Oct1
Application Deadlines
As a prospective student, please know that it's your responsibility to make sure all official documents are submitted by the deadline. The application must be completed by the deadline below by 8:59 PM PST/11:59 PM EST in order to be considered for admission. We strongly recommend submitting your online application in advance to avoid missing the deadline in your specific time zone.
DNP Application Dates
Eligibility Requirements
To apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Education Requirements
- BSN degree from an approved, accredited college or university
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale: Based on the most recently completed BSN or graduate-level coursework. Applicants with concerns about their GPA are encouraged to contact Nursing Admissions to discuss their individual circumstances.
Licensure Requirements
- Active, unencumbered California RN license
- Applicants applying from outside California must have their California license endorsement in progress at the time of admission
Experience Requirements
- One year of clinical experience is preferred
Application Requirements
To be considered for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, you must submit all required materials by the application deadline. Below is a checklist of the items needed for a complete application. We encourage you to begin early and reach out if you have any questions along the way.
Proof of Unencumbered, Active California RN License
Applicants must provide documentation of a current, active, and unencumbered California RN license at the time of application.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit a personal statement (500 words or fewer) addressed to the admissions committee. This is your opportunity to showcase your qualifications, highlight your experience, and share your motivation for pursuing advanced nursing education. In your statement, be sure to address the following:
- Your reasons for pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Science degree
- Your short- and long-term career goals, and how the DNP will help you achieve them
- Relevant academic and professional experience
- Your commitment to nursing and healthcare
- Any unique experiences, qualities, or perspectives you’d like the committee to consider
Resume or CV
Your resume or CV should provide a clear summary of your qualifications and transferable skills relevant to the program. Be sure to highlight your professional accomplishments and any applicable experience, including volunteer work.
You are also welcome to submit a cover letter along with your resume. A cover letter can help provide context for your experiences and explain how they align with your goals for pursuing this program.
Two Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required as part of your application. Please include the contact information for each recommender when you submit your materials.
Transcripts for Degrees Earned in the United States
An official transcript from the institution where you earned or are currently earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and/or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is required at the time of application.
Please note:
- Official electronic transcripts (e-transcripts) are acceptable only if sent directly to grads@sandiego.edu.
- Transcripts for study abroad courses and transfer credits are not required.
Transcripts for Degrees Earned Outside of the United States
Students who earned their bachelor’s or master’s degree from an institution outside the United States must submit a course-by-course degree evaluation at the time of application. Applicants can elect from:
- World Education Services (WES) – preferred
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
- Josef Silny & Associates (JS&A)
- The Evaluation Company (TEC)*
- Foreign Academic Credentials Service (FACS)
Applications from students educated outside the United States will not be considered complete, and an admissions decision cannot be made, until a degree evaluation has been submitted.
*The Evaluation Company link leads to a custom application with a discounted rate for USD applicants.
Interview Requirement
Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview following an initial review of their application.
Have Questions About Applying?
Join our weekly Ask Admissions Live! Zoom session to receive guidance on program requirements, application steps, and important deadlines. Speak directly with our team and get the answers you need.
International Students
If you are an international student, please review the following application requirements carefully.
Admitted Students
If you are admitted, you will be required to submit the following:
- Documentation of required immunizations and screening tests
- A report of a recent physical examination
- Proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re wondering about it, others are too!
Please refer to the deadlines listed at the top of this page for priority and final application dates by semester. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
The prerequisite for the MSN program is elementary statistics. This course may be in progress at the time of application and can be completed at a community college or any accredited institution.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 is required for admission. Applicants with concerns about their GPA are encouraged to contact Nursing Admissions to discuss their individual circumstances.
No. Health requirement documentation is not required at the time of application. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive a deadline by which all health-related documentation must be submitted.
If you earned your degree outside the United States, you must submit a course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services, Inc. to determine equivalency to a U.S. BSN.
Yes. International applicants must hold an active, unencumbered California RN license at the time of application. Domestic applicants with an out-of-state RN license may apply but must meet the California licensing requirement by the time of enrollment.
To apply for financial aid, complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. The priority deadline for FAFSA submission is April 1. USD’s school code is 010395.
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