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Congratulations on deciding to take the next step toward earning your DNP!
Please read the whole page before you begin the application. This content outlines all the materials and resources you need on hand to complete your application. If you have any questions, please contact the UIC Nursing Graduate Admissions team at congradapply@uic.edu.
All required materials must be completed per application instructions.
All 12 specialty areas of the UIC DNP program are offered at all six UIC Nursing campuses: Chicago, Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield and Urbana.
Application Submission Details
Admits: Fall
Deadline: January 15
Interview: February
Decision Notification: Mid-March
*Please note some deadline exceptions may apply for our active military applicants. If you are active military, please reach out to congradapply@uic.edu if you have any questions.
Be Sure to Read: Admission Requirements
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 Doctorate program link under the program search bar. Select, or search for “Nursing Practice – DNP” from the list of available programs. After you have selected Nursing Practice – DNP, 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.
Step-by-Step Application Instructions (continued) Heading link
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.
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 questions. We recommend that you draft your responses to the questions before beginning your application.
- Describe your reasons for pursuing the DNP and your short-term and long-term goals.
- How will a DNP assist you in attaining your career and educational goals? Why did you select UIC?
- Describe your experience with evidence-based practice.
- Please comment on your clinical practice experiences and how they have informed your choice of specialty. (Not required for applicants to the post-master’s program with no new specialty.)
- The mission of the UIC College of Nursing is to transform health, healthcare and policy through knowledge generation and translation, as well as through education of future leaders from diverse backgrounds. Our vision is to be a preeminent leader in advancing global health and nursing. Please comment on how you can contribute to the UIC mission and vision as a student and future alumnus.
- What do you see as the major challenges that you will need to overcome (i.e., financial constraints, family responsibilities, analytical or statistical skills) in pursuing a DNP? What are your plans for addressing these challenges?
- What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity and how would you develop and apply your commitment to diversity at UIC?
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.
UIC College of Nursing Interview Heading link
Not within application, but important to know before applying.
UIC College of Nursing Interview (continued) Heading link
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.
Need More Information? Heading link
Submit this form and an Enrollment Advisor will contact you to answer your questions.