Nursing: BSN to PhD
Jump into a quality PhD program, starting from your BSN. This online, primarily asynchronous, part-time plan of study allows flexibility and the capacity to move through the program in as little as four years. This program is perfect for someone who wants a fast-track to research and scholarly pursuits.
BSN to PhD is a new program that started in fall 2022. View a detailed plan of study .
Point of Pride
This program offers a unique online journey from a BSN to a PhD in as little as four years
Discover what life as an Illinois State graduate student is like.
University Admission Requirements
A student applying to this program must:
- Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
- Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
- If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to firstname.lastname@example.org or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
- If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to email@example.com or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.
International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.
Additional Program Admission Requirements
Prior to enrolling in nursing coursework students must meet health and safety compliance requirements, to include drug testing, a criminal background check, a physical examination, and several immunizations. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in dismissal from the major.
International applicants must comply with the International Applicant Requirements as directed by the Illinois State University Office of Admissions. Please apply early in the application time frame to ensure adequate time to review transcripts.
To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.
You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work (approximately the junior and senior years).
The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
Have a BSN degree must be from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) at time of admission.
Submit your current resume.
Write a three to five page double spaced essay that outlines your research interests and career goals.
Registered Nurse License
Submit a copy of your current, unencumbered RN license in your state of residence.
Include on the application the names and email addresses of at least two professional or academic references from persons qualified to assess your potential to succeed in the PhD program. One reference must be from a doctoral prepared nurse. Your recommender will receive instructions to complete and upload this reference form to the recommender site.
International students applying to this program must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 iBT or IELTS score of 6.5 band. Additionally, international applicants must submit a Credentials Evaluation Service Academic Report from CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). Applicants must comply with the International Applicant Requirements. Please apply early in the application process to ensure adequate time to review transcripts and Credential Evaluation Reports.
Please refer to International Enrollments in ISU Online and Hybrid Programs Disclosure and Disclaimer Statement site prior to submitting an application.
- Fall Term — July 15, applications will remain open until target enrollment has been met
See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.
We offer tuition waivers to students who show promise for success and have not received a fellowship or other funding awards. Waivers cover tuition only. Recipients are responsible for any fees. Tuition waivers are subject to funding availability. An email will be sent to all graduate students from the graduate coordinator prior to each deadline stating whether applications are being accepted. No more than three thesis audit hours can be covered by tuition waivers.