Nursing Science (PhD) Admissions Guidelines
Admissions Requirements
The College of Nursing participates in Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Find out how to apply.
We evaluate all applicants on the following:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- All calculated GPAs of 3.0 or higher, on a 4.0 scale. (Rush will receive GPA calculations from NursingCAS only after they have received all of your official transcripts.)
- Substantive answers to personal essay questions (included in Program Materials section of NursingCAS).
- Three professional letters of recommendation.
- One letter must come from a PhD-prepared individual (does not have to be a RN).
- All letters must speak to your scholarly and research abilities and potential.
- It is important that you choose recommenders who know you well and can evaluate your current or prospective clinical and leadership abilities, critical thinking, and potential for successfully completing graduate school.
- Recommendations from friends, relatives, or co-workers will not be accepted and will cause your application to be delayed or denied.
- Resume or CV that includes the following information:
- Community service.
- Educational, leadership and professional organization activities.
- Nursing license number and state, if applicable
- Scholarly activities, including publications, presentations, research, honors and awards.
- Work experience.
- GRE scores, are not required.
- Acceptable TOEFL scores, if required.
- Acceptable personal interview(s) with faculty.
If you fail to submit accurate or all required information, we will not consider your application for admission.
Enrollment Restrictions for Certain State Residents
Due to state restrictions, you cannot enroll in this program if you reside in one of these U.S. states.