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Congratulations on taking the next step toward earning your new DNP specialty

Please read the entire page before you begin the application. This content outlines all materials and resources you need to have on hand.

If you have any questions, please contact the UIC Nursing Graduate Admissions team at congradapply@uic.edu.

Admits: Fall

Application Timeline

Early deadline: November 1
Standard deadline: January 15
Final deadline: April 1
Interview: August – April
Decision notification: September – May

*Some deadline exceptions may apply for active military applicants. Email congradapply@uic.edu if you have any questions.

Step-by-Step Application Instructions Heading link

1. Submit NursingCAS and UIC Nursing Graduate Supplemental Application

After submitting your NursingCAS application, visit the UIC Graduate Application page to submit the UIC Nursing Graduate Supplemental Application. Once on the page, you can either search for the program or select the Certificates program link under the program search bar. Select, or search for “(Insert Name of New Specialty)– Campus Certificate” from the list of available programs. After you have selected your program, click on Apply and create a login.

You will be able to complete Steps 2 – 6 (listed below) within the NursingCAS application.

*Please note: Both a NursingCAS application and UIC Nursing Graduate supplemental application are required to complete your admission file for review.

2. Select UIC Nursing Campus and Specialty

You will be prompted to select a UIC College of Nursing campus and specialty to apply to in the NursingCAS application. All UIC Post-DNP certificate applicants must select a campus and specialty in the application – applications are reviewed and applicants interviewed based on this selection. You may only apply to one campus and specialty per application term. Please note if admitted, any changes to campus and or specialty are subject to review and are not guaranteed.

3. Academic Credentials/Transcripts

All UIC graduate and professional applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended directly to NursingCAS. Click the following link for submitting your official transcripts and test scores guidance. Sending Your Official Transcripts and Test Scores to NursingCAS – Liaison (liaisonedu.com).

4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Upload your most recent resume or CV that details educational background, work experience, honors/awards/activities directly to the NursingCAS application.

5. Application Essay

Within the NursingCAS application, you’ll be prompted to answer the following essay question. We recommend that you draft your responses to the questions before beginning your application.

  • Please comment on your clinical practice experiences and how they have informed your choice of specialty.

6. Letter of Recommendation

Enter the name and email address for one recommender to your NursingCAS application. Your recommender will then receive an email with a link to log in to the NursingCAS Recommender Portal and submit a recommendation form. Please inform your recommender that the recommendation form is required; the system does not allow the option of uploading a separate letter.

UIC College of Nursing Interview Heading link

Not within application, but important to know before applying.

All applicants with completed and qualified applications will be contacted by the UIC College of Nursing for an application interview. The interview is a required part of the application process.