Admissions Requirements - PhD
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Admission Process
A holistic review process is used when considering applications for admission to the PhD in Nursing program. The holistic review considers multiple criteria for admission, including the applicant’s professional career goals, academic capabilities, GPA, work experience, leadership and community engagement.
The University of Louisville School of Nursing utilizes the UofL Graduate School Application for application review and decision making.
All required items must be uploaded by the appropriate deadline in order to be reviewed for admission. Failure to have documents submited by the required date can result in deferral of application.
Admission to the PhD program requires an interview with the PhD Academic Affairs Committee. Once application is complete, you will receive an email with an interview offer. Interviews are hosted via Microsoft Teams.
Application Deadline
Fall Start: November 1 - February 1
Out of state students should review their eligibility for admission prior to applying.
Admission Requirements
- Official transcripts representing all college course work. Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must be from an institution accredited by a Department of Education recognized body and a NLN, CCNE or ACEN accredited nursing program. Recommended undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants who have attended a college or university outside the United States are also required to submit a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript through World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
- Three professional letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic and/or professional capabilities and potential for a scholarly career. Recommendations should be from former faculty members, current or immediate past employers, or other nursing/health professionals. At least two references must be from nurses. Recommendations must have been written within the last year.
- A personal statement describing career goals, area(s) of expertise, research interest(s), and reasons for pursuing doctoral studies. Maximum three pages in 12-point font.
- A current curriculum vitae or resume. Please include a list of publications, if applicable.
- An unencumbered nursing license. International students need to be licensed as registered nurses in their country of origin, if licensure is available. If direct patient care activities are provided, Kentucky RN licensure must be obtained prior to December in the first year of study.
Post-Admission Criminal Background Check is required for all students and submitted through CastleBranch.
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