Consistent with the SoNHS mission to prepare the nursing workforce as leaders in improving health outcomes through inter-professional practice and research, the mission of the PhD in Nursing program is to educate nurses as researchers in the development of new interdisciplinary knowledge that will positively impact the health of diverse populations.
Upon graduation the student will be prepared to:
Program development guided by the American Association of colleges of Nursing (AACN) Indicators of Quality in Research-Focused Doctoral Programs in Nursing.
Students are required to attend the on-campus Summer Research Institute twice during the PhD program. The dates will be updated here well before the Institute, as well as communicated by faculty, so students have ample time to make the proper travel arrangements.
The UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies PhD Program supports developing nursing knowledge related to individuals, families, and communities in three general areas; clinical/biological research, health systems/outcomes research, and nursing education research.
“The scope of clinical research ranges from acute to chronic care experiences across the life span; health promotion and preventive care … and care for individuals, families, and communities in diverse settings.” (AACN, 2006, para. 9). Nursing clinical and biological research is the basis for effective strategies to manage symptoms and tailor interventions.
Examples of Faculty Clinical Research
“Nursing research on health systems and outcomes seeks to identify ways that the organization and delivery of health care influence quality, cost, and the experience of patients and their families…. Research regarding issues of organization, delivery, financing, quality … behavior… and outcomes” (AACN, 2006, para. 13).
Examples of Faculty Health Systems, Community, and Outcomes Research
“Nursing education research centers on developing and testing more efficient educational processes, identifying new ways to incorporate technology in order to enhance learning, and discovering more effective approaches to promoting lifelong learning and commitment to leadership…. The continuous supply of well-educated nurses is critical to maintain and enhance our nation’s health… new strategies for recruiting and retaining bright young men and women from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds into nursing must be developed and tested. New models of nursing education are needed to prepare nurses for faculty and research positions earlier in their careers” (AACN, 2006, para 14).
Examples of Faculty Nursing Education Research
Summer 2025 Deadline: CLOSED
Visit the Graduate Admissions page to view additional required application materials and step-by-step application instructions.