DNP to PhD International Admissions
General Admission Criteria
You can apply to Duquesne University School of Nursing by submitting an online application and your post-secondary education transcripts. All bachelor's and master's degrees must be from an institution of higher learning and recognized as an acceptable equivalent to a U.S. college or university.
Online students who will be practicing only in their native country should hold licensure or professional recognition of a nurse in that country. Online students who will be practicing nursing in the U.S. must have a current nursing license to practice in a state or territory of the U.S. where they will be practicing as students. In both of these situations, the applicant must provide verification of licensure.
Coursework Evaluation
Before you are admitted, your nursing coursework must be evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to determine if your existing coursework is equivalent to the coursework requirements for our program.
Non-nursing coursework must be evaluated by any international credential evaluation organization that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
English Proficiency Requirements
Duquesne University requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo Test scores, or Pearson Test of English (PTE) for all non-native English-speaking applicants.
Students who submit official TOEFL scores of 100 iBT or higher, IELTS scores of 7.5 or higher, Duolingo scores of 125 or higher, current to within one year, are excused from English Language Placement Tests except for the written and spoken English tests.Applicants must also meet the followig minimum sub scores in speaking and writing:
Graduate | TOEFL | IELTS | Duolingo |
Writing | 28 | 7.5 | 125 |
Speaking | 25 | 7.5 | 125 |
School of Nursing Admissions Criteria
All international students must meet the following requirements for the DNP to PhD program:
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Current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse |
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A bachelor's degree (BSN preferred) and/or Master of Science in Nursing degree. (Graduates of BSN-DNP and/or a MSN-DNP programs are eligible.) |
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A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. |
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Prerequisite courses:
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Computer skills, including the ability to send and download attachments, word processing, spreadsheet, database management and presentation graphics |
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Students must meet the Technical Standards for Admission. |
A successful phone interview with PhD Admissions Committee member may be required.
Application Process
The admissions process for nursing graduate studies is handled exclusively by the School of Nursing.
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Complete the online application. |
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Provide three reference letters: two professional and one academic or three professional ones. You will be asked for this on your application. |
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Submit the following through your application portal:
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Arrange for these sealed documents to be sent to: or Submit via E-script to bostb@duq.edu. If you have ever attended Duquesne University, the University Registrar's Office will automatically forward an official transcript for any Duquesne University coursework directly to the School of Nursing on your behalf. This transcript will be provided as a courtesy and free of charge. No transcripts from schools other than Duquesne University will be forwarded from the University Registrar's Office. You will need to request other transcripts from the originating school(s):
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Arrange for TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores to be sent directly to the Office of Global Engagement. |
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An interview (via internet) with a PhD Committee member may be required. |
If you are interested in graduate loans, you must also complete the Graduate Financial Aid application and mail directly to the Office of Financial Aid.
If you are accepted, a non-refundable $250.00 deposit will be required to reserve your place in class.
Please Note These Important Dates
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Application Cycle: July 1 - February 1Apply any time between July 1 and February 1. No GRE or application fee required. |
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Program StartThe PhD in Nursing program begins in May with the start of the summer semester. You can find exact start dates on the University's academic calendar. |
Get Connected to Learn More
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Request More InformationReceive additional information about Duquesne University and the School of Nursing and our graduate programs. |
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Ask a QuestionContact Nursing Recruiter Brian Bost at bostb@duq.edu or 412.396.6539. |
View Additional Resources
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Helpful DocumentsGraduate Student Handbook |
Application Exceptions
Duquesne University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). However, due to State Boards of Nursing regulations, the School of Nursing is unable to accept applications for admission to online programs and courses from students residing in:
- Alabama
- Arizona*
- Louisiana
- New York*
- Oregon*
- Tennessee
- Washington
*Please note if you reside in Arizona, New York or Oregon, Duquesne University is able to accept applications for the PhD in Nursing and the PhD in Nursing Ethics programs.
Eligibility of Licensure
Individuals planning to practice in Pennsylvania who have been convicted of any crime (felony or misdemeanor) in any court or who have any criminal charges pending/unresolved may be prohibited from licensure or re-licensure as a registered nurse or may be mandated to complete additional requirements in order to be eligible for licensure, as determined by the PA State Board of Nursing. Any student with such a history must contact the PA State Board of Nursing Bureau of Health Professionals Monitoring (717.783.4857) for guidance prior to enrollment.
Students who plan on applying for licensure outside of the state of Pennsylvania should contact the State Board of Nursing in their respective state.