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DNP Degree Admissions

International Students Admission Information

ADMISSION CRITERIA (Summer start only)

  1. Current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse
  2. A bachelor of science in nursing degree
  3. A master's degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. A master of science in nursing is preferred. Applicants who hold a non-nursing masters degree will be evaluated for admission on an individual basis. This process may entail review of a portfolio or other evaluative mechanisms, and may require completion of some masters level nursing course(s).
  4. Prerequisite courses:
    Undergraduate or Graduate course in Statistics (3 credits)
    Graduate course in Nursing Research Methods (3 credits)
  5. Current certifications (if applicable)
    NOTE: Where a legal certification is necessary to practice in an advanced role, as with nurse practitioners, the student must hold that certification. In other areas where such a legal certification is not required for practice, such as forensic nurses, clinical specialists, and nurse educators, certification is not required.
    Should a student wish to change the specialty area, e.g. from a clinical nurse specialist to a nurse practitioner, that student would be required to complete a post-master’s certificate in the clinical specialty before applying to the DNP Program.
  6. Phone interview with a DNP Admissions Committee member
  7. If accepted, you must attend the mandatory on-campus Doctoral Week in May.
  8. Students must meet the Technical Standards for Admission.

On-campus Residency
Students are required to be on campus for one week in May immediately following admission. During that week, students meet with faculty advisors, attend lectures by visiting professors, participate in seminars for required courses, complete examinations, and participate in program evaluation. First-time DNP students will begin a 1-credit introductory course.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The admissions process for nursing graduate studies is handled exclusively by the School of Nursing.

1. Complete the online application.

2. Mail the following to the School of Nursing:

  • Current curriculum vitae (CV): a complete resume with dated work and practice, honors, awards, publications and presentations
  • Copy of current RN license
  • Copies of current certifications
    NOTE: Where a legal certification is necessary to practice in an advanced role, as with nurse practitioners, the student must hold that certification. In other areas where such a legal certification is not required for practice, such as forensic nurses, clinical specialists, and nurse educators, certification is not required.

    Should a student wish to change the specialty area, e.g. from a clinical nurse specialist to a nurse practitioner, that student would be required to complete a post-master’s certificate in the clinical specialty before applying to the DNP Program.
  • Provide a brief statement of your goals in relation to the DNP. Include both short-term and long-term goals. Please limit to one typed page, 12 pt. font
  • Describe one problem in practice or education of interest to you. Briefly outline how study of this problem will improve nursing. Please limit to one typed page, 12 pt. font.
  • Provide three reference letters from professional practice, sealed in envelopes and signed across the envelope seal by the endorsers.
  • Copy of course syllabus for prerequisite courses: Statistics (undergraduate or graduate) and Nursing Research (graduate)
  • The request for Advanced Standing Form and supporting documents, if requesting advanced standing

3. Arrange for these documents to be sent directly to the School of Nursing:

  • Official BSN transcript
  • Official MSN transcript
  • Official transcripts for prerequisite courses, if not included on Master's degree program transcript
  • Any additional official graduate transcripts, if requesting advanced standing

4. If you are interested in graduate loans, you must complete the
Graduate Financial Aid Application and mail directly to the Financial Aid Office.

5. If you are accepted, a non-refundable $250.00 deposit will be required to reserve your place in the class.

DNP Special Status, Non-degree