Message from the Program Chair
On
February 24, 2004, the newly proposed Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program
received accreditation from the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This was the first PhD program offered at
Azusa Pacific University. With the development and successful accreditation
of this program, Azusa Pacific University achieved a significant milestone
by becoming a PhD-granting Christian academic institution.
The PhD in Nursing is a research-based program designed to prepare scholars for a lifetime of systematic inquiry and knowledge development. The curriculum integrates a wide body of knowledge in the area of wellness promotion and health maintenance, and incorporates two main areas of research including health of the family and community, and international health. Additional nursing education content incorporates educational theories into the larger context of health education and academic preparation. Graduates of this program are nurse scholars, educators, and researchers who are prepared to pursue systematic research inquiry to improve the health of society and prepare the future generation of nurse clinicians and academicians.
The main outcome objectives of the program are to prepare graduates:
- In the development, testing, and utilization of theoretical knowledge that will advance nursing science and improve health outcomes.
- For a lifetime of systematic, intellectual, and scholarly inquiry relevant to the discipline of nursing and health care.
- For careers in the academy, government, and health care to further the growth of nursing knowledge and teach the next generation of nurse practitioners, researchers, and educators.
- To develop ethical, social, cultural, and health policy for the advancement of nursing education, research, and the health of those whom nursing serves.
The development of this program evolved in response to the severe shortage in nursing in both the clinical and academic sectors, as well as a commitment on the part of the faculty to partake in the efforts of improving the health of society and advance the knowledge development in the discipline of nursing.
Please direct inquiries to Carla Kavanaugh, PhD program coordinator, at (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5121, or email clkavanaugh@apu.edu.
We hope that you share our excitement about this program and we look forward to hearing from you.
Cheryl Westlake, RN, PhD, ARRN-BC, PN
Professor and Interim Chair, PhD Program
School of Nursing
