Curriculum
The curriculum for the MU Sinclair School of Nursing doctoral program is divided into three general categories of knowledge:
- Nursing science.
- Modes of inquiry (including quantitative and qualitative research methods).
- A collateral field (outside of the discipline of nursing).
Nursing science
The nursing science component of the curriculum is divided into three substantive areas:
- Health-care systems.
- Health promotion and protection.
- Health restoration and support.
Content related to these areas, which form the basis of doctoral seminar courses, is integrated into theory and research courses. Students select one substantive area as a focus.
Health-care systems
Students in the health-care systems component study:
- Nursing and health-care delivery models.
- Political and historical development of models such as primary care, primary nursing, case management and managed care.
- Informatics and intelligence systems.
Health promotion and protection
The health promotion and protection area addresses modes of nursing that are supportive and educative. It encompasses concepts related to individual care and family care systems to promote and maintain health and to reduce risks for illness or injury. Topics of doctoral seminars include:
- Health-promoting behaviors of pregnant and parenting adolescents.
- Dependent adult and elderly care.
- Prevention of domestic violence and abuse of children and elderly.
- Promotion and support of breastfeeding among minority and low-income families.
- Women’s health issues.
- Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Prevention of children’s exposure to toxins.
Health restoration and support
The health restoration and support area addresses human responses to acute, critical and chronic health conditions. Included among the populations of interest are individuals and families at risk for health crises, such as:
- Cancer patients.
- Frail elderly and family caregivers.
- People with impaired mobility.
- Families of children with handicaps.
- Persons of all ages who are experiencing pain.
Modes of inquiry
Courses in measurement; quantitative research methods and statistics; and qualitative research methods are offered within the Sinclair School of Nursing and in other departments. Students are required to participate in supervised research practica with faculty and to write dissertations.
Collateral area
The collateral area is an integrated set of courses selected to support a student’s interests and professional goals. In consultation with the doctoral program committee, students may choose collateral areas from any program on campus in diverse areas such as women’s studies, family studies, gerontology, higher-education administration and exercise.