fall 2023 admissions
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Applications open in September. Preference is given to applicants who have submitted all application materials by November 1. After November 1, applications are accepted on a space-available basis until the final application deadline of June 1, 2023. International applicants should apply as soon as possible to permit adequate time for processing.

about the bsn to PhD program
The BSN to PhD program is a curriculum option for baccalaureate graduates to enter directly into PhD study.
An applicant whose prior academic experience and proposed research focus are congruent with the research focal areas of the College of Nursing will be given priority. This degree program is not for students seeking certification in advanced practice nursing.
BSN to PhD Sample Curriculum Plan
Explore and download the sample curriculum plan.
PhD Student Scholarships
Learn about the many scholarship options at the UF College of Nursing.
admission criteria
Applicants are required to show evidence of the following:
- No GRE required
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with an upper-division grade point average of 3.5 or higher from a CCNE or ACEN accredited program.
- Licensure, or eligibility for licensure, to practice as a registered nurse in Florida.*
- International students or students whose native language is not English are required to pass one of the following tests with a satisfactory score of:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
- Computer-based: 213
- Paper-based: 550
- Web-based: 80
- iBT Speaking Component: 26
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
- Overall score: 6.5
- Speaking Component: 7
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB):
- Overall score: 79
- Successful completion of the University of Florida English Language Institute Program.
- International students or students whose native language is not English with unsatisfactory scores on the TOEFL and TOEFL iBT Speaking Component, IELTS, or MELAB; unsuccessful completion of the UF English Language Institute Program; or an unacceptable score on the verbal part of the GRE must achieve an acceptable score on an essay administered by the Academic Written English Program at UF.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
- Students must be either a U.S. Citizen, legal U.S. resident or hold a valid visa.
*International students may request an exception to the admission requirement for licensure or eligibility for licensure.
Important Notification: All admitted nursing students, regardless of campus status, are required to complete a background check, mandatory immunization verification (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Influenza, Tetanus, Tuberculosis), fingerprinting, and drug screening. Additionally, all students will be required to provide proof of current health insurance. Upon admission into the program, students will be provided with the steps to complete this process.
application process
The application process for the BSN to PhD program is a two-part application process. All applicants are required to complete the following:
- Submit the University of Florida Graduate Program Application.
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended must be sent to the University of Florida in addition to the Graduate Program Application.
- Any necessary test scores must be sent to the University of Florida in addition to the Graduate Program Application.
- Please refer to the University of Florida Office of Admissions website for more information.
- Submit the NursingCAS application for the University of Florida BSN to PhD program.
- A statement of goals, 3 letters of reference, a CV or resume must be submitted with the NursingCAS application.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the PhD Program Director and/or faculty who have been identified as having a similar research interest and discuss possible dissertation topics and mentorship prior to submitting the admission application.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are submitted with the NursingCAS application.
- Please refer to the NursingCAS website for further instructions.
- A statement of goals, 3 letters of reference, a CV or resume must be submitted with the NursingCAS application.
- Complete an interview with College of Nursing graduate faculty. Once all application materials are received, the College of Nursing will coordinate a virtual or phone interview with you that will take approximately 30-60 minutes. This interview is intended to supplement your application materials and will include questions for you to elaborate on, including such questions as:
- Can you describe a lived event or encounter that resulted in a new discovery or enrichment of your nursing practice?
- What are some of your personal attributes that you think will be crucial to your success in the PhD program?
- Please provide an example of how you’ve shown resilience during your academic education and training?