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Indiana University

Degree Options

Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science Option

How to Apply

Application deadline: Oct. 15 for admission the following summer

Admission to the program is competitive and requires faculty approval. Admission is based on the applicant’s qualifications, including GRE scores, official transcripts, a personal interview, and references.

Admission criteria
  • Three references from individuals who can attest to your personal and intellectual traits. One must come from a nurse faculty member who has knowledge of your academic ability from undergraduate or master's work.
  • Competitive scores (minimum of 600 recommended) on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)  general test and a minimum score of 3.5 on the analytical writing section. Your GRE scores must be from the five years prior to the date of application. Please note: Applicants are advised to take the GRE at least four to six weeks before the PhD application due date. When you take the test, be sure to indicate that you want your scores sent to institution code 1325, department 0610.
  • A two– to three–page essay summarizing immediate and long-term professional goals and a proposed area of research.
  • A letter of support from a School of Nursing faculty member who has endorsement to direct dissertations (refer to the Faculty Directory to see research specialties, areas of focus, and endorsements). Solicit a letter of support from an individual whose area of research most closely matches your own and submit this letter with the application materials. If you need help in contacting one of these faculty members and obtaining a letter of support, contact the associate dean of graduate programs (oesgrads [at] iupui [dot] edu) for assistance.
  • Ability to secure current registered nurse licensure in Indiana. Evidence of a current, active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered practitioner of nursing in the State of Indiana or in home state for distance accesible students. Applicants whose program of study will not require contact with patients may be exempted from licensure requirement by our associate dean of graduate studies.
  • Official college transcripts, in English, from each college or university you have attended since high school. A transcript that shows transfer credits is official only for credits taken at that institution and is not considered an official transcript for the transferred credits.
  • A graduate-level statistics grade of B (3.0) or higher must have been taken within the three years of the date of application. A course that includes inferential statistics is recommended, but not required.
  • An example of original scholarship and research in nursing as demonstrated by a published or unpublished research paper, article, or thesis.
  • A current resumé or curriculum vitae, including descriptions of the position and clinical setting in which you are currently employed, your responsibilities, and your dates of employment. Also include information about your former employment history. Note your involvement in professional and voluntary organizations, along with any awards, honors, publications written and published, presentations given, and continuing educational experiences.
For international students

Complete the above list AND the following:

All admission information should be sent to the following address, preferably in one packet:

Graduate recorder
Indiana University School of Nursing
1111 Middle Drive, NU 142D
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5107

Contact us

For more information about the PhD program or the admission criteria, please contact:
Marla Zimmerman
Coordinator of PhD Student Services
marzimme [at] iupui [dot] edu