Admission Requirements

Admission Criteria by Program

MSN Admission Criteria

To qualify for our online Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health) MSN tracks, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
• Hold a BSN from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Have at least one year of full-time work experience as an RN (prior to registration in clinical or specialty courses).
• Have completed an undergraduate-level statistics course with a "C" or higher.
   

To qualify for our online Executive Nurse Leadership MSN track, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
• Hold a bachelor's degree (nursing or non-nursing; BSN preferred) from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Have at least one year of full-time work experience as an RN (prior to registration in clinical or specialty courses). Strong leadership experience is preferred.
• Have completed an undergraduate-level statistics course with a "C" or higher or a graduate-level statistics course with a "B" or higher.
   

To qualify for our online Forensic Nursing or Nursing Education and Faculty Role MSN track, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
• Hold a bachelor's degree (nursing or non-nursing; BSN preferred) from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Have at least one year of full-time work experience as an RN (prior to registration in clinical or specialty courses).
• Have completed of an undergraduate-level statistics course with a "C" or higher.

MSN Admission Requirements

• A completed graduate application
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement
• Two electronically submitted professional reference letters (one academic and one professional in a supervisory role)
• Official transcript(s)
• An interview may be required 
• Applicants (and students) must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Graduate Handbook.

Request for Consideration for MSN Credit

Applicants may submit a request for credit consideration. A maximum of nine MSN level credits from an accredited university and approved nursing program may be transferred. Submission of a request for consideration of credit does not guarantee approval. Each credit request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Transfer credits must meet the following criteria:

• Maximum of nine doctoral level credits from a regionally accredited university and approved nursing program may be transferred toward completion of the program requirements.
• Minimum grade of "B" or higher.
• Credits may not have been applied to a previous degree.
• Generally, courses must have been taken within the past five years. However, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires that Pharmacology must be taken within five years of the intended program completion in order to be eligible for prescriptive licensure. Students living outside of Pennsylvania should investigate the requirements for the State Board of Nursing in their home state.
• Pass/fail courses will not be considered for credit.

Process for Submission

For each course you would like to request transfer credit, you must:

• Complete the Request for Consideration for Credit form, including identifying the institution attended, course title, semester and year completed, the number of credits for which transfer is requested (indicated on the selected area on the application form) and the Duquesne University School of Nursing course for which consideration for credit is being sought.
• Request official transcript(s) for all requested transfer courses if completed at another institution outside of Duquesne University.
• Submit the following with other application materials:
  • Request for Consideration for Credit form.
  • Official transcript(s) if completed at another institution outside of Duquesne University.
  • Course syllabus for each course taken outside of Duquesne University School of Nursing. The course syllabus should include a course description, course objectives, textbook(s) used, topical outline and methods of assessment. Courses completed at or previously accepted by Duquesne University School of Nursing are not required to include a course syllabus or outline with request.
• Your request will be evaluated by PhD faculty, and you will be informed of the decision in writing.

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PMC Admission Criteria

To qualify for our online Executive Nurse Leadership & Health Care Management PMC, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
• Hold a bachelor's degree (nursing or non-nursing; BSN preferred) from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Hold an MSN (required) from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a "C" or higher or a graduate statistics course with a "B" or higher.

Note: Prefer strong leadership experience.

To qualify for our online Family Nurse Practitioner PMC, Acute-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner PMC or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner PMC, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
• Hold a BSN and MSN from an accredited college or university. 
  
• Have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a "C" or higher or graduate statistics course with a "B" or higher.

To qualify for our online Forensic Nursing PMC, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. 
  
• Hold an MSN degree from an accredited college or university.
  
• Have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a "C" or higher or a graduate statistics course with a "B" or higher.

To qualify for our online Nursing Education and Faculty Role PMC, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  
• Hold an MSN degree from an accredited college or university.
  
• Have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a "C" or higher or a graduate statistics course with a "B" or higher.

PMC Admission Requirements

• A completed graduate application
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement (two pages)
• Two professional reference letters (one academic and one professional in a supervisory role)
• Official transcript(s)
• An interview may be required
• Applicants (and students) must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Graduate Handbook.

Request for Consideration for PMC Credit

Applicants may submit a request for credit consideration. Submission of a request for consideration of credit does not guarantee approval. Each credit request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Transfer Credit Policy for PMC CRNP students:

• A maximum of nine graduate credits, completed within the past five years from a previously earned graduate degree, may be transferred.
• A grade of "B" or higher is required.
• The Advanced Standing Request form must be submitted during the admissions process for transfer credits to be considered.
• For a student who is already certified as a Nurse Practitioner and has prescriptive authority as defined by their state and is requesting transfer credits greater than nine credits, an additional detailed request to the Program Chair is required. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Transfer Credit Policy for PMC Nursing Education and Faculty Role, PMC Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management, and PMC Forensic Nursing students:

• A maximum of nine graduate credits, completed within the past five years from a previously earned graduate degree, may be transferred.
• A grade of "B" or higher is required
• The Advanced Standing Request form must be submitted during the admissions process for transfer credits to be considered.
• The course(s) may not have been applied to a previous degree.

Process for Submission

For each course you would like to request transfer credit, you must:

• Complete the Request for Consideration for Credit form, including identifying the institution attended, course title, semester and year completed, the number of credits for which transfer is requested (indicated on the selected area on the application form) and the Duquesne University School of Nursing course for which consideration for credit is being sought.
• Request official transcript(s) for all requested transfer courses if completed at another institution outside of Duquesne University.
• Submit the following with other application materials:
  
  • Request for Consideration for Credit form.
  • Official transcript(s) if completed at another institution outside of Duquesne University.
  • Course syllabus for each course taken outside of Duquesne University School of Nursing. The course syllabus should include a course description, course objectives, textbook(s) used, topical outline and methods of assessment. Courses completed at or previously accepted by Duquesne University School of Nursing are not required to include a course syllabus or outline.
• Your request will be evaluated by PhD faculty, and you will be informed of the decision in writing.

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DNP Admission Criteria

Strong leadership experience is preferred for all tracks.

To qualify for our online DNP in Clinical Leadership, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
• Hold a BSN degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Hold a master's degree (nursing or non-nursing; MSN preferred) from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a "C" or higher or graduate statistics course with a "B" or higher.

To qualify for our online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership - Post-Bachelor's, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
• Hold a bachelor's degree (nursing or non-nursing; BSN preferred) from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a "C" or higher.
• Have at least one year of full-time work experience as an RN prior to registration in the clinical or specialty courses.

To qualify for our online DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership - Post-Master's, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license.
• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Hold a master's degree (MSN preferred) from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a "C" or higher or graduate statistics course with a "B" or higher.

DNP Admission Requirements

• A completed graduate application
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement (two to three pages)Three references (one academic, one professional and one professional in a supervisory role)
• Official transcript(s)
• A phone interview may be required
• Applicants (and students) must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Graduate Handbook

Request for Consideration for DNP Credit

Applicants may submit a request for credit consideration. Submission of a request for consideration of credit does not guarantee approval. Each credit request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Transfer credits must meet the following criteria:

• Maximum of nine doctoral level credits from a regionally accredited university and approved nursing program may be transferred toward completion of the program requirements.
• Minimum grade of "B" or higher.
• Credits may not have been applied to a previous degree.
• Generally, courses must have been taken within the past five years. However, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires that Pharmacology must be taken within five years of the intended program completion in order to be eligible for prescriptive licensure. Students living outside of Pennsylvania should investigate the requirements for the State Board of Nursing in their home state.
• Pass/fail courses will not be considered for credit.

Process for Submission

For each course you would like to request transfer credit, you must:

• Complete the Request for Consideration for Credit form, including identifying the institution attended, course title, semester and year completed, the number of credits for which transfer is requested (indicated on the selected area on the application form) and the Duquesne University School of Nursing course for which consideration for credit is being sought.
• Request official transcript(s) for all requested transfer courses if completed at another institution outside of Duquesne University.
• Submit the following with other application materials:
  
  • Request for Consideration for Credit form.
  • Official transcript(s) if completed at another institution outside of Duquesne University.
  • Course syllabus for each course taken outside of Duquesne University School of Nursing. The course syllabus should include a course description, course objectives, textbook(s) used, topical outline and methods of assessment. Courses completed at or previously accepted by Duquesne University School of Nursing are not required to include a course syllabus or outline with request.
• Your request will be evaluated by PhD faculty, and you will be informed of the decision in writing.

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DNP Special Status, Non-degree

An individual who is a student in good standing in any doctoral nursing program may be granted Transient Student Status to enroll in a course or courses in the Duquesne University School of Nursing DNP program. The transient student is not required to submit an official transcript of credits earned, but the student must present a statement, written and signed by the administrator of the doctoral program in which the student is enrolled, that the student is in good standing and has permission to enroll at Duquesne.

You may be required to submit documentation of completion of prerequisite coursework for specific DNP courses.

Enrollment as a Special Status student may be allowed only if class size permits.

DNP Special Status Admission Requirements

• Complete the Special Status application form.
• Submit a copy of current RN license.
• Submit a statement from the administrator of your current doctoral program.
• Send application form, required documents and fee to:
  Duquesne University
  School of Nursing
  Graduate Applications
  600 Forbes Avenue
  Pittsburgh, PA 15282-1760

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PhD Admission Criteria/Requirements

FOR SUMMER START ONLY: The application period opens July 1 and closes February 1. The program begins in May with the start of the summer semester. No GRE or application fee required.

• Current unencumbered RN license.
• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
• A master's degree (MSN preferred), with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants without an MSN may be required to take additional nursing courses).
• Graduate course in Statistics, completed within the past five years, with a grade of B or better (3 credits).
• Graduate course in Nursing Research Methods (3 credits) or Research- or Evidence-based Practice (3 credits).
• Prerequisite for international PhD in Nursing Ethics students: Graduate course in Nursing Theory (3 credits)
• Prerequisite course for DNP to PhD applicants: Graduate course in the Structure of Nursing Knowledge or Nursing Epistemology (3 credits).
• Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet knowledge, database management, presentation graphics, and the ability to send and download attachments.
• Successful phone interview with PhD Admissions Committee member may be required.
• Students must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Graduate Handbook.

Request for Consideration for Credit

Applicants may submit a request for credit consideration. Submission of a request for consideration of credit does not guarantee approval. Each credit request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Transfer credits must meet the following criteria:

• Maximum of nine doctoral level credits from a regionally accredited university and approved nursing program may be transferred toward completion of the program requirements.
• Minimum grade of "B" or higher.
• Credits may not have been applied to a previous degree.
• Generally, courses must have been taken within the past five years. However, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires that Pharmacology must be taken within 5 years of the intended program completion in order to be eligible for prescriptive licensure. Students living outside of Pennsylvania should investigate the requirements for the State Board of Nursing in their home state.
• Pass/fail courses will not be considered for credit.

Process for Submission

For each course you would like to request transfer credit, you must:

• Complete the Request for Consideration for Credit form, including identifying the institution attended, course title, semester and year completed, the number of credits for which transfer is requested (indicated on the selected area on the application form) and the Duquesne University School of Nursing course for which consideration for credit is being sought.
• Request official transcript(s) for all requested transfer courses if completed at another institution outside of Duquesne University.
• Submit the following with other application materials:
  
  • Request for Consideration for Credit form.
  • Official transcript(s) if completed at another institution outside of Duquesne University.
  • Course syllabus for each course taken outside of Duquesne University School of Nursing. The course syllabus should include a course description, course objectives, textbook(s) used, topical outline and methods of assessment. Courses completed at or previously accepted by Duquesne University School of Nursing are not required to include a course syllabus or outline with request.
• Your request will be evaluated by PhD faculty, and you will be informed of the decision in writing.

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PhD Special Status, Non-degree

An individual who is a student in good standing in any doctoral nursing program may be granted Transient Student Status to enroll in a course or courses in the Duquesne University School of Nursing PhD program. The transient student is not required to submit an official transcript of credits earned, but the student must present a statement, written and signed by the administrator of the doctoral program in which the student is enrolled, that the student is in good standing and has permission to enroll at Duquesne.
You may be required to submit documentation of completion of prerequisite coursework for specific PhD courses.

Enrollment as a Special Status student may be allowed only if class size permits.

PhD Special Status Admission Requirements

• Complete the Special Status application form.
• Submit a copy of current RN license.
• Submit a statement from the administrator of your current doctoral program.
• Send application form, required documents and fee to:
  Duquesne University
  School of Nursing
  Graduate Applications
  600 Forbes Avenue
  Pittsburgh, PA 15282-1760

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DNAP Admission Criteria

To qualify for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program, you must:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license in the United States, its territories or protectorates
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (BSN or BS) from an accredited college or university with a 3.2 GPA or higher
• Have a minimum of 2 years of nursing experience in an adult critical care setting
• Have current BCLS, ACLS and PALS certifications completed by the start of the program
• Have completed the following undergraduate course work within the last 10 years (5 years preferred) with a grade of “B” or higher:
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, 8 credits
  • Chemistry with lab, 4 credits
  • Pharmacology, 3 credits
  • Statistics, 3 credits
  • Research/ Evidence-Based Practice, 3 credits
• It is strongly recommended that applicants shadow CRNAs in different locations.

DNAP Admission Requirements

• A completed graduate application
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement (one-page)
• Three references (current Nurse Manager, current Nursing Supervisor and one individual who is familiar with your clinical competency)
• Applicants (and students) must meet the Technical Standards for Admission and the health requirements found in the Graduate Handbook
• Official transcript(s)

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Graduate Application Process

Application Process for Doctoral Programs and Tracks

The admissions process for nursing graduate studies is handled exclusively by the School of Nursing. The doctoral programs and tracks process applies to the DNP (all tracks), PhD in Nursing, PhD in Nursing Ethics and DNP to PhD track.

• Complete the online application. If transcripts will be sent under a different name, i.e., maiden or former name, please indicate that name.
• Provide three reference letters: two professional and one academic or three professional letters. You will be asked for these in your application.
• Submit the following through your application portal:
  • Current curriculum vitae (CV): a complete resume with dated work and practice, honors, awards, publications and presentations
  • Copy of current unencumbered RN license
  • Document that addresses each of the following two topics. Each statement should be a single page (single spaced, 12-point font). Please ensure your name is on each page
    • Discuss how you made the decision to pursue the PhD vs the DNP, or if you are a DNP to PhD applicant, discuss your decision to pursue a PhD.
    • In 500 words, briefly describe your research area of interest and why it is relevant to nursing science.
  • Scholarly writing sample authored by applicant (as a single author) that shows you are able to develop and present a coherent academic argument with good literature integration. This could include published articles, book chapters or books. The sample need not be new
  • The Request for Consideration for Credit form and supporting documents, if requesting transfer credits
  • For DNP to PhD applicants: The course syllabus for your Structure of Knowledge course
  • GRE may be submitted as supplemental and is not required
• Arrange for these sealed documents to be sent to:
  Duquesne University
  School of Nursing - PhD Applications
  600 Forbes Avenue
  Pittsburgh, PA 15282
  
  or
  
  Submit via E-script to bostb@duq.edu.
  
  If you have ever attended Duquesne University, the University Registrar's Office will automatically forward an official transcript for any Duquesne University coursework directly to the School of Nursing on your behalf. This transcript will be provided as a courtesy and free of charge. No transcripts from schools other than Duquesne University will be forwarded from the University Registrar's Office. You will need to request other transcripts from the originating school(s):
  • Official BSN transcript
  • Official MSN transcript
  • For DNP to PhD applicants: Official DNP transcript
  • Official transcripts for prerequisite courses, if not included on master's degree program or DNP program transcripts
  • Official transcripts of graduate courses, if requesting transfer credits
• An interview (via internet) with a PhD Committee member may be required. If you are interested in graduate loans, you must also complete the Graduate Financial Aid Application and submit directly to the Office of Financial Aid.
• If you are accepted, a non-refundable $250.00 deposit will be required to reserve your place in class.

Individuals Seeking PhD or DNP Special Status (Non-Degree): Please review the process on how to be considered for Special Status.

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Please note: Individuals planning to practice in Pennsylvania who have been convicted of any crime (felony or misdemeanor) in any court or who have any criminal charges pending/unresolved may be prohibited from licensure or relicensure as a registered nurse or may be mandated to complete additional requirements in order to be eligible for licensure, as determined by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Any student with such a history must contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing Bureau of Health Professionals Monitoring (717) 783-4857 for guidance prior to enrollment.

Students who plan on applying for licensure outside of the state of Pennsylvania should contact the State Board of Nursing in their respective state.