Admission and Application Instructions

To apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program you'll need to submit an application, official transcripts, letters of reference, resume and an example of scholarly writing. International applicants must also submit official TOEFL/ILETS scores and an official evaluation of foreign transcripts by World Education Services (see www.wes.org).

Apply Now

Deadline: December 15

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.

• Letters of Recommendation

  Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation (including two from nurses who hold the Doctor of Philosophy degree). Recommendations are intended to provide a professional evaluation of an applicant's potential academic success in the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program.   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 within the application.

• 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 include information about your area of research interest and your professional career goals.

• An Example of Scholarly Writing

  An example of scholarly writing (thesis, article, paper) is required.

• 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 must be evaluated by World Education Services. A course-by-course evaluation is required. 

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

  International applicants must generally meet the same requirements. Waiver of the California RN licensure requirement is considered on an individual basis. 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 annually. 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