Frequently asked questions
Whether you're a high school student applying to your first collegiate program, or a prospective doctoral student accustomed to the procedure, questions arise during the admissions process. For answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, see the FAQs listed by program below.
FAQs by program
BSN program - First-year students
Can I receive college credit for dual enrollment or AP exams?
Yes, a maximum of 25 credits may be transferred into the University of Michigan. Credits earned during dual enrollment, enrollment in an early or middle college program, or through Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate testing may potentially transfer to the BSN curriculum. Please review the Transfer Credit Policy for first-year students for specific details.
Does the School of Nursing offer scholarships?
The School of Nursing offers merit-based scholarships. There is no additional application process to be considered for these scholarships as you will be automatically entered into consideration with your application for admission to the School of Nursing. Students will be notified if they are chosen for a School of Nursing scholarship. For full consideration of need-based scholarships, students must complete the FAFSA. However, completion of the FAFSA is not required to be considered for School of Nursing merit-based scholarships. See the Financial aid page for more details.
The School of Nursing offers merit-based scholarships. There is no additional application process to be considered for these scholarships as you will be automatically entered into consideration with your application for admission to the School of Nursing. Students will be notified if they are chosen for a School of Nursing scholarship. For full consideration of need-based scholarships, students must complete the FAFSA. However, completion of the FAFSA is not required to be considered for School of Nursing merit-based scholarships. See the Financial aid page for more details.
When will I receive my decision?
When you apply by the decision deadline of February 1, you will receive your decision by early April.
Can the four-year traditional Bachelor of Science (BSN) program be accelerated?
The BSN program is a lock-step, four-year program. In other words, students must complete one level before proceeding to the next. Due to the required clinical sequencing of the program, it cannot be accelerated.
The BSN program is a lock-step, four-year program. In other words, students must complete one level before proceeding to the next. Due to the required clinical sequencing of the program, it cannot be accelerated.
When will my clinical experiences begin?
Clinical and observational experiences will begin during sophomore year, and take place in a wide range of health agencies both in and outside of Ann Arbor. Clinical placements may include hospitals, extended care facilities, city and county health departments, schools, child health centers, community mental health agencies, and senior citizen centers.
Clinical and observational experiences will begin during sophomore year, and take place in a wide range of health agencies both in and outside of Ann Arbor. Clinical placements may include hospitals, extended care facilities, city and county health departments, schools, child health centers, community mental health agencies, and senior citizen centers.
Will I need my own transportation to get to my clinicals?
At some point during a student’s undergraduate career, students will need access to transportation to travel to and from clinicals. In the past, students have used public transportation, had their own vehicle, or have arranged to carpool with fellow peers.
At some point during a student’s undergraduate career, students will need access to transportation to travel to and from clinicals. In the past, students have used public transportation, had their own vehicle, or have arranged to carpool with fellow peers.
Can I pursue a minor?
Yes, nursing students may choose to declare a minor. UMSN offers a Global Health minor, or students can choose from other minors offered by the University of Michigan. Students work regularly with UMSN advisors in order to plan their schedule and complete all required coursework.
Where do I send my transcripts?
Transcripts may also be sent via e-transcript vendors or directly from the issuing institution to transcripts@umich.edu.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions:
1220 Student Activities Building
515 East Jefferson Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316
What is the cost of tuition?
Information on tuition and fees can be found in the Office of the Registrar. For questions on financial aid and scholarships, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Where do nursing students live?
Nursing students live in a variety of University Housing locations on campus, including residence halls. Off-campus housing (non-university) options include apartments, rental houses, fraternities, sororities, and co-ops.
Nursing students live in a variety of University Housing locations on campus, including residence halls. Off-campus housing (non-university) options include apartments, rental houses, fraternities, sororities, and co-ops.
Are standardized test scores required?
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create unique challenges for students. For the 2023-24 application cycle, SAT or ACT scores are optional. Students who are unable to provide standardized test scores are encouraged to apply and will not be disadvantaged in the application process. Applications will be reviewed with the information a student is able to provide. Test scores can be self-reported on the application, though, if admitted to the program students will need to submit official test scores. Official test scores must be received by the University of Michigan before the application deadline. Please see below for exam codes:
SAT Code: 1839
ACT code: 2062
SAT Code: 1839
ACT code: 2062
BSN program - Sophomore transfers
Does U-M have an application waitlist?
We do not have a waitlist for those wishing to apply, meaning that all completed applications are reviewed during every application cycle. However, each year the School of Nursing receives many more applications than we have space to enroll. Students with strong credentials who are not offered admission may be offered an enrollment waitlist option. With this option, if space becomes available in our incoming class, we will make additional admission offers to those who have accepted the enrollment waitlist offer.
What is the cost of tuition?
For information on tuition and fees, please see the Office of the Registrar. For questions regarding financial aid and scholarships, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Can I pursue a minor?
Yes, nursing students may choose to declare a minor. UMSN offers a Global Health minor, or students can choose from other minors offered by the University of Michigan. Students work regularly with UMSN advisors in order to plan their schedule and complete all required coursework.
When will I receive my decision?
Admissions decisions are expected to be released in April.
When do classes begin?
Sophomore transfer students begin the program during the summer term by taking NURS 192, NURS 194 and NURS 196. Summer term begins in late June or early July.
How many days per week should I plan to be on campus?
Classes typically consist of a lecture, lab and a simulation. Please plan to be on campus 3-4 days per week.
How do I get an override into a nursing class?
NURS 210 + NURS 211 (Human Anatomy and Physiology) is offered at the University of Michigan during the winter term. Current U-M students who want to enroll in this nursing course as a non-nursing student will need to request an override during the fall term. Please email us at UMSN-UndergradAdmissions@med.umich.edu in order to make this request. Please note, Organic Biochemistry (BIOLCHEM 212) is a prerequisite for NURS 210 + 211.
Can I take prerequisite coursework at U-M if I am not currently a student?
If you are not currently a U-M student and would like to complete any prerequisite coursework at the University of Michigan, you will need to apply as a guest or non-degree seeking student. You can access the guest/non-degree application through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
I have questions about my transcripts and the prerequisite coursework. Would I be able to speak with someone to review my transcripts?
Due to the large number of applicants interested in our programs, we are unable to review each applicant's transcript. We do offer virtual advising to discuss our program and application requirements. We strongly recommend you sign up to attend an information session where an admissions representative will be available to answer your questions.
Further, courses/transcripts are reviewed as part of the application process. Please review the sophomore transfer credit policy page for more information on verifying which of your previous coursework can transfer for credit. If your course has not yet been approved as equivalent, you may submit your course syllabus to the admissions committee, who will review the course to determine if it is equivalent to our prerequisite courses.
I've taken coursework at another institution. How many credits can I transfer into the University of Michigan School of Nursing?
U-M School of Nursing accepts a maximum of 36-40 transferable credits, including the required prerequisite coursework, from another institution. Please review the sophomore transfer credit policy page for more information.
U-M School of Nursing accepts a maximum of 36-40 transferable credits, including the required prerequisite coursework, from another institution. Please review the sophomore transfer credit policy page for more information.
Can I use the AP or IB credit to fulfill the English composition or statistics prerequisites?
English composition and statistics must be fulfilled by a college-level course. Therefore, these prerequisites may not be satisfied via AP/IB credit. Please review the transfer equivalencies page for information on transferable coursework. AP or IB psychology can potentially transfer in as Psych 111, provided the student earned an acceptable test score. Students can find AP/IB score requirements here.
English composition and statistics must be fulfilled by a college-level course. Therefore, these prerequisites may not be satisfied via AP/IB credit. Please review the transfer equivalencies page for information on transferable coursework. AP or IB psychology can potentially transfer in as Psych 111, provided the student earned an acceptable test score. Students can find AP/IB score requirements here.
If I have taken coursework at another college or university, would I be able to apply as a first year?
If you have taken coursework at another college or university, you will apply as a transfer applicant and submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. You will only apply as a first year if you are in or have graduated from high school, but have not yet attended any college.
If you have taken coursework at another college or university, you will apply as a transfer applicant and submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. You will only apply as a first year if you are in or have graduated from high school, but have not yet attended any college.
Where do I send my transcripts?
If submitting transcripts (or any other application materials) by regular mail, please send documents to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions:
1220 Student Activities Building
515 East Jefferson Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316
Transcripts may also be sent via e-transcript vendors or directly from the issuing institution to transcripts@umich.edu.
MSN and post-baccalaureate DNP
Are the MSN and post-baccalaureate programs offered online?
The University of Michigan School of Nursing offers several online programs as well as a variety of on-campus programs.
Online programs include:
Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care MSN
Primary Care Pediatric MSN
Leadership, Analytics & Innovation
The School of Nursing is currently offering only an MSN pathway for our online programs. Those interested in a DNP have the opportunity to pursue a post-master's DNP upon successful completion of their MSN.
Hybrid programs include:
- Post-Master’s DNP
On Campus programs include:
Nurse-Midwifery (both MSN and BSN-DNP)
Nurse-Midwifery and Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (combined) (both MSN and BSN-DNP)
Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (both MSN and BSN-DNP)
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (both MSN and BSN-DNP)
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (both MSN and BSN-DNP)
Is the GRE required for admission to the U-M School of Nursing?
The GRE is not required for any of the MSN or DNP graduate programs.
The GRE is not required for any of the MSN or DNP graduate programs.
Can I apply to a graduate program prior to completing my BSN and without work experience?
Yes, you can apply to MSN programs or the post-baccalaureate DNP program prior to completing your BSN. If offered admission, you must show proof of a BSN degree conferral and have a valid RN license in the state where you will be completing your clinical experiences prior to the first term of enrollment. Applicants are not required to have work experience.
Is there funding available for the MSN and post-baccalaureate DNP programs? What is the cost of the program?
The School of Nursing awards a limited number of scholarships each year. The NursingCAS application is used to determine scholarships; applicants do not need to submit additional applications. Students are also welcome to apply for federal financial aid, and seek additional funding from private scholarships. Tuition and fee information can be found through the Office of the Registrar.
Are there application fee waivers?
NursingCAS offers a limited number of fee waivers. Please visit the NursingCAS Fee Waiver website for more information.
I would like to reapply for a graduate program. Do I need to submit a new application through NursingCAS?
Prior applicants have the option to reapply for the same or a different program for subsequent admission terms. NursingCAS allows individuals who already have a profile set up to either edit their information from the previous year or copy the existing information. It is recommended that applicants update their resume and personal statement. You will need to provide three new letters of recommendation.
How can I visit campus and learn more about the programs?
The U-M School of Nursing hosts on-campus and virtual events throughout the year. Check out the Visit Us page for more information about these events.
Can I apply to more than one program?
No, you may only apply to one program.
Are interviews required for admission?
All completed applications will be reviewed holistically by the Admissions Committee. Applicants who submit all required application material will also be required to complete a video assessment in addition to our online application. Some candidates may also be invited to complete a live virtual interview with faculty via Zoom. The purpose of these interviews is to assess each applicant's fit for the program to which they applied and evaluate their understanding of the scope of practice. Applicants selected for a live Zoom interview will be notified via email.
Questions or concerns regarding the video assessment can be addressed by contacting UMSN-GradAdmissions@med.umich.edu or by calling 734-763-5985.
Questions or concerns regarding the video assessment can be addressed by contacting UMSN-GradAdmissions@med.umich.edu or by calling 734-763-5985.
Are there requirements I need to complete prior to enrolling in a master's program, other than completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree? Do I need to complete a statistics course?
No courses are required prior to starting your program. Students will take an applied statistics course during their first semester.
How long will it take to complete an MSN or a post-baccalaureate DNP?
Time to degree completion will vary based on the program of enrollment and the student. Please refer to the specific academic program for information regarding the curriculum and program plan options. UMSN requires students to complete a graduate program within 5 years of the first term of enrollment.
Time to degree completion will vary based on the program of enrollment and the student. Please refer to the specific academic program for information regarding the curriculum and program plan options. UMSN requires students to complete a graduate program within 5 years of the first term of enrollment.
I earned a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. Can I be considered for admission to a master's or doctoral program at the School of Nursing?
We require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution as part of our admission requirements to graduate programs.
We require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution as part of our admission requirements to graduate programs.
Ph.D.
Is the Ph.D. program offered online?
The University of Michigan School of Nursing's Ph.D. curriculum is campus based. Students in the School of Nursing Ph.D. program attend campus lecture/class one to three days per week.
The University of Michigan School of Nursing's Ph.D. curriculum is campus based. Students in the School of Nursing Ph.D. program attend campus lecture/class one to three days per week.
Can I apply to the Ph.D. program prior to completing my BSN and without work experience?
Yes, the Ph.D. program is offered as a post-baccalaureate or a post-master's curriculum. If offered admission, you must successfully complete all BSN coursework and be licensed as a registered nurse by at least one political (state, province, country) jurisdiction before the start of the term of admission.
Yes, the Ph.D. program is offered as a post-baccalaureate or a post-master's curriculum. If offered admission, you must successfully complete all BSN coursework and be licensed as a registered nurse by at least one political (state, province, country) jurisdiction before the start of the term of admission.
Is the GRE required for admission to the Ph.D. program?
The GRE is not required for the Ph.D. program.
The GRE is not required for the Ph.D. program.
Are there application fee waivers?
Unfortunately, there are no application fee waivers available.
How can I learn more about the program?
Webinars are held during the fall. These live webinars are hosted by faculty and current students, and provide a great opportunity to receive information and ask questions. See our visit us page for more information about these webinars.
Are interviews required for admission?
All completed applications will be reviewed holistically by the Admissions Committee. Competitive applicants will be offered an admissions interview with faculty. Interviews will be conducted virtually through Zoom.
Is a statistics course required to enter the Ph.D. program?
All Ph.D. students must complete a level one and a level two statistics course prior to enrolling in the second year research sequence of the Ph.D. program. Recommended courses will be provided to admitted students. If the last statistics course you completed was offered at a community college and/or completed over 5 years ago, we strongly recommend enrolling in the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) summer program prior to the level one and level two coursework so that you will be prepared for the rigor of this curriculum.
All Ph.D. students must complete a level one and a level two statistics course prior to enrolling in the second year research sequence of the Ph.D. program. Recommended courses will be provided to admitted students. If the last statistics course you completed was offered at a community college and/or completed over 5 years ago, we strongly recommend enrolling in the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) summer program prior to the level one and level two coursework so that you will be prepared for the rigor of this curriculum.
Does the Ph.D. program include clinical practicum requirements?
The Ph.D. program focuses on the research and scientific methods of nursing. Individuals seeking a clinical based doctorate may want to consider the DNP program.
The Ph.D. program focuses on the research and scientific methods of nursing. Individuals seeking a clinical based doctorate may want to consider the DNP program.
How long is the Ph.D. program?
Students may elect to enroll as full-time students based on either a three-year (accelerated) or four-year (traditional) program plan. Students are required to enroll in three terms per year.
Students may elect to enroll as full-time students based on either a three-year (accelerated) or four-year (traditional) program plan. Students are required to enroll in three terms per year.
Do I need to submit official transcripts?
Applicants are required to upload an unofficial copy of their transcripts into their application. If an applicant is offered admission, they will then be required to submit official transcripts to the University of Michigan.
Applicants are required to upload an unofficial copy of their transcripts into their application. If an applicant is offered admission, they will then be required to submit official transcripts to the University of Michigan.
Post-master's DNP program
Is the DNP required now to be a nurse practitioner?
No. DNP curricula build on traditional master's programs by providing education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other key areas. Many DNP programs offered throughout the United States are a post-master's curriculum. The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. DNP-prepared nurses are well-equipped to fully implement the science developed by nurse researchers prepared in Ph.D., DNSc, and other research-focused nursing doctorates. Please see the AACN DNP fact sheet for more details.
No. DNP curricula build on traditional master's programs by providing education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other key areas. Many DNP programs offered throughout the United States are a post-master's curriculum. The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. DNP-prepared nurses are well-equipped to fully implement the science developed by nurse researchers prepared in Ph.D., DNSc, and other research-focused nursing doctorates. Please see the AACN DNP fact sheet for more details.
I have a BSN and a master's in a non-health care related area. Can I still apply for the DNP?
The DNP was designed for graduates of a nursing master's (MS in Nursing, MSN or MN).
The DNP was designed for graduates of a nursing master's (MS in Nursing, MSN or MN).
Will the program be online?
The post-master's DNP curriculum has been designed to accommodate the working student. Courses are offered with a blend of online (web, video conferencing) and on-campus time; students are required to attend a campus lecture each month.
The post-master's DNP curriculum has been designed to accommodate the working student. Courses are offered with a blend of online (web, video conferencing) and on-campus time; students are required to attend a campus lecture each month.
What is the focus of the DNP?
Translational and information science for evidence based practice. The program will not offer the skill set to become an independent researcher. The program was mapped around the competencies set forth by CCNE.
Translational and information science for evidence based practice. The program will not offer the skill set to become an independent researcher. The program was mapped around the competencies set forth by CCNE.
Are there application fee waivers?
NursingCAS offers a limited number of fee waivers. Please visit the NursingCAS Fee Waiver website for more information.
I would like to reapply. Do I need to submit a new application through NursingCAS?
Prior applicants have the option to reapply for the same or a different program for subsequent admissions terms. NursingCAS allows individuals who already have a profile set up to either edit their information from the previous year or copy to existing information. It is recommended that applicants update their resume, personal statement, and recommendations for the new application year and new program (if applicable).
How can I learn more about the program?
Webinars are held during the fall. These live webinars are hosted by faculty and provide a great opportunity to receive information and ask questions. See our visit us page for more information.
Are interviews required for admission?
All completed applications will be reviewed holistically by the Admissions Committee. Applicants who submit all required application material will also be required to complete a video assessment in addition to our online application. Some candidates may also be invited to complete a live virtual interview with faculty via Zoom. The purpose of these interviews is to assess each applicant's fit for the program to which they applied and evaluate their understanding of the scope of practice. Applicants selected for a live Zoom interview will be notified via email.
Are there funding options for the DNP?
The School of Nursing awards a limited number of scholarships each year. The NursingCAS application is used to determine scholarships; applicants do not need to submit additional applications. Students are also welcome to apply for federal financial aid, and seek additional funding from private scholarships. Tuition and fee information can be found through the Office of the Registrar.
The School of Nursing awards a limited number of scholarships each year. The NursingCAS application is used to determine scholarships; applicants do not need to submit additional applications. Students are also welcome to apply for federal financial aid, and seek additional funding from private scholarships. Tuition and fee information can be found through the Office of the Registrar.
