Applying to the Nursing PhD Program

General Admission Requirements for Nursing PhD Program

 

To be admitted to the PhD program, applicants must meet the admission standards of the Graduate School as well as other standards established by the graduate faculty in the Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing.

Application for the Nursing PhD opens mid-September and closes December 1 for the following fall term.

International students having earned a bachelor's or master’s degree outside of the U.S. require a minimum TOEFL score of 79 or a minimum IETLS score of 6.5. Additionally, a nursing license is required for admission along with eligibility for licensure in the state of Connecticut.

BS to PhD Applicant Requirements

    • Application to The Graduate School of the University, which includes transcripts of all prior academic work.
    • Eligibility for a Connecticut RN license.
    • A cumulative undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.25.
    • Submission of 3 recommendation letters. The Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing PhD Admissions committee prefers that all 3 references be academic; however, at least 2 of the 3 references must be academic. Academic references, written by current or former professors, focus on the applicant’s academic ability, areas of strength, and suitability for the rigor of a PhD program of study. At least 1 of these academic references must be written by a professor at the school the applicant last attended.
    • Essays describing:
      1.  Reasons for PhD study.  Why do you wish to obtain a PhD?  What are your short and long terms goals?  Once you have obtained your PhD, do you anticipate using the degree in an academic setting, clinical setting, or other (government, industry) type of setting?  (300 words or less)
      2. Reasons for choosing UConn School of Nursing.  Why UConn?  Explain how our program faculty will specifically help you advance your research and enable you to attain your goals.  What other resources at UConn might be helpful to you?  (300 words or less)
      3. Area of Research Interest.  Describe your area of research interest.  How did you get interested in this topic?  What experiences do you have with research?  If you have worked on research projects, what were your roles?  How did you contribute to the project?  Was this your own project or part of a faculty member’s research?  Describe the research project that you might undertake for your PhD dissertation, including possible research methods and the specific faculty member(s) with whom you wish to work.  (300 words or less)
    • An example of scholarly writing. This can be a scholarly paper or published work.
    • Virtual attendance at an all-day meeting and interview in January 2026 (date to be determined).

    Begin your Application

    Post-Master’s to PhD Applicant Requirements

      • Application to the Graduate School of the University, which includes transcripts of all prior academic work.
      • A degree in nursing.
      • A master's degree from an accredited college or university.
      • Eligibility for a Connecticut RN license.
      • A cumulative master's grade point average of 3.25 or higher.
      • A "B" or better in graduate-level statistics.
      • A "B" or better in a graduate-level health policy course, or documented comparable experience.
      • If English is not your native language, TOEFL scores of 79 or greater cumulative and a minimum of 22 in speaking, 6.5 or higher on the IELTS test, 53 or higher on the PTE test, or a 100 or greater on the Duolingo test.
      • Submission of 3 recommendation letters. The Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing PhD Admissions committee prefers that all 3 references be academic; however, at least 2 of the 3 references must be academic. Academic references, written by current or former professors, focus on the applicant’s academic ability, areas of strength, and suitability for the rigor of a PhD program of study. At least 1 of these academic references must be written by a professor at the school the applicant last attended.
      • Essay describing:
        1. Reasons for PhD study.  Why do you wish to obtain a PhD?  What are your short and long terms goals?  Once you have obtained your PhD, do you anticipate using the degree in an academic setting, clinical setting, or other (government, industry) type of setting?  (300 words or less)
        2. Reasons for choosing UConn School of Nursing.  Why UConn?  Explain how our program faculty will specifically help you advance your research and enable you to attain your goals.  What other resources at UConn might be helpful to you?  (300 words or less)
        3. Area of Research Interest.  Describe your area of research interest.  How did you get interested in this topic?  What experiences do you have with research?  If you have worked on research projects, what were your roles?  How did you contribute to the project?  Was this your own project or part of a faculty member’s research?  Describe the research project that you might undertake for your PhD dissertation, including possible research methods and the specific faculty member(s) with whom you wish to work.  (300 words or less)
      • An example of scholarly writing. This can be a scholarly paper or published work.
      • Virtual attendance at an all-day meeting and interview in January 2026 (date to be determined).

    Begin your Application

    Application Process

    When completing the application form, under the Intended Program tab select the following:

    • Levels of Study: PhD/Doctoral
    • Academic Areas: Health
    • Program: Nursing PhD
    • Campus: Storrs
    • Entry Term: Fall 200_