How to Apply

There are a few steps you will need to take to apply to graduate school. We are here to help you every step of the way. To get started, carefully read the information below.

APPLICATION PROCESS: MASTERS’ PROGRAMS
To Apply On-Line log on to http://www.graduate.ua.edu. Click the link to the right of the page that reads electronic application and follow the instructions.

Summary of the Application process:
1. Complete the Degree Applicant Data Sheet.
2. Complete the Statement of Purpose.
3. Send official copies of all college and university transcripts at the applicant’s request directly from the registrar of each postsecondary institution attended to the Graduate School. The address is : The University of Alabama, Graduate School, Box 870118, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0118.
4. If the applicant's cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) is lower than a 3.0, an acceptable Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or a Miller Analogies Test (MAT) must be submitted.
5. The Graduate School requires a $30 non-refundable fee and it must accompany each new application for admission before the application will be processed. The fee is paid directly to the Graduate School. If a student applies but does not enroll within 12 months of the requested entrance date, a new application and an accompanying non-refundable $30 fee must be submitted.

APPLICATION PROCESS : MSN/Ed.D. Or The Ed.D. for Nurse Educators

To be admitted into the program, students will meet the criteria for admission to The University of Alabama Graduate School and the Colleges of Nursing and Education. An admissions committee composed of both nursing and education faculty will select students to be admitted to both programs.

General Unconditional Admission Requirements:

• An entrance examination score no lower than the 50th percentile. Either of the following examinations may be used: the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE)
• An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, a 3.0 average for the last 60 semester hours in a degree program, or a 3.0 or higher in a completed graduate degree program
• A BSN degree from an accredited institution for the MSN/Ed.D. program or an MSN degree from an accredited institution for the Ed.D. program
• Current unencumbered RN license in the state in which the student will practice.
• Complete the Graduate School application process. Students should apply online at:
  http://graduate.ua.edu/applicants.html
• Complete an Instructional Leadership application process (described at the following site: http://elpts.ua.edu/admission.html) to include the form found at the following web site: http://education.ua.edu/leader/forms/DepartmentApplication.pdf
• A copy of your curriculum vitae
• A sample of your academic writing – (If a sample from a Master’s thesis is not available, students will need to write a 1-3 page typed essay that further develops their statement of purpose as sent to the Graduate School. In this essay, address the key issues and challenges faced by nurses in the 21st century and how this program coupled with your particular nursing experiences will help prepare you to address these challenges as a nurse educator.)
• Send the form, the vita, and the writing sample to:
  
  Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies - Nurse Educator Program
  University of Alabama
  Box 870302
  Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0302

 

For assistance with the admission process contact:

Sarah Acker 205.348.4360 seacker@bama.ua.edu	Marietta P. Stanton 205.348.1020 mstanton@bama.ua.edu

 

Upon acceptance into the doctoral programs, students should notify Dr. Marietta Stanton at 205.348.1020.

Conditional Admission:
Applicants who do not meet the GPA or admissions test criteria may be considered based on a review of the applicants’ qualifications and space available in the program.

APPLICATION PROCESS : Doctor of Nursing Practice

There are three sets of steps in the application process for the DNP program.

First Steps in Graduate School Process Admission Process:

• Complete the Graduate School application process:
  http://graduate.ua.edu/applicants.html (Application available on line 3/15/08).

• Statement of Purpose: Completed on line with application @ http://graduate.ua.edu/applicants.html

• Verify that you have Masters preparation in Nursing from an accredited institution and that you have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or higher in a completed graduate nursing degree program. If you do, you are not required to take the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If your GPA is less than 3.0, you will be required to take the MAT or GRE and score in at least the 40th percentile rank (MAT) or obtain a score of 1200 on the GRE. Arrange for official transcripts from all higher education courses/programs attempted be mailed to:
  
  University of Alabama Graduate School
  Box 870118
  Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487

 

Second Set of Steps in Graduate School Admission Process:

• Verify current and active RN license with Director of the Graduate Program and submit advanced specialty certification where available.

• Provide two satisfactory references from former faculty or professional colleagues and mail to:
  
  Director of the Graduate Program
  Capstone College of Nursing
  Box 870358
  Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487

• Submit a writing sample outlining a potential scholarly project (two pages; typed double-spaced). Send electronically to mstanton@bama.ua.edu.

• Arrange an interview with a DNP faculty member (In person or by phone). Call 205-348-1020 to arrange appointment.

Third Set of Steps

Upon admission, you will receive written verification of admission from the Dean of the Graduate School. You will also receive a letter outlining requirements for your final entry in the DNP from the Director of the Graduate Program at CCN. Upon admission you will need to:

• Provide verification of current CPR certification; compliance with health requirements including a recent physical exam, a two-step TB test; proof of immunizations; completion of an OSHA briefing on Bloodbourne Pathogens; and, proof of current professional liability insurance coverage.

• Sign a statement verifying that you have not used controlled substances. The forms to be signed will be mailed to you with the admission packet.

• Sign a statement that you will comply with HIPPA requirements in relation to patient information. The forms to be signed will be mailed to you with the admission packet.

 

All of the materials listed in the third set of steps will be mailed to:

Office of Nursing Student Services
Capstone College of Nursing
Box 870358
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487

The letter provided upon admission from the College of Nursing will include the forms listed above as well as outline computer requirements for the online program completion, information on financial aid, procedures for advisement and enrollment, as well as procedures for obtaining your bama mail account.

• DNP - Graduate Admission Checklist
• DNP - Interview Questions
• DNP - Guidelines for Writing Sample: Potential Scholarly Project Outline

If you have any questions at any point in this process, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Marietta Stanton, Director of the Graduate Program @ 205-348-1020 or by email: mstanton@bama.ua.edu.

Deadline Dates for DNP Applications to be completed are:

• December 1 for the Spring term
• April 15 for the Summer term
• July 1 for the Fall term

 

For more details about the admission processes for Graduate Programs at the Capstone College of Nursing, please contact:

Marietta P. Stanton Professor and Director of the Graduate Program The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing 408 Russell Hall Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 205.348.1020 mstanton@bama.ua.edu