The School of Nursing was established as an independent school of the University by action of the Board of Trustees in April 1939 and was opened in September of the same year. The University conferred the degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education for the first time in August 1939. The University conferred the first Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in February 1942.
The first Master’s degree was awarded in 1944, and the first Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1957. The first Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree was awarded in 2008.
Mission
The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, founded in 1939, is one of the oldest programs in baccalaureate and doctoral education in nursing in the United States. As one of the nation’s distinguished schools of nursing, the resources of the School of Nursing constitute an invaluable asset for the intellectual, scientific, and economic enrichment of health care in Pennsylvania, the nation, and throughout the world.
The School of Nursing’s mission is to:
- provide high-quality undergraduate education in nursing;
- maintain and develop superior graduate programs in nursing that respond to the needs of health care in general and nursing in particular within Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world;
- engage in research and other scholarly activities that advance learning through the extension of the frontiers of knowledge in health care;
- cooperate with health care, governmental, and related institutions to transfer knowledge in health sciences and health care;
- offer continuing education programs adapted to the professional upgrading and career advancement interests and needs of nurses in Pennsylvania; and
- make available to local communities and public agencies the expertise of the School of Nursing in ways that are consistent with the primary teaching and research functions and contribute to the intellectual and economic development in health care within the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.
Contact Information
University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
Student Affairs
240 Victoria Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-4586 or 1-888-747-0794
Email: PittNursing@pitt.edu
www.nursing.pitt.edu
Master’s Program Admission Process and Admission Criteria
Applications are available on our website. Admission criteria and application deadlines are also provided on the school’s website. Complete applications will be reviewed, and interviews may be conducted (virtual) prior to an admission decision. Applicants must apply online.
Applications to the Master of Science in Nursing Program are reviewed using a standardized process. Applicants must meet the criteria listed below. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era.
Applicants must have:
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work
- A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN, NLN, or CCNE-accredited program
- International applicants must provide evidence of a degree comparable to an American baccalaureate degree.
- Current RN license in a U.S. state/territory or location where the student will complete clinical requirements
- GPA of 3.0 or higher from a previous nursing degree
- Pre-admission interview (pre-admission interviews may be conducted virtually)
- Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s capacity and potential for master’s study from each of the following:
- the director or a faculty member from the most recent academic program attended (if the applicant has been a nursing student in the last 5 years)
- a recent employer
- a person who can speak to the applicant’s professional work.
- Personal essay (limit to 2-3 pages, single-spaced)
- Completed applicant survey
- Current CV or resume
- Non-refundable application fee.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Admission Process and Admission Criteria
Application Instructions
Pitt Nursing accepts applications for admission to all areas of the DNP Program. Each applicant must complete and submit the following:
- Application form
- Non-refundable application fee
- Complete official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate education
- Admission test scores, if applicable
- Three letters of professional recommendation indicating the reviewer’s support of the student’s ability to successfully complete a demanding graduate-level academic and clinical program.
At least one recommendation should come from a current or recent direct supervisor. These letters will be submitted by the reviewer through the application software.
- Personal essay (limit to 2-3 pages, single-spaced)
- Current CV or resume.
All completed applications must be submitted to the SON Admissions Office, which will forward them to the SON Admissions Committee or Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee for review and appropriate action.
The SON Admissions Committee or the Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee completes the decision assignment in the online system and submits it to the SON Admissions Office, which will notify applicants of the admission decision. Applicants who do not qualify for admission to full graduate status may be considered for provisional status except for international applicants.
Admission Criteria
You may apply to the DNP program at various points in your educational career. The school offers both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways; your choice will depend on the degrees you previously earned and the majors/concentrations you select.
Students currently enrolled in their final year of a BSN program may apply to the BSN-to-DNP focus areas that do not require clinical experience beyond the BSN program. If offered admission, it would be contingent on the student’s (1) successful completion of the BSN and (2) obtaining the RN license.
BSN-prepared students, who are currently enrolled in their last year of an MSN or master’s program in a related focus, may apply to the MSN to DNP pathway. If offered admission, it would be contingent on the student’s (1) successful completion of the MSN or master’s program in a related focus and (2) fulfillment of all admission criteria.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing only admits a Fall Term Cohort to all DNP Program majors/concentration except the Nurse Anesthesia BSN to DNP major, which only admits a Spring Term Cohort, which can matriculate in Fall Term if desired. Application deadlines are provided on the school’s website.
Applicants must apply online.
Admission to the DNP Program
The DNP Program admits BSN graduates, advanced practice nurses, and nursing administrators who have completed a nursing degree from a ACEN, NLN, or CCNE-accredited program.
BSN to DNP
- Current RN license in a U.S. State/Territory or location where the student will complete clinical requirements
- GPA ≥ 3.0 in BSN or entry-level MSN from an ACEN, NLN, or CCNE-accredited program
- Applicants for the DNP program must satisfy a statistics prerequisite. There are two ways in which the requirement can be satisfied:
- Applicants who have completed a relevant course and earned a grade of B or higher within five (5) years of starting their studies will be considered as having met this requirement.
- Applicants who have been admitted into the program but finished their coursework more than five (5) years ago and/or earned below a B will need to complete the School of Nursing-developed Statistics Modules prior to beginning the program. These modules cover essential foundational concepts that our faculty identified as critical to success.
- Separately, any admitted student who has already satisfied the prerequisite but would like additional preparation may also opt to complete the modules as a refresher.
- Clinical experience for select focus areas** (required or preferred for selected majors and concentrations)
- Pre-admission interview (if the applicant resides at a great distance, a virtual interview may be conducted)
- Evidence of ability to communicate in writing through the required personal essay
MSN to DNP
- Current RN license in a U.S. State/Territory or location where student the will complete clinical requirements
- GPA ≥ 3.0 in MSN from an accredited program or master’s in a related field (must have BSN from an ACEN, NLN, or CCNE-accredited program)
- Applicants for the DNP program must satisfy a statistics prerequisite. There are two ways in which the requirement can be satisfied:
- Applicants who have completed a relevant course and earned a grade of B or higher within five (5) years of starting their studies will be considered as having met this requirement.
- Applicants who have been admitted into the program but finished their coursework more than five (5) years ago and/or earned below a B will need to complete the School of Nursing-developed Statistics Modules prior to beginning the program. These modules cover essential foundational concepts that our faculty identified as critical for success.
- Separately, any admitted student who has already satisfied the prerequisite but would like additional preparation may also opt to complete the modules as a refresher.
- Clinical experience for select focus areas** (required or preferred for selected majors and concentrations)
- Pre-admission interview (if the applicant resides at a great distance, a virtual interview may be conducted)
- Evidence of ability to communicate in writing through the required personal essay
- Nurse Anesthesia MSN to DNP (additional requirements)
- Current Nurse Anesthetist certification in a U.S. State/Territory or location where the student will complete the DNP Scholarly Project
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA in MSN or MS in Nurse Anesthesia from an accredited program
**Clinical Experience for Select Focus Areas
- Neonatal NP: Equivalent of 2 years full time (within last 5 years) nursing experience in the care of critically ill newborns, infants, and children in critical care inpatient settings (preferably Level III NICU). Students may enroll in pre-clinical courses while obtaining practice experience.
- Health Systems Executive Leadership: a minimum of 2 years of leadership or management experience.
- Nurse Anesthesia BSN to DNP: Minimum 1-year full-time ICU/critical care nursing experience (within last 5 years) by start of program (may apply if employed in ICU/critical care and will have required experience before admission term). Taking the GRE is optional but may be considered supplemental information in the holistic admission process.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Admission Process and Admission Criteria
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program follows a Fall Term Cohort Only admissions process. Applications to the PhD program are accepted as a cohort. Application decisions will be communicated electronically by email. See Application Deadlines for more information. Applicants must apply online.
The School of Nursing offers BSN-PhD and MSN-PhD options. The School of Nursing offers BSN-PhD and MSN-PhD options. A baccalaureate or a master’s degree in nursing is preferred. Applicants who do not have a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing as their first professional degree will be considered on an individual basis. The School of Nursing also offers a currently matriculating BSN to PhD option, in which a student who has not yet completed the BSN can be admitted conditionally into the PhD program pending successful completion of their BSN. Interested applicants should contact the Center for Student Success at 412-624-4586 or PittNursing@pitt.edu for further information.
Admission to the PhD Program
Admission to the PhD program is assessed through interviews, references, and an essay that provides a written statement of goals, a research focus, and implications for global health. Documentation of academic success is required.
The doctoral faculty strongly recommends that students develop knowledge of and experience with word processing, database management, and computerized literature searches prior to applying to the PhD program.
Length of Program
The post-master’s full-time curriculum (MSN to PhD) comprises a minimum of 48 credits, and students may complete the program in approximately 2.5 years, depending on the nature and complexity of their dissertation research. Twenty-four credits are granted from the prior master’s program. For prior courses taken elsewhere, an evaluation of the course content must be approved by the Director of the PhD Program to determine its comparability with the coursework at the University of Pittsburgh. Students entering the MSN to PhD program will work with their academic advisor to conduct a gap analysis of prior research-related coursework to determine whether additional research core coursework is needed beyond that specified in the MSN to PhD curriculum plan. The part-time student may complete the program in three to four years. The statute of limitations for completing the MSN to PhD track is eight (8) consecutive calendar years from the first term of registration for credits in the required curriculum plan for the doctoral degree.
The BSN to PhD program requires a minimum of 72 credits. Students admitted to the BSN to PhD track are expected to enroll full-time, and the program can be completed in a minimum of three years, depending on the complexity of the dissertation research. Students are also encouraged to consider obtaining a simultaneous master’s degree. The statute of limitations for completing the BSN to PhD track is ten (10) consecutive calendar years from the first term of registration for credits in the required curriculum plan for the doctoral degree.
For more information, see Policy 208.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program prepares nurse scholars who will discover and extend scientific knowledge that advances the science and practice of nursing and contributes to other disciplines. Graduates can assume leadership roles in research teams, health care systems, industry, and nursing schools within academic institutions.
The PhD program of study provides a coherent series of courses, seminars, and discussions designed to develop in the student a mature understanding of content, methods, and values of the discipline of nursing and its relation to other fields. The curriculum includes courses on the philosophical underpinnings and theoretical foundations of research, as well as research design, measurement, and intervention development. Courses also include advanced statistics, advanced quantitative methods, the responsibilities and activities of scientists, and the art and science of teaching and learning. Students work closely with research faculty members from nursing and other disciplines. Each student also participates in two mentored research experiences. The first is the Apprenticeship Practica, wherein students affiliate with a mentor’s established research team over time to explore the scientific literature, develop, plan, and implement an apprenticeship research project, and disseminate findings. This experience provides the opportunity to acquire individualized, tangible research skills within a mentored application environment, which is additive to and precedes the dissertation experience. The second mentored research experience is the students’ development and implementation of their independent dissertation project, culminating in a dissertation defense. Students prepare and submit applications for competitive research funding.
Admission of International Students (MSN, DNP, and PhD)
Students who reside outside the United States and are applying to the School of Nursing should use the same admissions process and criteria described above. The application should be completed in English and be accompanied by official academic credentials with notarized English translations. Applicants must successfully complete the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) if English is a second language.
Applicants must also have a professional nursing license in Pennsylvania or a compact state. The following links specify the licensure requirements for the MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. Applicants seeking a professional nursing license are encouraged to visit the Pennsylvania State Board website, which provides information for internationally educated nurses applying to take the NCLEX-RN examination.
Insurance and Health Care Requirements
All admitted students are required to submit a School of Nursing Initial Health Form with documentation of health insurance, COVID-19 vaccination or completion of exemption request form, and Act 33, 34, and 73 clearances prior to beginning their program of study. Once enrolled, students must submit the School of Nursing’s annual health insurance verification and obtain an annual influenza vaccination (unless a requested exemption is approved). Individual students must meet additional health requirements of clinical agencies, such as TB screening and drug testing. Current CPR certification is required prior to enrollment or teaching in all clinical courses.
Students are required to maintain health insurance for the duration of their studies to cover treatment and follow-up for injuries or medical problems incurred during graduate study. The University of Pittsburgh offers insurance programs to graduate students (see: https://www.hr.pitt.edu/students). All students admitted with full or provisional status are automatically enrolled in a University liability insurance policy annually, which only covers a student acting within the scope of their duties as a student in the School of Nursing.
Financial Assistance
The sources of awards and aid may include professional nurse traineeships, school scholarships, federal Stafford Loans, private loans, and emergency aid. See Scholarships & Financial Aid for more information.
Academic Policies
All students in the School of Nursing are governed by the School of Nursing and University policies. Therefore, it is essential that students regularly review and familiarize themselves with both general and graduate policies. Questions about policies should be directed to the academic advisor or to the director or coordinator for the program, major, or area of concentration. Policies of particular importance address admission criteria, registration processes, credit transfer, clinical requirements, acceptable academic status, warnings and probation, readmission, degree completion requirements, academic integrity, unsafe clinical performance, and impaired clinical performance. View the School of Nursing Policies.
Advising
Each new student admitted to the graduate program is assigned a faculty advisor from the specific program, major, or area of concentration to which the student is admitted. The faculty advisor provides initial orientation to the school, the University, and the program requirements. Each student is required to meet with their advisor prior to course selection and enrollment for each term. It is also recommended that they meet with their advisor at least once during the term to review their academic progress and address any questions or concerns about their program of study. The advisor is actively involved if there are academic concerns.
Students also have access to a professional staff advisor in the Center for Student Success in the School of Nursing. The staff advisor should be consulted for information about sources of financial aid, scholarships, school policies, registration, course availability, expected graduation dates and requirements, University and School resources, and community resources for help with personal issues. A general orientation program is mandatory for all new students.
General Degree Requirements
To earn the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the student must demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement in required coursework prescribed by the curriculum with an overall academic achievement of a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is also required for the MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and PhD in nursing. The DNP requires successful completion of a DNP project, and the PhD requires successful defense of a dissertation.
Application for Graduation
Each candidate for graduation must file an official Application for Graduation with the professional staff advisor in the School of Nursing Center for Student Success at least three months before the degree is to be completed. A fee will be assessed after the application deadline. All students must be registered for at least one credit during the 12 months prior to graduation and for at least one credit in the term in which they take their preliminary and comprehensive examinations. International students must be registered in accordance with the conditions of their visas.
Major and Degree Options
The School of Nursing offers the following graduate degrees:
- The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with majors and areas of concentration in the following areas:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Specialty Role
- Nursing Informatics (not currently accepting admissions)
- School Nursing (not currently accepting admissions)
- The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- MSN to DNP Options
- Nurse Practitioner (not currently accepting admissions)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (not currently accepting admissions)
- Nurse Specialty Role
- Health Systems Executive Leadership
- Nurse Anesthesia
- BSN to DNP Options
- Nurse Practitioner (not currently accepting admissions)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (not currently accepting admissions)
- Nurse Anesthesia
- The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
- BSN to PhD option
- MSN to PhD option
- Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Dual program (not currently accepting admissions)
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Special Academic Opportunities/Programs
The School of Nursing offers a variety of special programs within its master’s and doctoral programs:
Minors
Students in the master’s program, the DNP program, and the PhD program have the option of completing a minor in:
- Nursing Informatics
- Nursing Administration
- Gerontology for Nurse Practitioners
- Health Care Genetics
The minimum number of credits required to obtain a minor is 8-12.
Post-Professional Certificates
Post-professional certificates are available in:
- School Nursing
- Health Care Genetics
- Nursing Informatics
- Gerontology for Nurse Practitioners
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The certificate options require a minimum of 10 credits; additional credits may be required depending on the certificate program and previous graduate course work. All students admitted to a nurse practitioner certificate program must meet the full graduate degree program’s curriculum requirements, either through prior coursework or credits earned during the certificate program. Individual review of transcripts will determine the exact number of credits needed to meet curriculum requirements.
Admission criteria for master’s level certificate programs include:
- Evidence of successful completion of MSN, DNP, or other relevant first professional degree
- Relevant work experience
- Satisfactory interview with program faculty
- Current RN license if the certificate program includes clinical experiences.
School of Nursing Faculty
School of Nursing Faculty
Program and Course Offerings
Certificate
Doctoral
Dual
Master’s
Minor
PhD
Phd Program
Department of Acute and Tertiary Care
Graduate Certificate
Major
Department of Health and Community Systems
Department of Health Promotion and Development
Department of Nurse Anesthesia
