Program Overview
Program Overview
Application Deadline
March 1 for fall entry
As of March 2013, we no longer offer a spring start date.
For full eligibility of scholarship opportunities, apply by January 15
Leading the Development of Nursing Science
The PhD program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing prepares the nurse scholar to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery.
Johns Hopkins doctoral students build the skills essential to launching a research career with access to internationally recognized faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within the Johns Hopkins University institutions. At graduation, most have already received the grants necessary to continue their research and are on their way to a successful career in nursing research.
Those who earn a Hopkins PhD:
Possess knowledge and skills in theoretical, methodological, and analytical approaches that will enable you to conduct research to discover and apply knowledge in nursing science and healthcare
Are prepared to assume a leadership role in nursing and in the broader arena of healthcare
Demonstrate expertise within an area of study from a nursing and transdisciplinary viewpoint
Often serve as educators in a variety of classroom and clinical settings within academic programs
Funding
Most full-time Johns Hopkins Nursing PhD students are 100% funded with a stipend for the first two years of study. Additional financial support is made available in following years. For full eligibility of scholarship opportunities, apply by January 15.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Eligibility
That you are a graduate of an accredited Baccalaureate or Master's in Nursing Program
A written statement of research goals including reason for interest in JHU
Research interests that match faculty expertise and School resources
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from within the past five years
A minimum scholastic grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Interview with faculty
Writing sample (publication or graded paper)
Completed Application
Application form and non-refundable $100 application fee
Application Essay
Resume or curriculum vitae
Letters of recommendation from three persons; two from previous instructors and one from a current or previous employer
Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities attended
Official GRE transcript
Applicants must submit evidence of current nursing licensure, students must have or obtain Maryland Registered Nurse licensure for matriculation
Transfer of Credits
Transfer of credit is granted on an individual basis. The decision is based on equivalent content (for required courses), credit allotment and satisfactory completion of courses. You may petition for permission to substitute a course from another college or university by submitting a request in writing to the Office of Admissions & Student Services along with the complete course syllabus. Up to 6 credits of graduate course work taken at Johns Hopkins University or elsewhere may be accepted for transfer. Course work must have been completed within the last five years. Course work at the undergraduate level will not be considered for advanced standing credit.
Physical Examination
Students must present appropriate documentation of medical history, physical examination, immunization status and tuberculosis screening prior to registration. Specific information regarding this requirement and the form to be used will be sent to the student prior to the student's first semester.
Full Curriculum
Full Curriculum
Each student completes a core curriculum and works closely with faculty advisors to complete an individualized course of study that fulfills the student's goals and develops the basis for a program of research.
Nursing Core (18 credits)
NR.110.800 Philosophical Perspectives in Health
This course draws from and integrates the literatures of nursing theory and science studies (specifically philosophy of science, sociology of science and history of nursing science) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature of nursing science and the knowledge it provides. It examines the history of interaction between nursing theory and philosophy of science, with particular emphasis on the place both have played in the process of legitimating nursing science as an academic research discipline. It provides a basic exposure to the social structure of scientific disciplines and how that structure affects the nature of nursing knowledge and results in methodological plurality.
NR.110.809 Advanced Research Design
This course will provide an in-depth exploration of the design and conduct of research in the health sciences. Students will evaluate common research designs, sources of bias and how to minimize bias in all steps of the research process across designs, and assess major concepts and principles relevant to research design and analytical approaches. Students will learn the strengths and weaknesses as well as when and how to use these designs and methods by studying and critiquing relevant examples from the literature and ongoing research by faculty. Special issues in the analysis and interpretation of data from various research designs will be addressed. Discussions will also cover the ways in which the nursing perspective shapes the conduct and results of research.
NR.110.814 Scientific Perspectives in Nursing
This seminar is a synthesis of concepts of philosophy, theory, and research used in the development and testing of nursing knowledge. Concept analysis and construction, theory development and the relationships among conceptual frameworks, theories, and empirical referents are critically analyzed. The course considers nursing and related sciences with regard to the theories and research and teaches critical evaluation from the perspective of the contemporary philosophy of science and research methodology. Students are guided to consider the philosophic assumptions upon which specific theories are based and how the nature of the research problem and theory guides the choice of research method. They are also guided in the process of a critical review and synthesis of nursing and other knowledge in their own area of concentration and in the identification of key concepts and relationships for their own planned research.
Prerequisite: NR 110.800
NR.110.826 Advanced Research Design II
This course will provide an in depth exploration of advanced research design in the health sciences. Students will evaluate the theory and an application of meta-analysis techniques for quantitative analysis. Students will learn methods of economic analysis using the major methods of cost evaluation. Attention will be given to issues related to the conduct of secondary analysis of data including the reliability and validity of and access to organizational, state, and national data sets. Qualitative research approaches will be critically analyzed for their theoretical underpinnings, assumptions, and methods of analysis. Issues such as the rigor of qualitative design, secondary data analysis, meta synthesis, and funding opportunities will be discussed.
NR.110.827 Grant Writing
This seminar course provides a foundation upon which to build skills for writing grant applications from seeking appropriate mechanisms for accomplishing the dissertation through the completion of the application. Included in this continuum is the articulation of the background and significance, methods, plans for analysis, and discussion regarding human subjects or vertebrate animals. In applicable cases, the National Research Service Award (NSRA) mechanism is to be the focus.
NR.110.828 Measurement in Health Care Research
This course presents both qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyze reliability, validity, and sensitivity of measurements in the health research field. Selected measurement theories and models of health research will be discussed. Classic measurement theories and principles of psychometrics, including reliability and validity, and latent variable-based measurement models, including exploratory factor analysis will be discussed and employed in evaluating data for instrument reliability, validity and sensitivity. This course is designed for doctoral students in nursing, public health and medicine.
NR.110.891 Responsibilities & Activities of the Nurse Scientist
This seminar addresses the responsibilities and activities of a scientist in the health professions, including ethical issues, scientific freedom and social responsibility, collaboration and negotiation, interdisciplinary research peer review, development of a research plan, program of research and research career, research funding, grantsmanship, presentations and publications.
Prerequisite: NR 110.814
Statistics (9 credits)
PH.140.621 Statistical Methods in Public Health I
PH.140.622 Statistical Methods in Public Health II
PH.140.623 Statistical Methods in Public Health III
Electives (19 required credits)
NR.110.804 Combining Qualitative & Quantitative Methods in Health Care Research
This course examines various approaches to interpretive and critical research methodology along with a variety of strategies for combining qualitative data with quantitative data in the same study. Ethical, gender, ethnic, funding and research quality issues in the conduct and presentation of such research will also be addressed. There will also be hands-on experience in conducting interviews and data analysis.
Prerequisite: NR 110.814
NR.110.810 Theory & Concepts of Health Behavior and Health Promotion
This course focuses on the theoretical foundations of health behavior and health promotion as a basis for nursing research. The theory and principles of how health behavior patterns of individuals, families and communities are acquired, maintained and changed are emphasized. The influence of social and psychological factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender and social support is included. Selected research applications of theories and models of health promotion are analyzed and relevant research methodologies discussed.
NR.110.811 Symptom Evaluation and Management
This course focuses on the theoretical and empirical foundations for common symptoms as a basis for nursing practice. Each symptom is approached from bio-behavioral and sociocultural perspectives emphasizing the state of the science with regard to definition, theoretical models, assessment/measurement, and clinical management strategies. Symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive changes will be examined as responses to illness/disability and/or its treatment across the lifespan.
NR.110.812 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
This course focuses on the relationship between nursing interventions and patient outcomes. The conceptualization, definition, theoretical rationale and measurement of nursing interventions and patient outcomes will be evaluated, and related research will be described. Common nursing interventions, as well as the need for additional innovative nursing approaches, are discussed in relation to specific patient outcomes. Classification schemes of nursing interventions and their relationship to cost reimbursement also are analyzed. Practice guidelines, databases and funding for outcome research being developed by public and private organizations are critiqued.
NR.110.813 Physiologic and Biologic Nursing Science
A selection of the pertinent empirical knowledge and theories regarding research in nursing and the basic sciences, and its role in the broader content of nursing research. Readings and discussion center on basic science research from the student's area of interest and its relationship to the discipline of nursing. Students will prepare a critique of a body of nursing research in relation to the presence or absence of physiologic or biologic research or lead a class discussion as well as documenting their position.
NR.110.818 Special Topics in Violence Research
This seminar examines current topics and issues on violence prevention, intervention and policy research using an interdisciplinary perspective. It will include faculty from the Schools of Nursing, Medicine and Public Health at Johns Hopkins and other leading experts on violence research. Topics will include the physical and psychosocial factors in the perpetration of violence, physical and mental health effects of family and stranger violence, complex interrelationships of substance abuse and violence and the efficacy of health care individual and system interventions. Community level violence policy, prevention, interventions, and health care access for violence related health effects will also be examined. Research design, cultural factors, interdisciplinary collaboration and bioethical issues specific to violence research will be examined. Topics will span two years and the course may be taken up to four times.
NR.110.819 Seminar on Health Disparities of Underserved Populations Research
This seminar examines current topics and issues on health disparities of underserved populations, intervention and policy research using an interdisciplinary perspective. It will include faculty from the Schools of Nursing, Medicine, and Public Health at Johns Hopkins and other leading experts on health disparities of underserved populations research. Topics will include the relative contribution of structural, financial and personal barriers to health care and mediators that contribute to health disparities by impeding the achievement of optimal health of underserved populations. Particular emphasis will be given to racial and ethnic issues. Students will learn to design and test culturally appropriate interventions to address the most influential barriers that hinder the achievement of optimal health outcomes of underserved populations. Discussion will also focus on translating research findings into practice and policy through a variety of mechanisms working with clinicians, educators, communities, and policy makers. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration and bioethical issues specific to health disparities of underserved populations research will be examined. Topics will span two years and the course may be taken up to four times.
NR.110.821 Advanced Nursing Health Policy
This course considers the organization, financing and models of delivery of nursing services in various settings. The application of health services research methods and outcomes for design, implementation and evaluation of nursing systems is analyzed. The course focuses on the societal and organizational context of the delivery of nursing services across various settings. Cases and current trends are emphasized in this seminar.
NR.110.823 Addressing Health Disparities through Transcultural Nursing Research
This course is designed to introduce the student to theoretical and research approaches useful to the discovery of nursing knowledge related to health disparities for underserved populations. Leininger's nursing theory of culture care diversity and universality as well as Kleinman's work in culture, health and illness will be explored. Concepts of ethnicity, race, marginalization, caring, and culture will serve as the basis for in-depth exploration of cultural dimensions of health care. The philosophical, epistemic, and historical dimensions of the culture care theory will serve as the foundation for the discovery of nursing knowledge as it relates to cultural minority groups and underserved populations. Research methodologies appropriate to the discovery of the context of health disparities will be introduced with respect to a variety of scientific paradigms. Students will conduct literature reviews, critique cultural nursing research studies, conduct qualitative interviews, and participate in seminar leadership.
NR.110.824 Stress and Stress Response
This seminar is a synthesis of concepts of philosophy, theory, and design used in the development and testing of knowledge regarding the phenomenon of stress, responses to stress, and interventions to ameliorate stress. Multiple dimensions of these phenomena are to be considered, including spiritual, psychological, biological, behavioral, social and environmental. Factors and units of analysis encompass the individual, family and community.
NR.110.829 Structural Equation Modeling
This course introduces to students the basic concepts, methodology and computing tools of structural equation modeling. Emphasis will be placed on developing a working familiarity with some of the common statistical procedures, coupled with their application through the use of statistical software (LISREL). Topics include testing of measurement models relating single or multiple indicators to latent variables, recursive vs. non-recursive models for the structural part of the model testing and the process of model modification. This course is designed for doctoral students who have basic knowledge in measurement theories, psychometrics analysis, and multivariate analysis. Prerequisite: NR.110.828 or permission of instructor.
NR.110.830 The Evolving Roles of the Nurse Educator
The purpose of this course is to provide the learner with an overview of the evolving roles of the nurse educator within the context of an ever-changing health care system and educational environment. The focus is on the educator as a teacher, collaborator, researcher/scholar, and practitioner/scholar. It is anticipated that, at the end of the course, the learner will have formulated a personal working philosophy of nursing education.
NR.110.831 Issues and Trends in Global Health
This course presents contemporary issues in global health with a focus on research in the industrialized world. Seminar topics include health care systems, measurement and indicators of health status, and emerging health problems in different countries, internationally focused intervention studies, and bioethics in international health research. This course provides opportunities to students with immersion experience that broaden and deepen their understanding of health needs globally.
NR.110.832 Writing for Publication
This course is designed to introduce students to issues relevant to scholarly scientific writing and the publication process. Seminar topics will include factors to be considered in selecting a journal, authorship guidelines, challenges to successful writing (writer's block, procrastination, time management), scientific impact factor, reference managing software, literature searches and scientific documentation, steps in critiquing one's own and others' writing. This course provides opportunities to students to revise and prepare a paper to the point of submitting it for publication to an appropriate professional journal.
Permission of the instructor is required for students not enrolled in a doctoral program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
NR.110.833 Advanced Seminar in Translational Research
This seminar will focus on effective strategies for the design, implementation, analysis and translation of significant clinical and community-based interventions aimed at prevention or amelioration of health and social threats to individual, family and community well-being. Effective intervention research in nursing and other fields will be reviewed with an emphasis on the aspects of those studies that led to effective intervention and success in addressing important research questions. The seminar will address intervention design, implementation, measurement, analysis and translation of research into clinical or community-based practices. Seminar material will be discussed in the context of ongoing intervention research by Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and other Hopkins faculty and doctoral students when relevant.
Pre/corequisite: Matriculation in PhD program or permission of instructor
NR.110.834 International Health Systems and Research
This course involves the guided study of how cultural, political, and economic forces influence the health care and nursing needs of one country or region. Particular attention will be given to ethical principles or norms that guide the responsible conduct of research and how to apply them to research in the country/region under study. Students will explore concepts related to the responsible conduct of research or research misconduct including informed consent for research participation, scientific freedom, collaboration, and authorship. The status of nursing education, licensure, and practice and how these factors influence nursing research in the country/region under study will be reviewed. A major emphasis is on learning through a cultural informant(s) from the area under study in addition to reviewing the literature on nursing and health care research of the area. Implications for future international research collaborations in nursing and health care are emphasized.
NR.110.835 Current Issues and Trends in Cardiovascular Health Promotion Research
In this course students examine current issues and trends in cardiovascular health promotion research. Topics reflect the current state of the science. Research concepts regarding risk factors, screening approaches, and risk reduction, with impact on specific health parameters, are explored. Implications for primordial, primary and secondary prevention strategies for cardiovascular risk management delivered at the public health, community, and provider level are examined. Implications for clinical practice, with particular focus on vulnerable populations, will be are discussed from theoretical and evidenced-based practice perspectives. Selected research applications of cardiovascular health promotion interventions will be analyzed and research methodologies will be critiqued.
NR.110.836 Critical Applications of Advanced Statistical Models
This course provides a conceptual framework and practical approach for the design, analysis, and interpretation of studies with longitudinal, hierarchical, or multilevel data using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). Case-studies in the literature are used to motivate each topic. Topics include model specification, estimation, selection, and inference for GLMM, with a focus on applications to nursing research. Understanding will be emphasized with computer applications (SAS/Stata/PASW) and examples drawn from the nursing research literature and clinical and administrative databases.
Prerequisite: Completion of PH140.621-140.623 (B or better) or permission of instructor
NR.110.837 Technology and eTools to Conduct, Facilitate, Implement and Manage Research
This course presents a broad overview of the informatics research field highlighting conceptual and methodological challenges to conduct, facilitate, implement and manage research using various technologies and strategies to address these challenges. Sampling issues such as sources of selection bias and strategies to engage underserved and international populations will be examined. The effect of mixed mode (online and mailed or telephone) survey administration on response rate and psychometric properties of instruments will be analyzed. Data management tools that allow online storage and back-up to ensure data security and provide formatting options to import and export data to allow for ease of analysis, will be examined. Key concepts in the course include research standards, ethical considerations, and safety across various platforms. Evidence-based findings will be explored to support the use of the various technologies and tools that are discussed to support, facilitate, conduct data collection, manage, or to disseminate research findings.
NR.110.838 Salivary Bioscience Laboratory
The goals of this course are to provide students with an in-depth review of theory and research on the integration of stress-related salivary analytes into developmental, social, behavioral, and health sciences. There is a lecture and a laboratory component. The lecture component covers theoretical perspectives; oral fluid as biological specimens; practical aspects of sample handing, collection, and study design; basics of immunoassay used for assaying saliva; and hints for writing papers, presentations, and proposals. The laboratory component includes hands-on supervised training on sample processing, salivary immunoassay, and kinetic reaction assays. Samples will be collected, assayed, and data generated for discussion and analysis. The course is intended for students who have no prior laboratory experience. The course will cover theory and research on the psychological, biological, and social aspects of stress, and reactions to stress, and will highlight themes related to biological sensitivity to context, social ecology, individual differences, and biobehavioral and public health. The course emphasizes collaborative problem-based learning, and learning by doing rather than by listening and reading. This course will take advantage of resources at the Center for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research to create opportunity for hands-on activities that complement what is discussed in the seminar. This is a 2 day (16 hours of instruction) course designed for faculty, post-docs, and advanced graduate students that will be offered 4-6 times per year. The course meets 8:30-5:30 on two consecutive days.
Pre/corequisite: Permission of instructor required
NR.200.806 Health Informatics I
This course will examine the application of health informatics to health care research. The course content is designed to provide a set of skills necessary to find, select, evaluate, and analyze different types of health related data. Students will use the skills they acquire to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of databases for specific health research topics.
NR.200.807 Health Informatics II
This course will examine the application of health informatics concepts in outcomes research. The course content is designed to facilitate the acquiring of a set of systems skills that can be applied to clinical informatics, outcomes management, and health related databases. A case study approach will be used to assist students in applying this skill set to outcomes management.
Prerequisite: NR 200.806
NR.200.809 Practicum in Data Base Structure, Management, & Access for Clinical Informatics
This practicum will provide the student with an opportunity to comprehensively explore database development and analysis through working with experts of a selected health related database. The student will examine issues related to creation of the database; collection of the data; and the steps involved in preparing data files for the user and secondary data analysis. The student will interact with researchers using the database to gain an understanding of the issues they had to address.
* NR.100.818 Seminar in Violence Research is an elective option, topic is chosen by student.
** PH.140.624 Statistical Methods in Public Health IV is also an elective option.
Dissertation (3 credits)
NR.110.890 Dissertation Seminar
This seminar provides a means by which progressing PhD students can gather to present and critique each other regarding progress through their dissertation, have a forum for problem-solving and solution-sharing, and to remain up to date regarding regulations in health care and research, and career development.
NR.110.899 Dissertation
Course description available in doctoral program office.
* Topics chosen by student.
Note:
- A grade of "B" or better is required in each course for progression in the PhD Program.
- Some SON elective courses are offered every other year. Please check with the Doctoral Program Administrator regarding course offerings.
- Independent study credits do not count toward required elective credits.
- Students may apply up to 6 credits of a 500 level course offering (in or outside the SON) toward their doctoral program requirements.
Sample Course of Study
Sample Full-time Course of Study
Students complete a core curriculum and work with their advisor to tailor a course of study that fulfills their goals and develops the basis for a program of research.
Fall I (12 credits)
NR.110.800 Philosophical Perspectives in Health
This course draws from and integrates the literatures of nursing theory and science studies (specifically philosophy of science, sociology of science and history of nursing science) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature of nursing science and the knowledge it provides. It examines the history of interaction between nursing theory and philosophy of science, with particular emphasis on the place both have played in the process of legitimating nursing science as an academic research discipline. It provides a basic exposure to the social structure of scientific disciplines and how that structure affects the nature of nursing knowledge and results in methodological plurality.
NR.110.809 Advanced Research Design
This course will provide an in-depth exploration of the design and conduct of research in the health sciences. Students will evaluate common research designs, sources of bias and how to minimize bias in all steps of the research process across designs, and assess major concepts and principles relevant to research design and analytical approaches. Students will learn the strengths and weaknesses as well as when and how to use these designs and methods by studying and critiquing relevant examples from the literature and ongoing research by faculty. Special issues in the analysis and interpretation of data from various research designs will be addressed. Discussions will also cover the ways in which the nursing perspective shapes the conduct and results of research.
Statistical Methods in Public Health I and II (3 + 3 credits)
Research Residency (15 hours per week)
Spring I (13 credits)
NR.110.814 Scientific Perspectives in Nursing
This seminar is a synthesis of concepts of philosophy, theory, and research used in the development and testing of nursing knowledge. Concept analysis and construction, theory development and the relationships among conceptual frameworks, theories, and empirical referents are critically analyzed. The course considers nursing and related sciences with regard to the theories and research and teaches critical evaluation from the perspective of the contemporary philosophy of science and research methodology. Students are guided to consider the philosophic assumptions upon which specific theories are based and how the nature of the research problem and theory guides the choice of research method. They are also guided in the process of a critical review and synthesis of nursing and other knowledge in their own area of concentration and in the identification of key concepts and relationships for their own planned research.
Prerequisite: NR 110.800
NR.110.826 Advanced Research Design II
This course will provide an in depth exploration of advanced research design in the health sciences. Students will evaluate the theory and an application of meta-analysis techniques for quantitative analysis. Students will learn methods of economic analysis using the major methods of cost evaluation. Attention will be given to issues related to the conduct of secondary analysis of data including the reliability and validity of and access to organizational, state, and national data sets. Qualitative research approaches will be critically analyzed for their theoretical underpinnings, assumptions, and methods of analysis. Issues such as the rigor of qualitative design, secondary data analysis, meta synthesis, and funding opportunities will be discussed.
NR.110.827 Grant Writing
This seminar course provides a foundation upon which to build skills for writing grant applications from seeking appropriate mechanisms for accomplishing the dissertation through the completion of the application. Included in this continuum is the articulation of the background and significance, methods, plans for analysis, and discussion regarding human subjects or vertebrate animals. In applicable cases, the National Research Service Award (NSRA) mechanism is to be the focus.
NR.110.828 Measurement in Health Care Research
This course presents both qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyze reliability, validity, and sensitivity of measurements in the health research field. Selected measurement theories and models of health research will be discussed. Classic measurement theories and principles of psychometrics, including reliability and validity, and latent variable-based measurement models, including exploratory factor analysis will be discussed and employed in evaluating data for instrument reliability, validity and sensitivity. This course is designed for doctoral students in nursing, public health and medicine.
Statistical Methods in Public Health III (3 credits)
Research Residency (15 hours per week)
Summer I
Comprehensive Examination
Fall II (10 credits)
Electives (10 credits)
Research Residency (15 hours per week)
Teaching Residency (10 hours per week)
Spring II (11 credits)
NR.110.891 Responsibilities & Activities of the Nurse Scientist
This seminar addresses the responsibilities and activities of a scientist in the health professions, including ethical issues, scientific freedom and social responsibility, collaboration and negotiation, interdisciplinary research peer review, development of a research plan, program of research and research career, research funding, grantsmanship, presentations and publications.
Prerequisite: NR 110.814
Electives (9 credits)
Research Residency (15 hours per week)
Teaching Residency (10 hours per week)
Summer II
Preparation for Graduate Board Examination
Research Residency (15 hours per week)
Fall III--Completion (3 credits per semester)
NR.110.890 Dissertation Seminar
This seminar provides a means by which progressing PhD students can gather to present and critique each other regarding progress through their dissertation, have a forum for problem-solving and solution-sharing, and to remain up to date regarding regulations in health care and research, and career development.
NR.110.899 Dissertation
Course description available in doctoral program office.
Areas of Research
Areas of Research
"The SON at Hopkins has demonstrated that 'nursing' research extends the spectrum from qualitative inquiry to bench research to randomized clinical trials and everything in between. It has broadened my perspective on research and the discipline of nursing."
Assistant Professor Jason Farley, PhD, MPH, CRNP
Featured Areas
- Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
- Domestic Violence
- Biologic Basic of Nursing Therapeutics
- Health Promotion
- Chronic Disease Management
- Symptom Management
- Biobehavioral Aspects of Pain and Stress
| - Substance Abuse
- Lactation and Breastfeeding
- Health Disparities
- Family Caregiver Stress
- Forensic Nursing
- Patient Health Care Decision Making
- End of Life Care
|
Search faculty expertise | Research at Hopkins Nursing | Research opportunities
Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunities
Qualified students interested in the PhD program may be eligible to receive tuition and stipend support through the School of Nursing.
Pre-Doctoral Training Grants | Nursing-Specific Doctoral Scholarships | Other Opportunities
Pre-doctoral Training Grants
Graduate Assistantships ($22,032* for 12 months plus tuition)
Graduate assistantships provide an opportunity for acquiring valuable research and/or teaching experience for qualifying students. Selection is competition-based with priorities given to those who have a good academic standing in the doctoral program. PhD students hired as graduate assistants receive a full-tuition waiver1 and a stipend of $22,032 for the academic year 2013-14. The full-tuition benefit is based on the number of hours worked at 20 hours per week. It is highly encouraged that the responsibilities of the graduate assistant position be consistent with the academic goals of the student.
1 Base tuition payment for up to 6 credits for those in their 3rd year of doctoral study or after
Full-time PhD students are expected to prepare and submit an application for external funding at the conclusion of the 1st academic year. Policies and guidelines
Graduate assistantships are prepared to help ease financial strain which may be experienced by students during the application process and hence should not replace the effort to apply for external funding.
Graduate assistantships are made possible by generous support from donors and SON general funds. Depending on the major sources of financial support, each selected graduate assistant will be named as a fellow of one of the following programs:
A. T. and Mary Blades Fellowship
This fellowship was established by A.T. Blades in loving memory of his wife Mary H. Blades who was a nurse.
Caylor Fellowships
Caylor fellowships are made possible by Mrs. Caylor, a 1947 graduate of the School of Nursing, to support graduate students.
Ellen Levi Zamoiski Doctoral Fellowships
Ellen Levi Zamoiski Doctoral Fellowship was established in honor of Ellen Levi Zamoiski who was instrumental in forming the Consortium of Nursing Education, Inc. Zamoiski fellowships support future leaders of nursing.
SON Fellowship
SON fellowships are given to current doctoral students with an excellent academic standing in the program and those who have excellent research and/or teaching skills.
Current students wishing to apply for a graduate assistant position can submit the Application Form to the Doctoral Program Administrator dbecraft@jhu.edu.
Targeted Fellowships
The following fellowships are part of the School's strategic efforts to enhance the educational experience for all students.
Professional Development Awards ($2,000 per award)
The Professional Development Award Program has been established by Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Professor Maryann F. Fralic, DrPH, RN, FAAN to provide financial support for students in the PhD nursing program.
The Professional Development Award is designed to support selected full-time doctoral students in honing their professional skills. These students will receive financial support to invest in themselves through professional development opportunities that best fit their needs and personal interests. Apply for Professional Development Award
Johns Hopkins Hospital Clinical Research Fellowship ($22,032 plus tuition)
The Johns Hopkins Hospital Fellowship in Clinical Research provides a qualifying PhD student with the opportunity for direct practice in a rich and diverse clinical practice environment.
Applicants for this Fellowship will be students who:
- Have a dissertation interest related to hospital-based practice or care problems
- Are interested in designing and submitting funding to Dorothy Evans Lyne or another funding source to study nurse-initiated protocols of care and impact on patients
- Are knowledgeable about evidence-based practice as the foundation for clinical research in a practice setting, and facile in research appraisal
- Have experience or an interest in measuring clinical outcomes and data management to interpret and make inferences about its meaning for improving practice or care
- Have the expertise to educate staff about research methods, analysis and interpretation, developing databases, data management, and data mining
Jonas Scholars Program
$5,000 per year matched with $5,000 from the School for two years—is available to students who are committed to teach future generations of nurses. Jonas Scholars Program
Nursing-Specific Doctoral Scholarships
Nurse Faculty Loan Program
Johns Hopkins University Nursing Educator Certificate
State of Maryland Graduate Faculty Scholarships
Award: $13,000 per academic year ($6,500 per fall and spring semesters) up to $26,000
Deadline: August 1 to start in the fall semester, by December 1 to start in the spring semester, and by May 1 to start in the summer semester.
Summary: Funding for the Graduate Nursing Faculty Scholarship and Living Expenses Grant is provided by the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) through the Nurse Support Program II (NSP II) to address the issues of recruiting and retaining nurses in Maryland hospitals
The American Cancer Society
Award: $15,000/year for 2 years (option for 2-year renewal)
Deadline: October 15
Summary: The American Cancer Society offers a Doctoral Degree Scholarship in Cancer Nursing. The candidate must be pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing with a focus in cancer care. The field of study may include research, education, administration or clinical practice. The initial award is a 2 year, $15,000 per year unrestricted stipend with an option for a 2 year competitive renewal. The instruction PDF for the application can be found at the above link. The electronic application is submitted through proposal Central and is due annually on October 15.
The Oncology Nursing Society
Award: $3,000-$5,000 doctoral scholarships; $10,000 small research grants (one-time awards)
Deadline: February 1 for doctoral scholarships; November 1 for small research grants
Summary: The Oncology Nursing Society offers several $3,000-$5,000 doctoral scholarships. These applications can be found at the above link and are one time, unrestricted awards. Scholarship applications are accepted yearly and due on February 1. In addition, ONS foundation offers several $10,000 small research grants that can be used for conduct of nursing research (not for stipends). The applications are available at the same website and applications are accepted annually with a letter of intent due October 1 and application November 1.
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society
Award: Approximately $5,000 small research grant awards
Deadline: Varies depending on award (see website)
Summary: Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) offers several small research grants which are open to doctoral students who are members of STTI. These grants are usually smaller (around $5,000) and can be used to cover costs related to your dissertation research. There are several different types with different focuses, so check out the website for more details. Local chapters of STTI often provide their own small research grant awards so be sure to check these out, too. The web address for the JHUSON chapter of STTI (Nu Beta) is: http://www.son.jhmi.edu/academics/student_life/organizations/nubeta/
Southern Nursing Research Society
Award: Up to $3,000 one time dissertation award
Deadlines: March and September
Summary: The Southern Nursing Research Society (SNRS) offers two dissertation awards to support doctoral students in the Southern region (that means you!) enrolled in research-focused programs as they initiate a program of nursing research to advance nursing science and practice. One of the awards is usually due in the spring (March) and the other in the fall (September). Check the website for the most current application information.
John A. Hartford Foundation, Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity, Predoctoral Scholarship Program
Award: $50,000/year for 2 years (additional $5,000 for research focusing on pain)
Deadline: January
Summary: The American Academy of Nursing seeks applicants for its Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity (BAGNC) Predoctoral Scholarship Program. This 2-year scholarship program supports full time doctoral education for nurses committed to careers in academic geriatric nursing. Through generous funding from The John A. Hartford Foundation, the BAGNC Program awards a total of $100,000 ($50,000 per annum) to each selected Predoctoral Scholar candidate. The Mayday Fund provides an additional $5,000 award to selected candidates whose research focuses on pain in older persons. Scholarship Award programs must begin between July 1 and September 1 of the award year.
TriService Nursing Research Program, Department of Defense
Award: Up to $30,000 in direct costs
Deadline: January 4
Summary: The TriService provides research awards to nurses in the armed services including a predoctoral award. Active duty and Reserve students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in nursing are eligible. The dissertation topic must focus on one of the TriService priority areas: military deployment health, generating and translating research into practice in a military context, recruitment and retention of the military workforce, developing and sustaining military nursing competencies. The topic of military deployment health is broad and includes the management of diseases such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension as well as issues in mental health. Award recipients must attend TriService Grant Camp for guidance on applying for and managing this award prior to being selected for the award, so see the TriService website for dates and locations.
Other Doctoral Scholarships/Funding Opportunities
American Association of University Women
Award: $20,000 dissertation fellowships (final year of dissertation work); $30,000 post-doctoral research leave fellowships; $6,000 short-term research publication grants
Deadline: Mid-November
Summary: One of the world's largest sources of funding exclusively for graduate women, the AAUW Educational Foundation supports aspiring scholars around the globe, teachers, and activists in local communities, women at critical stages of their careers, and those pursuing professions where women are underrepresented. This is not nursing-specific, but definitely worth a shot.
Graduate Women in Science
Award: From $5,000 to $10,000
Deadline: January 15
Summary: See website for details on different awards
Fahs-Beck Fund for Research and Experimentation
Award: Up to $15,000 dissertation awards
Deadline: May 1 and November 1
Summary: Grants are to help support doctoral dissertation expense of students in the United States or Canada. Proposals must have clear relevance to major social problems affecting families or individuals, including education and literacy issues, or to interventions designed to assist individuals, couples, or families in their functioning and well-being.
The Melissa Institute
Award: $2,000 one-time award (cannot be used towards tuition, books, fees)
Deadline: April 1
Summary: The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment is a non-profit educational, training and consultative organization established to honor the memory of Melissa Aptman, a Miami native who was murdered in May 1995. The scholarships are available to graduate students from any discipline who address issues of violence prevention and/or treatment. The award must be used to support expenses that are directly related to the dissertation research. It may not be used for tuition, personal travel, or personal expenses.
Guggenheim Foundation
Award: $15,000 one-time dissertation award
Deadline: February 1
Summary: Ten or more fellowships are awarded to fund final-year dissertation projects in the natural and social sciences and the humanities that promise to increase understanding of the causes, manifestations, and control of violence, aggression, and dominance. Highest priority is given to research that can increase understanding and amelioration of these issues. Eligible are students at the writing stage of their dissertations. There are very specific guidelines for when you need to be graduating, etc., so read carefully.
Post-Doctoral Opportunities
Interdisciplinary Training Program in Biobehavioral Pain ResearchThe Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health offer a postdoctoral training program for fellows interested developing an interdisciplinary program of pain research The goal of this 2-year postdoctoral program is to prepare fellows to work within an interdisciplinary research team to address the complex challenge of pain. This is achieved by integrating training in two or more areas of expertise behavioral/social science, biomedical science or clinical research. The program incorporates coursework, mentored research experiences in at least two core areas, an individual research project, preparation of an extramural grant application, and experience in writing and publishing papers. Each fellow is collaboratively mentored by two faculty, each representing a different area of expertise in behavioral/social science, biomedical or clinical research. Apply to the Interdisciplinary Training Program in Biobehavioral Pain Research Blaustein Fellowship in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing ResearchA two-year research fellowship, endowed by a $1 million gift from the Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation, provides a post-doctoral opportunity for nurse researchers with an interest in psychiatric and mental health nursing. The Blaustein Fellowship allows promising scholars to conduct multidisciplinary and collaborative research to advance the mental health and well being of individuals in both hospital and community settings. The 24-month fellowship is accompanied by an annual stipend of up to $51,000, depending on experience. It also includes tuition remission up to $1,000 and support for research-related experiences. Nurses with research doctorates or nearing completion of their doctoral degree who demonstrate strong commitment to scholarship, multidisciplinary collaboration, and psychiatric or mental health nursing research are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact Dr. Deborah Gross. Apply to the Blaustein Fellowship in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Research
Fellowship in Global Health and Gender-Based ViolenceThis two-year fellowship in global health and gender-based violence fosters multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches to scholarship, investigation, and gender-based violence prevention and intervention programs in low-resource settings. The fellow will work with and be mentored by a research team to conduct a 5-year community-based trial: Microfinance intervention to improve health of rape survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Applications are welcomed from nurses or public health professionals with research doctorates or those nearing the completion of a doctoral degree. Priority is given to candidates that demonstrate a commitment to scholarship and multidisciplinary research with a strong interest and experience in gender-based violence and work in low-resource settings. For more information, contact Dr. Nancy Glass. Interdisciplinary Research Training on Violence in the FamilyOffering an exceptional opportunity for students interested in the causes, effects and prevention of violence, this fellowship is funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) National Institutes of Child Health and Development. (T32-HDO64428) and is a five year continuation of an original ten year grant from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). The goal of the program is to train nursing, public health and medical scholars to address the prevention and identification of family violence and its physical and mental health effects. Fellows will be educated in: - family and community violence
- social, ethnic and cultural influences on acts of violence and outcomes
- ethical issues in the conduct of violence related research
- multiple approaches to violence related research
- the research base for policy and advocacy initiatives
- securing external funding for violence related research
- physical and mental health effects of violence
The fellowships include clinical and research experiences in violence, including optional foci: - HIV/ Violence Interface
- Substance Abuse / Violence Interface
- International Violence
The grant supports two predoctoral fellowships in Nursing and three in Public Health each year as well as two postdoctoral fellowships in the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, or the Bloomberg School of Public Health. The predoctoral fellowships include full tuition plus the NIH standard pre or postdoctoral stipend. The fellowships are for full time study during the academic year and include working as a research assistant approximately 20 hours per week on a violence related research project. A violence research seminar is jointly taught by the entire interdisciplinary faculty (Schools of Medicine, Nursing and the Bloomberg School of Public Health). Application for predoctoral students (PhD) is through the School of Nursing for Nursing students, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health for Public Health students in the departments of Health Policy and Management, Population, Family and Reproductive Health, and Health, Behavior and Society (with a cover letter indicating you are interested in the Violence Research predoctoral fellowship). The goal statement for the application should include the student's focus area of violence related research. Post Doctoral Applicants should submit a goal statement, CV, doctoral program transcript and two letters of recommendation.
For more information, contact Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell. |
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How well-defined does my research proposal have to be in my application?
Your essay should be as specific as possible, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to develop a full-length, sophisticated research proposal. Reviewers will look for a summary of your previous experience, qualifications, and information about your interest in a specific area of research. We will also consider your writing skills and determine whether there is a good match between your research interests and our faculty expertise.
Should I contact a faculty member with similar research interests prior to applying?
Although contacting a faculty member in your research area is not required, it is an opportunity to become familiar with researchers in your area of interest and to ask questions not addressed on the school's website.
How are faculty advisors selected?
Once you are admitted to the PhD program and decide to matriculate, the PhD Admissions Committee determines who will be your advisor(s). Generally, one advisor is selected, but in some instances—depending on your research area—two advisors are assigned, one of them serving as the primary advisor and the second serving as a co-advisor. We try to match students with faculty members who have similar research interests.
I've been accepted, can I delay matriculation?
Yes, you can delay your matriculation for up to a year from the term for which you are accepted (September, January, or June). Priority for scholarships is given to those who apply by January 15 with start dates in June or September.
How long does it take to complete the PhD program?
The time needed to complete the program varies, depending on how fast you progress. Some students in our program finish their degree in three years, others take four years or longer. Students have the option of attending full-time or part-time, and many choose to work full-time while they complete the program.
Is financial aid and/or scholarships available?
Financial aid is available to all full-time students in various forms:
- Trainee fellowships and scholarships
- Research and teaching assistantships
- Federally subsidized loans
- Health-related organizational financial support
Students who choose to work part-time are also eligible for scholarships and/or grants. For more information on funding fellowship and scholarship opportunities click on the "Funding Opportunities" tab.
English is not my first language, are there additional admissions requirements?
Students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language. More
What are the differences between the PhD and DNP programs?
The PhD program prepares the nurse scholar to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery. The program is designed to prepare nurses for careers as research scientists, often in academic or governmental positions.
The DNP program prepares nurse leaders for evidence-based practice in both direct patient care and executive roles.
|
Objectives | Prepares nurses at the highest level of nursing practice who will lead in applying and translating research into practice | Prepares nurses at the highest level of nursing science to conduct research that advances the empirical and theoretical foundations of nursing and healthcare globally |
Competencies and Content | Knowledge and skills in applying and translating research into practice; leads dissemination and integration of new knowledge in healthcare organizations | Knowledge and skills in theoretical, methodological, and analytic approaches to the discovery and application of knowledge in nursing and healthcare |
Program Outcome | Practice leaders such as an advanced practice nurse caring for individuals or other practice leadership positions in nursing such as healthcare administration | Nurse scientists prepared for a career in research in academia or other research-intensive environments focused on the design and testing of interventions to advance nursing and healthcare |
Hopkins Program Hallmarks | An intense practice immersion experience with expert clinical faculty | An intense mentored research experience with a faculty investigator with an established funded program of research |
Final Project | A practice application-oriented DNP capstone project | Completion and defense of an original research project |
Tuition
Tuition
Tuition and Other Costs| Billed Expenses (September 2013 - May 2014) | | Tuition: | $40,626* (full-time per year) | | Per credit cost: | $2,257 | | Matriculation fee: | $500 (onetime only fee for first-time enrolled JHU students) | | Health Insurance: | $2,304** | | Health Fee: | $450 | | | Estimated Other Expenses*** | | Room and Board: | $12,294 | | Books/Supplies: | $1,856 | | Personal Expenses: | up to $1,350 | | Travel Expenses: | up to $3,366 |
*Full-time: 9 credit hours per semester
**All students must have health coverage. Purchase of the School’s plan is optional.
***Amounts for other expenses vary based upon student's selection of books, supplies, and living arrangements.
Billed expenses are subject to change without prior notice. |
