Admissions

All doctoral students will need to fulfill general UCF graduate admissions requirements. Visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog for details.

Additionally, applicants will need to meet the minimum requirements for each respective doctoral program at UCF.

BSN to DNP Programs: AGACNP, AGPCNP and FNP

• BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent. Students with a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s may apply to a DNP program, but must take prerequisites.
• Undergraduate statistics course.
• RN license in the State of Florida.

Post-Master’s DNP Programs: APN and Nurse Executive

• BSN and MSN degrees from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent, with the following focus or specialty:

• • Advanced Practice DNP – an MSN with an APN specialty role OR a post-MSN certificate (NP, CNS, CRNA, CNM). Applicants not holding the appropriate MSN degree may enter the DNP program through one of the three BSN to DNP tracks: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner.

• • Nurse Executive DNP – MSN in Leadership and Management, MBA, MHA or MS in related field.

• Florida RN license.

Additional criteria for the Advanced Practice DNP program:

• APRN license in the state in which clinical courses will be conducted.
• APN certification or the ability to obtain certification in the first semester of enrollment is required.

PhD in Nursing Programs: BSN to PhD and Post-Master’s PhD

• Degree(s) from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent:
  • BSN for the BSN to PhD program.
  • Baccalaureate degree and graduate degree from an accredited program.*
  • Licensure as a Registered Nurse in Florida is preferred, but not required, and will be considered case-by-case.*
• 3 Letters of Recommendation evaluating potential for doctoral study preferably by nursing instructors, nurse employers or nurses with advanced degrees.
• Research interests that match faculty expertise.

*Applicants holding a BS or BA degree in a non-nursing related discipline or without an active nursing license will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact the program advisor for information.

Please note: Online programs do not meet immigration requirements for students holding an F1 or J1 Visa to maintain status. If you have questions, please contact UCF Global at global.ucf.edu or call 407-823-2337.

Post-Bachelor’s DNP program is taught in Florida. Clinical placements occur within the Central Florida Service area.

Out-of-state limitations apply to this program.

In addition to learning more about the programs and application process, you’ll gain tips on writing your essay, how often you need to come to campus (if at all) and more. Register now.

Before submitting your application and writing your essay, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss the essay and your goals for doctoral study. To schedule your appointment, contact the College of Nursing’s Graduate Student Services Office.

• Official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) reflecting prior education, recent clinical accomplishments, any recent scholarly work (publications and presentations), awards, national certifications, and activities with professional organizations.
• Three (3) professional recommendations.
• Written essay (see below).

All doctoral program applicants will need to write an essay.

DNP Programs: AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, APN and Nurse Executive

Your essay will need to address the following and meet the formatting requirements below.

1. Describe how earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice in the track to which you applied will help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
2. Explain those personal and professional experiences that have helped prepare you for doctoral study and your readiness for doctoral study at this time.
3. Describe an area of interest that you would address through a doctoral-level quality improvement project.

An interview with faculty may also be required.

PhD in Nursing Programs: BSN to PhD and Post-Master’s PhD

Your essay will need to address the following and meet the formatting requirements below.

• Conceptualize or develop a research idea or construct
• Engage in creative thought
• Explain your driving motivation to earn a PhD
• Discuss the fit of career goals with focus of PhD education
• Identify the fit of research interest with a College of Nursing faculty member’s program of research
• Present an understanding of time commitment for doctoral education
• Provide examples of ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Discuss prior research and quality improvement experience
• Display excellent written skills, including grammatical and paragraph structure, spelling and proofreading of the document prior to submitting

An interview with faculty is also required and will be evaluated based on the criteria above.

Written essay formatting requirements for Doctoral Programs:

• Length:
  • 500 words or less
• Double spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman font
• 1-inch margins

* If interested in university Fellowships, apply by December 1. 

Admissions are decided by a committee of faculty and staff within the College of Nursing, based on an applicant’s overall GPA, GPA of the last 60 hours of undergraduate program, CV, and written essay.

The College of Nursing accepts the most qualified students based on evaluations of the applicant’s abilities, past performance, recommendations, match of UCF programs with applicant’s career goals, and for PhD applicants, match of faculty research areas.

Apply online at the UCF College of Graduate Studies.