Doctor of Nursing Education Admission Information

Apply to the Doctor of Nursing Education Program

All graduate applications must be submitted through Ohio University's Graduate College.

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Admissions Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an institutionally accredited U.S. college or university or equivalent
• A minimum graduate GPA of 3.2 for unconditional admission
• A current, unrestricted RN license in an approved state
• Evidence of at least 2 years of recent relevant experience within the last 5 years
• A current resume or CV*
• A statement of professional goals**
• Three letters of recommendation
  • At least two from individuals prepared at the graduate level
  • At least one from a registered nurse
• Documentation of any national nursing certifications (such as APRN or Nurse Executive certifications), if applicable
• Successful completion of a faculty admission interview
• A $50 application fee is associated with the submission of your application for this program.
• English Proficiency Requirement: Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.

*Resume/CV

A reverse chronological resume in a standard font with one-inch margins is expected and preferred.

• It is helpful for applicants to present a concise, well-organized resume that highlights the most essential professional experiences, certifications, and leadership roles, typically within two pages. 
• Please include contact information, and sections for professional experience (including city and state), education, certifications and affiliations. 
• Be sure that your resume is current, checked for grammar and spelling, and that it adequately reflects your experience and goals.

**Statement of Professional Goals

Your statement should demonstrate your capacity for graduate work, concentrating on the following:

• Purpose: Explain how your professional experience has prepared you for this degree and nursing role, and outline your ultimate career goals, including your desired population or practice setting.
• Content Focus: Demonstrate your understanding of the role and scope of practice, your motivation for pursuing it, and how your experiences have prepared you for this path.
• Address Concerns: Use the statement to explain any concerns (e.g., GPA, lack of direct experience), how your experiences support your readiness, and your plan to be successful.
• Format: Write a professional, APA 7th Edition–style essay (max three pages for body of the paper), citing sources like the AACN Essentials and NLN Competencies where relevant.

While AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful for brainstorming, outlining, and polishing your graduate goals statement, relying on them entirely is not recommended and can be counterproductive.

Please note that this essay is not a creative writing assignment or an appeal to emotion. The essay is your opportunity to tell the Selection Committee your understanding of:

• Your future nursing career plans
• Your ideal role and scope of practice
• Why you are focusing on a particular setting, practice and/or population
• Why you will be successful in this rigorous online program

Your statement should be in APA 7th Edition style and should be no more than three pages long.