Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing

Admission Requirements

The student must apply to and meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

1. Earned Bachelor of Science (BS in Nursing or BSN) from program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or other nationally recognized accrediting body for nursing education. Master's degree in Nursing from an accredited program will be considered.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS or BSN) program or ≥ 3.5 GPA based on previous 60 credits of undergraduate coursework.
3. English Proficiency Exams: The SON Ph.D. in Nursing Program adheres to the ISU Graduate School policy for those students who have not graduated from an accredited college or university in the United States (at the undergraduate and/or graduate level) and whose native language is not English.
4. Completed application, preferably before January 15. Applications for Fall Admission are reviewed in the order they are received and accepted on a rolling basis until class filled.
5. Verification of valid and current unencumbered Registered Nursing license.
6. Completion of a preadmission interview by the School of Nursing Ph.D. Admissions Committee. If the applicant resides at a distance over 300 miles, an interview by video conference may be arranged.
7. Mandatory attendance at the orientation for the Ph.D. program to be held on the ISU Pocatello campus in August of the year of admission.

The GRE is not required for admission.
The School of Nursing Ph.D. Admissions committee will make the final recommendation regarding admission. This decision will be based on evaluation of established application and admission requirements. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. 

Online Application

Apply to Idaho State University
All application materials are submitted in one application through the Graduate School. We will begin evaluating applications in January and applicants will be notified of admission decisions by the end of May 2025.

Application Requirements

The student must apply to and meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

1. Submission of official transcripts from each institution at which they have taken any post-secondary work directly to the Graduate School. Evidence of a completed BS in Nursing or BSN from an accredited nursing program must be listed in official transcripts.
2. Submission of a professional essay (3-4 pages) describing education, research, clinical and life experiences that prepare the applicant for the Ph.D program, and how this preparation will facilitate career goals. Present a summary of your experience, nursing philosophy, and interest in higher education. Describe experiences which have motivated you to pursue a PhD degree in Nursing. Present clearly stated goals for a career path following completion of the PhD degree. Describe research focus of interest, and ideas related to conducting research in this particular area.
3. Submission of a writing sample (professional paper).
4. Three professional references attesting to the applicant's capacity and potential for doctoral study using the form provided on the application site.  At least one reference should be from an academic source and one from a professional clinical site.
5. Submission of professional vitae or resume.

Selection Process for the Ph.D in Nursing Program

Review of complete applications begins in January for Fall Admission. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received and accepted on a rolling basis until class filled. All application and admission requirements as posted on the website for the Ph.D. degree program apply. Notification of successful applicants for admission and alternates will be announced in May for Fall Admission of any year.

International Applicants

Do you accept International Students into Graduate Nursing Programs?

• It depends on the student and on the program. To start, please discuss Idaho State University application and admissions information with the ISU International Programs Office. Their staff will have a better idea how international degrees/credits transfer into ISU and what other admissions requirements you may have to complete for Idaho State University. You should also contact the ISU Graduate School and review their requirements for International Students. Once you have contacted those two offices and found out whether or not you are eligible to apply, contact the Academic Advisor for the School of Nursing to discuss program eligibility                        
• For International Students not located in the United States: Our graduate programs require admitted students to attend program Orientation on our Pocatello Campus and certain programs require clinical and/or practicum hours be completed domestically in the United States. These requirements may prevent International Students from successfully completing our graduate programs.
• For more details about the International Programs Office, please see their website at
  http://www.isu.edu/ipo/ and contact ipomail@isu.edu.

For more details from the Graduate School, please contact them at gradadmissions@isu.edu. For more information about the nursing program, please see www.isu.edu/nursing and contact the Academic Advisor.