Foci

Focus

Self/symptom management health and chronic illness

Social justice, vulnerable populations and health disparities

Informatics and technology, healthcare quality and safety, healthcare systems

Addiction science

*Students work with identified faculty

Conceptual model of Nursing, Population Health, and Policy

Tagline: Enhancing Health Equity and Quality: Populations and Policies

Health Promotion

Education and Chronic Illness

Pedagogy inspired by Bernard Lonergan

*individualized program of study complemented by intensive mentorship model

Pathways/Credits (cr)

BS-PhD - 78cr*

MS-PhD -57cr

*At 31 credits can apply for MS

*BS to PhD – 81 cr

MS to PhD –  60 cr

*At 30 credits can apply for MS

MS to PhD – 48 cr

BS to PhD –  73 cr

MS to PHD – 52 cr

BS to PhD –  73 cr

MS to PhD – 57 cr

Class Format

In person and synchronous distance

In person and blended

Online and weekend blended

In person , one online day per month; synchronous distance available

In person only; three semesters required each year

Class Dates

Tuesdays

Mondays, Wednesdays

Weekend blended format- first Saturday of the month

Tuesdays

Tuesdays

Electives

Advanced methods elective

2 cognate electives

Moving to 5 electives model

1 required – advanced methods or essential content for thesis topic

1 required – advanced method or essential content

2 electives required ; 1 must be an advanced method elective and 1 essential content or teaching skills  preparation

Comprehensive/

Qualifying Examination

Written comprehensive exam offered at the end of first year of MS to PhD course work. Created and reviewed by the appointed comps committee

Written comprehensive exam after completion of ALL course work other than a proposal prep course NU791: 2 papers in publishable format (one conceptual, one methodological) linked to program objectives – students have 4 weeks to complete: Chair and second reader chosen by student; one standard reader to maintain fair process.  Oral examination follows written exam

Written comprehensive exam after completion of ALL course work; 2 written papers  (1 conceptual/theoretical; 1 methodological issue; 1 integrative review)

Written Qualifying Exam upon completion of 1^st year course work; written paper (theoretical/philosophical underpinnings of chosen areas of research)

Written comprehensive exam required after completion of ALL course work/ 3 essay questions linked directly with program objectives; 1 week to complete the exam; 6 faculty review exam; offered in August, October and January

Dissertation

Dissertation follows Graduate school guidelines, typical conducted during year 3 and year 4 of full time study.

Student choice between traditional chapter dissertation and minimum of 3 publishable manuscript formats.

Traditional Chapter Dissertation

Student choice between traditional chapter dissertation or minimum of 2 publishable manuscript format

Traditional 5 chapter dissertation (required by UML Graduate Program) in process of trying to change policy

Hybrid format: traditional proposal, executive summary and PPT presentation; student required to complete and submit dissertation findings as a publishable manuscript prior to graduation

Dissertation Committee

Follows Graduate School Guidelines: 2 CON and one interdisciplinary member, may also invite an outside the university member

All have interdisciplinary member – often outside UMASS system

At least 3 members: Chair from SON, second member from SON or other 5 UMass campuses, third outside of SON recommended interdisciplinary

May have an interdisciplinary member but it is not required

3 committee members, Chair must be from Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, most have interdisciplinary committee member- often one member outside UMass system

Number of PhD Students in the Program over the past 5 years

35-40

25-30

28-30

Time to graduation over the past 5 years

MS to PhD

BS to PhD

4.5 years

5.5 years

4.2 years

5.7 years