Apply to a UCF Nursing Ph.D. or DNP Degree

You are ready to practice at the highest level in nursing. Whether you’re seeking a Nursing Ph.D. or a DNP, here are the next steps to apply to a doctoral program at the UCF College of Nursing.

Meet Application Criteria

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. Out-of-state applicants must be eligible for an RN license in Florida and obtain an RN license to begin clinical courses.

 

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:
    • Nurse Executive DNP – MSN or MS in a 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 or advanced 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.

Meet Physical Location Requirement (Hybrid BSN to DNP)

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.

Meet Physical Location Requirement (Online Post-Master’s DNP)

Out-of-state limitations apply to this program.

Attend an Information Session

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.

Schedule an Advising Appointment

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.

Gather Documents to Submit
  • 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).
Write Essay

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. The final DNP project focuses on implementation of an evidence-based change that impacts healthcare outcomes through direct or indirect care from a systems or population/aggregate focus. Describe an area of interest you believe could be improved through such a 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

 

Apply by Application Deadlines
Program Apply to UCF Admission Type
BSN to DNP: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | hybrid By Feb. 1 Fall Full- or part-time
BSN to DNP: Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner | hybrid By Feb. 1 Fall Full- or part-time
BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner | hybrid By Feb. 1 Fall Full- or part-time
DNP: Advanced Practice Nurse | online By May 1 Fall Part-time
By Sept. 1 Spring Part-time
DNP: Nurse Executive | online By May 1 Fall Part-time
By Sept. 1 Spring Part-time
BSN to PhD in Nursing | online courses By March 1 Fall Full-time
PhD in Nursing | online By March 1 Fall Full- or part-time

 


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

Begin the Application Process

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.