Alongside the growing numbers of professional doctorate programmes being offered within universities in the past 20 years, there has been a growth in the academic literature associated with various aspects of these research degrees. This systematic literature review draws on the evidence of 193 academic papers to map out the existing academic…

The landscape of doctoral education has changed immensely during the last decades. Different transnational policies, different publics, different purposes and different academic careers all contribute to the need for a new understanding of this underresearched field. Our focus is on explicit curriculum analysis to undertake intentional and…

The constantly evolving paradigm of 21st century educational offerings and the growing demand for "professional practice" research degrees have raised concerns about the relevance of the traditional "theoretical" PhD award. To meet this growing demand, and address these concerns, alternative routes to achieving the doctoral…

The authors discuss the two doctoral degrees in nursing --the professional doctor of nursing science and the research doctor of philosophy--and argue that nursing must differentiate more clearly between the two. Topics covered include the history of doctoral education, program goals, and a plan to develop distinctions between the two. (CH)

Effectiveness of clinical pharmacy services is discussed through an analysis of the literature, an analysis of the funding of grant applications by the National Center for Health Services Research, and a review of the research component of doctoral programs in pharmacy. (MSE)

The value of statistical training for social workers is addressed, along with current levels of training and general educational principles for statistical training. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral statistical curricula are proposed. (Author/MH)

The recommendations of the National Institute of Mental Health task force on social work research are reviewed and discussed. It is proposed that as a means of forwarding reform and building an infrastructure for research, doctoral education in social work should be expanded and focused in selected institutions. (MSE)

Discusses an atypical doctoral degree program in Community College Leadership at Mississippi State University, which takes an interdisciplinary approach to educating future rural community college administrators. Program characteristics include: (1) instruction and research driven by priorities established by rural community colleges; (2) a degree…

Presented are trends and projections in social work doctoral education including: historical summary, review of existing studies, increasing productivity in next decade providing resources are not curtailed, and need for more emphasis on postdoctoral education. Central objectives in social work relate to social policy, teaching, and…

Issues related to graduate education in family science, especially at the doctoral level, are explored. Discusses competencies family scientists should have, as well as experiences necessary to help students acquire them. Proposes ideas for a core curriculum, identifies controversies and unresolved issues, and examines training for the future.…