Graduate Admission
We invite you to apply to the Graduate Programs in Nursing and join a community of working professionals and full-time students who have chosen to advance their careers by pursuing a graduate degree.
M.S.N. Program
- A $50.00 non-refundable application fee (fee waived for Online Application)
- Official transcripts from all diploma nursing programs, colleges and universities attended.
- GRE scores: If you have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in your baccalaureate nursing courses from an accredited school of nursing, the GRE will be waived. All applicants who have earned their baccalaureate degree outside the United States will be required to take the GRE. The GMAT is required for the M.S.N./M.B.A. dual-degree program.
- TOEFL (minimum score of 650), if the applicant's primary language is not English.
- Three professional references. If possible, at least one should be from a nursing professor. All references must be from nurses with a master's degree or higher (No MDs).
- Personal statement following these required guidelines:
- Provide a statement describing how your work experiences and professional interests have prepared you to be successful in the graduate program to which you have applied.
- Discuss how completing the graduate program you have selected will help you meet your professional goals.
- Current Illinois nursing license. Out-of-state applicants must be eligible for endorsement in Illinois. International students must hold a current license from a U.S. state and be eligible for endorsement in Illinois.
- Evidence of completion of a basic course in statistics and physical assessment
One year of clinical experience will be required prior to beginning the first practicum in the nursing specialty to which you are applying.
R.N. to M.S.N. Program
- A $50.00 non-refundable application fee (fee waived for Online Application).
- Official transcripts from all diploma nursing programs, colleges and universities attended. A minimum GPA of 3.0 based on undergraduate nursing courses is required.
- GRE scores.
- TOEFL (minimum score of 650) if the applicant's primary language is not English.
- Three professional references. If possible, at least one should be from a nursing professor. All references must be from nurses with a master's degree or higher (No MDs).
- Personal statement following these required guidelines:
- Provide a statement describing how your work experiences and professional interests have prepared you to be successful in the graduate program to which you have applied.
- Discuss how completing the graduate program you have selected will help you meet your professional goals.
- Submission of a professional vita.
- Current Illinois nursing license. Out-of-state applicants must be eligible for endorsement in Illinois. International students must hold a current license from a U.S. state and be eligible for endorsement in Illinois.
- Personal interview with a Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing faculty member.
non-degree Status
- A $50.00 non-refundable application fee (fee waived for on-line application)
- Official transcripts from an accredited nursing program
Nine credits can be taken as non-degree and applied to a degree program.
Certificate Program
- A $50.00 non-refundable application fee (fee waived for Online Application)
- Official transcripts
Post-Master's Program
- A $50.00 non-refundable application fee (fee waived for Online Application)
- Official transcripts of all diploma nursing programs, colleges, universities attended
- Personal statement following these required guidelines:
- Provide a statement describing how your work experiences and professional interests have prepared you to be successful in the graduate program to which you have applied.
- Discuss how completing the graduate program you have selected will help you meet your professional goals.
- Curriculum vita (C.V.)
- Current Illinois nursing license. Out-of-state applicants must be eligible for endorsement in Illinois. International students must hold a current license from a U.S. state and be eligible for endorsement in Illinois.
| Deadlines for: | MSN | Non-Degree | Certificate | Post-Master's Certificate |
| fall - August 1 / spring - December 15 / summer - April 15 | ||||
Doctoral Program
Before initiating the application process, please contact Dr. Lee Schmidt, Doctoral Program Director, to discuss your proposed area of research interest. Dr. Schmidt can be reached at (708) 216-3573 or lschm3@luc.edu.
For admission to the PhD in Nursing Program, applicants must provide:
- A completed paper application form (The application fee normally associated with a paper application is waived)
- An official transcript from programs where baccalaureate and advanced degrees were earned
- Scores for the Graduate Record Examination (general examination)
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals with the earned Ph.D. degree and preferably at least one from a former instructor
- A statement of purpose regarding the applicant's interest in entering Loyola's program, including a summary of academic and research interests, professional goals and potential faculty mentors
- Professional vita or resume
- Copy of R.N. license
- Copy of a research or scholarly referenced paper written by the applicant
- Either a TOEFL or IELTS score report is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. For the TOEFL, a score of at least 280 on the computer-based test or 650 on the written test is required. The minimum score for the new TOEFL IBT (Internet-based test) is 114-115. For the IELTS, a minimum score of 7 is required.
- International applicants must provide a transcript evaluation from the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.
Requirements for admission as a non-degree student consist of an application, application fee, statement of purpose, and transcripts. Application deadlines are July 15 (fall admission) and March 15 (summer admission).
