Admissions Requirements & Process

All students wishing to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree must apply and be accepted into the School of Nursing. Admission to other schools of the University or to the regional campuses does not guarantee admission to the School of Nursing.

All applicants should obtain application forms and materials from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, Alumni Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 (412-624-PITT). Early completion and return of forms to that same office will facilitate the admission process.

• University of Pittsburgh Admissions Information
• Advanced Placement (AP) /International Baccalaureate (IB) /A Levels Credit Guide
• Apply Online

Qualified applicants are admitted without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era.

Prospective students convicted of any felonious act may be prohibited from licensure as a Registered Nurse by the Board of Nursing in various states.

Applicants who plan to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (as well as most other states) should be advised that upon application for the Registered Nurse Licensure Examination, the Board of Nursing will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, felonious act, or crime of moral turpitude, an illegal act associated with alcohol, or an illegal act associated with substance abuse(s).

All high school applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the University of Pittsburgh as well as those specifically for the School of Nursing. High school courses required of all applicants are:

* A unit is allowed for the successful completion of one year of work in an accepted course.

**Two units of foreign language as an elective are highly recommended. School of Nursing faculty recommends that students also consider taking any of the following elective courses if offered: Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology, Genetics, or any Computer Class.

The Office of Admissions & Financial Aid (OAFA) offers Open Houses for high school students. Many open house events include an Undergraduate Nursing Program (BSN) Information Session presented by School of Nursing faculty/staff.

Contact Matthew Belak, undergraduate recruiting specialist, with questions by calling 412-624-7488 or emailing mab1575@pitt.edu.

This information is for currently enrolled University of Pittsburgh undergraduate students who intend to transfer to the School of Nursing.

The curriculum for the undergraduate program in the School of Nursing leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree and eligibility to take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for professional licensure as a registered nurse. The full-time curriculum includes a minimum of 125 credits. It will usually take 8 additional terms to complete the nursing program unless placement to the second year is granted (see below).

Application

• Complete and submit the online Internal Transfer Application
  Please note: The Fall 2026 Internal Transfer Application has closed. The application for Spring 2027 will open on August 1, 2026.
• Spring Term Admission to First Year Class
  • Deadline November 1
    Fall Term grades must be evaluated for final determination
• Fall Term Admission to First Year Class*
  • Deadline April 1
    Spring Term grades must be evaluated for final determination

• The School of Nursing will notify applicant of its admission decision via student’s Pitt e-mail

  
  *After admission to first year class, eligibility for placement in second year class will be determined by review of academic records and availability of class seats

This information is for currently enrolled University of Pittsburgh undergraduate students who intend to transfer to the School of Nursing. The curriculum for the undergraduate program in the School of Nursing leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree and eligibility to take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for professional licensure as a registered nurse. The full-time curriculum includes a minimum of 125 credits. It will usually take 8 additional terms to complete the nursing program unless placement to the second year is granted (see below).

Students may begin to fulfill liberal arts and elective requirements while enrolled in the School of Arts & Sciences, College of General Studies, or a regional campus.

Liberal Arts Requirements: Anthropology/Culture, Art/Music/Creative Expression/Literature, English Composition, Psychology, Sociology, Speech, Statistics.

Admission

Applications for transfer consideration are accepted for admission in Fall and Spring Terms. Applications will be reviewed and decisions made based on the student’s college and high school performance and consideration of the number of seats available in the class. The evaluation will consider grade trends, cumulative GPA, number of credits completed, level of challenge of curriculum, transferability of credits and coursework relevant to the major

Competitive applicants will have:

• Completion of 12 college-level credits (should include science courses with B or higher grade)
• 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA

Second Year Placement

Admission to the School of Nursing for all transfer students is to the first year class. However, a limited number of seats are available at the second year level. Admission decisions for these seats are made separately after admission to first year class.

Eligibility for placement in second year class is determined by availability of seats in the second year class and review of the student’s academic records by the Center for Student Success.

Students interested in second year placement must have completed the following courses:

Registration for Nursing Courses (by current Pitt Students)

• CHEM 0910:
• NUR 0031/ NUR 0032: Students may self-enroll / permission number not needed
• NUR 0012/ NUR 0002: Students may self-enroll / permission number not needed
• NUR 0013/ NUR 0003: Students may self-enroll / permission number not needed

Transfer Credit

The following criteria govern the transfer of advanced credits:

• Liberal arts courses require a C or better grade
• Science courses: (B or higher grade required) completed within past 8 years (unless extenuating circumstances)
• When requested, course descriptions or syllabi must be submitted to determine equivalency to University of Pittsburgh courses.
• Credit transferred for a course may be no greater than the credit given by University of Pittsburgh

Contact Information

 

Recruitment Coordinator, School of Nursing – (412) 624-4587

• Applications are evaluated by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA)

  • OAFA Online Application

• OAFA will notify applicant of its admission decision via the U.S. Postal Service

• Spring Term Admission to First Year Class

  • Deadline: November 1

    Fall Term grades must be evaluated for final determination

• Fall Term Admission to First Year Class*

  • Deadline: April 1

    Spring Term grades must be evaluated for final determination

    
    *After admission to first year class, eligibility for placement in second year class will be determined by review of academic records and availability of class seats.

This information is for undergraduate students transferring from a college or university other than the University of Pittsburgh.

The curriculum for the undergraduate program in the School of Nursing leads a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree and eligibility to take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for professional licensure as a registered nurse. The full-time curriculum includes a minimum of 125 credits. It will usually take 8 additional terms to complete the nursing program unless placement to the second year is granted (see below).

Students may begin to fulfill liberal arts and elective requirements while enrolled in a college or university other than the University of Pittsburgh.

Liberal Arts Requirements: Anthropology/Culture, Art/Music/Creative Expression/Literature, English Composition, Psychology, Sociology, Speech, Statistics.

Admission

Applications for transfer consideration are accepted for admission in Fall and Spring Terms. Applications will be reviewed and decisions made based on the student’s college and high school performance and consideration of the number of seats available in the class. The evaluation will consider grade trends, cumulative GPA, number of credits completed, level of challenge of curriculum, transferability of credits and coursework relevant to the major.

Competitive applicants will have:

• Completion of 24 college-level credits (including science courses with B or higher grade)
• 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA
• Minimum SAT score of 1280 or minimum ACT composite score of 27

Second Year Placement

Admission to the School of Nursing for all transfer students is to the first year class. However, a limited number of seats are available at the second year level. Admission decisions for these seats are made separately after admission to first year class.

Students interested in second year placement must have completed the following courses:

Transfer Credit

The following criteria govern the transfer of advanced credits:

• After submission of the online application, official transcripts (from all universities or colleges attended), must be submitted to:
  University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions & Financial Aid
  4227 Fifth Avenue, Alumni Hall
  Pittsburgh, PA 15260-6601
• Liberal arts courses: (C or higher grade required)
• Science courses: (B or higher grade required) completed within past 8 years (unless extenuating circumstances)
• When requested, course descriptions or syllabi must be submitted to determine equivalency to University of Pittsburgh courses.
• Credit transferred for a course may be no greater than the credit given by University of Pittsburgh

Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh
Office of Admissions & Financial Aid
4227 Fifth Avenue, Alumni Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260-6601
412-624-PITT (7488)
www.oafa.pitt.edu

Recruitment Coordinator, School of Nursing – (412) 624-4587 or 1-888-747-0794

Sample section from Pennsylvania State Board Application, Section 6, fees:

Qualifications for Licensure. No application for licensure as a registered nurse shall be considered unless accompanied by a fee determined by the Board by regulation. Every applicant, to be eligible for examination for licensure as a registered nurse, shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the Board that he or she is of good moral character, has completed work equal to a standard high school course as evaluated by the Board and has satisfactorily completed an approved program of professional nursing. Approved programs shall include baccalaureate degree, associate degree and diploma nursing programs.

Act 53 of 2020 Best Practices Guide

Information for Individuals With Criminal Convictions Who Are Considering an Occupation or Profession That Requires Licensure, and an Overview of the License Application Process

ACT 53 of 2020 Best Practices Guide (PDF)

On July 1, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Act 53 of 2020, which made sweeping changes to the occupational licensing rules that govern the use of criminal history information in determining whether to grant, deny, suspend, or revoke a professional license. With regard to the consideration of criminal convictions, Act 53:

• Prohibits BPOA’s licensing boards and commissions from denying licensure based on considerations of “good moral character,” “crimes of moral turpitude,” or “ethical or honest practice.”
• Requires each board and commission to develop and publish a schedule of criminal offenses that may constitute grounds to deny, suspend or revoke a license. The list must also identify which crimes are likely to pose a barrier to licensure because they are considered to be offenses “directly related” to the occupation/profession.
• Provides for an “individualized assessment” of each license applicant using objective, detailed criteria that includes rehabilitation and public safety.
• Provides a process for individuals who have criminal convictions to request a “preliminary determination” as to whether a particular conviction will be a bar to licensure. This new tool will enable people with criminal convictions to find out if their convictions would prevent them from getting a license − before enrolling in a training or educational program, before investing significant time and resources, and before formally applying for licensure.

Preliminary Determinations (Section 3115 of Act 53)

• If you have a criminal conviction in your past and are concerned about whether it could prevent you from getting a license, certificate, registration or permit for a particular occupation or profession, your first step should be to review this Best Practices Guide closely, including the Appendices.
• If, after reviewing this Guide, you are still unsure whether your conviction is likely to prevent you from getting a license, you may submit an application to the appropriate board or commission requesting what is known as a preliminary determination.
• The preliminary determination will inform you whether your specific conviction falls within the set of crimes that the board has determined to be “directly related” to the occupation or profession you are considering.
• A “directly related” crime is significant. It means that in the board’s view, the nature of the criminal conduct has a direct bearing on a person’s fitness or ability to perform the tasks, duties or responsibilities necessarily related to a particular profession or occupation.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN YOU WILL BE DENIED A LICENSE.

• For the most part, with a few notable exceptions, the fact that your criminal conviction has been identified as being “directly related” to the profession does not mean that you will automatically be denied a license.
• The board could still grant a license notwithstanding the conviction. For example, the board may have the option to grant a license on probation, or may place certain restrictions on the license.
• If you subsequently do decide to formally apply for a license, you would have the opportunity to present any evidence in your favor as part of the application process.
• Read the instructions that explain how to request a Preliminary Determination. There is a $45 fee for each request (this fee may be waivable where in forma pauperis status is established).
• The board/commission is required to issue a preliminary determination within 45 days of your request.
• Asking for a preliminary determination is an optional step. There is no requirement that you request one.
• If you ultimately decide to formally apply for a license, you should review the next section of this Best Practices Guide, which explains “Consideration of Criminal Convictions.”
• The Assessment Factors discussed below are particularly important: they outline the criteria the board will use to consider your conviction in making the overall determination whether or not to grant you a license. You should be prepared to provide the board with as much information as possible.

Consideration of Criminal Convictions (Section 3113 of Act 53)

• After December 27, 2020, in determining whether or not an individual’s criminal conviction constitutes grounds for denying that person a license, the boards and commissions may only use the criteria, processes and procedures set forth in Act 53.
• In evaluating what impact a past criminal conviction may have on an individual’s fitness for licensure, boards will generally conduct a two-stage analysis.
• Read more details here

How competitive is the admission to the Nursing Honors program?

Our nursing students are top-notch, and with enough passion and dedication, any student could successfully complete an Honors Thesis (the highest undergraduate distinction). However, typically 2 to 5 nursing students complete an Honors Thesis every year. You will find a repository of recently completed undergraduate Honors Theses here.

The Nursing Honors Curriculum option is a newer pathway to earn a jointly conferred BSN-H degree. The Class of 2023 was the first cohort. Based on number and quality of applications, the David C. Frederick Honors College admits approximately 15 to 20 nursing students in this option annually.

What are the admission requirements for the Honors Curriculum option?

For the Honors Curriculum option, first-year prospective students may apply to the David C. Frederick Honors College / Nursing Honors through the regular initial University of Pittsburgh application process. If you choose to apply, you will be asked to answer the one of the following essay prompts:

1. What is something you would like to see change in the world? Explain why.
2. If you had 10 minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your TED Talk be about?
3. What does it mean to be “educated”? Responses should be stated in 500 words or less. The deadline for prospective students to apply is December 1. Applicants will be notified of acceptance on or before March 1.

If you are an upper-division student in the BSN program and you are interested in the Honors Curriculum option, Pitt's David C. Frederick Honors College still admits a limited number of students into its Honors Degree program. Interested students must have a minimum GPA of 3.500 and completed a minimum of 2 semesters (24 credits). Students are required to complete one of the same essay prompts above and submit a letter of recommendation from an instructor or academic advisor. Applications for current students are reviewed once a year with an application deadline of May 31. Applications for upper-division students open in the spring for the following academic year.

Alternatively, students may consider earning an Honors Distinction rather than a BSN-H degree. The Honors Distinction offers a lighter credit load than the Honors Curriculum option. Students can declare their intention to pursue an Honors Distinction after completing at least one semester, but no later than beginning their last semester, at Pitt with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.000.

What are the admission requirements for the Honors Thesis option?

Students interested in the Honors Thesis option can apply for admission to Honors Thesis (BPhil) degree candidacy on a rolling basis after completing at least two semesters of coursework, but no later than beginning their last semester at Pitt, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.500. Students are required to identify a thesis advisor and submit a brief research proposal (called a Thesis Prospectus) and plan of study to the David C. Frederick Honors College in collaboration with the advisor.

Current baccalaureate (non-nursing) students can plan to complete the prerequisites during their first degree, then consider the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN as a 5th year option.

Early submission of an application is recommended. New classes begin in the Fall, and Spring term. Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN applications are reviewed, and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Application deadlines are provided on the school’s website. Prospective students must apply online to the School of Nursing.

Application Instructions

Applicants need to submit the following:

1. Completed application

2. Official transcripts of all course work taken at any university or college

3. Two (2) letters of professional recommendation

4. Resume

5. Personal essay explaining how the program will help achieve professional goals

6. International Applicants (in addition to above items):

• Official graduation certificate verifying degree obtained (English translation)

• Subject-specific international academic credential evaluation of official college transcript

• Official TOEFL or IELTS score – exempt if native language is English or graduate of a degree program at an accredited institution in the United States

Provisional admission may be granted after completion of 6 credits of science prerequisites if all other admission requirements are met. Undergraduate applicants who are within 12-18 credits of graduation will be considered for provisional admission. All prerequisite courses must be completed, and official transcripts received by the start of the first term.

All admitted students will be required to place a $250 as non-refundable deposit upon acceptance of admission, which will be counted towards tuition in the first term of study.

Additional Information

• Advanced Placement (AP) / International Baccalaureate (IB) / A Levels Credit 

• AP/IB Credit Guide (PDF)

• Clearance Information

• Tuition and Fees

• Sample section from Pennsylvania State Board Application: Section 6. fees

Admission Criteria - Who Can Apply

• Individuals with a baccalaureate (BA or BS) or graduate degree in another discipline

• Fourth-year baccalaureate students

Required Prerequisites

*Should have been completed within the past ten years
+Should have achieved a grade of "B-" or better

Applications to the Master's Program in nursing are reviewed by the SON Admissions Committee. Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.

Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era.

Applicants must have:

• Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work
  • ​A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program.
  • International applicants must provide evidence of a degree comparable to an American baccalaureate degree.
• Current RN license in U.S. State/Territory or location where student will complete clinical requirements
• GPA of 3.0 or higher from previous nursing degree
• Pre-admission interview (if the applicant resides at a great distance, a virtual interview may be conducted)
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's professional and academic capabilty and capacity and potential for master's study from any of the following (to be uploaded into NursingCAS):
  • the director or a faculty member from the most recent academic program attended (if applicant has been a nursing student in the last 5 years);
  • a recent employer; and/or
  • a person who can speak to the applicant's professional work.
• Personal essay (limit to 2-3 pages, single-spaced) must address the prompts included in the application materials
• Completed applicant survey
• Current CV or resume
• Non-refundable application fee

Applications to the Master's Program in nursing are reviewed by the SON Admissions Committee. Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.

Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era.

Applicants must have:

• Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work
  • ​A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program.
  • International applicants must provide evidence of a degree comparable to an American baccalaureate degree.
• Current RN license in U.S. State/Territory or location where student will complete clinical requirements
• GPA of 3.0 or higher from previous nursing degree
• Pre-admission interview (if the applicant resides at a great distance, a virtual interview may be conducted)
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's capacity and potential for master's study from each of the following (to be uploaded into NursingCAS):
  • the director or a faculty member from the most recent academic program attended (if applicant has been a nursing student in the last 5 years);
  • a recent employer; and
  • a person who can speak to the applicant's professional work.
• Personal essay (limit to 2-3 pages, single-spaced) must address the prompts included in the application materials
• Completed applicant survey
• Current CV or resume
• Non-refundable application fee

All applications for the DNP Program need to be submitted via NursingCAS.

Applicants need to submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Non-refundable application fee
• Complete official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate education
• Admission test scores, if applicable
• Three letters of professional recommendation indicating the reviewer’s support of the student’s ability to successfully complete a demanding graduate level academic and clinical program. At least one recommendation should come from a current or recent direct supervisor. These letters will be submitted by the reviewer through NursingCAS.
• Personal essay addressing the questions:
1. Share life experiences that have influenced your interest in progressing your nursing career.
2. Describe a time when you advocated for an individual from a disadvantaged group in a healthcare setting.
3. Describe how your personal strengths, experiences, & abilities will contribute to your success in nursing school and your career in nursing (community service, leadership experience, healthcare experience).
4. Explain the academic challenges, successes, or obstacles in your life that have affected your ability to achieve your goals. How did you respond to the situation?
5. Why did you choose your area of concentration?
6. What are your expectations for the program?
7. What are your expectations of your DNP project?

• Completion of the Experience Survey
• Current CV or resume

All completed applications are to be submitted to the SON Admissions Office, which will forward them to the SON Admissions Committee or the Nurse Anesthesia Admission Committee for review and appropriate action.

The SON Admissions Committee or the Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee completes the decision assignment in the online system and submits it to the SON Admissions Office, which will notify applicants of the admission decision. Applicants who do not qualify for admission to full graduate status may be considered for provisional status except for international applicants.

Admission Criteria

Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice should meet all of the following criteria:

• Current RN license in U.S. State/Territory or location where student will complete clinical requirements
  International applicants should see the section below on Admission of Students from Other Countries and Policy 201.
• GPA ≥ 3.0 in most recent degree from an ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program
  • Applicants to the BSN-DNP Program must have a BSN or an entry-level MSN from ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program.
  • Applicants to the MSN-DNP Program must have a MSN or a master’s degree in a related field. Applicants who do not have a MSN must have a BSN from ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program.
• For students who have not taken an undergraduate statistics course or did not achieve a B- or better, they must complete a series of modules covering basic statistics concepts developed by the SON statistical faculty prior to enrolling in NUR 2011.
• Clinical experience for select focus areas** (required or preferred for selected majors and concentrations)
• Pre-admission interview (if the applicant resides at a great distance, a virtual interview may be conducted)
• Evidence of ability to communicate in writing through the required personal essay
• Specific Areas of Concentration/Majors may have additional eligibility criteria.
  
  

**Clinical Experience for Select Focus Areas

Health Systems Executive Leadership
Minimum of 2 years of leadership or management experience.

Nurse Anesthesia BSN to DNP
Minimum 1 year full-time ICU/critical care nursing experience (within last 5 years) by start of program (may apply if employed in ICU/critical care and will have required experience before admission term). Taking the GRE is optional but may be considered supplemental information in the holistic admission process.

Applicants may be admitted provisionally based upon the evidence obtained from the review of the application materials regarding experiences, attributes, and the identified metrics for admission. If the applicant’s admission score indicates provisional admit, the student must meet with the academic advisor to determine courses to take, resources to use, and/or services to access to promote successful progression in the program.

The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above for the first 12 credits of the program. At completion of 12 credits, Student Affairs transfers the student from Provisional to Full Graduate Status and communicates the change to the student and Program Director/Coordinator (Policy 206). The advisor will develop strategies for academic success for the student to reach Full Graduate Status.

The PhD Program admits BSN graduates to the BSN to PhD track and MSN graduates to the MSN to PhD track.

Each application to the program is reviewed in its entirety and appraised for evidence of intellectual inquisitiveness and rigor, and commitment and motivation for scholarship and the development of nursing science.

If you are considering an application for the Fall 2027 cohort and have questions, please email the PhD Program Director, Dr. Heidi Donovan at donovanh@pitt.edu.

Open Office Hours for PhD Applicants

Beginning in September 2027, the PhD Program will be hosting open office hours to learn more about the program and the admissions process. Bring your questions! Dates will be announced in August.

Application Instructions

All applicants must complete the online application. Each applicant submits the following:

1. Completed online application form
2. Application fee
3. Complete official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
4. Scores on the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test for applicants whose native language is not English
5. Three letters of reference (a minimum of two from academic sources)
6. Personal essay indicating professional goals, focal area of research, and implications for global health

Please Note: While a Pennsylvania RN license or license from a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state is not required for admission to the PhD Program, students who have a PA or NLC multi-state license will have more opportunities for funding throughout their PhD Program.

The PhD program follows a FALL TERM ONLY COHORT ADMISSIONS process. Due to an increased number of applications, applicants who wish to be considered for funding must submit their complete application on Nursing CAS by DECEMBER 1, 2025. All qualified applicants will be interviewed, in person or via Zoom, by three members of the PhD Council in January 2026. Applicants will receive an admission decision by mid-February 2026.

Applications may be accepted after December 1st based on space and funding availability. Qualified applicants are admitted without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era. See Policy 231 for more information.

Applicants to the MSN to PhD track must have an appropriate master's degree. Some advanced nursing preparation is required. Additional coursework may be required when the degree is in a field other than nursing. When the master's degree is in nursing, the student must have earned it from an ACEN (NLN), or CCNE-accredited program in nursing.

Applicants to the BSN to PhD track must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN (NLN), or CCNE-accredited program of nursing. These applicants may have modifications to the criteria listed below and will be evaluated individually by PhD Council.

All applicants must have:

• A baccalaureate or a master's degree in nursing is preferred. Applicants who do not have a baccalaureate degree in nursing or a master's degree in nursing as the first professional degree will be considered individually.
• Evidence of competence in scholarly research and the ability to communicate in writing as assessed by accomplishments, recommendations, and the personal statement of the applicant addressing the reasons for selecting the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing; one’s long-term professional goals and how the PhD program will facilitate goal achievement; one's area of research interest; faculty who might be an appropriate match and why; and any professional experiences that have helped prepare the applicant for doctoral study.
• Evidence of capacity and professional motivation for doctoral study as assessed by the personal statement, recommendations, and interviews with appropriate faculty
• Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant's capacity and potential for doctoral study. A minimum of two references should be from academic sources.

• Evidence of a PA RN license or Nurse Licensure Compact multi-state license if the student plans to be a TA/TF in a clinical course or if their planned area of research is based in a clinical area. Again, this is not a requirement for admission, but may be considered in ranking applicants and will give admitted students more options for funding as a TA/TF throughout the PhD program.

• For applicants whose native language is not English, successful achievement on the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo (see Policy 365, Verification of English Language Proficiency for Students Classified as Foreign Students).
• For admission to Full Graduate Status, in addition to meeting the above criteria, an applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.

For individuals who do not fully meet the admission criteria, Provisional Graduate status may be recommended.

All applicants must complete the online application. International applicants should also refer to www.ois.pitt.edu.

Applications from international students are reviewed according to the PhD program admission criteria stated above. The application must be completed in English and accompanied by official academic credentials with notarized English translations.

A doctoral applicant must have evidence of the receipt of a degree comparable to the American master's degree for admission to the MSN to PhD track or a degree comparable to the American baccalaureate degree for admission to the BSN to PhD track. The official transcripts must show all high school and post-high school work, including grades in each course, examination grades and standing in examinations and classes, and whatever other credentials are available to give a clear description of the student's academic accomplishments.

International students may not register until non-academic clearance has been issued by the University Office of International Services (OIS). It is especially important that the student have adequate financial support.

After final admission, the School of Nursing reserves the right, even after arrival and enrollment, to require, at the student's expense if necessary, individual curricular adjustments whenever particular deficiencies or needs are found. This could include enrollment in courses prerequisite to the regular course of study or additional course work in English as a second language.

To facilitate the educational experience and to help the student adjust to the United States, the University offers the support of the Office of International Services, 706 William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Refer to Policy 371, International Student Admission, for more information.

A new/readmitted student who did not register in the term of admission/readmission is considered inactive and must receive permission from the PhD program director to be readmitted and to register for a subsequent term.

A student who has not registered for three consecutive terms (one calendar year) will be transferred automatically to inactive status. The student must file an application for readmission to graduate study and pay the application fee before being permitted to register again. While on inactive status, a student is not eligible to use University facilities and should not expect to receive counseling by the faculty or active supervision by his/her advisor and committee.

Readmission is not automatic nor does it necessarily reinstate the student in the status enjoyed prior to becoming inactive. Readmitted students must meet all current admission and degree requirements. A student may not be readmitted for the term in which he or she resigned. Refer to Policy 216 for more information.

Please Note: The University of Pittsburgh and School of Nursing welcomes applications from talented students worldwide. However, current federal travel bans may prevent admitted students from certain countries from obtaining a visa to study in the United States. We recommend that students from these countries who do not have a valid U.S. visa and/or are currently living outside of the United States delay their application until there is a clear pathway to obtain a student visa. Prospective international students can review the current information about U.S. entry on the Office of International Services website.

Review the specific admission criteria and documentation requirements for international applicants to our degree programs.

For Applicants to the BSN program:

Individuals applying to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program MUST apply through the University’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA), in collaboration with the University’s Office of International Services (OIS). In addition, OIS facilitates required documentation for visa applications to those offered admission.

For Applicants to the following programs:

• Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN

• MSN

• DNP

• PhD

In addition to completing and submitting the appropriate application and required additional application materials for the School of Nursing, international graduate student applicants must provide the following documentation listed below. Applications will be reviewed after all required documentation is received.

Upon admission:

Once students are admitted to a degree program and have accepted the offer of admission, they will be contacted by the Office of International Services (OIS) at the University of Pittsburgh to acquire the appropriate visa documentation.

Students must submit evidence of financial resources, sufficient to cover the total cost of the student’s full-time program, to OIS. (International Graduate Student Financial Information ) Students may not register until non-academic clearance has been issued by OIS.

The School of Nursing reserves the right to require, at the student’s expense if necessary, individual curriculum adjustments whenever particular deficiencies or needs are found even after arrival and enrollment. This could include enrollment in courses prerequisite to the regular course of study or additional course work in English as a second language.

For more information or assistance:

• Pitt Nursing’s Center for Student Success

• Pitt Nursing's Global Experiences

• The University’s Office of International Services

• The University's Graduate Bulletin

Academic Transcript Requirements

Official transcripts of all original language academic records for all post-secondary educational endeavors are required. If original documents are issued in a language other than English, certified English translations must also be submitted. Applicants who have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree or higher at an institution outside of the United States are required to provide official third-party course-by-course evaluations of those academic credentials, verifying Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. These evaluations must be completed by an accredited organization.

For your convenience, here are a few of the organizations which provide official course-by-course evaluations:

• International Education Research
• World Education Services, Inc.
• Educational Credential Evaluators
• CGFNS International -- must include computed equivalent grades [course-by-course] and computation of GPA

Language Verification Requirements

International students must possess proficiency in English at a level to enable them to succeed in graduate-level studies. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo English Test (DET) must be taken if the applicant’s native language is not English. Results must be sent directly from TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo to the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. Copies are not acceptable. The institution code for the University is 2927 and the department code for the School of Nursing is 43. Your application will not be considered until you have achieved at least the minimum score.

• Exemptions to TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo requirements
• TOEFL - minimum composite score of 100, with sub-scores of 21 or higher.
• IELTS – minimum overall band score of 7.0, with a speaking band score of 7.0 or higher and other band scores of 6.0 or higher.
• DET – minimum score of 125.

Licensure

Upon admission to the MSN or DNP program, students are expected to have a valid nursing license in Pennsylvania or in the state in which they will be completing clinical/practicum requirements. To be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in Pennsylvania, the applicant must obtain the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) certification.

Upon admission to the PhD program, the student is expected to submit a valid nursing license from their home country. Even though not required, PhD students are recommended to obtain a nursing Licensure in Pennsylvania in the event that the license is required for teaching and/or research assignments.

Other

Conditional admission is not available. International applicants must apply for admission, meet the criteria for admission, and be offered admission.

• If prerequisite courses are required, they may be taken only at an accredited college or university in the United States. Courses from international institutions are not eligible to fulfill the prerequisite courses.

• Valid registered nurse license in the US State/Territory or location where clinical experiences are performed

• Minimum of one year nursing experience recommended

• BSN required

• Previous MS, MSN, or DNP as a NP or CNS (from ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program)

• GPA ≥ 3.0 in the MS, MSN, or DNP degree

• Pre-admission interview

• Complete online application
  

Admission of International Applicants

Applications from international students are reviewed according to the admission criteria stated above, and admissions deadlines for all programs are available online.

The online application must be completed in English. See the School of Nursing International Applicants page for specific admission requirements.

Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) / Teaching Assistant (TA) / Teaching Fellowship (TF) Opportunities

Applicants interested in being considered for a Graduate Student Assistant, Teaching Assistant, or Teaching Fellowship opportunity should apply no later than February 15. Positions are not guaranteed. Decisions will be communicated in late April/early May.

Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) or Teaching Fellowship (TF) Positions

Applicants interested in a guaranteed Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) or Teaching Fellowship (TF) opportunity should apply no later than February 15.

Decisions will be communicated in late April/early May.