How to Apply: PhD Program

Thank you for your interest in applying to the William F. Connell School of Nursing. The information on this page pertains to those applying for the PhD program and the MS/PhD dual degree program. Please read all the forms and materials carefully. These forms contain important details, and we recommend that you review each one in advance to ensure that you have the information to complete all materials by the PhD program deadline of December 31.

program eligibility

• A master's degree from a nationally accredited nursing program*
• A completed course in statistics
• A current RN license

*Applicants without a master's degree in nursing should apply through the MS/PhD route to entry. These candidates must meet all application and entry requirements for the master's program, but should follow the PhD application process outlined here.

required application materials

• Online application form
• $40 application fee (can be submitted online or mailed with cover sheet)
• Official transcripts of all prior postsecondary academic work (including at BC)
• Three letters of recommendation:

• A current or recent employer, preferably a nurse with a PhD or a professional colleague
• A professor with whom you have had recent academic interaction who can assess your potential for doctoral study and performance in your desired area of study
• A person who is not a relative and who is well acquainted with your professional preparation and clinical practice

• Goal statement that articulates your academic and career goals*
  
• Curriculum vitae
• Evidence of scholarly writing
• A copy of your current RN license to practice
• Official GRE scores (Please allow 2-4 weeks for test scores to be received in order to meet application deadline)
  

additional requirements for international students

• Official transcript(s) evaluation (by the Commission on Graduate Foreign Nursing Schools or World Education Services) from all post-secondary institutions at which you have studied
• Official TOEFL scores
• CGFNS examination results
• NCLEX-RN examination results/RN licensure
  

supplemental forms

Based on the answers you provide in your application, you may need one or more of the following forms to complete your application:

• Suspended or Revoked License Explanation Form (if you indicated a suspended or revoked license on your application)
• Learning Disability Documentation Form (if you indicated a learning disability on your application)
• Supplementary Information Form (if you wish to submit any supplementary information in addition to the standard application)

SUBMITTING APPLICATION MATERIALS

Completed application materials should be sent to the following address:

In order to be processed, all materials must be submitted on official forms or with appropriate official cover sheets that includes your full name, social security number (if applicable), and date of birth. This information will be used to match your application to all supplementary materials (transcripts, recommendations, etc.) Failure to include the appropriate form/cover may delay or prevent your application from being reviewed.

Please note that the mailing address listed above does not accept deliveries from Fedex, UPS, or other express mail services. If you need to submit materials in an expedited fashion, please send to:

DataBank IMX
437 Turnpike Street
Canton, Ma 02021
Att: GSON
781-830-2500