PhD Admission Steps

Application guidance

New doctoral students are generally admitted once annually, with classes starting in May.  

We recommend that you talk to a student services representative before applying to the graduate studies. Your representative can arrange a visit with a faculty member in your interest area.  

The process starts with your completed online application.

• Please submit as early as possible.
• After you create an online account with username and password, you may return as often as needed to complete the application.
• Please note the information required before you start your online application.
• You may also check application processing status by returning to your online account.

Supporting documents can follow by the due date.

Application due date

PhD admission steps / requirements

Students will be selected from a pool of qualified applicants meeting the following requirements: 

1. Complete transcripts from all colleges and universities attended — showing:
• Traditional PhD applicants: MSN degree from NLNAC or CCNE-accredited school — or equivalent for non-nurse applicants. GPA of 3.2 or higher.
• BSN to PhD applicants: BSN degree from NLNAC or CCNE-accredited school — or equivalent for non-nurse applicants. GPA of 3.2 or higher.
2. International students:
• Equivalent nursing degree(s) and GPA as above
• Must have successfully passed the NCLEX
• Must be legally licensed to practice nursing in one of the 50 states
• Must be legally licensed to practice nursing in the state where you will do data collection/research
• Must provide evidence you have the equivalent of a master's degree in nursing
• TOEFL scores — minimum 213 on computer-based test or 80 on internet-based test.
• IELTS scores - the band score minimum is 6.5 to 7.0
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
   Applicants for admission are advised that their scores on the Graduate Record Examination are required for admission. Arrangements to take the Graduate Record Examination may be made through the Educational Testing Service, CN6000, Princeton, New Jersey, 08541-6000. Institutional Code 6896 (Educational Testing Service website)
4. Statement of educational and professional goals and area of research interest
   Typed, double-spaced and no longer than three pages.
5. A current curriculum vitae
6. Three letters of recommendation
   Preferably from persons holding a doctorate.
• Two academic references, including one reference describing your research ability from the program where you obtained your masters degree.
• One professional performance reference.
7. Two examples of scholarly writing
   For example:
• Published research paper. If a co-authored publication, please include a statement detailing your percent of responsibility for work written.
• Other published work.
• An excerpt from a research project or thesis from your masters program.
8. General congruence of research interests
   Your scholarly research interests should be similar to those of a doctoral faculty advisor(s).
9. Disclosure statement
   A form will be provided.
10. Online application and application fee
11. RN licensure
    In the state(s) where you’ll do data collection/research requirements, if applicable to your program of study.
    • Must have successfully passed the NCLEX
    • Must be legally licensed to practice nursing in one of the 50 states
12. An interview
    With doctoral faculty members whose research interests match yours and at least one member of the doctoral subcommittee of the Graduate committee. A telephone conference can be arranged if you are a distance student.
    
    Final selections will be made from the pool of qualified applicants based on a match of career and research goals with program / University resources.

Apply now

Per UNMC College of Nursing Policy 5.4.1: Graduate Student Admission Policies — PhD Program