Handbooks

Doctor of Philosophy in
Nursing Science Handbook

Admission Requirements

The College of Nursing offers two points of entry to the PhD doctoral program. An applicant may apply either post-master's or post-baccalaureate and present evidence of potential for advanced scholarship. Applicants who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited nursing program but a master's degree in a field other than nursing are also eligible for consideration for admission.

Criteria for admission are :

•  GPA of at least 3.00 (A = 4.00) for final 60 semesters of undergraduate study and for the master's program. BSN-PhD = GPA of at least 3.25 (A=4.00).

•  GRE general scores of 500 or above preferred in Quantitative and Verbal and the written score of 4.5. these need to be updated given the various versions

•  Minimum TOEFL score of 550 on paper and pencil version or 210 on computerized version (international students only).

•  Three letters of recommendation that describe the applicant's suitability for doctoral study in nursing.

•  Licensed to practice nursing in at least one political jurisdiction.

•  Availability of a College of Nursing faculty expert in applicant's area of research interest.

Portfolio Credentials of Applicants: Ph.D. applicants' portfolios contain the following credentials.

•  Graduate College application form

•  Doctoral Applicant Supplementary Information Form containing information of the applicant's long- and short-term goals, research interests and experiences, and reasons for pursuing Ph.D. study

•  Three letters of recommendation

•  GRE General Test scores

•  Transcripts from all academic programs attended

•  Resume/Curriculum Vitae

•  Interview with Graduate Faculty member

•  Proposed program plan and teaching requirement documentation (to be completed with faculty interviewer)

International applicants' portfolios also include:

•  TOEFL scores

•  Full Education Course-by-Course Report

•  Validation of registration/license prepared by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

The credentials contained in the applicant's portfolio pertain directly to the admission criteria. The applicant's transcripts, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation provide information to evaluate the applicant's readiness for doctoral study and ability to complete a PhD program. The Supplementary Information form and interview with a Graduate Faculty member help to determine a match between the student's and faculty member's research interests. The applicant's resume provides a total picture of the applicant as to work history, educational background, research experiences, publications and/or presentations, and participation in professional organizations.