The UMSL College of Nursing is committed to admitting a diverse group of students who will become nurse leaders responsive to the specific needs of the communities and populations we serve.  We value diversity, intellectual discourse and rigor, caring, professionalism, mutual respect and support, innovation, collaboration, and transparency.  Applicants will be selected using inclusive and balanced admission criteria that measure their potential in nursing practice, education, research, and scholarship.  We measure our success by graduates who become lifelong learners and leaders in their communities and in the profession of nursing. 

Applicants to the DNP program will be holistically reviewed using essays, a resume that includes professional activities, leadership roles, and letters of recommendation.

Due to higher education regulation changes, the University of Missouri-St.Louis is unable to accept applications for admission to online programs from students residing in certain states. Please see Missouri Online for additional information.

There are three "point of entry" options for the Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Please click on the appropriate link below for additional information about the program that suits your needs:

BSN to DNP (Post-Baccalaureate Entry)
Direct Admit BSN to DNP Option
MSN to DNP (Post-Master's Entry)

BSN to DNP

The post-baccalaureate entry point is designed for registered nurses who have completed a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree and desire to obtain a doctoral degree in nursing practice. The student will develop the knowledge, skills, and expertise to become clinical scholars, clinical experts, and transformational leaders who will function at the highest level of nursing practice.

Admission Criteria:

Direct Admit BSN to DNP Option

Guaranteed admission to the BSN to DNP program is selective and open to students who have earned a BSN from UMSL or completed the UMSL CON Externship in Nursing Summer program and earned a BSN degree from a nationally accredited nursing program. 

Admission Criteria:

  • Admission to the University by completing the UMSL Graduate School application
  • Completion of College of Nursing supplemental application
  • BSN from UMSL OR completed the UMSL CON Externship in Nursing Summer Program and earned a BSN degree from a nationally accredited nursing program
  • 3.75 GPA in last 60 hours of BSN coursework
  • Essay which meets expectations and attributes listed in the essay portion of the application
  • Current professional licensure
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate general statistics course

Once admitted, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Spaces in the BSN to DNP program are limited and are first awarded to guaranteed applicants. Based on space availability, applications will be accepted until the class is full. 

MSN to DNP

The post master’s entry point is designed for graduate-prepared nurses who want to develop the knowledge, skills, and expertise to become clinical scholars, transformational leaders, and function at the highest level of nursing practice while obtaining a terminal degree in nursing practice.

Admission Criteria: