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The PhD in Nursing Science requires 62 graduate units of coursework and research. Students will complete four core areas of study plus a required minor/cognate and a dissertation. The four core areas are Nursing Science, Research Methods, Statistics, and Mentored Research Experience. Students can choose a minor in informatics, clinical investigation, or dissemination and implementation science, or they may propose a customized track that is a match with nursing faculty research areas and that complements the applicant's nursing area of research. Courses in the Nursing Science and Research Methods core areas will be taught by faculty at Goldfarb School of Nursing. Courses in the Statistics core and the minor courses will be taught by faculty at Washington University. The Mentored Research Experience will be taught by scientists at both Goldfarb School of Nursing and Washington University. A Mentored Teaching Experience is also required.

The program is designed for full-time or part-time study. The full-time track is designed to be completed in three years. This generally involves five semesters of coursework (50 units) followed by a preliminary examination, a qualifying examination, and three semesters of dissertation work (12 units). Students may be eligible for fourth- and fifth-year options if these are necessary for the completion of the proposed dissertation work. The part-time PhD program may be completed in five to seven years, with a maximum of nine years. Part-time students must be enrolled in at least 3 credit units (and no more than 8 credit units) per semester for continuous semesters until unit requirements for the program are met. Course credit requirements and milestone accomplishments are the same for full-time and part-time study. A Title, Scope and Procedure form must be submitted to the school registrar or appropriate record custodian at least six months before the degree is expected to be conferred or before beginning the sixth year of enrollment, whichever is earlier. The expectation is that students enrolled in the part-time program will stay in the part-time program, and that students enrolled in the full-time program will stay in the full-time program. A decision to change programs must be done in consultation with and with approval from the program director. 

As part of their degree requirements, PhD students must complete a program-defined Mentored Experience Requirement (MER) as per these guidelines. The Mentored Experience Implementation Plan (MEIP) is the written articulation of a program-defined degree requirement for PhD students to engage in mentored teaching activities and/or mentored professional activities, collectively referred to as MERs.

Mentored Experience Requirements (MERs)

Philosophy of Teaching

Effective communication of information and concepts is a critical skill for nurses with a PhD in Nursing Science. Each nursing science student must be able to demonstrate excellence in teaching and presentation of scientific research topics. The following are essential competencies for PhD in Nursing Science students to achieve in the Mentored Experience Teaching whether they pursue employment in the academic setting, the acute care setting, or a different career path.

1. Communicate a philosophy of teaching that embodies commitment to the improvement of professional practice and research through excellence in teaching and mentoring.
2. Demonstrate sound strategies of planning, delivery, and evaluation of teaching encounters.
3. Continually seek to improve teaching strategies in response to self-reflection, peer input, and student feedback.

Preparatory Engagement

Preparatory Engagement activities are those that represent an introduction to the foundational skills associated with teaching or communication. Pedagogical preparation engagement activities are normally completed before students are permitted to engage in assisting or teaching in a classroom.

Students are required to conduct three Preparatory Engagement activities:

1. Complete the Washington University Center for Teaching and Learning's Graduate Student Mentored Teaching Orientation within two semesters prior to the Mentored Teaching Assistant in Instruction semester.
2. Attend at least one Washington University Center for Teaching and Learning 90-minute workshop of the student's choice upon completion of the Graduate Student Mentored Teaching Orientation and within two semesters prior to the Mentored Teaching Assistant in Instruction semester.
3. Complete a self-assessment of previous teaching experience and interests to best align the student with courses taught in the desired Mentored Teaching Assistant in Instruction semester. The student will meet with their Student Advisor and the Upper Division or Graduate Program Director to finalize course selection.

Mentored Teaching Experiences (MTEs)

Assistant in Instruction (AI)

An Assistant in Instruction (AI) is a PhD student who is directly engaged in the organization, instruction, and/or support of a semester-long course primarily taught by a faculty member. An AI receives mentorship from a faculty member related to best practices in classroom engagement, instruction in the field, interpersonal engagement, and other relevant skills. Students and mentors complete a mentorship plan prior to the start of each AI experience. To complete each AI assignment and to ensure that it applies toward their degree requirements, students must register for the appropriate course number for each semester of engagement. Refer to the "Required Pathways for Completion" section below for course numbers and details.

Students are required to complete one AI assignment for 5 MER units.

Required Pathways for Completion

Students work with their faculty mentor to plan how and when they will complete their MERs. Students register during the normal registration period for courses in accordance with one of these approved pathways.

• Preparatory Engagement

UG Spanish Seminar

MGS 8005	Take one time