Admission and Application Instructions

To apply, please submit an application, official transcripts, letters of reference, resume and writing sample. International applicants must also submit official TOEFL/ILETS scores and an official evaluation of foreign transcripts by World Education Services (www.wes.org).

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Application Instructions

• College/University Transcripts

  Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are mailed directly from the college or university to the University of San Diego Office of Graduate Admissions. The college or university may also send them electronically to grads@sandiego.edu. Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required.

• Letters of Recommendation

  Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Recommendations are intended to provide a professional evaluation of an applicant's potential academic success in doctoral study (i.e. supervisors, faculty). References are submitted electronically through the application service.

• Resume

  A resume describing the nature, scope and areas of responsibility of all work experience is required. Please upload your resume with the application.

• Registered Nurse License

  MSN to DNP Applicants

  MSN to DNP applicants applying to the Advanced Practice and Emergency Care tracks are required to submit proof of an active, unencumbered California RN license.  Applicants to the Advanced Practice track are required to provide proof of certification in an Advanced Practice Nursing specialty (NP, CNS, CRNA or CNM).  Applicants to the Emergency Care track are required to provide proof of FNP  certification.

  MSN to DNP applicants to the Nursing Informatics and Data Science track and Health Systems Leadership track are required to provide proof of an active, unencumbered RN license.

  BSN to DNP Applicants

  Applicants must submit proof of an active, unencumbered California RN license. International applicants to the BSN to DNP NP program must have an unencumbered, active California state registered nurse (RN) license at the time of application; domestic applicants with an out-of-state RN license must have an unencumbered, active California state registered nurse (RN) license upon fall enrollment.

• Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement

  The essay required of all candidates is intended to give us a better understanding of you as a person. The statement should elucidate a specific clinical practice focus and evidence-based clinical issue or problem you plan to address in your  DNP Scholarly Practice.

• Writing Sample

  Please upload the writing sample with the application. A paper from your BSN or MSN program is acceptable to meet the requirement.

• Interview

  Only qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview based on initial review of their application.

• International Applicants

  Foreign credentials submitted with an application for doctoral study are required to be evaluated by World Education Services (www.wes.org). A course-by-course evaluation is required. 

• Test of English as a Foreign Language or International English Language Testing System

  The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is mandatory of all international applicants except those who are from English speaking countries.

  The University of San Diego's minimum scores are:

  TOEFL

  237 on the computer-based test
  580 on the paper-based test
  83 on the Internet-based test

  IELTS

  Band score 7

• Financial Aid

  To apply for financial aid, applicants complete the FAFSA. The USD code number is 010395. The FAFSA deadline is April 1. Applicants are advised to apply by the April 1 deadline even if the admission decision is pending. Questions regarding the FAFSA and the financial aid process should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.

  FAFSA