broadly addresses the social, cultural, and political<br />
evolution of health care, the evolution of nursing as a part of the care delivery system, key<br />
public policies that have affected both nursing and the health care system at large, and the<br />
development and articulation of nursing knowledge.<br />
There are two courses (6 credits) that comprise this component of the program<br />
1. N9001: Social and Intellectual Foundations of Nursing (3 credits) The study of the<br />
scientific, historical, and philosophical foundations relevant to nursing knowledge and<br />
practice, within the socio-cultural-political evolution of the health care system and within<br />
evolving perspectives in philosophy of science.<br />
2. N9351: Concept Development and Measurement of Clinical Phenomena in Nursing (3<br />
credits)<br />
This doctoral-level theory course is designed to enhance the student’s ability to<br />
conceptualize and measure phenomena of interest to the discipline of nursing. The<br />
course examines approaches to the analysis and development of concepts, the<br />
applicability of nursing concepts and theories to clinical practice and research, and<br />
issues related to instrumentation and measurement of concepts. Focus will be on<br />
development of critical thinking skills in analyzing literature portraying key concepts,<br />
extant practice for theory implications and critical analysis of measurement methods.<br />
Coursework in the Analytic Foundation of Nursing Science<br />
The <strong>PhD</strong> program provides the analytical skills necessary to design and conduct meaningful<br />
research. The core research courses provide the foundation which is individually refined<br />
through elective courses that support the proposed dissertation research.<br />
There are 11 courses plus the dissertation in this component:<br />
1. N9103 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 credits; cross-registered in the School of Public<br />
Health as SP6103) All Nursing students must register under the Nursing course<br />
designation for this basic introductory course in statistical tests and methods.<br />
2. N9355: Quantitative Methods (3 credits)<br />
This course provides a foundation for quantitative research methods and design.<br />
5
Research process topics examined include: appraisal of the quality of existing evidence;<br />
identification of gaps in the literature; formulation of researchable questions and testable<br />
hypotheses; types of research variables; sampling designs and power analyses; and the<br />
uses, strengths and weaknesses of various experimental and quasi-experimental<br />
research designs.<br />
3. N9265: Interdisciplinary Research Seminar (0 credit)<br />
This seminar provides a venue for presentation, positive critique and scholarly<br />
interchange regarding ongoing cross-disciplinary research and related methodologies.<br />
Designed for nursing doctoral students, it is open to pre- and post-doctoral fellows, and<br />
students, faculty and visiting scholars from other programs on a non-credit basis.<br />
Students are expected to participate throughout their program.<br />
4. N9352: Qualitative Research Design and Methods (3 credits)<br />
This course provides an in-depth examination of qualitative study designs and methods<br />
through a combination of theoretical discussion and hands-on practical experience.<br />
Topics include paradigm distinctions, theoretical perspectives, designs and methods,<br />
critique of research reports, and ethical issues in qualitative research.<br />
5. Advanced Statistical Analysis (3 credits)<br />
Upon successful completion of N9103, the student must take an advanced statistics<br />
course offered in the School of Public Health or offered elsewhere in the <strong>University</strong>. An<br />
advanced statistics course is one that includes multivariate statistics.<br />
Recommended second level biostatistics courses in the School of Public Health include:<br />
1. P8100 Applied Regression Analysis (3 credits)<br />
The study of linear statistical models. Regression and correlation with one<br />
independent variable. Partial and multiple correlation. Multiple and<br />
polynomial regression. Single factor analysis of variance. Simple logistic<br />
regression.<br />
2. P8120 Analysis of Categorical Data (3 credits)<br />
Prerequisites: Public Health P6104 and P6400 or their equivalents. A<br />
thorough study of the fourfold table, with applications to epidemiological and<br />
clinical studies. Significance versus magnitude of association; estimation of<br />
relative risk; matching cases and controls; effects, measurement, and control<br />
of misclassification errors; combining evidence from many studies; logistic<br />
regression.<br />
6. N9505: Research Practicum (2 credits; may be repeated)<br />
One individualized practicum in research (N9505, 2 credits) is required in the program.<br />
The student works with a faculty member or other scientist who is conducting a research<br />
project. The student and faculty member negotiate and agree upon the objectives,<br />
specific experiences and requirements for the practicum. The specific nature of the<br />
experience depends on the nature and stage of the research, but might include a search<br />
and review of relevant literature, data collection, data analysis and/or grant preparation.<br />
These are summarized in the Contract for Practicum Experience (See Appendix B)<br />
which is signed by both student and faculty member prior to beginning the experience.<br />
6
7. N9353: Advanced Methods in Health Services Research and Policy Analysis<br />
(3 credits)<br />
Building upon the foundations provided in the quantitative and qualitative research<br />
method courses, in this course students examine advanced methods and frameworks<br />
frequently used in studying health policy, health services research problems and<br />
comparative effectiveness research. In addition to a critical review of the methods, the<br />
course examines the relationship among science, policy and healthcare delivery, and<br />
identifies critical questions shaping the future policy research agenda. An introductory<br />
health policy course at the graduate level (e.g. N6920 Health and Social Policy) is<br />
required as a prerequisite to this course, but can be taken concomitantly.<br />
8. N9506: Research Synthesis (2 credits)<br />
This seminar is designed to strengthen the student’s ability to synthesize information<br />
gained in doctoral coursework and to apply this integrated knowledge to common<br />
challenges in the evaluation of a body of work relevant to nursing scholarship. The<br />
content is designed to assist in codifying the student’s area of dissertation interest, and<br />
serve as the basis for the early chapters of the dissertation that provide a critical<br />
literature review and rationale for aims, and hypotheses of the proposed work.<br />
9. N9260: Building Interdisciplinary Research Models (2 credits)<br />
This course will introduce the students to competencies in interdisciplinary research<br />
through a combination of readings and lectures in each necessary aspect, chosen from<br />
fields essential to successful interdisciplinary research. The course is co-taught by<br />
instructors from Nursing and other CU medical campus schools. Replaces N9502<br />
Guided Study in Research Methods, which is now a nursing “elective” (does not replace<br />
the requirements for external electives).<br />
10. N9001: Research Residency (1 credit)<br />
This residency course is designed for doctoral students who are in coursework prior to<br />
completion of the comprehensive exam (year one or two). The course is intended for<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are not associated<br />
with the required course sequence. Such activities must accrue more than 20<br />
hours/week.<br />
11. N9502: Guided Study in Research I (3 credits)<br />
The student will decide, with the research advisor or selected others, on an individually<br />
determined study of statistics and research methods based upon the selected focus of<br />
dissertation study. Selected courses throughout the <strong>University</strong> may be used to satisfy<br />
this requirement.<br />
12. N9840: Dissertation Research (4-8 credits/semester)<br />
All students must register for at least 4 dissertation credits each Fall and Spring<br />
semester until the dissertation is complete (typically 4 semesters).<br />
13. N9900: Dissertation Seminar (2 credits--may be repeated)<br />
The seminar will focus on skills needed to complete the dissertation process including<br />
site access, IRB regulations, proposal development, and writing of dissertation.<br />
Students begin to develop and refine their research ideas within an atmosphere of<br />
collegial/peer review and support. Prerequisite: completion of comprehensive<br />
examination.<br />
7
<strong>PhD</strong> CURRICULUM (continued)<br />
Coursework in Human Subjects Training<br />
G4010: Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)<br />
This course explores a variety of ethical and policy issues that arise during the conduct<br />
of basic, translational, and clinical biomedical scientific research. Topics addressed<br />
include: (1) research misconduct; (2) "every day" ethical issues faced by biomedical<br />
scientists; (3) the use of laboratory animals in scientific research; (4) human research<br />
participants and scientific research; (5) authorship practices in scientific publications; (6)<br />
conflicts of interest arising from scientists acting as policy consultants and experts; (7)<br />
data sharing and data secrecy; (8) mentoring; (9) research with stem cells, and (10)<br />
scientists as citizens. Course sessions will include lectures, discussion periods, and<br />
analyses of case studies.<br />
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/gsas/ac_programs/rcr-crse.htm<br />
RASCAL Training is required for all students. The following two courses can be taken<br />
online at the following website: https://www.rascal.columbia.edu/<br />
<br />
<br />
TC0087 Human Subjects Protection Training<br />
TC0019 is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)<br />
Additionally, N9355 Quantitative Research Design and Methods, N9352 Qualitative<br />
Research Design and Methods, N9353 Advanced Methods in Health Services Research<br />
and Policy Analysis and N9506 Research Synthesis all include an objective about<br />
Human Subjects.<br />
TA Workshop and TA’ship<br />
As a <strong>PhD</strong> graduate you will have a role and responsibility to educate the next<br />
generation; and, the expected outcomes include “contributing to a global community of<br />
scholars” and “contributing to the formal and informal education of future nurses through<br />
discover, application and integration”. Therefore, to help you build your skills in<br />
pedagogy, all students must participate in a TA workshop and most students will be<br />
given a TA’ship. Being a teaching assistant [TA] is a mutually beneficial experience: it<br />
provides a direct service to students, especially newer ones who may be having difficulty<br />
adjusting to the intense student experiences in this school, especially at the basic and<br />
master’s level. Being a TA also provides an opportunity for the TA to engage in<br />
reflection about components and characteristics of successful teachers and creating a<br />
successful learning experience and environment for students.<br />
Elective Courses<br />
This component includes a minimum of 9 credits of electives/cognates (in addition to an<br />
advanced statistics course). This component allows the student to develop expertise in<br />
areas of scholarship that support the student’s selected focus area, dissertation topic, or<br />
personal scholarly interests. The advisor plays an important role in helping the student<br />
identify relevant courses, generally outside of the School of Nursing. (Note: Electives<br />
from the broad array of course offerings in the DNP program may be taken, but do not<br />
count towards the 3 credit minimum). It may be necessary for a student to take<br />
additional credits to develop depth in content or methodology required to complete the<br />
planned dissertation. (N9501 or N9510 should be taken for this purpose.) The need for<br />
additional credit is determined by the advisor and/or dissertation committee.<br />
8
<strong>PhD</strong> CURRICULUM (continued)<br />
Grading Policies<br />
All <strong>PhD</strong> students are expected to maintain an average grade point of B or better (> 3.0 on a 4<br />
point scale) throughout the program, as calculated across all course work being taken to meet<br />
degree requirements. Please refer to the School of Nursing Student Handbook for policies<br />
regarding academic standards.<br />
All <strong>PhD</strong> courses use letter grades with the exception of N9900 Dissertation Seminar, N9840<br />
Dissertation Research, and N9265 Research Seminar which use the Pass/Fail grade.<br />
Prerequisites and Expected Proficiencies at the Time of Enrollment<br />
It is expected that MS to <strong>PhD</strong> students will have successfully completed graduate course work<br />
in nursing theory, research, and health policy. Students not meeting these requirements may<br />
complete these credits at <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong> before progression to, or connected with, doctoral<br />
study; however, courses taken to meet prerequisite requirements do not count toward<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> degree credit requirements. Any prerequisite course requirements taken elsewhere in<br />
the <strong>University</strong> are the responsibility of the student, including assuring that all records from such<br />
courses reach the School of Nursing Office of Student Services in a timely fashion.<br />
It is expected that students who are admitted to the program will be computer literate (able to<br />
use at least one word processing program). In addition, all incoming students will be expected<br />
to attend the “Survival Skills Workshop for Doctoral Students” offered on August 30th as<br />
part of orientation.<br />
Students may also take classes online. The <strong>Columbia</strong> Libraries subscribe to a service called<br />
Lynda.com (http://www.lynda.com/portal/columbia) where they can learn to use Word, Excel<br />
and Endnote.<br />
Students are also eligible to attend in-person workshops offered at Teachers’ College for a fee<br />
of $15 for every two hours of class-time.<br />
See http://devtc4.tc.columbia.edu/workshop/user/overview.php for their full roster of classes.<br />
A tutorial for APA style can be found at: http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=apa_exposed<br />
Student E-mail<br />
Students are expected to have e-mail access, and to regularly access email through the<br />
individual accounts that are established through the <strong>University</strong> computing center at the time of<br />
enrollment in the program.<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> Student Office Space and Lounge<br />
Students who are working as assigned GRAs or appointed as NIH trainees working on a grant<br />
may be assigned a desk and computer by their advisors. Please speak with your mentor or the<br />
Program Director if you have any questions. A work area and lounge with computer, internet<br />
and telephone access is provided for <strong>PhD</strong> students within the School of Nursing in Rooms 258-<br />
262.<br />
APA Online Tutorial<br />
Mages WK. (November 2009). APA Exposed.<br />
http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=apa_exposed<br />
9
PLAN OF STUDY<br />
All degree requirements (course work, comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal<br />
defense, dissertation defense, must be successfully completed within seven (7) years<br />
(post MSN) following matriculation.<br />
The full-time plan is provided as the template and time frame within which program<br />
requirements can be met. Each student is expected, with assistance from their advisor, to work<br />
out an individual plan of study that meets all program requirements. The plan of study shown<br />
contains the minimum number of dissertation research credits (4-8/semester) and non-nursing<br />
elective/cognate credits (6). Students typically take additional dissertation credits, and may find<br />
it necessary to take additional specialty/cognate /elective credits to provide the essential<br />
background for the dissertation research.<br />
Students are required to maintain full-time enrollment from the time of initial enrollment until<br />
successful defense of the dissertation proposal. Full-time enrollment is defined as 9 credits or<br />
more during Fall, Spring semesters of MPhil coursework; summer semester study (optional)<br />
prior to candidacy status requires a minimum of 5 credits. Students do not register for<br />
Dissertation Seminar (N9900) or Dissertation Research (N9840) until after they have completed<br />
all course requirements and the comprehensive examination.<br />
Full-time status during dissertation phase is a minimum of 4 credits.<br />
Full time student status needs to be certified through the Office of Student Services. Please see<br />
Appendix K for the memo which needs to be completed and signed by the <strong>PhD</strong> Program<br />
Director to certify full time student status.<br />
10
<strong>PhD</strong> Program: Schedule of Courses Offered<br />
Typical Four-Year Plan of Study for Full-time Students Entering Fall, 2012<br />
(Study Plans for the 2009/2010/2011 student cohorts are located in Appendix A)<br />
Year Term Course Course<br />
Semester<br />
Cumulative<br />
First Fall ‘12<br />
P6103 Intro Biostatistics (formerly SP6103)*<br />
Credit<br />
3<br />
Credit<br />
Credits<br />
N9001 Foundations 3<br />
N9355 Quantitative Methods 3<br />
N9265 Research Seminar 0<br />
Spring ‘13<br />
TA Workshop 0<br />
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement of<br />
3<br />
Clinical Phenomena in Nursing<br />
N9352 Qualitative Research Design & Methods 3<br />
9 9<br />
Advanced Stats<br />
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research<br />
N9265 Research Seminar<br />
N9505 Research Practicum+<br />
3<br />
1<br />
0<br />
2<br />
12 21<br />
Second Fall ‘13 N9353 Advanced Methods 3<br />
ELECTIVE #1 (Statistics; Theory) 3<br />
ELECTIVE #2 (Dissertation topic) 3 9 30<br />
Spring‘14 N9506 Research Synthesis 2<br />
N9260 Interdisciplinary Research Models 2<br />
Elective #3 3<br />
N9265 Research Seminar 0 7 37<br />
Summer<br />
Comprehensive Exam<br />
Third Fall ‘14 N9900 Dissertation Seminar<br />
2<br />
N9840 Dissertation Research@<br />
4 6 43<br />
Spring ’15<br />
N9840 Dissertation Research<br />
4-8 4-8 47-51<br />
Fourth Fall ’15<br />
N9840 Dissertation Research<br />
4-8 4-8 51-55<br />
Spring ’16 N9840 Dissertation Research 4-8 4-8 55-59<br />
* Students must register under N9103 for this SPH course as part of the <strong>PhD</strong> program requirement.<br />
+ Work for the research practicum may extend into summer months, but should be registered for in<br />
Spring semester<br />
One elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam<br />
@ <strong>PhD</strong> students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of N9840 Dissertation Research/semester, and be<br />
re-enrolled in this course (Fall/Spring) until the dissertation is successfully defended.<br />
Course offerings in 2010-11 are based on student enrollments and therefore subject to change.<br />
This plan reflects the minimum requirements of 55; additional credits may be needed to complete all<br />
prerequisites or other requirements as determined by the academic advisor.<br />
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester<br />
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.<br />
11
Transfer Credits<br />
A maximum of 6 credits for applicable courses taken prior to enrollment may be transferred.<br />
Coursework essential to the student’s area of study and not offered within <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
will be considered for exception to this guideline.<br />
12
PLAN OF STUDY BS to <strong>PhD</strong><br />
The post-BS entry option is for students with baccalaureate preparation who desire <strong>PhD</strong><br />
preparation, but do not desire the advanced practice preparation offered at the master’s level. It<br />
is streamlined and individualized, with students taking extra coursework as needed (see table<br />
below for sample courses that may be of interest). This is the pathway of choice for able<br />
students who aspire to careers in research, administration, clinical leadership (e.g., patient care<br />
coordination or outcomes management), or health policy but who do not wish to become nurse<br />
practitioners.<br />
Course Number<br />
N6826<br />
N6920<br />
N8290<br />
P6103<br />
Other Nursing courses<br />
Courses from other departments<br />
Course Name<br />
Evaluation and Application of Research<br />
Social and Health Policy<br />
Genetics<br />
Intro to Biostatistics<br />
Selected didactic courses (e.g., psychiatry, adult<br />
care, informatics, emergency preparedness)<br />
Selected cognates (e.g., economics, psychology)<br />
Additionally, the student must demonstrate sufficient expertise in a substantive area of nursing<br />
science (area of concentration) to serve as the underpinning for his/her doctoral studies. This<br />
expertise can be developed through course work in nursing or another discipline, or can be<br />
demonstrated through other competencies, e.g., having authored a book or multiple papers on<br />
the topic. The student ultimately integrates expertise in the chosen area of concentration with<br />
expertise in health policy or clinical research and leadership. For example, a student choosing<br />
HIV/AIDS as the area of concentration might blend that expertise with health policy to focus in<br />
health policy in HIV/AIDS or with clinical practice to focus in clinical research regarding aspects<br />
of the care of patients with HIV/AIDS. Possible areas of concentration include 1) the School’s<br />
master’s-level sub-specialty programs (e.g., HIV/AIDS, emergency preparedness), 2) topics that<br />
cross traditional clinical majors (e.g., health promotion/disease prevention, chronic<br />
illness/symptom management, urban health), or 3) topics configured by the student with input<br />
from the advisor (e.g., health policy, informatics).<br />
13
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION<br />
The comprehensive exam is an integrative exam that assesses the student's ability to process<br />
and utilize information regarding relevant policy analysis and research methods from course<br />
work and independent study, and to analyze and synthesize this material.<br />
Comprehensive Examination Committee (CEC)<br />
The examination is given by the Comprehensive Examination Committee (CEC), which consists<br />
of three members of the faculty who are each appointed for a three-year term (on a rotating<br />
basis) by the Director of the <strong>PhD</strong> Program. The members of the CEC prepare, administer and<br />
grade the exam for all of the exam candidates in that year.<br />
Eligibility for Exam<br />
With approval of their advisor, students may sit for the comprehensive examination after successful<br />
completion of the following required courses as listed below:<br />
N9001 Social and Intellectual Foundations of Nursing (or equivalent course: Philosophy of Science)*<br />
N9103 Introduction to Biostatistics (cross-listed with SP6103)<br />
N9353 Advanced Methods in Health Services Research and Policy Analysis<br />
N9260 Building Interdisciplinary Research Models<br />
N9265 Interdisciplinary Research Seminar<br />
N9355 Quantitative Methods<br />
N9352 Qualitative Research Design and Methods<br />
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement of Clinical Phenomena in Nursing<br />
N9505 Research Practicum<br />
N9506 Research Synthesis<br />
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research<br />
Elective course in Advanced Statistical Analysis<br />
NOTE: Any incomplete grades must be removed before sitting for the comprehensive<br />
examination.<br />
Students must sit for the comprehensive examination within two (2) semesters of completing all<br />
required course work. Successful completion of the comprehensive exam implies readiness to<br />
pursue dissertation research.<br />
NOTE: To ensure eligibility for the exam, students must complete an application (see<br />
Application for Comprehensive Examination form, Appendix C). The application must be signed<br />
by the student’s advisor and the Director of the <strong>PhD</strong> program and then submitted to the Doctoral<br />
Office. The date the application is due will be announced by the doctoral office.<br />
Students who fail the comprehensive examination on their first attempt must drop dissertation<br />
credits and enroll in a guided study or other course determined with the advisor and focused on<br />
the remediation plan.<br />
Dates of Examination<br />
The comprehensive examination is usually held twice each year (January and June). The exact<br />
date for the written portion of the examination is determined by the CEC. The same written<br />
examination will be given to all candidates on a designated date. The oral component of the<br />
comprehensive examination is scheduled one to two (1-2) weeks following the written<br />
component.<br />
14
Comprehensive Examination Timeline For June Exam<br />
October<br />
Email invitation to students to identify<br />
themselves for June exam<br />
Early November In the fall prior to the June exam<br />
students and the Committee will<br />
meet to discuss the code of<br />
conduct, the process for selecting<br />
a topic and the peer reviewed<br />
articles.<br />
Selection of Comps student<br />
contact person<br />
Late January Comps student contact will advise<br />
the CEC of the proposed topic.<br />
All students planning to take<br />
exam must have filed<br />
Comprehensive Examination<br />
Clearance with <strong>PhD</strong> office<br />
Students begin the literature<br />
search.<br />
On or about The student contact will provide<br />
February 1 st the CEC with the following<br />
electronic copies of proposed<br />
reading list.<br />
Students will provide the<br />
Committee with a list of 12 peer<br />
reviewed articles, 3 per topic area<br />
as follows:<br />
Qualitative<br />
Quantitative<br />
Measurement<br />
On or about<br />
March 1 st<br />
Policy<br />
The Committee will meet and give<br />
feedback of either approval or the<br />
need for new articles<br />
The Comprehensive Examination<br />
Committee (CEC) will review the purpose,<br />
structure, timeline and student expectations<br />
for the examination.<br />
On review, the CEC may suggest<br />
alternate wording or alternate topic<br />
Comprehensive Exam Clearance Form is<br />
in the <strong>PhD</strong> Student Handbook<br />
Face to face or email discussion between<br />
comps students and CEC will take place<br />
until agreement reached – target March<br />
15 th .<br />
The CEC, in reviewing the proposed<br />
reading list, may identify gaps or other<br />
problems and request alternative or<br />
additional articles.<br />
March 15 th Approved reading list distributed Approved reading list goes to CEC<br />
Early June Comprehensive exam – written 9am – 3:30pm; 9am – 6pm for students with<br />
ESL or International Students.<br />
One wk post- Students move to the oral exam<br />
exam<br />
2 week postwritten<br />
exam<br />
Mid June<br />
Oral examination with CEC<br />
Approx. 30 minutes each<br />
Post Oral exam<br />
Examination results communicated to<br />
students by doctoral program director<br />
Results sent electronically and confirmed in<br />
writing by the <strong>PhD</strong> Program Director.<br />
15
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION<br />
Description of Comprehensive Examination<br />
Upon identification of the students who will take the examination, the Chair of the CEC will<br />
convene a meeting with the students to review the comprehensive examination process. The<br />
students taking the exam will together select a single topic area and a reading list of 12<br />
research articles from the relevant health care literature on this topic. The CEC approves the<br />
final reading list for the examination, with the prerogative of adding or deleting from the list.<br />
Examination questions are based on the selected topic area and reading list, and cover<br />
research design and measurement, health policy, concept development, interdisciplinary<br />
research competencies, and other core components of the required <strong>PhD</strong> courses.<br />
Detailed instructions will be communicated 1 week prior to the exam via E-mail. Students<br />
should email the program administrator with any questions or concerns about the exam,<br />
process or timeline. The program administrator will convey communications from the<br />
Comprehensive Examination Committee to the students. <strong>PhD</strong> students are expected (honor<br />
system) not to discuss the written or oral exam questions with each other until all students have<br />
completed their exams.<br />
Written Component<br />
The first part of the examination consists of a written, closed-book examination, prepared by the<br />
members of the CEC and other faculty. The CEC will provide the student with clean copies of<br />
the selected articles on the morning of the exam. The same written examination will be given to<br />
all students who sit for the examination in a given session. A student may opt out of the<br />
examination, at any time, including the day of the examination, before reviewing the test<br />
question.<br />
The examination is proctored by the Chair of the committee or designee. On the morning of the<br />
examination, students meet at the designated area at 8:30am.<br />
Room assignment will be given on the day of the exam. Students will be provided with a laptop<br />
or desktop computer without Internet access and with the current version of Word as well as<br />
pen and paper. Do not bring into the exam room the following:<br />
Electronic devices including cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers<br />
Backpacks, handbags or other personal belongings<br />
Students may not bring any reference material to the examination, except in the case of ESL<br />
students who may bring an English Dictionary.<br />
The proctor provides students new copies of the article and a blank flash drive. Students<br />
complete the examination on the computer hard drive and copy the completed written<br />
examination to the flash drive. Upon completion of the written examination, the student gives<br />
the flash drive to the Program Administrator. The student will receive a paper copy of their<br />
exam answers.<br />
If you go over the time a proctor will let you know that time is up. Be mindful of your time and<br />
save all work at least five minutes before the end of the exam.<br />
In answering the questions, students are expected to draw on the required reading list, and are<br />
expected to integrate content from multiple foundation doctoral courses. Students may be<br />
16
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION<br />
directed to prepare answers to all of the questions, or may be allowed to choose from among<br />
several questions. Students should cite the work of authorities in the field and take defensible<br />
positions on key conceptual, methodological and substantive issues. Answers must be written<br />
in complete, coherent and grammatically correct sentences and paragraphs.<br />
Students are given a total of six and a half hours for the written examination. Students for<br />
whom English is not a first language can petition the Director of the <strong>PhD</strong> Program for additional<br />
time (up to a total of nine hours). The exam begins promptly at 9am and ends at 3:30pm.<br />
International students also start the exam at 9am and end at 6pm. Students with disabilities<br />
registered with the Office of Student Services may request that information on approved<br />
accommodations be provided to the Comprehensive Examination Committee, and that relevant<br />
accommodations be provided.<br />
Oral Component<br />
The oral component of the examination provides an opportunity for the student to clarify and<br />
amplify responses on the written exam. During the oral component, additional questions will be<br />
posed to further test the student’s mastery of the basic elements of nursing science, and to test<br />
the ability to apply these elements to the chosen specialty area.<br />
Grading of the Comprehensive Examination<br />
The CEC determines if the students’ ability to organize and present answers that are<br />
comprehensive, accurate, logically consistent, scholarly, and reflective of knowledge of current<br />
and relevant literature. Passing is based on the students' ability to think critically, which is<br />
reflected in both verbal and written responses.<br />
Comprehensive exam are not given letter grades and students’ earn either a pass, minimal pass<br />
or fail. The written examination is reviewed by the three members of the comprehensive<br />
examination committee. The oral examination provides an opportunity for the student to expand<br />
on the responses provided in the written examination and address questions developed by the<br />
examiners during review of the written examination.<br />
No more than 3 days after the last student has completed the oral phase of the examination, the<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> program director informs each student in writing of the committee decision regarding grade<br />
of pass or fail on the comprehensive examination. The CEC will provide a brief written<br />
statement of areas of deficiency to any student who does not pass the examination. Students<br />
who do not pass the examination may retake the examination one time, at the next scheduled<br />
time. It is expected that the advisor and student develop a remediation plan to prepare for the<br />
next examination. Students who receive a “minimal pass” grade (see below) for the<br />
examination on the second attempt will be dismissed from the program.<br />
Comprehensive Examination Process<br />
Students who receive a minimal pass the first time will be given an option of either taking the<br />
exam a second time OR receiving the MPhil degree and terminating their doctoral study. If they<br />
receive a minimal pass on the oral component of comps on the second attempt they will receive<br />
the MPhil, but cannot continue in the <strong>PhD</strong> program.<br />
17
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PROCESS<br />
Written Examination<br />
Oral Examination<br />
Pass<br />
Minimal Pass<br />
M.Phil: Proceed to<br />
Dissertation Work<br />
Retake Comps<br />
M.Phil: Exit<br />
Program<br />
Pass<br />
Minimal<br />
Pass<br />
M.Phil:<br />
Proceed to<br />
Dissertation<br />
Work<br />
M.Phil: Exit<br />
Program<br />
18
APPLYING FOR THE MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE<br />
ADMISSION TO PHD CANDIDACY<br />
The Master of Philosophy degree (M.Phil.) is awarded after taking the comprehensive<br />
examination. The student must submit an M.Phil. Degree application to the <strong>PhD</strong> Program<br />
Director (Appendix D.1) attesting to the completion of all prerequisites, including all required<br />
course work completed over a minimum of four full-time semesters at <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
(to fulfill required GSAS residency units for students with advanced standing) and at least<br />
one attempt at both the written and oral components of the comprehensive examination.<br />
M.Phil. Degrees*<br />
Conferral Date<br />
Wednesday, October 17, 2012<br />
Wednesday, February 6, 2013<br />
Wednesday, May 15, 2013<br />
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT:<br />
Wednesday, May 15, 2013<br />
*Candidates who have completed all the necessary requirements should apply through their departments<br />
in order to receive the M.Phil. degree. Applications for the M.Phil. degree can be filed at any point in the<br />
calendar year. Degrees are conferred three times during the academic year—in October, February, and<br />
May. Convocation and Commencement ceremonies are held in May.<br />
For students proceeding to <strong>PhD</strong> candidacy, the M.Phil. application form, once signed by the<br />
Program Director is then forwarded by the Program Administrator to the Dissertation Officer in<br />
the GSAS Dean’s Office. As is the case for other CUMC <strong>PhD</strong> Programs, there is no language<br />
proficiency requirement for the Nursing <strong>PhD</strong> degree.<br />
NOTE: It is a GSAS expectation that students submit their dissertation proposal within 6 months<br />
after completion of the MPhil degree. The Dissertation Office of the Graduate School of Arts and<br />
Sciences (GSAS) provides advanced doctoral candidates with dissertation guidelines and forms<br />
including the application to defend the dissertation and the final deposit and award of the Ph.D.<br />
degree. http://gsas.columbia.edu/dissertations<br />
The Dissertation Office is located in 107 Low Memorial Library, 535 West 116 th Street, and is<br />
open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM—4:45 PM. (FAX: 212-854-2863).<br />
http://gsas.columbia.edu/dissertations<br />
Salvo Candela<br />
Academic Affairs Officer<br />
sc2858@columbia.edu<br />
(212) 854-2866<br />
Esmeralda McCormick<br />
Dissertation Secretary<br />
es183@columbia.edu<br />
(212) 854-2854<br />
19
DISSERTATION SPONSOR<br />
The Dissertation Sponsor (http://gsas.columbia.edu/content/faculty-sponsorshipdissertation)<br />
A sponsor of a dissertation is defined as a faculty member approved by the student’s<br />
department/program to guide dissertation research and to participate at the defense (as one of<br />
the required three members of the GSAS Faculty.) The faculty member must be involved on a<br />
continuing basis in doctoral instruction and research. No faculty member may sponsor a<br />
dissertation unless he or she has been nominated by a Doctoral Program faculty and approved<br />
by the Executive Committee of the Graduate School and the GSAS Dean.<br />
NOTE: Adjunct faculty in GSAS departments/programs are eligible to serve as sponsors,<br />
provided that a full-time <strong>Columbia</strong> faculty member who is an approved sponsor serves as a cosponsor<br />
and accepts that designation as a genuine responsibility. The co-sponsorship proviso<br />
reflects the GSAS Executive Committee's conviction that all <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong> dissertations<br />
should be sponsored or co-sponsored by regular full-time faculty members.<br />
The list of approved Faculty Sponsors in the School of Nursing is below. The dissertation<br />
sponsor is usually an expert in the substantive area of the student’s research; in some cases,<br />
the sponsor may be expert in the methodology of the dissertation or a closely related area. In<br />
such a case, the remainder of the dissertation committee will provide expertise related to the<br />
substantive area of the students’ dissertation project. Students should consult with several<br />
qualified faculty to determine who are the most appropriate in terms of expertise and working<br />
styles. During the dissertation phase, the sponsor will provide academic advisement as well as<br />
dissertation guidance.<br />
20
APPROVED DISSERTATION SPONSORS AND RESEARCH INTERESTS<br />
Suzanne Bakken, DNSc RN, FAAN<br />
Bobbie Berkowitz, <strong>PhD</strong>, RN, CNAA, FAAN<br />
Mary Byrne, <strong>PhD</strong><br />
Elizabeth Cohn, DNSc<br />
Richard Garfield, DrPH<br />
Judy Honig, EdD, DNP<br />
Haomaio Jia, <strong>PhD</strong><br />
Joan A. Kearney, <strong>PhD</strong><br />
Elaine Larson, <strong>PhD</strong><br />
Robert Lucero, <strong>PhD</strong><br />
Jacqueline Merrill, DNSc<br />
Mary Mundinger, DrPH<br />
Lusine Poghosyan, <strong>PhD</strong><br />
Nancy Reame, <strong>PhD</strong>, MSN<br />
Arlene Smaldone, DNSc, CPNP, CDE<br />
Janice Smolowitz, EdD, DNP<br />
Patricia W. Stone, <strong>PhD</strong><br />
Nursing Informatics: Tailoring Interventions to Patient<br />
Profiles<br />
Public Health Nursing Practice, Health Disparities,<br />
Public Health Systems and Services Research, Health<br />
Policy<br />
Compromised Infants/Child, Parenting, Early<br />
Childhood Development, International Health, Clinical<br />
Education<br />
Health equity and the social determinants of health in<br />
urban populations.<br />
The representation of minorities and women in clinical<br />
and behavioral research.<br />
Community Health, International Health<br />
School age Children - Health Promotion, Screening for<br />
Depression in Primary Care<br />
Biostatistics, Epidemiologic Research<br />
Infant , Child and Adolescent Mental Health,<br />
Developmental Psychopathology, High Risk<br />
Parent/Child Populations<br />
Infection Control, Hand washing and Barrier Protection<br />
Nursing Care Quality<br />
Patient Safety in Hospitals and Communities<br />
Knowledge Discovery using Informatics Methods in<br />
Health Services Research<br />
Public Health, Informatics<br />
Public Health Workforce and Infrastructure<br />
Health Information Technology<br />
Organizational Management<br />
Emergency Response and Preparedness<br />
Information Visualization<br />
Health Policy, Health Services Research<br />
Health Care Workforce, Health Policy, Primary Care,<br />
Organizational Impact<br />
Women’s Health; Bioethics of Reproduction;<br />
Menopause<br />
Child Health<br />
Pediatric chronic disease self-management<br />
Diabetes and Hypertension Management, Quality<br />
Improvement; Parkinson’s Disease<br />
Cost-Effectiveness Research, Patient Safety, Nurse<br />
Work Environment, Quality Outcomes, Comparative<br />
Effectiveness Research<br />
21
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL<br />
Students commence work on planning the dissertation research and preparing the proposal<br />
before taking the comprehensive examination, often in conjunction with course assignments and<br />
independent study experiences. Students should plan to submit the dissertation proposal to the<br />
dissertation committee within six months of completing the comprehensive examination. The<br />
student generally registers for Dissertation Seminar in the semester immediately following the<br />
comprehensive examination, and uses the seminar as a resource in developing the proposal<br />
Steps in the Dissertation Process<br />
The dissertation process following successful completion of the comprehensive examination<br />
includes:<br />
• preparation of proposal<br />
• proposal defense<br />
• acceptance of proposal<br />
• completion of the research<br />
• application to defend dissertation and selection of defense committee<br />
• defense of dissertation<br />
• final editing<br />
• final filing of dissertation<br />
Dissertation Proposal<br />
Preparation of a dissertation proposal is the first step in the process of conducting dissertation<br />
research. The proposal is a formal document detailing the problem to be studied, the purpose<br />
and specific aims for the project, the scientific background for the study, hypotheses to be<br />
tested and/or research questions to be answered, and the specific instrumentation, data<br />
sources, methods and procedures for carrying it out.<br />
The format for the proposal is determined by the student’s dissertation committee. One of the<br />
two following alternative formats will ordinarily be selected.<br />
a) The proposal is written so as to contain all of the information and detail that would<br />
ordinarily be found in the first three chapters of the dissertation (i.e., Introduction and<br />
Statement of the Problem, Review of Literature and Methodology) as outlined in<br />
Appendix E.<br />
b) The proposal is written in the format of a federal (e.g., National Institutes of Health)<br />
grant submission to include the following components: specific aims, background<br />
and significance, progress report/preliminary studies (if any), research design and<br />
methods, human subjects protections and any other relevant assurances, and<br />
literature cited.<br />
American Psychological Association (APA) format should be used for headings and citation<br />
references. At the discretion of the dissertation committee, the literature review for the proposal<br />
can be less comprehensive than that included in the dissertation; but should be presented in<br />
sufficient detail to establish the intellectual background and context for the research.<br />
The dissertation sponsor functions as the chair of the student’s dissertation committee and is<br />
the faculty member with primary responsibility for guiding and approving each phase of proposal<br />
development and the conduct of the research. Ordinarily the dissertation advisor reads and<br />
makes suggestions about preliminary drafts of the proposal before the “final” version of the<br />
proposal is distributed to the other members of the committee for review. It is expected that the<br />
22
entire committee meets at least once prior to the formal dissertation proposal defense.<br />
Dissertation proposals shall be approved in writing by the dissertation committee (Appendix E)<br />
following a formal Proposal Defense in which the proposed study is discussed. The approved<br />
proposal constitutes a “contract” with the student about what will be required for the dissertation<br />
research. Any unanticipated major modifications to the proposal must be approved in writing by<br />
the entire committee.<br />
A copy of the form approving the dissertation proposal (Appendix E) including the title of the<br />
proposal and committee shall be sent to the Office of the Director of the <strong>PhD</strong> Program.<br />
In order to submit the proposal, the student must have completed the literature review, begun<br />
the process of securing IRB approval for research regarding human subjects (ordinarily final<br />
approval cannot be secured until the proposal is approved by the dissertation committee), and<br />
possibly conducted pilot testing of instruments. Additionally, the student should have completed<br />
applications and submitted proposals for external funding of the dissertation research.<br />
Submission to <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong> Medical Center<br />
Institutional Review Board (IRB)<br />
Any doctoral student research involving human subjects, including reviews of patient records,<br />
must undergo IRB and/or HIPAA review.<br />
1. Policies and guidance for IRB submission can be found at<br />
http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/irb/policies/index.html#irb<br />
2. Consent forms, HIPAA forms, and IRB forms are completed through <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s<br />
Research Administration System (RASCAL), https://www.rascal.columbia.edu/<br />
3. Because the <strong>University</strong> assumes responsibility for any research conducted under its aegis, a<br />
faculty member must serve as principal investigator (PI), i.e. students may not be PIs.<br />
Following approval of the student’s research protocol (e.g. after successful completion of the<br />
doctoral proposal defense), the student should<br />
Discuss the protocol with his/her faculty dissertation sponsor and get the faculty<br />
member’s permission to be designated as PI;<br />
Prepare the IRB and/or HIPAA submission forms, designating his/her faculty advisor or<br />
dissertation sponsor as the PI and the student as the co-PI.<br />
o Designate the Associate Dean for Research (Larson) as the administrative<br />
approver of the proposal for the School of Nursing<br />
23
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL DEFENSE<br />
Dissertation Proposal Defense<br />
The dissertation proposal defense is a formal meeting of the dissertation committee during<br />
which the student is examined about the proposal and an agreement is reached about the<br />
specific nature of the proposed dissertation research. The student may be asked to answer<br />
questions about and defend any aspect of the proposal, including the choice of problem to be<br />
studied, the theoretical and empirical background for the study, methodology chosen (including<br />
instrumentation, design, statistics, etc.), and anticipated difficulties and ways to handle them.<br />
Because the proposed research reflects the students' understanding of the area of<br />
specialization and the integration of knowledge of various aspects of nursing science, as well as<br />
knowledge from disciplines relevant to the research topic; the proposal defense provides an<br />
opportunity for the dissertation committee to assess mastery of these areas. In addition, the<br />
proposal defense includes assessment of the quality and feasibility of the proposed research,<br />
and formal action to approve and/or recommend changes in the proposal. Ordinarily the<br />
dissertation proposal defense will not exceed two hours in length. Following the meeting the<br />
committee confers to determine the grade and any specific recommendations for revision of the<br />
dissertation proposal. The student is then informed of the committee’s decision.<br />
Evaluation of the student’s performance in the dissertation proposal defense takes into account<br />
evidence of familiarity with and ability to assess the most important literature (classical and<br />
current) in the field, ability to cite the work of authorities in the field, ability to articulate an take<br />
defensible positions on key conceptual/theoretical, substantive and methodological issues<br />
regarding the specialty and the area of research; evidence of critical and creative thinking about<br />
the specialty; and ability to present and defend plans for research that advances the field of<br />
study.<br />
Grading options for the dissertation proposal defense include Pass with Distinction, Pass,<br />
Conditional Pass and Fail. An unconditional passing grade (Pass with Distinction or Pass)<br />
signifies both acceptable (or outstanding) performance by the student in answering questions<br />
posed during the defense and an acceptable proposal for the dissertation research. A<br />
Conditional Pass signifies acceptable performance by the student in answering questions posed<br />
during the defense, but the need to revise the proposal based on the committee’s<br />
recommendations. The condition is removed once the committee agrees that the proposal is<br />
acceptable. A grade of Fail signifies unacceptable performance by the student in answering<br />
questions posed during the defense or an unacceptable proposal requiring major revision.<br />
Students who fail the dissertation proposal defense on first attempt are permitted to submit a<br />
revised copy of the dissertation proposal and to repeat the defense no sooner than one month<br />
and no longer than six months after the initial defense. A student who fails the dissertation<br />
proposal defense a second time or who does not make the required changes and re-defend the<br />
proposal within the designated time frame will be terminated from the <strong>PhD</strong> program.<br />
The results of the dissertation proposal defense are reported to the Director of the <strong>PhD</strong> Program<br />
using the form in Appendix E, which can be downloaded from the GSAS website:<br />
http://gsas.columbia.edu/content/forms-library<br />
24
DISSERTATION DEFENSE<br />
IRB Approval<br />
Following approval of the dissertation proposal, the student is expected to seek Institutional<br />
Review Board (IRB) approval (if indicated), and is responsible for becoming familiar with and<br />
following all IRB precautions and procedures for protection of human subjects. Data collection<br />
CANNOT begin until the study receives full IRB approval from the <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong>/New<br />
York-Presbyterian Hospital IRB, as well as from IRBs of all institutions/settings in which data<br />
collection will occur. For purposes of the <strong>Columbia</strong> IRB, the dissertation sponsor is considered<br />
to be the Principal Investigator of the study; however, this in no way diminishes the student’s<br />
responsibility for participating fully in the process of securing IRB approval for the research.<br />
THE DISSERTATION DEFENSE PHASE<br />
The dissertation research, report, and oral defense are the culminating and most important<br />
requirements of the <strong>PhD</strong> program. The dissertation itself is the written report of an original and<br />
independent research project that is designed to contribute toward the advancement of nursing<br />
science. The research should yield improved understanding of a significant phenomenon or<br />
problem in the student’s specialty area that is related to advanced nursing practice and/or health<br />
policy. The dissertation research topic is chosen by the student with the advice and approval of<br />
the dissertation sponsor (dissertation chair) and committee. The specific methodologies to be<br />
used in the dissertation research depend on the nature of the topic being studied and the<br />
availability of supervisory faculty expertise.<br />
Because the <strong>PhD</strong> in Nursing degree is granted by the Graduate School of <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong>,<br />
all policies, regulations and rules for the development of the dissertation and its defense are<br />
governed by GSAS. Information on each step of the dissertation phase is available in 107 Low<br />
Memorial Library and on the GSAS website at<br />
http://gsas.columbia.edu/dissertations<br />
The steps in the Dissertation Defense phase include:<br />
Registration and application<br />
Nominations and Appointments of the Defense Committee<br />
Scheduling the Defense<br />
Distributing Dissertation Copies<br />
Defense and Evaluation<br />
Award of the Degree<br />
25
DISTRIBUTION, DEFENSE AND DEPOSIT<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
All of the steps below can take place at any time during the year. However, if you are aiming to<br />
receive your degree at a specific degree conferral (October, February or May), you must follow a<br />
set of deadlines for that conferral. These deadlines are available online here. Please note also<br />
that these steps are intended to be a general guideline for the distribution, defense, and deposit,<br />
but it is your responsibility to review the more detailed policies on the Dissertation Office<br />
webpages.<br />
1. Get in touch with your department or program's office. Your program administrator<br />
should be your first stop when preparing to distribute and defend. They are knowledgeable about<br />
GSAS policies, and can advise you on any program requirements that go beyond GSAS rules.<br />
2. Declare your intent to distribute and defend. Every Ph.D. student must submit the Intent to<br />
Distribute and Defend form. This form tells us that you understand all the policies and<br />
procedures regarding the dissertation defense, and allows us to ensure you are registered<br />
correctly, and that we send you information in early April about Convocation and<br />
Commencement. Every student who is planning to distribute and defend must submit this<br />
form directly to GSAS. The form can be downloaded here.<br />
3. Discuss with your sponsor (advisor) to determine your five-person examining<br />
committee. Guidelines for the nomination and appointment of the defense committee are<br />
available here. Any questions about committee composition should be directed either to your<br />
Chair, DGS, ADA, or to the Dissertation Office. Please note that GSAS policy states that<br />
students should NOT be put in the position of approaching faculty members about serving on<br />
their committee. This is the responsibility of the sponsor and/or department.<br />
4. Your department or program (not the student!) submits the five names of your proposed<br />
committee to GSAS for approval. The Application for Dissertation Defense form is signed by<br />
your department or program's Chair or Director of Graduate Studies, and is submitted by your<br />
program's office to the GSAS Dissertation Office. The form is available online here.<br />
5. Your department or program (not the student!) schedules the defense.<br />
6. Distribute final copies of your dissertation to your five examiners after your committee is<br />
approved. You must be registered for the semester in which your distribution takes place. This<br />
is your final semester of registration, even if your defense and deposit take place in a subsequent<br />
semester. Click here for more detailed information about final registration requirements.<br />
International students with questions about their registration and remaining in visa compliance<br />
should contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).<br />
7. Defend your dissertation. Please remember that during the actual examination, there should<br />
be no one present other than the five examiners and the doctoral candidate.<br />
8. Complete any required revisions. Students who receive a vote of "pass with minor<br />
revisions" are given a maximum of six months to complete these revisions and deposit their<br />
dissertation. For more detailed information, please consult this page.<br />
26
9. Obtain approval to deposit your dissertation. This is done using the Approval Card, given<br />
to you upon passing your defense. After your revisions are approved, the card must be signed by<br />
your sponsor, as well as your department Chair or program Director. These signatures allow you<br />
to deposit your dissertation.<br />
10. Deposit your dissertation with GSAS. This is the final step to earning the Ph.D. degree.<br />
Complete information regarding the deposit is available through the Deposit Gateway. You<br />
should also review the FAQ about the electronic deposit system.<br />
ELECTRONIC DEPOSIT<br />
Complete these four steps in any order, to complete your deposit:<br />
1. Complete the GSAS deposit application and pay the $85 processing fee;<br />
2. Submit the required Survey of Earned Doctorates online;<br />
3. Upload and submit a PDF copy of your dissertation;<br />
4. Obtain a signed Approval Card that certifies you have made all required revisions and<br />
that the dissertation has been approved for deposit by your sponsor and by your doctoral<br />
program.<br />
There are specific formatting requirements for your dissertation. Please click here to read<br />
the GSAS guide to formatting.<br />
The deadline for depositing your dissertation is six months from the date of your defense.<br />
If you wish to receive your degree at a particular degree conferral (October, February, or May)<br />
please click here for the relevant deadlines for each conferral.<br />
FAQs about the Electronic Deposit<br />
Will paper copies of dissertations be available through the <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong><br />
Libraries?<br />
Dissertations will be made available online, through the <strong>University</strong>'s research repository,<br />
Academic Commons, which will be considered the repository of record for <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s<br />
Ph.D., D.M.A., D.E.S., D.N.Sc., and J.S.D. dissertations. All deposited dissertations will have a<br />
catalog entry in CLIO (<strong>Columbia</strong>’s library database). J.S.D. dissertations will also be cataloged<br />
in Pegasus (the Law Library’s database). Ph.D. dissertations from Teachers College programs<br />
will be housed in the Academic Commons as well as in the Teachers College library's academic<br />
repository, Pocket Knowledge.<br />
Please visit:<br />
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/sub/dissertation/deposit/edeposit/index.html<br />
For other frequently asked questions about electronic deposit.<br />
27
Degree Calendar for 2012-2013<br />
Ph.D. Degrees<br />
Defense<br />
Intent to Defend<br />
Application<br />
Deadline<br />
Deadline<br />
Deposit Deadline<br />
Conferral Date<br />
August 6, 2012 September 4, 2012 October 15, 2012 October 19, 2012<br />
December 3, 2012 December 17, 2012 February 4, 2013 February 8, 2013<br />
March 1, 2012 April 12, 2013 May 10, 2013 May 15, 2013<br />
* Convocation: May 12, 2013 (Consult GSAS website after September 1, 2012 for May deadlines)<br />
Ph.D. degrees are conferred three times during the academic year—in October, February, and<br />
May. Students intending to defend the Ph.D. dissertation must file an Application for<br />
Dissertation Defense in their departments (see above for suggested deadlines). The defense<br />
application is used in place of a Ph.D. degree application. When the faculty committee has<br />
certified that the student has passed the dissertation defense, the candidate must, in order to<br />
receive the degree, arrange with the Dissertation Officer (107 Low Memorial Library) for the<br />
deposit of the dissertation. Please visit: Dissertation Office | <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong> | Graduate<br />
School of Arts and Sciences<br />
Registration for U.S. Students<br />
U.S. citizens must be registered during the term (including summer) in which they distribute the<br />
defense copies of the dissertation (as approved for defense by the sponsor) to the five approved<br />
defense committee members. See Distributing Dissertation Copies. Provided that all required<br />
Residence Units are paid, students who are distributing and/or defending must register for either<br />
Matriculation & Facilities or Extended Residence. Students who are defending while on teaching<br />
or research appointments, or who are also completing pre-dissertation degree requirements,<br />
must register for Extended Residence; other students should register for Matriculation and<br />
Facilities. These rules apply to the summer as well as to the fall and spring semesters. The<br />
semester in which distribution occurs is the last semester in which a student is permitted to<br />
register.<br />
If U.S. students distribute any time between the first day of the Fall semester and the day<br />
before the start of the Spring semester, their final registration is in the Fall semester.<br />
If U.S. students distribute any time between the start of the Spring semester and the day<br />
before the start of Summer Session, their final registration is in the Spring. If U.S. students<br />
distribute any time between the start of Summer session and the day before the start of the<br />
Fall semester, their final registration is in the Summer.<br />
Registration for International Students in F-1 or J-1 status<br />
International students must be registered during the term (including summer) in which they<br />
distribute the defense copies of the dissertation (as approved for defense by the sponsor) to the<br />
five approved defense committee members. The semester in which distribution occurs is the<br />
last semester in which a student is permitted to register. International students in F-1 or J-1<br />
status must consult with the International Students and Scholars Office regarding their<br />
registration requirements.<br />
28
Registration for All Students<br />
All students must submit page one of the Intent to Defend form by the respective deadline.<br />
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/sub/dissertation/forms/dates/index.html.<br />
The Application for Dissertation Defense is due at the time of distribution and at least four<br />
weeks prior to the dissertation defense.<br />
The student signs and submits the Intent to Defend form to the Dissertation Office in 107 Low,<br />
and submits the Application for Dissertation Defense to the professor or administrator<br />
responsible for organizing the defense committee. The organizer of the committee enters the<br />
names of the defense committee members, obtains the Department/Program Chair’s signature,<br />
and gives the form to the Program Administrator for submission to the Dissertation Office. After<br />
receiving the Application for Dissertation Defense the Dissertation Officer confirms that the<br />
candidate has received the M.Phil. degree, and was registered when distribution of the<br />
defense copy occurred. The Dissertation Officer also confirms that the committee, as<br />
proposed by the department/program, is in accordance with GSAS rules on committee<br />
composition.<br />
Nomination and Appointment of the Defense Committee<br />
A full discussion of the appointment process for committee members can be found at:<br />
www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/sub/dissertation/rules/nomination/index.html<br />
It is important to note that: 1) the student must not be involved in the selection of<br />
committee members; this is the role of the sponsor, working with the Program Director;<br />
2) committee members must be approved by their schools/depts.; 3) special terms apply<br />
to “interdisciplinary” committees where the external member may come from inside the<br />
school but outside the field. When in doubt, consult with the <strong>PhD</strong> Program<br />
Administrator.<br />
Scheduling the Defense<br />
No defense shall be scheduled until the dissertation sponsor (and second reader) and<br />
department/program chair by signing the defense application have signified that, in their<br />
judgment, the dissertation is acceptable enough to warrant a defense and final examination. A<br />
decision by the sponsor (and second reader) that a dissertation warrants a defense does not<br />
necessarily indicate how either would vote after the dissertation defense.<br />
The GSAS Dissertation Office does NOT schedule dissertation defenses for the <strong>PhD</strong> in Nursing;<br />
these are scheduled by the <strong>PhD</strong> Program Director. This occurs after a proposed defense<br />
committee has been approved by the Director and after copies of the dissertation have been<br />
distributed to members of the defense committee. No student may schedule his or her own<br />
defense.<br />
Once the defense time, date and place have been set, this information is forwarded to the<br />
GSAS Dissertation Officer who prints the Voting Sheet and sends it, along with copyright,<br />
formatting and deposit information (described below) to the <strong>PhD</strong> Program Office (“blue folder”).<br />
During the defense, committee members indicate their votes on and sign this voting sheet,<br />
which becomes a formal record of the Graduate School. The department/program returns the<br />
signed Voting Sheet to the Dissertation Office: the voting sheet should not be given to the<br />
student. The candidate receives all deposit materials at the conclusion of the defense.<br />
29
Distributing Dissertation Copies<br />
Students should note the registration requirements (above) pertaining to the distribution of the<br />
dissertation. The student must distribute copies of the dissertation to defense committee<br />
members at least four weeks before the anticipated defense date so that committee members<br />
have time to read the dissertation thoroughly before the defense. If a particular conferral date is<br />
desired, the candidate should be careful to distribute the copies early enough to allow<br />
committee members time to read the dissertation at least four weeks in advance of the defense<br />
date.<br />
Following approval of the dissertation for defense, the student or the department/ program<br />
should give a copy of the dissertation to each of the five members of the approved defense<br />
committee. These copies should be in individual 8 ½” x 11” boxes. The department/program or<br />
dissertation sponsor must notify the Dissertation Office when all committee members have<br />
received their copies. This will trigger the release of the Blue Folder containing the voting sheet<br />
to the <strong>PhD</strong> Program Office. Students are not allowed to be involved in the retrieval of the blue<br />
folder from the GSAS Office.<br />
Each distribution copy of the dissertation must be complete with bibliography, abstract, table of<br />
contents, as department/program guidelines dictate. The copies should be neat, without lengthy<br />
ink insertions or corrections and can be on ordinary copy paper. Students should not use<br />
colored or lined paper. The Dissertation Office does not usually examine the defense copy, but<br />
students should keep in mind that their committee will look at style and neatness. Objections to<br />
the format of the defense copy raised by a committee member must be addressed before<br />
the defense is scheduled.<br />
Defense and Evaluation<br />
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences requires that all doctoral dissertations undergo a<br />
formal examination in which the student has the opportunity to discuss and defend the<br />
dissertation with respect to its sources, findings, interpretations, and conclusions before a<br />
committee of faculty knowledgeable in the student's field of research. All faculty members of the<br />
defense committee are expected to be present at the defense.<br />
Only the candidate and the approved members of the dissertation defense committee<br />
may be present during the defense. <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong> policy never allows spectators or<br />
other individuals to attend a defense. There are no exceptions to this rule.<br />
The defense must be conducted in English.<br />
A committee is permitted to convene in the absence of one member only in cases of extreme<br />
circumstance or emergency. If a member of a committee will not be able to attend the defense,<br />
the Dissertation Officer must be notified prior to the defense to obtain approval of the Dean. A<br />
defense may not be conducted without the chair of the defense or the sponsor physically<br />
present. If the Dean grants permission for the defense to take place, the absent member is<br />
required to write a detailed letter containing all comments and questions that would normally be<br />
raised at the defense and his or her provisional vote. The Chair of the committee will present<br />
these questions to the candidate and rule on the candidate's responses.<br />
If the emergency that prevents the member from being present cannot be anticipated, the<br />
absent member is requested to comply with the regulations above as soon as possible AFTER<br />
the defense. The vote will not be considered final until the required letter is submitted to the<br />
Dean's Office by the absent member of the committee.<br />
30
The examination normally lasts two hours. The candidate is generally asked to begin by<br />
summarizing the pertinent background and findings. Such summaries should be limited to five<br />
minutes. The Chair of the Committee is responsible for allotting time, normally allowing each<br />
faculty member 20 minutes in which to examine the candidate.<br />
Typically examiners provide lists of points they wish to discuss. These points are either<br />
substantial or editorial. Unless it is necessary to show that a very poorly written dissertation<br />
must be entirely rewritten, examiners should not take up these editorial comments one by one.<br />
Examiners should give their sheets of notes on these matters to the candidate, leaving time to<br />
examine matters of substance.<br />
When all examiners have finished their questioning, the Chair asks the candidate to step<br />
outside and wait for a signal to return. The committee rises on the candidate's leaving and<br />
entering.<br />
During the discussion period, the Committee makes its decision on the defense. The three<br />
possible decisions are Pass, Incomplete or Fail.<br />
The Vote: Pass, Incomplete or Fail<br />
Pass:<br />
The dissertation is deemed acceptable subject to minor revisions.<br />
The dissertation is revised by the candidate in light of the comments made by the committee,<br />
and the revisions are supervised by the student's sponsor. Usually it is not necessary to seek<br />
approval from the defense committee for minor revisions, provided the approval card is signed<br />
by the sponsor and department/program chair. The defense committee, however, reserves the<br />
right to review those revisions. Upon completion of the required revisions, the candidate is<br />
recommended for the degree.<br />
The candidate must complete all revisions and deposit the dissertation no later than six months<br />
from the date of the dissertation defense. A unanimous vote or a vote with only one dissent in a<br />
lower column constitutes a pass. In the case of three votes for pass and two for incomplete or<br />
fail, the voting sheet and dissertation must be submitted to the Dean for review and the<br />
candidate should be informed that the committee's vote was not conclusive and he/she should<br />
await further communication from the Dean.<br />
Incomplete:<br />
The dissertation is deemed acceptable subject to major revisions. Upon completion and<br />
acceptance of the required revisions, the defense is considered to be successful and the vote is<br />
changed to Pass.<br />
Where a dissertation is considered incomplete (i.e. acceptable subject to major revisions,) the<br />
Chair of the Defense Committee is required to form a revisions subcommittee made up of one to<br />
three members of the original committee, whose names must be entered as such on the Voting<br />
Sheet. Usually the sponsor of the dissertation is chair of the subcommittee; the other members<br />
should be those committee members who have made the most extensive objections to the text<br />
as it stands. When the student has finished the major revisions, he or she must submit the<br />
revised dissertation to each of the members of the revisions subcommittee. Specified revisions<br />
must be made and the approved copies submitted to the revisions subcommittee no earlier than<br />
three months and no later than one year after the defense unless otherwise directed by the<br />
31
committee. If the revised dissertation is accepted by the subcommittee, each member of the<br />
revisions subcommittee must confirm acceptance in writing to the Dissertation Office. Once all<br />
these letters arrive, the Dissertation Officer changes the vote from “Incomplete” to “Pass,” and<br />
the candidate may deposit the dissertation.<br />
Fail:<br />
The dissertation is deemed unacceptable and the candidate is not recommended for the<br />
degree. No candidate may have a second defense unless the Dean considers, upon the<br />
evidence provided, that the first one involved procedural irregularities.<br />
Pass with Distinction<br />
After the committee decides to the acceptability of the dissertation, they address the question of<br />
awarding the degree "with distinction." A vote on this question will be taken by secret ballot. For<br />
a degree to be awarded "with distinction" the ballots must be unanimous.<br />
If the examining committee votes to award distinction, a member of the examining committee<br />
other than the sponsor must prepare a letter to the Dean outlining the qualities of the<br />
dissertation that merit the award of distinction, including the nature of its contribution to<br />
scholarship in its field and its broader significance as a contribution to learning. The Dean's<br />
Office, which acts on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Graduate School, will maintain a<br />
file of such letters of support for review.<br />
Although there can be no rigorous quota on the number of dissertations awarded distinction, the<br />
standard of merit should be such that no more than ten percent of dissertations receive<br />
distinction. The dissertation may be recommended for distinction only by the original examining<br />
committee.<br />
A student whose degree is awarded "with distinction" shall, upon final deposit of his or her<br />
dissertation, receive a letter of commendation from the Dean; the student's permanent transcript<br />
and the Doctoral Convocation program shall be annotated accordingly.<br />
Emergency Absentee<br />
A committee is permitted to convene in the absence of one member only in cases of extreme<br />
circumstance or emergency. The absent member may not be the Ph.D. candidate's sponsor, or<br />
the chair of the committee. If a member of a committee will not be able to attend the<br />
defense, the Dissertation Officer must be notified prior to the defense to obtain approval<br />
of the Dean of GSAS. If the Dean grants permission for the defense to take place, the absent<br />
member is required to write a detailed letter containing all comments and questions that would<br />
normally be raised at the defense and his or her provisional vote. The Chair of the committee<br />
will present these questions to the candidate, rule on the candidate’s responses, and signs the<br />
voting sheet in the absent committee member’s name.<br />
If the emergency that prevents the member from being present cannot be anticipated, the<br />
absent member is requested to comply with the regulations above as soon as possible AFTER<br />
the defense. The vote will not be considered final until the required letter has been submitted to<br />
the Dean’s Office by the absent member of the committee.<br />
32
Questions, comments and a vote must be submitted in writing even if the absent committee<br />
member participates via conference-call. The dissertation office cannot make arrangements for<br />
conference call set-up, projectors or audio equipment.<br />
Award of the Degree<br />
After the successful defense and complete deposit of the dissertation, the degree is awarded on<br />
the next subsequent conferral date, in October, February or May of each year. Please provide<br />
an electronic copy of your dissertation to the <strong>PhD</strong> Office after you have deposited.<br />
The student should clear all outstanding accounts, including those in Student Financial<br />
Services, Health Services, <strong>Columbia</strong> Information Technology, the Library and the Registrar’s<br />
Office.<br />
Celebrations for candidates from these three conferral dates are held once each year in May:<br />
degree candidates are invited to robe and march in the annual Doctoral Convocation in the<br />
Graduate School and <strong>University</strong> Commencement. There are no conferral ceremonies held in<br />
October or February. At the time of deposit, all candidates will receive a letter from the Dean's<br />
Office certifying completion of all academic requirements for the doctoral degree.<br />
33
RESOURCES<br />
CENTERS AT THE SCHOOL OF NURSING<br />
The following Centers, established within or closely aligned with the School of Nursing,<br />
represent important priorities of the institution, as well as focal areas of faculty expertise and<br />
research. Accordingly, they represent potential substantive specialty areas in which <strong>Columbia</strong><br />
<strong>University</strong> School of Nursing doctoral students can receive particularly rich experiences.<br />
The Center for Health Policy<br />
Director: Pat Stone, RN, <strong>PhD</strong>, FAAN<br />
The center adds the perspective of scholarly nursing domestic and international issues of health<br />
services and health policy. The center is engaged in collaboration with other Centers at<br />
<strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong> including the <strong>University</strong>-wide Public Policy Consortium, and with leading<br />
Nursing Schools and related policy centers around the world. The Center sponsors policy<br />
dialogues for School of Nursing faculty and students and engages in inter-disciplinary policy<br />
research with the other health science schools of the <strong>University</strong>. The Center has received predoctoral<br />
funding from the National Institutes of Health and is participating in the <strong>Columbia</strong> Public<br />
Policy Forum (including support of a Public Policy Fellow).<br />
The WHO Collaboration Center for International Development of Advanced Practice<br />
Nursing<br />
Director: Richard Garfield, Dr. PH, F.A.A.N<br />
Admin Director: Sarah Sheets Cook, DNP Senior Associate Dean and Professor of<br />
Clinical Nursing<br />
The School joins collaboration nursing centers in the western hemisphere and over 30 plus<br />
centers throughout the world, in developing programs and models for advanced practice nursing<br />
research and education among international colleagues. The Center has a close working<br />
relationship with the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization in<br />
relation the themes of its terms of reference in advanced practice nursing, preparedness training<br />
for nurses and others, and the monitoring of humanitarian conditions in areas of crisis.<br />
Reducing Health Disparities Through Informatics<br />
Director: Suzanne Bakken, RN, DNSc, FAAN; Co-Director: George Hripcsak, MD<br />
CEBP’s affiliated pre-and post-doctoral training program, Reducing Health Disparities Through<br />
Informatics (RHeaDI) aims to: 1) Recruit and train a qualified cadre of ethnically-diverse nurses<br />
(predoctoral and postdoctoral) to conduct interdisciplinary research focused on the use of<br />
informatics to reduce health disparities and facilitate evidence-based practice in underserved<br />
populations; and, 2) Enhance the knowledge and skills of predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees<br />
in translating research findings into practice and into health care policy to reduce health<br />
disparities and facilitate evidence-based practice in underserved populations. Through funding<br />
from the National Institute of Nursing Research (T32NR07969), RHeaDI provides the program<br />
trainees with a monthly stipend as well as partial tuition support.<br />
Qualifications<br />
Registered Nurse<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
American citizen or permanent resident of the United States<br />
Pre-doctoral: accepted as a pre-doctoral student in either the <strong>PhD</strong> program,<br />
<strong>Columbia</strong> School of Nursing, or the <strong>PhD</strong> program, Department of Biomedical<br />
Informatics<br />
Strong academic qualifications as evidenced by standardized test scores, grade<br />
34
Process<br />
<br />
<br />
point average, and letters of recommendation<br />
Full-time student (at least 9 credits for Fall and Spring semesters)<br />
Research focus congruent with the aims of the training program<br />
Ability to work approximately 20 hours per week on designated faculty research<br />
project<br />
Applications are available upon request from the Program Director.<br />
Appointment as a trainee is for one year and is renewable for a maximum of 4 years<br />
pre-doctoral and 3 years post-doctoral based upon adequate academic performance<br />
Center for Interdisciplinary Research related to Antimicrobial Resistance (CIRAR)<br />
Director: Elaine Larson, RN, <strong>PhD</strong>, FAAN, CIC<br />
While much progress has been made to control preventable infectious diseases, infections<br />
remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Many of the traditional treatments for common<br />
infections are no longer effective because of the fast-growing problem of antimicrobial<br />
resistance, first associated with hospitals, but increasingly widespread in the community.<br />
Antibiotic resistance is now a global problem of major concern. The ultimate goal of this Center<br />
for Interdisciplinary Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (CIRAR) is to develop strategies to<br />
implement and evaluate a long term collaborative program of interdisciplinary research on<br />
reducing antimicrobial resistance.<br />
The specific aims of the CIRAR are to:<br />
Plan, implement, and evaluate outcomes of a core program and curriculum to prepare<br />
biomedical researchers to conduct interdisciplinary research;<br />
Develop the expertise of CIRAR investigators in interdisciplinary research;<br />
Conduct interdisciplinary demonstration projects related to the prevention and control of<br />
antimicrobial resistance and evaluate their outcomes;<br />
Implement dissemination and implementation strategies that assure the sustainability<br />
and expansion of CIRAR's interdisciplinary research projects and programs; and<br />
Formalize plans for a sustainable Interdisciplinary Research Consortium for<br />
Antimicrobial Resistance.<br />
Center for Children and Families<br />
Director: Mary W. Byrne, Ph.D., MPH, FAAN Stone Foundation and Elise Fish Professor<br />
of Health Care for the Underserved<br />
The mission of the Center for Children and Families is to improve the health of children and<br />
families at risk through the generation and sharing of clinical and research knowledge,<br />
consultation, education, advocacy, and promotion of innovative clinical practice.<br />
The overall objective of this Center is to provide the infrastructure to inspire, promote, and<br />
integrate culturally sensitive research and practice that will ensure optimum health for children<br />
and their families.<br />
Clinical Resources<br />
In addition to New York Presbyterian Hospital and Harlem Hospital, the school has major clinical<br />
affiliations with New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Memorial Sloan-Kettering<br />
Cancer Center, St. Luke-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital and<br />
Montefiore Hospital as well as approximately 200 other clinical sites.<br />
Other Institutes and Centers<br />
<strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong> is privileged to sponsor a number of institutes and centers that engage in<br />
35
funded, interdisciplinary research and program development, sponsor workshops and courses,<br />
and act as a clearinghouse for information related to their specific focus. Faculty from the<br />
School of Nursing are members of most of these centers and institutes. Of particular interest to<br />
a <strong>PhD</strong> student would be the institutes and centers listed below:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research<br />
INCHOIR (International Center for Health Outcomes and Innovative Research)<br />
Women's Center<br />
American Law Institute<br />
Center for the Study of Alzheimer's Disease<br />
Center for the Behavioral and Clinical Study of AIDS/HIV<br />
Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology<br />
Center for Law and Economics<br />
Center for Neurobiology and Behavior<br />
Center for Research in Career Development<br />
Center for the Study of Society and Medicine<br />
Center for Human Rights<br />
Institute for Human Nutrition<br />
Institute for Study on Women and Gender<br />
Legislative Drafting Research Fund<br />
36
APPENDIX A<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> <strong>STUDENT</strong> <strong>PROGRAM</strong> PLANS OF STUDY: 2009 Cohort<br />
Typical Plan of Study for <strong>PhD</strong> Students Entering FALL, 2009<br />
Year Term Course Course<br />
Semester<br />
Cumulative<br />
Credit Credit Credits<br />
First Fall ‘09 TC5041 Nature & Practice of Science (replaces N9001<br />
3<br />
Nursing Foundations)<br />
N9354 Measurement<br />
3<br />
N9600 Legal and Ethical Issues<br />
3 9 9<br />
Spring‘09 N9103 Intro Biostatistics* 3<br />
N9301 Qualitative Research Methods 3<br />
N9300 Quantitative Research Methods<br />
3<br />
N9505 Research Practicum<br />
2<br />
N9265 Research Seminar<br />
1 12 21<br />
Second Fall ‘10 N9205 Analysis of Health Policy 3<br />
ELECTIVE #1* advanced statistics 3<br />
ELECTIVE #2 (dissertation topic) 3 9 30<br />
Spring‘11 N9506 Research Synthesis 2<br />
N9260 Building Interdisciplinary Research Methods 2<br />
N9 350 Concept Development 3 7 37<br />
Spring ‘10 Comprehensive Exam<br />
Third Fall ‘10 N9900 Dissertation Seminar 2<br />
N9840 Dissertation Research 4 6 43<br />
Spring‘12 N9840 Dissertation Research@ 4-8 4-8 47-51<br />
Fourth Fall ‘12 N9840 Dissertation Research@ 4-8 4-8 51-55<br />
Spring ‘13 N9840 Dissertation Research@ 4-8 4-8 55-59<br />
* = cross-registered with SP 6103; Nursing students must enroll in N9103<br />
** An elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam<br />
@ Students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of Dissertation Research, and be enrolled during the<br />
semester of Defense. Students will need to re-enroll in this course until the dissertation is successfully<br />
defended.<br />
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester<br />
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.
<strong>PhD</strong> <strong>STUDENT</strong> <strong>PROGRAM</strong> PLANS OF STUDY: 2010 Cohort<br />
Typical Plan of Study for <strong>PhD</strong> Students Entering FALL, 2010<br />
Year Term Course Course<br />
Semester<br />
Cumulative<br />
First Fall ‘10 N9001 Social/Intellectual Foundations 3<br />
N9600 Legal and Ethical Issues 3<br />
N9205 Analysis of Health Policy<br />
N9265 Research Seminar<br />
Credit<br />
Credit<br />
Credits<br />
3<br />
1 10 10<br />
Spring ‘11 N9103 Intro Biostatistics (formerly SP6103)*<br />
N9350 Concept Development<br />
3<br />
3<br />
N9300 Quantitative Research Design<br />
3<br />
N9505 Research Practicum+<br />
2 11 21<br />
Second Fall ‘11 N9354 Measurement of Clinical Phenomena<br />
ELECTIVE #1 (multivariate statistics)<br />
3<br />
3<br />
ELECTIVE #2 (dissertation topic) 3 9 30<br />
Spring‘12 N9506 Research Synthesis 2<br />
N9260 Interdisciplinary Research Models<br />
2<br />
N9352 Qualitative Research & Design Methods<br />
3 7 37<br />
Summer Comprehensive Exam<br />
Third Fall ‘12 N9900 Dissertation Seminar<br />
2<br />
N9840 Dissertation Research@<br />
4 6 43<br />
Spring ’13 N9840 Dissertation Research 4-8 4-8 47-51<br />
Fourth Fall ’13 N9840 Dissertation Research 4-8 4-8 51-55<br />
Spring ’14 N9840 Dissertation Research 4-8 4-8 55-59<br />
* Students must register under N9103 for this SPH course as part of the <strong>PhD</strong> program requirement.<br />
+ Work for the research practicum may extend into summer months, but should be registered for in<br />
Spring semester<br />
One elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam<br />
@ <strong>PhD</strong> students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of N9840 Dissertation Research/semester, and be<br />
re-enrolled in this course (Fall/Spring) until the dissertation is successfully defended.<br />
Course offerings in 2010-11 are based on student enrollments and therefore subject to change.<br />
This plan reflects the minimum requirements of 55; additional credits may be needed to complete all<br />
prerequisites or other requirements as determined by the academic advisor.<br />
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester<br />
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.
Typical Four-Year Plan of Study for Full-time Students Entering Fall, 2011<br />
Year Term Course Course<br />
Semester<br />
Cumulative<br />
First Fall ‘11<br />
N9103 Intro Biostatistics (formerly SP6103)*<br />
Credit<br />
3<br />
Credit<br />
Credits<br />
N9001 Foundations 3<br />
N9355 Quantitative Methods 3<br />
N9265 Research Seminar 0<br />
Spring ‘12<br />
TA Workshop 0<br />
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement of<br />
3<br />
Clinical Phenomena in Nursing<br />
N9352 Qualitative Research Design & Methods 3<br />
9 9<br />
Advanced Stats<br />
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research<br />
N9265 Research Seminar<br />
N9505 Research Practicum+<br />
3<br />
1<br />
0<br />
2<br />
12 21<br />
Second Fall ‘12 N9353 Advanced Methods 3<br />
ELECTIVE #1 (Statistics; Theory) 3<br />
ELECTIVE #2 (Dissertation topic) 3 9 30<br />
Spring‘13 N9506 Research Synthesis 2<br />
N9260 Interdisciplinary Research Models 2<br />
Elective #3 3<br />
N9265 Research Seminar 0 7 37<br />
Summer<br />
Comprehensive Exam<br />
Third Fall ‘13 N9900 Dissertation Seminar<br />
2<br />
N9840 Dissertation Research@<br />
4 6 43<br />
Spring ’14<br />
N9840 Dissertation Research<br />
4-8 4-8 47-51<br />
Fourth Fall ’14<br />
N9840 Dissertation Research<br />
4-8 4-8 51-55<br />
Spring ’15 N9840 Dissertation Research 4-8 4-8 55-59<br />
* Students must register under N9103 for this SPH course as part of the <strong>PhD</strong> program requirement.<br />
+ Work for the research practicum may extend into summer months, but should be registered for in<br />
Spring semester<br />
One elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam<br />
@ <strong>PhD</strong> students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of N9840 Dissertation Research/semester, and be<br />
re-enrolled in this course (Fall/Spring) until the dissertation is successfully defended.<br />
Course offerings in 2010-11 are based on student enrollments and therefore subject to change.<br />
This plan reflects the minimum requirements of 55; additional credits may be needed to complete all<br />
prerequisites or other requirements as determined by the academic advisor.<br />
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester<br />
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.
APPENDIX B<br />
Nursing <strong>PhD</strong> Program<br />
CONTRACT FOR RESEARCH PRACTICUM<br />
Student Name:<br />
Faculty Member:<br />
Semester:<br />
Site and Mentor for Experience: (Attach resume if not a <strong>Columbia</strong> <strong>University</strong> faculty member)<br />
Brief Description of Planned Experience:<br />
Learning Objectives:<br />
Expectations/Requirements (Note: 1 credit = 4 hours/week)<br />
Student Signature:<br />
Faculty Signature:<br />
Date:<br />
Date:
APPENDIX C<br />
APPLICATION FOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION<br />
FOR THE <strong>PhD</strong> DEGREE<br />
(Please type or print legibly)<br />
I, ___________________________, have completed the following requisite courses with a<br />
cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (with no incomplete grades):<br />
N9001 Social and Intellectual Foundations of Nursing (or equivalent course: Philosophy of Science)*<br />
N9103 Introduction to Biostatistics (cross-listed with SP6103)<br />
N9353 Advanced Methods in Health Services Research and Policy Analysis<br />
N9260 Building Interdisciplinary Research Models<br />
N9265 Interdisciplinary Research Seminar<br />
N9355 Quantitative Methods<br />
N9352 Qualitative Research Design and Methods<br />
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement of Clinical Phenomena in Nursing<br />
N9505 Research Practicum<br />
N9506 Research Synthesis<br />
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research<br />
Elective course in Advanced Statistical Analysis<br />
Elective course in Advanced Statistical Analysis: ____________________<br />
I hereby apply to take the comprehensive examination in (month) _______, 20.<br />
Student Signature<br />
Date<br />
Approved: (signatures)<br />
Advisor<br />
Date:<br />
Director, <strong>PhD</strong> Program<br />
Date:
APPENDIX D<br />
_____________________________________________________________________________<br />
M.Phil. Degrees*<br />
M.Phil. Application Deadline<br />
Conferral Date<br />
Friday, October 5, 2012 Wednesday, October 17, 2012<br />
Friday, January 25, 2013 Wednesday, February 6, 2013<br />
Friday, April 26, 2013 Wednesday, May 15, 2013<br />
UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT:<br />
May 15, 2013<br />
*Candidates who have completed all the necessary requirements apply through the <strong>PhD</strong><br />
Department in order to receive the M.Phil. degree. Applications for the M.Phil. degree can be<br />
filed at any point in the calendar year. Degrees are conferred three times during the academic<br />
year—in October, February, and May. Students receiving an M.Phil. only do not participate in<br />
Convocation nor Commencement ceremonies.<br />
Please complete form on next page and submit to the <strong>PhD</strong> Program Office in the School<br />
of Nursing. This form can be downloaded from GSAS at the following link:<br />
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<br />
APPENDIX E
APPENDIX E.1<br />
(Page 1 of 3)<br />
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL OUTLINE: QUANTITATIVE<br />
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION/PROBLEM<br />
• Introduction<br />
• Broad area of concern<br />
• Lays the groundwork for the questions posed<br />
• Include some of the pertinent literature verifying this area of concern<br />
• Problem statement<br />
• Clearly stated in ½ page<br />
• Purpose/Aim may include:<br />
o Specific questions to be answered<br />
o Hypotheses<br />
• Operational definitions of central concepts<br />
• Assumptions<br />
• Theoretical framework or rationale<br />
• Concepts/variables: definitions<br />
• Significance/Rationale<br />
• Importance<br />
• Projected outcomes<br />
• Contributions to future knowledge<br />
CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE<br />
• Succinct, relevant literature review<br />
• Focus on relationship between the research questions(s) and the literature reviewed<br />
• This is a summary of the state of the knowledge concerning the stated question(s)/intent<br />
CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY/RESEARCH DESIGN<br />
Should follow from Chapter I (Problem-question(s)-hypothesis(es)) and Chapter II (your<br />
assessment of the state of knowledge as documented in the literature review).<br />
1. Design Strategy<br />
• Examples are: Experimental, Quasi Experimental, other<br />
• Rationale as to why this design<br />
• Expected outcomes from this design/justification for it<br />
• Background of method if necessary<br />
2. If part of a larger project, specify:<br />
• Relationship to the project<br />
• How the student will control the dissertation research part of the project<br />
• Whether permission to utilize data or source has been obtained or is in the process of<br />
being obtained
APPENDIX E.1 (continued)<br />
(Page 2 of 3)<br />
• Status of the project in regard to human subject review<br />
• Anticipated problems and how to overcome each<br />
• The extent to which the design, methodology, collection of data and interpretation<br />
findings will be the student’s responsibility<br />
• Obligations to the larger project and restriction to publications, if any<br />
• Agreements as to manuscripts or material review<br />
3. Report on Pilot work, completed or planned, should be included<br />
4. Specify methodology as appropriate to the design<br />
• Population/Sample/Participants<br />
Description of subjects<br />
Source of subjects<br />
Selection process<br />
Numbers<br />
Criteria<br />
• Description of design and treatments if appropriate<br />
• Data Collection<br />
Concepts/variables and how measured<br />
Specify sources such as interviews, histories, instruments, documents, etc.<br />
Describe each used:<br />
• Type, # of items<br />
• Task for respondents<br />
• Administration and scoring procedures<br />
• Storage<br />
• Context<br />
• Adoption, adaptation or invention<br />
Validity<br />
Reliability<br />
Description of data collection should be in sufficient detail to enable any other<br />
researcher to carry it out. In quantitative studies most of this can be done prior to<br />
the collection. In qualitative, should be in sufficient detail to demonstrate a well<br />
thought out plan although actual approach may change during data collection.<br />
• Protection of human subjects<br />
Consents<br />
IRB status<br />
Confidentiality issues<br />
• Data Analysis<br />
Strategies that will be used to analyze the data to answer the<br />
Questions(s)/Hypotheses/ Purposes posed, such as statistical, historical,<br />
philosophical, comparative analysis, etc.
APPENDIX E.1 (continued)<br />
(Page 3 of 3)<br />
5. Limitations of the study<br />
• Obstacles<br />
• Difficulties expected and ways to overcome them<br />
6. If course work and other experience have not fully prepared the student for dissertation,<br />
what is planned?<br />
7. Time Table<br />
• Realistic<br />
• Feasible<br />
Instruments, instructions, consent forms, letters of invitation to participate, permission to use<br />
copyright material, letters of support, and other communications are not included.
APPENDIX E.2<br />
DISSERTATION PROPOSAL OUTLINE: QUALITATIVE<br />
1. Aim of the Study<br />
• Phenomenon of interest<br />
• Perceived justification within specific context<br />
• Assumptions and biases<br />
• Qualitative research methods and its justification<br />
• Relevance to nursing<br />
• Overview of Chapters<br />
2. Evolution of the Study<br />
• Rationale<br />
• Historical Context<br />
• Experiential context<br />
• Theoretical context<br />
3. The Method of Inquiry<br />
• Introduction to methodological approach<br />
• Rationale for chosen approach<br />
• Data collection and analysis<br />
• Data coding<br />
• Sampling<br />
• Reliability and validity<br />
• Coding and Field Notes<br />
4. The Method of Inquiry: applied<br />
• Storing and sorting of data<br />
• Data analysis<br />
• Negotiating the field experience<br />
• Entering the field<br />
• Ethical situations in context<br />
• Problems that are valued, and ethical problems<br />
• Identifying cultural values and norms<br />
• Overlapping of data collection strategies<br />
• Sampling issues<br />
• Interaction style in handling ethical situations<br />
• Human subjectivity considerations<br />
• Limits to confidentiality<br />
• Reliability and validity<br />
5. Findings of the Study<br />
6. Conclusions and Recommendations<br />
• Limitations<br />
• Implications for Nursing Education<br />
• Implications for Nursing Administration<br />
• Implications for Nursing Research<br />
7. References<br />
8. Appendices
APPENDIX F<br />
DISSERTATION OUTLINE: A GUIDE<br />
• Preliminary Pages (See page 58 for title page requirements)<br />
• Abstract<br />
• Acknowledgments<br />
• Table of Contents<br />
• List of Tables<br />
• List of Figures<br />
• Chapter I: Introduction/Problem or Purpose Statement<br />
- Same as proposal. Sometimes add an outline of remaining chapters.<br />
• Chapter II: Review of the Literature/Setting the Context<br />
- Detailed discussion of the literature reviewed for the dissertation<br />
- Summarizes topical areas as appropriate<br />
- Discusses theoretical conceptual framework as appropriate<br />
- Summary of the state of the knowledge surrounding the specific problem/topic<br />
• Chapter III: Methodology<br />
- Research design description<br />
- Description of setting and sample/participants<br />
- Procedure for data collection and analysis<br />
- Human subjects protection<br />
• Chapter IV: Research Findings/Results*<br />
• Chapter V: Summary, Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations<br />
- Summary of Study<br />
- Discussion of results<br />
- Implications<br />
- Limitations<br />
- Recommendations for future research and practice/policy<br />
• References<br />
- Those used in text<br />
• Appendix<br />
• Instruments<br />
• Pertinent communications<br />
• Consent forms<br />
• Supporting documentation and tables (e.g. pilot data)<br />
*Reports of Qualitative studies often combine results and discussion in one or more chapters<br />
that are written as a logical narrative.
APPENDIX G
Copyrighting the Thesis<br />
The existence of a copyright page in the proper form {see above} is sufficient to establish<br />
copyright. The author may also wish to have ProQuest “register” the copyright for a $45 fee,<br />
payable to ProQuest Information and Learning, to register the copyright at the Copyright Office.<br />
If there are concerns about future copyright infringement, registration of the copyright at the<br />
Copyright Office is recommended. ProQuest will accept money orders and personal checks for<br />
payment of this fee.<br />
“Registration” of copyright is optional. ProQuest will act as the author’s agent and will deposit a<br />
microfiche or digital copy of the dissertation at the Copyright Office in the Library of Congress.<br />
Having the dissertation registered at the Copyright Office places the exact details of the<br />
copyright claim on public record, such registration being necessary if one is bringing suit for<br />
copyright infringement and seeking damages. Registration is also necessary if a missing or<br />
incorrect copyright or title page must be replaced. If the author chooses ProQuest as an agent,<br />
a signed authorization is necessary. A form for this purpose is included in the deposit materials<br />
received at the defense. The author will hold the copyright. Later, if the author arranges to<br />
publish the dissertation commercially, the copyright registration may be transferred to a<br />
publisher. The copyright year is the same as the year of conferral. The author may also register<br />
the copyright directly with the Copyright Office.
APPENDIX H
APPENDIX I<br />
COMPLETION OF DISSERTATION DEFENSE<br />
After obtaining the defense time, date and place, the Dissertation Office prints the Voting Sheet<br />
and sends it, along with copyright, formatting and deposit information (see Formatting and<br />
Depositing the Dissertation) to the candidate’s department/program. During the defense,<br />
committee members indicate their votes on and sign this voting sheet, which becomes a formal<br />
record of the Graduate School. The department/program returns the signed Voting Sheet to the<br />
Dissertation Office: the voting sheet should not be given to the student. The candidate<br />
receives all deposit materials at the conclusion of the defense.
APPENDIX J<br />
<strong>PhD</strong> Program<br />
COMPLETION OF REQUIREMENTS<br />
(Please type or print legibly)<br />
Date:<br />
Student:<br />
ID Number:<br />
Projected Graduation Date:<br />
TOTAL CREDITS ACCOUNTED FOR:<br />
Total Credits Earned (see transcript)<br />
Advanced Standing/Transfer Credits<br />
Unresolved Incompletes (see transcript)<br />
Subtotal<br />
Total Required<br />
Proposal Defense Complete<br />
Comprehensive Examination Completed<br />
Dissertation Defense Completed<br />
Date:<br />
Date:<br />
Date:<br />
Is Student Eligible To Graduate?<br />
Director's Approval: _____ Date: ________
APPENDIX K<br />
Office of DNSc/<strong>PhD</strong> Programs<br />
630 W. 168 th Street<br />
New York, NY 10032<br />
(212) 305-6761<br />
(212) 342-0408 (FAX)<br />
Memorandum<br />
Date:<br />
To: Tania Quispe, OSS administrator<br />
From: Professor Pat Stone<br />
Re: Exception Request to Certify <strong>PhD</strong> Student as Full Time<br />
Name of Student: ___________________________________<br />
The above <strong>PhD</strong> student is currently enrolled in the full allotment of courses and credits required<br />
for this semester according to his/her approved program plan. I request that the student be able<br />
to certify as Full Time student status for this term.<br />
Program Director: Pat Stone, <strong>PhD</strong>, FAAN<br />
Program Director Signature: __________________________
APPENDIX L<br />
Fall/Spring 2011-2012<br />
Year Term Course Course<br />
Semester<br />
Cumulative<br />
Course Taken<br />
First Fall ‘11<br />
N9103 Intro Biostatistics (formerly SP6103)*<br />
Credit<br />
3<br />
Credit<br />
Credits<br />
(√)<br />
N9001 Foundations 3<br />
N9355 Quantitative Methods 3<br />
N9265 Research Seminar 0<br />
Spring ‘12<br />
TA Workshop 0<br />
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement of 3<br />
Clinical Phenomena in Nursing<br />
N9352 Qualitative Research Design & Methods 3<br />
9 9<br />
Advanced Stats<br />
Course No:<br />
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research<br />
N9265 Research Seminar<br />
N9505 Research Practicum+<br />
3<br />
1<br />
0<br />
2<br />
12 21<br />
Second Fall ‘12 N9353 Advanced Methods 3<br />
ELECTIVE #1 (Statistics; Theory)<br />
Course No:<br />
ELECTIVE #2 (Dissertation topic)<br />
Course No:<br />
Spring‘13 N9506 Research Synthesis 2<br />
N9260 Interdisciplinary Research Models 2<br />
Elective #3 3<br />
3<br />
3 9 30<br />
N9265 Research Seminar 0 7 37<br />
* Students must register under N9103 for this SPH course as part of the <strong>PhD</strong> program requirement.<br />
+ Work for the research practicum may extend into summer months, but should be registered for in Spring semester<br />
One elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam<br />
@ <strong>PhD</strong> students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of N9840 Dissertation Research/semester, and be re-enrolled<br />
in this course (Fall/Spring) until the dissertation is successfully defended.<br />
Course offerings in 2010-11 are based on student enrollments and therefore subject to change.<br />
This plan reflects the minimum requirements of 55; additional credits may be needed to complete all<br />
prerequisites or other requirements as determined by the academic advisor.<br />
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester<br />
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.<br />
Date: ________________<br />
Student:<br />
Student’ Signature: ________________________<br />
Advisor: __________________________<br />
Advisor’s Signature: ________________________
BSN-PHD Full Time Students Entering<br />
Fall 2011<br />
Year Term Course No./Course Name<br />
Course<br />
Credit<br />
Semester<br />
Credit<br />
Cumulative<br />
Credits<br />
Course Taken<br />
(Please Initial)<br />
First Fall ‘11 N6826 Evaluation and Application of Research 3<br />
N6920 Social and Health Policy 4<br />
N8290 Genetics 3<br />
N9103 Intro to Biostatistics 3<br />
Other Nursing courses Selected didactic courses (e.g., psychiatry, adult<br />
care, informatics, emergency preparedness)<br />
9-12<br />
Courses from other departments Selected cognates (e.g., economics,<br />
psychology)<br />
6-9<br />
Year Term Course Course<br />
Semester<br />
Cumulative<br />
Course Taken<br />
First Fall ‘11<br />
N9103 Intro Biostatistics (formerly SP6103)*<br />
Credit<br />
3<br />
Credit<br />
Credits<br />
Spring ‘12<br />
N9001 Foundations 3<br />
N9355 Quantitative Methods 3<br />
N9265 Research Seminar 0<br />
TA Workshop 0<br />
N9351 Concept Development and Measurement 3<br />
of Clinical Phenomena in Nursing<br />
N9352 Qualitative Research Design & Methods 3<br />
9 9<br />
Advanced Stats<br />
Course No:<br />
G4010 Responsible Conduct of Research<br />
N9265 Research Seminar<br />
N9505 Research Practicum+<br />
3<br />
1<br />
0<br />
2<br />
12 21<br />
Second Fall ‘12 N9353 Advanced Methods 3<br />
ELECTIVE #1 (Statistics; Theory)<br />
Course No:<br />
ELECTIVE #2 (Dissertation topic)<br />
Course No:<br />
Spring‘13 N9506 Research Synthesis 2<br />
N9260 Interdisciplinary Research Models 2<br />
Elective #3 3<br />
3<br />
3 9 30<br />
N9265 Research Seminar 0 7 37
* Students must register under N9103 for this SPH course as part of the <strong>PhD</strong> program requirement.<br />
+ Work for the research practicum may extend into summer months, but should be registered for in Spring semester<br />
One elective course must be taken in advanced statistics offered by another school prior to comps exam<br />
@ <strong>PhD</strong> students must complete a minimum of 4 credits of N9840 Dissertation Research/semester, and be re-enrolled<br />
in this course (Fall/Spring) until the dissertation is successfully defended.<br />
Course offerings in 2010-11 are based on student enrollments and therefore subject to change.<br />
This plan reflects the minimum requirements of 55; additional credits may be needed to complete all<br />
prerequisites or other requirements as determined by the academic advisor.<br />
NOTE: Full-time status during Yrs 01 and 02 requires 3 or more required courses/electives per semester<br />
(Fall, Spring), or at least 5 credits in Summer term.<br />
Date: ________________<br />
Student: __________________________<br />
Advisor: __________________________<br />
Student’ Signature: ________________________<br />
Advisor’s Signature: ________________________