How to Apply PhD in Nursing

Applicants to the PhD Program should meet the following minimum requirements:

• Undergraduate grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 grading scale
• A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an NLN- or CCNE-accredited program
• Licensure as a registered nurse in Kentucky or in the state where research will take place.  International students do not need licensure as a registered nurse in Kentucky.
• Three references attesting to the potential of the student for a scholarly career; at least one should be from a doctorally prepared nurse
• Example of scholarly written work that demonstrates excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly and logically; examples could include a publication or class paper.
• Goal statement that addresses short- and long-term academic, research and career goals; a self-evaluation of motivation, initiative and the potential for independent learning with specific examples of each; and examples of leadership experiences where initiative and self-motivation were important to success.
• Two faculty interviews arranged as part of the admission process.
• Admission to the University of Kentucky Graduate School.

Applicants who do not meet the above requirements are reviewed individually on a space-available basis. 

The Graduate School Application

ALL applicants are required to complete the Graduate School online application.

The University of Kentucky Graduate School is now part of the Hobson’s ApplyYourself Application Network, a system used by more than 700 colleges and universities that provides the opportunity to submit all application requirements via an online system. This includes an electronic process for letters of recommendation and uploading copies of unofficial transcripts. The system allows candidates to monitor their application status and view receipt of supplemental materials.

A non-refundable fee is required for each application to the University of Kentucky Graduate School. The application cannot be submitted without payment of this fee.

NOTE: If you previously submitted an application for the College of Nursing PhD Program, you must now resubmit all materials through the Graduate School’s online application process.

ApplyYourself Application Process

Through the ApplyYourself Application Network: First you must set up a new account and establish a user name and password. Do not lose this information; you will need it if you wish to return to continue an unfinished application or review a completed application. Read this entire page regarding the process and requirements before you establish your new application.

This process is to be used ONLY by PhD applicants. Applicants to the DNP (clinical doctorate) program DO NOT apply through ApplyYourself.

To complete the ApplyYourself application, you will first need to gather several pieces of information, including the following:

A. Unofficial Transcripts

The ApplyYourself application requires all applicants to upload unofficial transcripts of ALL previous colleges and universities they have attended; this includes the University of Kentucky. Failure to upload unofficial transcripts will result in an inability to complete and submit the online application.

To obtain a University of Kentucky transcript (unofficial or official) go to the registrar’s website for instructions: http://www.uky.edu/registrar/transcripts

(scroll all the way down for instructions on “unofficial transcripts.”)

B. Official Transcripts

If you are offered admission and subsequently enroll in graduate school at the University of Kentucky, you will then be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate School. Transcripts uploaded as part of the online process are NOT considered to be official. Official transcripts must be received by the University of Kentucky in a sealed envelope.

C. Test Scores

All applicants whose native language is not English will be asked to self-report one of these scores as part of the online application. Submitted scores must be no more than two years old.

D. Letters of Recommendation

You will be asked to supply contact information for the three recommendations required by the College of Nursing. At least one recommendation should come from a doctorally prepared faculty member. 

E. Once your application has been submitted

The system will automatically contact each person identified, and their recommendations will be submitted directly to us. You can, at any time, login to see who has submitted a recommendation.

Specific Application Requirements for the PhD in Nursing

Other materials to be uploaded as part of the complete online application process:

A. Curriculum Vitae (CV):  CV should include education, licensures, certifications, work experience, honors and awards, and any publications or presentations of which you were author or coauthor.

B. Personal Statement/Goal Statement:  In one to three double-spaced pages, discuss your reasons for seeking doctoral study, short- and long-term academic and career goals, and area of research interest. Provide a self-evaluation of your motivation, initiative and the potential for independent learning; include an example of leadership experience where initiative and self-motivation were important to success.

C. Writing Sample: Provide an example of scholarly written work that demonstrates excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly and logically.

Applicant Interviews

Applicants will be contacted by the College of Nursing to schedule interviews with two graduate faculty members once all required application materials and fees have been submitted.

Upon submission of all required application materials/credentials and completion of interviews with graduate faculty the PhD Curriculum/Admissions Committee will review the applicant file and make an official recommendation regarding admission to the PhD program in nursing at the University of Kentucky. Admission decisions are made on a competitive basis.