Mary Mccurry '96, PhD she/ her/hers

Provides a framework for understanding the history and development of nursing science. The origins of scientific questions and methods of scholarly disciplines are explored. Sources of nursing knowledge, modes of inquiry, and models of scholarship are critically analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between philosophy, theory, research and practice.

The dissertation is the culmination of knowledge development across the program. Over a period of several semesters, students synthesize and integrate knowledge from the program of study and develop a concentrated investigation of a fundamental or applied issue pertinent to nursing science. Students' research must make a contribution to nursing science in the area of chronic illness and /or nursing education. Students will successfully complete the qualifying requirement and prepare a formal proposal endorsed by the students' dissertation committee. The written dissertation must be completed in accordance with the rules of the Office of Graduate Studies and the College of Nursing.