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Indiana University

Degree Options

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science

How to Apply

Application deadline
  • August 15 or January 15 for admission the following summer.
  • Students are notified of admission decisions in October and March with a summer start date.
  • Admission to the program is competitive and requires School of Nursing faculty endorsement and Graduate School approval.
Admission criteria
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE-accredited program.
  • Baccalaureate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a master's degree cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher is required. (MSN GPA supersedes BSN GPA)
  • Completion of a 3-credit hour graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B (3.0) or higher within three years of the date of application.
  • Current, active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered practitioner of nursing in the state of Indiana or in home state.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required within five years of the date of proposed enrollment with competitive scores in all areas.
  • 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.
  • Two- to three-page essay summarizing immediate and long-term professional goals and a proposed area of research.
  • Letter of support (use this template) from a School of Nursing faculty member who has endorsement to direct dissertations (refer to the Faculty Directory to see research specialities, areas of focus, and endorsements) .
  • Example of original scholarship and research in nursing as demonstrated by a published or unpublished research paper, article, or thesis.
  • Current resumé or curriculum vitae.
  • Interview with nursing faculty members.
For International students

Complete the requirements above AND the following:

  1. Evidence of passing the Council of Graduates of Foreign Nursing (CGFNS) exam.
  2. Meet English proficiency requirement by at least one of the following:
    a. Competitive scores (minimum of 550) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for students whose first language is not English; OR
    b. Satisfactory Internet-based English test scores; OR
    c. Satisfactory performance on the International English Language Testing System.
  3. Upon submission of International Student Graduate application, contact the Office of International Affairs (OIA).
Contact us

For more information about the PhD program or the admission criteria and to send admission packet, contact:

Debbie Grew, Graduate Advisor for Doctoral Programs
1111 Middle Drive NU 122, Center for Academic Affairs
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5107
dgrew [at] iupui [dot] edu
317-274-2806