U-M School of Nursing Ph.D.

1. Academic statement of purpose

Identification of a possible mentor match.  Use the find a research mentor link to identify a possible mentor match.  Applicants are required to identify at least one possible mentor match but no more than three.  Mentor matches should be someone at the School of Nursing who is doing research similar in scope to your research interests.  You do not need to contact this mentor, as the admission committee will determine final mentor selectivity.  

2. Identification of a possible mentor match 

Use the find a research mentor link to identify a possible mentor match.  Applicants are required to identify at least one possible mentor match but no more than three.  Mentor matches should be someone at the School of Nursing who is doing research similar in scope to your research interests.  You do not need to contact this mentor, as the admission committee will determine final mentor selectivity.  

3. Personal statement

Provide a comprehensive answer, not to exceed 500 words, to the following question within the Rackham application under the section 'Personal Statement': How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue the Ph.D. at the University of Michigan? Note that the personal statement should provide evidence that you have researched the Ph.D. program at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.

4. Recommendations

The University of Michigan requires three recommendations. At least two of the three required recommendations must be from individuals who have a Ph.D. in nursing. The recommendation form is part of the Rackham Graduate School application. We are unable to accept application forms that are not linked to the online application. Detailed recommendation form instructions are available on the Rackham Graduate School website. Recommendations must be completed and submitted no later than the deadline. Recommendation letters should describe the applicant’s potential to become a future researcher/scientist. Each letter should be written on formal letterhead and signed by the recommender.  Do not use digital signatures.

5. Official post-secondary transcripts

The University of Michigan School of Nursing requires official transcripts from the institution where you earned or will earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (and master's, if applicable). Official transcripts must be sent to Rackham Graduate School. It is important you review the Rackham page for detailed instructions on submitting transcripts prior to beginning the submission process.

6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

 Your current resume or CV should be uploaded as a Microsoft Word document within the online Rackham application. 

7. Scholarly Paper

Provide a scholarly paper in support of your application. You should be either the first or sole author of this paper. The scholarly paper does not need to reflect your chosen area of focus within the Ph.D. program. The Admissions Committee will review the paper for writing style and scholarly quality, including the use of citations and references and evidence of critical thinking. Examples are: Master's thesis, published article, scholarly paper, research (data-based) paper. If you are a post-baccalaureate applicant, you may submit a high-quality scholarly paper that you wrote during your undergraduate program.

To be considered for the Ph.D. program, applicants must have:

• Earned or in the process of completing a BS in Nursing from an AACN, CCNE or NLN accredited institution.
• The University of Michigan School of Nursing considers post-baccalaureate and post-master's applicants for admission consideration. An MS in Nursing is not required for admission consideration to the Ph.D. program. Note: Successful completion of the BS in nursing must occur prior to the term of application. 
• Minimum 'B' average in all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework (this includes all courses taken to satisfy the degree requirements for a BS in nursing). An overall B average in all coursework is equivalent to a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale (U.S. grading scale).
• If offered admission, admitted students must obtain a current, valid RN license from any state with in the USA prior to their first term of enrollment in the University of Michigan School of Nursing. 

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission consideration to the Ph.D.  program.