Admissions

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a doctoral program must:

• have earned a master's degree or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to the specific doctoral program
• have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work (approximately the junior and senior years)
• have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for all graduate-level coursework
• provide at least two letters of recommendation
• 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 the Office of 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.

Master’s Degree

You must have a Master 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 30 hours of graduate or 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Include courses in which you are currently enrolled.

GRE

The GRE is not required and will not be used to evaluate applicants.

Graduate Coursework

A master’s level statistics course is a prerequisite requirement for Ph.D. program doctoral level statistics course sequence. Students must have successfully completed a graduate level statistics course within one year of enrolling in the PhD program, take and pass a proficiency examination available through MCN, or complete this course during the first summer semester in the PhD program.

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.

Application Process

To apply to this program, you must submit the following materials.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Submit your current resume or curriculum vitae.

Essay

Write a three to five-page double-spaced essay that outlines your research interest and career goals.

Copy of License

Include a copy of your RN license.

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 PhD program. One reference must be from a doctoral prepared nurse. Your recommender 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 Illinois State's Office of Admissions. Please apply early to ensure adequate time to review transcripts and Credential Evaluation Reports.

Global Access to Online Degree Programs

When applying, international students applying to a fully online program must agree to our international online and hybrid programs disclosure and disclaimer statements. 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