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Each of the following programs requires slightly different application materials. Please choose the program below for detailed information on how to apply to your program of interest.

All applicants to UMSL's College of Nursing should be aware of the minimum admission criteria and application deadlines for the program(s) for which they are applying. Late applications will not be considered unless otherwise noted on the application.

Please note that spaces are limited in each of our programs, and admission is competitive in most cases. Submission of an application to any program in the College of Nursing does not guarantee admission. If you wish to speak with our Admissions Representative or one of our Academic Advisors to learn more about the competitive nature of admission into UMSL's nursing programs, please call the Office of Student Services at (314) 516-6066 or send an email to nursing@umsl.edu.

Application Process for First-time College Students:

First-time college students must complete the following steps:

  • Apply to the University of Missouri-St. Louis by completing the UMSL Undergraduate Application
  • Submit Official high school transcript through the UMSL Undergraduate Application

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities from which credit has been earned (if applicable)

Application Process for Transfer Students:

Transfer students must complete the following steps:

  • Apply to the University of Missouri-St. Louis by completing the UMSL Undergraduate Application
  • Submit Official transcripts from all colleges and universities from which credit has been earned
  • Submit Official high school transcript through the UMSL Undergraduate Application ONLY if you are transferring with fewer than 24 college credit hours

*Pre-Clinical Students: It is important to note that you will receive two different letters regarding your admission status. First, you will receive a general letter of admission from the University of Missouri- St. Louis Admissions Office. Second, if you meet the College of Nursing eligibility requirements, you will receive a letter from the University Of Missouri-St. Louis College of Nursing indicating your admission to the College of Nursing.

 

Application Process for Clinical Applicants

Students who are within 1-2 semesters of completing their general education coursework, and are ready to apply for clinical admission, must also submit a separate application through the College of Nursing's online application.

Full-Time Traditional BSN Program Clinical Application Deadline

  • Fall Enrollment: February 15
  • Spring Enrollment: Until class is full

Late applications will not be considered for clinical admission. It is strongly advised that clinical applicants submit all required materials at least 4-6 weeks in advance of the deadline.

Attention International Students

International students and citizens/permanent residents who have earned college credit at an institution outside of the United States are required to submit additional materials. Please contact UMSL Global for further information.

* Students who have previously been enrolled in the clinical track of another nursing school's RN program must be able to provide a letter of good standing from their previous nursing school. Students who have been dismissed from another nursing school's RN program, or did not leave in good standing, are ineligible for admission to the clinical track of UMSL's Pre-Licensure BSN Options.

Note: We do not accept transfer Nursing courses from other institutions. Students who have previously been enrolled in the clinical track of another nursing school must apply competitively to start from the beginning of UMSL's program (after providing a letter of good standing).

Application Process for Accelerated Option Applicants

Applicants interested in applying to the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Nursing Accelerated BSN Program must complete the following steps:

  • Apply to the University of Missouri-St. Louis by completing the UMSL Undergraduate Application
  • Submit transcripts from all previous institutions through the UMSL Undergraduate Application

Students who have previously been enrolled in the clinical track of another nursing school's RN program must be able to provide a letter of good standing from their previous nursing school. Students who have been dismissed from another nursing school's RN program, or did not leave in good standing, are ineligible for admission to the clinical track of UMSL's Pre-Licensure BSN options.

We do not accept transfer nursing courses from other institutions. Students who have previously been enrolled in the clinical track of another nursing school must apply competitively to start from the beginning of UMSL's program (after providing a letter of good standing).

Accelerated BSN Program Application Deadline: May 31; rolling admissions until program is full

Attention International Students
International students and citizens/permanent residents who have earned college credit at an institution outside of the United States are required to submit additional materials. Please contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services for further information.

Applicants interested in applying to the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Nursing Post-Graduate Certificate Program must complete the following steps:

Apply to the University of Missouri-St. Louis by completing the UMSL Graduate Application (please note, there is a $50.00, non-refundable application fee).  You will be asked to submit the following through the UMSL Graduate Admissions Application Portal:
  • An essay, which should respond to the following attributes:
    • Introduction: Include professional background, but not personal identifiers such as name, place of employment, etc. Include your population track of interest (i.e. leadership, FNP, AGNP, etc.), and please explain why you are interested in that track as a DNP. Introduction should be 250-400 words max.

 

Application Deadline: January 15

Applicants interested in applying to the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Nursing DNP Program must complete the following steps:

Apply to the University of Missouri-St. Louis by completing the UMSL Graduate Application (please note, there is a $50, non-refundable application fee). You will be asked to submit the following through the UMSL Graduate Admissions Application Portal:

  • An essay, which should respond to the following attributes:
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice Applicants
      • Introduction: Include professional background, but not personal identifiers such as name, place of employment, etc. Include your population track of interest (i.e. leadership, FNP, AGNP, etc.). Share why you are interested in your track specialty of choice. (250-400 words max)
      • Learning: What experiences make you qualified and excited to pursue a doctorate in nursing practice for this specific population? Why are you choosing to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree? (250-400 words max)
      • Why UMSL?: The University of Missouri St. Louis Core Values are integrity, inclusion, innovation, access, success, and engagement. After reading the description of core values, explain how you embody the core values of integrity, inclusion, and innovation. (250-400 words max)
    • Post-Graduate Certificate Applicants
      • Introduction: Include professional background, but not personal identifiers such as name, place of employment, etc. Include your population track of interest (i.e. leadership, FNP, AGNP, etc.). Please share why you are returning to complete a post-graduate certificate in this specific specialty. Expound on how this certificate will add to your ability to attain your professional goals aside from the current certification(s) you currently hold. (250-400 words)
      • Learning: Name 2-3 concrete ways you see this additional education enhancing your current practice. (250-400 words max)
      • Why UMSL?: The University of Missouri St. Louis Core Values are integrity, inclusion, innovation, access, success, and engagement. After reading the description of core values, explain how you embody the core values of integrity, inclusion, and innovation. (250-400 words max)
    • MSN-DNP Applicants
      • Introduction: Include professional background, but not personal identifiers such as name, place of employment, etc. Include your population track of interest (i.e. leadership, FNP, AGNP, etc.). Please share why you are interested in obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to further your NP practice. (250-400 words max)
      • Learning: Name 2-3 concrete ways you see this additional education enhancing your current practice. (250-400 words max)
      • Why UMSL?: The University of Missouri St. Louis Core Values are integrity, inclusion, innovation, access, success, and engagement. After reading the description of core values, explain how you embody the core values of integrity, inclusion, and innovation. (250-400 words max)
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s likely success in the DNP program. Letters of recommendation must follow these guidelines:
    • References should be from master’s or doctorally prepared nurses or faculty members who can address the applicant’s potential or ability to function in the advanced practice nursing role.
    • Applicants currently enrolled in a nursing program must submit at least one (1) recommendation from a current faculty member in that program.
    • Applicants currently practicing as a nurse practitioner, a professional recommendation from a practicing colleague is encouraged.
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
  • Copies of current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license(s). Copies of all advanced practice nursing certification and/or credentialing/recognition documents for applicants with a master’s degree as applicable.

 

The DNP program currently offers a fall start only.

The PGC program for Non-NP students currently offers a fall start only.

The PGC program for current NP students currently offers a summer start.

A required DNP program orientation is held Thursday and Friday the week prior to the first day of fall term. Review of applications will begin in February and continue monthly until August. Admission decisions are made 4-6 weeks after the early acceptance deadline and monthly for rolling admission applicants.

Applicants interested in applying to the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Nursing PhD Program must complete the following steps:

Step 1:
Complete the UMSL Graduate Application Form. Please note: there is a $50.00, non-refundable application fee. Applicants should skip the testing portion of the application as GRE tests are no longer needed.

As part of the UMSL Graduate Application Form, you will be required to:
  • Provide official transcripts from all previous institutions
  • Have graduated from a nationally accredited baccalaureate or master's nursing program with a 3.25 minimum GPA (4.0 scale)
  • Obtain two letters of reference focusing on past academic achievement or capacity to accomplish future research or scholarship
  • Save this information but do not hit the submit button until the completion of Step 2
Step 2:
Return to the UMSL Graduate Application. Under the Academic History section, upload the following:
  • Official transcripts from all previous institutions (UMSL transcripts not required)
Step 3:
Return to the UMSL Graduate Application. Under the Statement of Purpose section, upload the following:
  • Research essay including:
    • Motivation for pursuing a PhD, the research focused doctorate (up to 500 words)
    • Briefly describe your research interests (up to 250 words)
    • Briefly describe future short or long-term career goals (up to 250 words)
  • Current CV/resume outlining previous education, work/volunteer experience, scholarly writing or projects of any kind (if you have these), leadership roles, honors, and awards
  • A copy of your nursing license issued by your U.S. state of residence or country of residence 

Step 4:
Continue in the UMSL Graduate Application. Under the Testing section, if you are an international student, upload the English proficiency test score.

Step 5:
Continue in the UMSL Graduate Application. Under the Department Essay section, upload the following:
  • Four essays addressing:
    • Learning: Describe how you think about and pursue learning in your profession (300 word max)
    • Diversity: Discuss a nursing practice experience that changed or impacted your understanding of diversity and why (300 word max)
    • Meaningfulness: Describe an activity that brings meaning to your life (300 word max)
    • Leadership: Describe direct or indirect leadership experiences you have had (300 word max)

Step 6:
Sign and submit the application.

Application Deadline for Fall Enrollment: Applications for the PhD program are due January 15 for early acceptance. After January 15, rolling admissions across semesters.

International Students: Given the time required to process international applications, all international applicants must apply by the deadline of May 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission. Students will be evaluated regarding English proficiency. Begin the graduate admissions process at UMSL Global.