Admission Requirements

The student must apply to and meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

1. Earned Bachelor of Science (BS in Nursing or BSN) from program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or other nationally recognized accrediting body for nursing education. Master's degree in Nursing from an accredited program will be considered.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS or BSN) program or ≥ 3.5 GPA based on previous 60 credits of undergraduate coursework.
3. English Proficiency Exams: The SON Ph.D. in Nursing Program adheres to the ISU Graduate School policy for those students who have not graduated from an accredited college or university in the United States (at the undergraduate and/or graduate level) and whose native language is not English.
4. Completed application by established deadline of December 1st. Applications submitted after December 1st are accepted on a rolling bases until class is filled.
5. Verification of valid and current unencumbered Registered Nursing license.
6. Completion of a preadmission interview by the School of Nursing Ph.D. Admissions Committee. If the applicant resides at a distance over 300 miles, an interview by video conference may be arranged.
7. Mandatory attendance at the orientation for the Ph.D. program to be held on the ISU Pocatello campus in August of the year of admission.

The School of Nursing Ph.D. Admissions committee will make the final recommendation regarding admission. This decision will be based on evaluation of established application and admission requirements. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Online Application

Apply to Idaho State University
All application materials are submitted in one application through the Graduate School. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the December 1st priority deadline.

Application Requirements

The student must apply to and meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

1. Submission of official transcripts from each institution at which they have taken any post-secondary work directly to the Graduate School. Evidence of a completed BS in Nursing or BSN from an accredited nursing program must be listed in official transcripts.
2. Submission of a professional essay (3-4 pages) describing education, research, clinical and life experiences that prepare the applicant for the Ph.D program, and how this preparation will facilitate career goals. Present a summary of your experience, nursing philosophy, and interest in higher education. Describe experiences which have motivated you to pursue a PhD degree in Nursing. Present clearly stated goals for a career path following completion of the PhD degree. Describe research focus of interest, and ideas related to conducting research in this particular area.
3. Submission of a writing sample (professional paper).
4. Three professional references attesting to the applicant's capacity and potential for doctoral study using the form provided on the application site.  At least one reference should be from an academic source and one from a professional clinical site.
5. Submission of professional vitae or resume.

Selection Process for the Ph.D in Nursing Program

Applications for the Ph.D. program will open in September of any academic year for a Fall Semester start date. Preference will be given to applications submitted by December 1 of any year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until class filled. All application and admission requirements as posted on the website for the Ph.D. degree program apply. Notification of successful applicants for admission and alternates will be announced in April of any year.