The doctoral program begins every September. Doctoral applicants, including those interested in pursuing the MS-PhD track, must submit their completed applications by November 1 of the previous year. Applicants interested in the MSN-PhD must submit their completed applications by October 1.

The Graduate Admission Committee cannot properly evaluate a candidate nor offer an interview until the all required application items have been received.

A completed application includes the following documents:  

1. $80 application fee
2. Completed application accessible at www.nursing.upenn.edu/admissions
3. Response to the doctoral essay question 
    NOTE: MSN-PhD applicants must also reply respond to the two MSN essay questions.
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation, one from each of the following sources: academic, employer and professional
5. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
6. Official results from the GRE exam taken within the last five (5) years
7. Official results from the TOEFL or IELTS exam taken within the last two (2) years (for non-native English speaking applicants only)
8. Copy of official RN license(s), if applicable