Admissions

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting International Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

Prior to enrolling in nursing coursework students must meet health and safety compliance requirements, to include drug testing, a criminal background check, a physical examination, and several immunizations. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in dismissal from the major.

International applicants must comply with the International Applicant Requirements as directed by the Illinois State University Office of Admissions. Please apply early in the application time frame to ensure adequate time to review transcripts.

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

Bachelor's Degree

You must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

GPA

You must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. 

Coursework

Show evidence of satisfactory completion of statistics, nursing research, and physical assessment courses with a grade of a C or better at the baccalaureate level.

Resume

Submit your current resume.

Essay

Write a two to three-page, double-spaced essay that describes your educational and career goals.

Licensure

Submit a copy of your current RN license from the state of Illinois.

Academic References

Include on the application the names and email addresses of at least two professional or academic references from persons qualified to assess your potential to succeed in the DNP program. At least one reference must be from a nursing faculty member from applicant's baccalaureate program or a master's prepared nurse. Your recommenders will receive instructions to complete and upload this reference form to the recommender site.

Credentials Evaluation Service Academic Report (International Students Only)

International applicants must submit to Mennonite College of Nursing a Credentials Evaluation Service Academic Report from CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) or WES (World Education Services). International applicants must comply with the International Applicant Requirements as directed by the Illinois State University Office of Admissions.

English Proficiency Scores (International Students Only)

International students applying to this program must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 iBT or IELTS score of 6.5 band. Due to limited on-campus courses, immigration documentation cannot be issued for students seeking F-1 or J-1 status.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Graduate Coordinator