Application Process
When to apply?
| Starting Term | Application Period |
| Summer 2025 | October 1, 2024 - April 15, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | October 1, 2024 – July 15, 2025 |
Note: The DNP plan of study spans 7 semesters if entering in the summer term and 10 semesters if entering in a fall term.
Step 1: Complete an online application
Applicants can fill out an online application at https://illinoisstate.edu/apply/graduate/
All materials will be submitted as part of your GradCAS application. Make sure you have the following materials ready to upload to your application.
- Unofficial transcripts from all schools of higher education attended, other than ISU. Official transcripts will be required if accepted into the program.
- Current resumé
- Three page double spaced essay describing reason for pursuing the DNP degree and a nursing practice problem for potential evidence based practice project
- Copy of your RN license
- Copy of Advance Practice Nurses (APN) certification (when applicable)
- Copy of Advance Practice Nurses license (when applicable)
- Submit practice hours form showing completed practice hours from MSN program
- Submit verification of practice hours from MSN program director or appropriate program representative on MSN program letterhead
Applicants who reside in Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri and Iowa have the benefit of paying In-State tuition at Illinois State University.
International applicants: Please refer to this site prior to submitting an application: https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/international/online-program-disclosure/ Additionally, international applicants must submit a Credentials Evaluation Service Academic Report from CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). Applicants must comply with the International Applicant Requirements, https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/international/requirements/, as directed by the Illinois State University Office of Admissions. Please apply early in the application process to ensure adequate time to review transcripts and Credential Evaluation Reports.
Step 2: Submit references
Note two professional or academic references in the online application. The form linked below will be available to your references to submit electronically through the online application.
References should be from persons qualified to assess the applicant's potential to succeed in the DNP program, with one reference from a doctorally prepared individual (such as previous graduate faculty, nursing colleague, or collaborative physician).
When Are Decisions made?
An application review and the admission process generally takes 3 to 4 weeks. Admitted applicants must have cleared a criminal background check and drug screen along with specified health and safety forms through MCN before enrolling in first semester courses.