PhD in Nursing Science

Apply to our PhD in Nursing Science program

Our PhD in Nursing Science has two research tracks that will prepare you for a career in nursing education, health systems, or clinical science.

Full- and part-time plans of study are available, but preference is given to full-time study. It takes a minimum of four years to complete the BSN-PhD, and three years for the MSN-PhD.

Both tracks offer distance-accessible options for domestic students. International students are required to attend in-person.

Admission criteria:

  • Successful completion of a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a BSN and a Masters 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.
  • Successful completion of a graduate-level course in statistics (3 credit hours with a grade of B- or higher) for the MSN-PhD track only.

Review program details & learning outcomes

Deadlines

Entry Summer 2024

  • Applications available online: August 1, 2023
  • Deadline to apply: November 1, 2023
  • All qualified applicants will be interviewed; semester begins: May
  • Notifications sent to students: Admission decision notification: January

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. You do not have to meet the prerequisite to apply, but it must be completed prior to beginning the PhD program. If you wish to take NURS-R 505 at IUPUI, complete the Nursing Science PhD Prep application:

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

There is a $70 fee associated with this application, but ask the Graduate Advisor for Doctoral Programs for a fee waiver coupon code.

Complete the online IU graduate and professional application.

The application for the 2024 PhD admission cycle will open on August 1, 2023. Applications are due by November 1, 2023.

  • Create account or login to existing one
  • Enter “Nursing” into search bar, and filter by campus, selecting IUPUI
  • 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

There is a $70 fee associated with this application.

Please make and keep a copy of the entire packet for your records. These items may be uploaded into the online PhD application, or you may submit them directly via email or mail to the Nursing Graduate Admissions, or 600 Barnhill Drive, NU 147, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

All applicants will submit the online PhD application and the following required supporting materials:

  • Official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework*
  • Letter of confirmation of research support from an IU School of Nursing faculty advisor
  • Three professional references indicating ability to succeed in the PhD program
  • Current résumé or curriculum vitae
  • The application includes a series of short essay questions in lieu of a personal statement. Each response should be 300 words or less. Responses will be evaluated for content, clarity, congruence with the PhD role, grammar, and punctuation
  • Proof of English Proficiency for non-native English speakers
  • Qualified applicants will be invited to a formal admission interview with PhD faculty

*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 Nursing Graduate Admissions (preferred method) or by mail to:

IUSON, Attn: Nursing Graduate Admissions
600 Barnhill Drive, room NU 147
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now