PhD in Nursing Science

Apply to our PhD in Nursing Science program

To apply to our PhD in Nursing Science program, you must meet the minimum criteria for admission, which includes:

  • Successful completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from programs within regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required, for the BSN degree and for the MSN, if applicable. Similar equivalency will be required for graduates of international programs.
  • MSN-PhD track only: Successful completion of a graduate-level course in statistics (3 credit hours with a grade of B- or higher).

Review program details & learning outcomes

Deadlines

Entry Summer 2026

  • Applications available online: August 1, 2025
  • Deadline to apply: November 1, 2025
  • Selected applicants will be interviewed
  • Notifications sent to students in January 2026
  • Program begins in May 2026

Steps to apply

Prior completion of a 3-credit, graduate-level statistics course from an accredited four-year university with a grade of B- or better is required for admission to the MSN-PhD track. If you wish to take NURS-R 505 at IU Indianapolis, complete the Nursing Science PhD Prep application:

  • Create account or login to existing one
  • Enter “Nursing” into search bar, and filter by campus, selecting IU Indianapolis
  • Select the application for program Nursing Science PhD Prep

There is a $70 fee associated with this application, but you can ask the Graduate Admissions Counselor for a fee waiver coupon code.

Complete the online IU graduate application.

The application for the 2026 PhD admission cycle will open on August 1, 2025. Applications are due by November 1, 2025.

  • Create account or login to existing one
  • Enter “Nursing” into search bar, and filter by campus, selecting IU Indianapolis
  • Select the correct application for Nursing Science PhD, being careful to select either the in-person or online track as well as a Health Systems or Clinical Nursing Science focus
  • Carefully read the Program Descriptions to see program start dates, application deadlines, and application materials required
  • Upload all supplementary materials (resume/CV, personal statement, and writing sample) to your application

There is a $70 fee associated with this application.

Submit official transcripts from each university and college attended outside of the Indiana University system. For coursework completed at Indiana University (any campus), we will have access to your official transcript - you do not need to send one.

To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to the IU School of Nursing by the issuing institution or their agent. We cannot accept transcripts that are marked “Issued to Student.” The issuing institution can send transcripts electronically to nuadmit@iu.edu (preferred method) or by mail to:

Indiana University School of Nursing
Attn: Graduate Admissions
600 Barnhill Drive, NU 128
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Applicants may be invited to participate in a virtual interview with IU School of Nursing faculty following the application deadline. Please be on the lookout for an email from Nursing Graduate Admissions with an invitation to select your interview date and time.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now