Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements of the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska, applicants to the PhD program in the College of Nursing must meet College of Nursing requirements. These additional requirments include:

1. Complete transcripts from all colleges and universities attended — showing:
   • Traditional PhD applicants: Master's degree from an accredited school. GPA of 3.2 or higher.
   • BSN to PhD applicants: BSN degree from an accredited school. 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
   • Duolingo scores - minimum of 120
      
3. Statement of educational and professional goals and area of research interest
   Typed, double-spaced and no longer than three pages.
4. A current curriculum vitae
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. General congruence of research interests
   Your scholarly research interests should be similar to those of a doctoral faculty advisor(s).
8. Disclosure statement
   A form will be provided.
9. Online application and application fee
10. 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
11. 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.

Online Application

Applicants complete an online application through the Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS) at:  http:nursingcas.org

Supplemental materials will be completed by the applicant and sent directly to the College of Nursing.  Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required documents are received by the published deadlines.  Applicants and supplemental materials received by the published deadlines will be given full consideration.

Admission Deadlines

PhD students are admitted once annually