special project

The Special Project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate synthesis of knowledge and role competence achieved through the graduate experience. It is designed to focus the student's attention toward the four dimensions of  scholarship listed below as defined by Boyer (1990).

The first dimension of practice is the Scholarship of Discovery, which is realized by completion of the thesis option. The next three dimensions -- the Scholarship of Integration, of Practice, and of Teaching -- are realized by the scholarly project, the final outcome of which is a product such as a publishable paper, a video, or grant proposal pertinent to the new role. Any creative idea may be discussed with the Graduate Program Coordinator for approval by the Graduate Program Committee.

1. Scholarship of Discovery
   
   • The traditional thesis (research study) completed for six credits (NUR 590, NUR 591). Thesis guidelines may be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies .

The following dimensions are appropriate to the Special Project which is six credits consisting of NUR 592 , 3 credits, plus one additional 3-credit course of the student's choice for program completion.

2. Scholarship of Integration
   
   • Development of a new practice model
   • Interdisciplinary projects that improve health care
   • Policy papers to influence organization or governments
     
     
3. Scholarship of Practice
   
   • Case study on a challenging client
   • Quality improvement project
   • Nursing practice guideline
   • Intervention project -- one needed by a clinical agency or education    institution
   • Development of a teaching program for client/patient use
   • Practice Based Manuscript
     
     
4. Scholarship of Teaching
   
   • Teaching program for community, agency, or nursing student project
   • Development of curricular innovation
   • Innovative teaching or evaluation method
   • Pedagogy Based Manuscript