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University of Colorado College of Nursing

College of Nursing
 

Doctor of Philosophy Admissions

What do you need to get started?

We are excited about your interest in the PhD program. Please use the tabs below to navigate through some helpful and useful information regarding our application and admission process.

PhD in Nursing

The College of Nursing has two major pathways to the PhD. Applicants may enter the PhD program with either a bachelor's in nursing or master's in nursing.

For applicants with a BS in nursing, the MS-PhD pathway offers a 30-credit MS degree (or an advanced practice specialty) leading into PhD course work and research. Both degrees are awarded. For more information and to apply, visit the MS-PhD page for application and program specifics.

Eligibility Criteria for Nursing PhD Program Admission

Required documents for Graduate School admission are identified here.

In addition, the College of Nursing PhD program requires:

  1. Completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing from an NLN or CCNE accredited institution.
  2. A 3.0 undergraduate and/or a 3.5 graduate grade point average.
  3. Completion of a graduate level inferential (intermediate) statistics course1 with a minimum grade of B (3.0).
  4. Completion of master’s level nursing theory course1 with a minimum grade of B (3.0).

1If either the graduate level nursing theory course or the inferential statistics is not reflected in the course title on the transcript, include a course description, course outline, or other supporting evidence that this requirement has been satisfied.

Please send all application documents to:

Office of Student Affairs and Diversity
College of Nursing
13120 E. 19th Avenue C288-6
Aurora, CO 80045

Applications complete by the first Monday in March will be reviewed for fall admission.

Technical Standards

In spring 2008, the University of Colorado College of Nursing adopted the technical standards for admission, progression and graduation of College of Nursing students in the bachelor of science (BS) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs. These standards also apply for master of science (MS), post-master’s, PhD and special graduate students taking clinical courses involving direct client care.

Candidates for these degrees must be able to meet these minimum standards with or without a reasonable accommodation for successful completion of degree requirements. In graduate courses or programs without clinical components, or those involving no direct patient care, the standards may be modified by the program council governing the specific degree program (MS or PhD). The following technical standards explain attributes necessary to complete the educational programs in nursing. The college will consider any applicant who demonstrates the ability to perform, or to learn to perform, the skills listed. An applicant with concerns about these technical standards is strongly encouraged to discuss the issue with the director of the particular program. An applicant is not required to disclose the nature of any disability. If appropriate, and upon request from the applicant, reasonable accommodations for a disability may be provided.

Please see page 49 of the Student Handbook for detailed information regarding the technical standards.

Admissions Process

Please see the Graduate School’s website for detailed information regarding the admissions process.

In addition to the Graduate School’s requirements, the following identifies information specific to the College of Nursing PhD program:

  1. Completion of the University of Colorado graduate admission application and submission of the application fee (currently $50 for U.S. applicants and $75 for international applicants).
    • A scholarly paper focused within the domain of nursing (for example: journal article, course paper).
    • A 500-800 word statement describing your professional goals.
    • A 500-800 word statement describing your research interests.

    • Three (3) letters of reference with at least two academic references.
    • One (1) copies of official transcripts from each college/university attended.
  2. When the application is complete, an interview with two faculty members will be scheduled either in-person at the CU College of Nursing or by telephone. To avoid delay in notification, please notify us of any changes in contact information.
  3. You can check the status of your application and monitor the receipt of application documents by logging on to the Prospective Student Portal

Please send all application documents to:
Office of Student Affairs and Diversity
College of Nursing
13120 E. 19th Avenue C288-6
Aurora, CO 80045

Applications complete by the first Monday in March will be reviewed for fall admission.

International Applicants

International students with credentials from institutions outside the United States are encouraged to apply six months to a year before the start of proposed graduate studies at the College of Nursing. Only those students who have completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent at a university in their own country or a bachelor's or master's degree in the United States are considered for admission.

Please consult the Graduate School website for requirements and information regarding international applicants.