Admission Criteria and Process

1. Completion of a master’s degree in nursing from a NLNAC or CCNE accredited nursing program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last 5 years. [Use both of the following codes for submission of GRE to the College of Nursing: R5025 is the code for the Mercer University Atlanta Campus; Use major code (Nursing) #0610]
3. Completion of the following graduate level courses: nursing theory, research, and statistics. Read more about this requirement.
4. Unencumbered Registered Nurse license to practice in a state or jurisdiction of the USA
5. Evidence of a strong writing ability, potential leadership, and scholarship.
6. Preference may be given to applicants meeting one or more of the following criteria:
   
   Cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater (in graduate coursework).
   
   A combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination with at least 5 on the Analytical Writing section. (This score will be re-evaluated when the new GRE revised General Test is released in August 2011)
   
   Intent to pursue fulltime study.
   
   Distinguished leadership or scholarship; evidence of scholarly writing ability

International applicants must meet additional requirements for admission - Contact Dr. Domico directly.  In addition, get information regarding transcript submission and evaluation.

Priority and international applicant deadline is January 30; Final deadline is May 10 (space available)

Admission Process

PHASE 1: All applicants must submit

1. Completed application for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree program, including a $50 nonrefundable application fee. Complete the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Application.
2. Upon completion of the program application, the following documents must be submitted to the nursing Admissions Office:
   
   Curriculum vitae following specific guidelines included in the application packet.  Request a copy of the required vitae format.
   
   Official GRE report (Codes for submission of GRE scores are Mercer University – Atlanta: R5025; Nursing Department/Major Code: 0610)
   
   Copy of unencumbered license to practice in a state or jurisdiction of the USA
   
   List of references/recommendations with contact information. Download the Reference List for DNP and PhD Applicant form. It is strongly suggested that references include a minimum of one University nursing faculty member; the two remaining references should be from instructors, administrators, or managers who have evaluated the applicant’s professional practice. References are a very important part of the admission selection process.
   
   Submission of one official transcript from all Colleges/Universities attended. The graduate transcript will be evaluated for all coursework associated with admission criteria.  
   
   Mailing address for the Nursing Admissions Office:
   Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University
   Attention: Admissions Office
   3001 Mercer University Drive
   Atlanta, GA 30341
   
   *NOTE: The Admissions Office will not print materials for the applicant.  The applicant is responsible for sending a print copy of vitae, license, and references.  All materials submitted become the property of the College and University and they will not be returned to the applicant.

Following review of the above materials, the applicant will be contacted by email regarding the submission of an online scholarly writing. The online scholarly writing is reviewed by a selection committee; this committee determines whether the applicant progresses to the next phase.

PHASE 2

1. Selected applicants will be contacted to establish an interview date.
2. An onsite writing sample is required at the time of interview.

Applicants are notified regarding admission within three weeks from review of phase 2 materials.

Accepted students must complete the following

• Submit a $200 nonrefundable deposit; this is credited toward the first semester of enrollment.
• Complete : students must follow enrollment procedures and complete all areas on the checklist. Get the Checklist (Exception:  Ph.D. students do not complete the criminal background and drug screen.)  If enrolled in summer statistics, checklist items need to be completed prior to the first day of the beginning of the summer session.