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Congratulations on taking the next step toward earning your DNP

Aspiring CRNAs: Click for your application process

Please read the whole page before you begin the application. This content outlines all the 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.

Note for international applicants: The DNP program does not meet F-1/J-1 student visa requirements. Applicants in other visa categories should check regulations for their specific visa type before applying.


Because the program has some on-campus requirements, and because faculty arrange all clinical site placements for students, students must live within commuting distance of the UIC Nursing campus to which they are admitted. That could be in Illinois or a bordering state (IA, WI, IN, MO, KY). Students must also have a registered nursing license in the state in which their clinicals will be completed. Our DNP program is offered at all six UIC Nursing campuses. Students admitted to regional campuses may have to travel to Chicago or another region for NURS 532 Comprehensive Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice lab.

Be sure to read: Admission Requirements

Step-by-Step Application Instructions

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, type “DNP” into the search bar. You will then be able to select Nursing Practice – DNP. Click on Apply and create a login.

You will be able to complete Steps 2 – 7 (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 DNP 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.

Post-master’s applicants who already hold advanced practice certification or a master’s degree in either nursing administration or community health nursing may apply to the UIC Post-Master’s DNP, No New Specialty option if you are not interested in certification in a new practice area.

  • The Post-Masters DNP program is fully online and does not meet F-1/J-1 student visa requirements. Students in other visa categories should check regulations for their specific visa type before applying. for gudiance.

3. Academic Credentials/Transcripts

All UIC graduate and professional applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended directly to NursingCAS. For guidance on how to do this, visit Sending Your Official Transcripts and Test Scores to NursingCAS.

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 questions. We recommend that you draft your responses to the questions before beginning your application.

  • Briefly summarize your educational and clinical practice background. Please include your nursing education, other relevant graduate education, and RN and APRN practice experience as applicable.
  • Which DNP specialty are you applying for? Briefly summarize your understanding of this specialty and describe how you envision your practice in this specialty after graduation.
  • Describe your understanding of the DNP degree and the role of the DNP-prepared nurse in today’s healthcare environment. How will obtaining a DNP degree enable you to achieve your nursing career goals?
  • The DNP-prepared nurse is a leader in healthcare. Please describe how you have demonstrated leadership in the past.
  • Success in a graduate program will involve a reassessment of personal and professional commitments. How do you plan to prioritize graduate school with other commitments, for example work and family, to ensure your success in the DNP program?
  • The UIC College of Nursing is committed to diversity and inclusivity. What does diversity mean to you and how would you contribute to our commitment to respecting diversity?

6. Three Letters of Recommendation

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

7. UIC College of Nursing Interview

Completed within the NursingCAS application on the asyncronous interview platform Kira. Your Kira interview assessment gives you the flexibility to show us who you are, when and where it’s convenient for you. By removing the travel and time costs associated with face-to-face interviews, we aim to make it easier for us to get to know each other better.

Need More Information?

Submit this form and an Enrollment Advisor will contact you to answer your questions.

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