PhD in Nursing Program Admissions
The PhD program admits students for a fall semester start.
| Semester Start | Application Deadline | Transcripts, References & Test Scores Due | Class Start | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Dec. 15, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | Aug. 24, 2026 |
The priority application deadline helps ensure applicants who submit their NursingCAS application and fee by this date will be considered for the fall semester start cohort.
PhD Program Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission to the PhD program at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing must have either a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing or a master's in a health-related field and potential to develop new scientific knowledge related to nursing and/or health care.
Candidates for admission to the program are evaluated with attention to all aspects of the individual's qualifications. The following qualifications are highly desired:
- Minimum overall BSN GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (recommended)
- Minimum overall graduate GPA (if applicable) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- GRE scores are not required for admission
PhD Program Application Process
All information required to apply to our PhD in Nursing program should be submitted through NursingCAS.
- Official transcripts from all schools previously attended, including community colleges and two- and four-year colleges and universities should be sent directly to NursingCAS.
- Transcripts must verify a Bachelor of Science in Nursing conferred from a regionally and ACEN (formerly NLNAC) or CCNE accredited institution.
- International transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) (preferred), or another NACES member.
- Personal statement: Respond to the four prompts below in separate documents with a maximum of 300 words per response. Please include the prompt you are addressing at the top of each document.
- Career Goals: What are your career goals and how do you see the PhD program contributing to meeting them?
- Significant Area of Research: Within your particular area of interest, identify some problems you see as offering promise for research.
- Personal Strengths: What particular strengths do you think you bring to this program that would enrich the learning environment of your peers?
- UC Faculty Research Match: Identify one or two potential advisers from our college scientists who may be a good match for your research interests and provide a rationale for your choice. Visit our Researchers page to view our current PhD program faculty.
- Writing sample: In a separate document no longer than three to four paragraphs, address the following statement: "Differentiate between the research scholar (PhD, or a Doctor of Philosophy) and the practice scholar (DNP, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice)." Use APA formatting and include citations, if used.
- English Proficiency Score: International applicants who are not originally from a country where English is the first language or have not completed a higher education degree (bachelor's, master's or doctorate) in a country where English is the first language must upload their scores into their application and have official scores reported to the University of Cincinnati Graduate School. Required scores:
- Internet-based TOEFL: 100 or higher
- Computer-based TOEFL: 250 or higher
- Paper-based TOEFL: 600-603
- IELTS: 7.0 or higher overall score
- Duolingo: 120 or higher
- Optional — GRE Score: The GRE is NOT required for our PhD program, but applicants who feel it may strengthen their application may upload an official score report and have scores sent to the University of Cincinnati Graduate School (code 1833).
- Computer-based TOEFL: 250 or higher
- Internet-based TOEFL: 100 or higher