Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline?
The priority application deadline for the fall semester is 4:30 p.m., December 10. All materials must be received (not postmarked) by this time.
After this date applications accepted on a space-available basis until March 1, 2012, 4:30pm.

What are the admission requirements?
To be considered for admission, you must have:

English-language proficiency (if applicable)

To be considered for admission to the School of Nursing Ph.D. Program, you must have the following background:

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and an exceptionally strong background in a major field of study such as nursing or the physical or behavioral sciences. The School of Nursing uses the degree-granting institution GPA as one measure of an applicant's academic potential.
  Note: Per University of Minnesota admission policy, credit is not normally transferred from specialized or proprietary institutions, military schools, or industry-based education programs.

AND/OR

• A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a strong academic record in a major field of study and background in graduate-level physical and/or behavioral sciences.
  Note: Per University of Minnesota admission policy, credit is not normally transferred from specialized or proprietary institutions, military schools, or industry-based education programs.

Please note: All applicants must apply to the School of Nursing and the Graduate School.

Do you have a Spring admission?
We admit students once per year with a fall semester start date.

What is the average GPA of successful applicants?
Over the past five years, successful applicants typically have had a GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale).

How competitive is the program?
This is a very competitive program. We take into account test scores, cumulative grade point average (GPA), goals and research interest, and a match of interest with available faculty expertise.

What qualities do successful applicants share?
Successful applicants are dedicated to the field of Nursing and interested in research in nursing and health.

Do you interview candidates?
Yes. After reviewing the applications, we invite selected candidates for interviews. The interview focuses on the applicant's research potential and the match between the applicant's research interests and available faculty expertise. Face-to-face interviews are preferred, but telephone interviews may be arranged. Faculty at the School of Nursing make recommendations to the Graduate School regarding admission.

Can I transfer courses from another institution?
You must petition to transfer a course. If the course is accepted, it will be listed on your official degree program. However, at least 60 percent of the coursework on your official degree program must be taken while you are registered at the University of Minnesota Graduate School.

What courses may be transferred?
If your petition is approved, you may transfer courses:

• Taken at another regionally accredited institution.
• Taken for a graduate degree in a U of M program that is not part of the Graduate School (e.g., School of Public Health).
• Taken as non-degree seeking credit before you were admitted to the School of Nursing.

How long will it take me to complete the PhD?
Full-time, master's-prepared students can complete the coursework and dissertation in three years, though many take a bit longer. Part-time students usually complete the program in four to six years.

How are the PhD and DNP programs different?
The PhD program is primarily research-based while the DNP is primarily practiced-based. The PhD is a doctoral program through the University of Minnesota Graduate School. The DNP program is offered by the School of Nursing. For additional information, please view our Graduate Studies brochure

I'm interested in a specific area of research. Who can I discuss this with?
Our Web site lists our faculty and their expertise.

Is the GRE required?
As with most doctoral programs, the GRE is required for admission. Scores must be sent to the Graduate School (6874). All applicants are required to have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within five (5) years of the PhD admissions application deadline.

Do I also apply to the Graduate School?
Yes, you must apply to BOTH the Graduate School and to the School of Nursing.

What is the School of Nursing's mailing address?
5-160 Weaver Densford Hall
308 Harvard St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

What kind of financial aid is available?
School of Nursing scholarships and financial aid are available for PhD students. Students must submit a scholarship application by April 1, 2012 to be considered for available scholarships. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Scholarship site

How do I apply?
You can apply to the School of Nursing at http://www.nursing.umn.edu/PhD/home.html