While the Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies administers the application process for the PhD in Nursing program, the Admissions Office at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing would be happy to assist you with your application.
To Make Applying Easier
Before submitting your application to the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, please note the submission deadlines. You will need a credit card to submit your $50 application fee, if applicable.
Application Deadlines
We offer two admission cycles per year. Applicants must submit all materials (including receipt of recommendations and transcripts) by the following deadlines to be considered for admission that term.
See "Deadlines" page for all program deadlines.
Content Required for PhD Applications
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Written Statement (3 pages): Please respond in essay form to the following questions. Each question should be on a separate page and should not exceed three, double-spaced pages (one page for each question). Describe only your educational and professional objectives and your research focus. Be specific and consider the faculty expertise and their fit with your educational and research goals.
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What research focus would you like to pursue in the PhD program? Describe at least one researchable question or aim in that research focus area and identify at least one of our areas of research expertise your chosen focus aligns with. Faculty areas of research can be found at: nursing.case.edu/research/areas.
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What are your educational and professional goals, both in the short-term and the long term? Explain how the PhD program will contribute to achieving these goals.
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Why are you interested in pursuing doctoral studies at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and Case Western Reserve University? Describe how the research expertise of the faculty can support your research and professional goals. Name one or two faculty members whom you believe could best assist you in achieving your research and professional goals, please provide rationale. A list of faculty members eligible to mentor PhD students is available on this program webpage.
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Curriculum Vita or Resume: Include education, employment, prior research experience, scholarship (list any publication, thesis, or presentations you co-authored), memberships, community activities and leadership activities (if any), or anything else you would like to highlight.
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Three recommenders: We prefer that you seek academic references—people who know your work and potential for success in a PhD program. At least two of these references should be from individuals with a research doctorate (PhD or equivalent), preferably in nursing.
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Transcripts: Official college or university transcripts for each previous graduate and undergraduate education institution.
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Application Fee: $50 (pay via credit card).
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Legacy Fellowship Applicants only: Students applying for Legacy Fellowship, please submit an additional essay in the form of an official letter requesting consideration for this highly competitive fellowship. The letter should include the following:
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Describe how you meet the requirements AND eligibility criteria for the legacy funding as outlined on the Legacy Fellows webpage, here.
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Describe your achievements and relevant experiences that set you apart from other applicants seeking this funding.
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Derry Ann Moritz Scholarship Applicants only: Moritz Fellowship in Palliative Care:
Students planning to apply for Moritz Fellowship, please submit an additional essay in the form of an official letter requesting consideration for this highly competitive fellowship. The Moritz Fellowship supports students who plan to focus their dissertation on adult palliative or end of life (EOL) care. The letter should include the following:-
Describe how you meet the requirements AND eligibility criteria for the Moritz funding as outlined on the Moritz Scholarship webpage, here.
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Describe your achievements and relevant experiences that are related to the goals of the Moritz Fellowship.
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Note: Applicants can't apply for both the Legacy Fellowship and the Moritz Scholarship.
PhD Admissions Process
Interview Schedule:
Once your application is submitted and reviewed, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews are scheduled during the following periods:
- For Fall Admission: February through Early March
- For Spring Admission: Late August through Mid-September
Admission Decision Process:
The PhD admissions committee evaluates all interviewed applicants and provides recommendations for admission. The anticipated decision timelines are:
- Mid-March for Fall Admission
- Mid-October for Spring Admission
However, please be aware that an admission decision becomes official only upon approval by the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Candidates who are approved will subsequently receive a formal acceptance letter from the SGS which may come several weeks later.
Scholarship Information:
Candidates who have been admitted and are eligible for scholarships will be informed about their scholarship awards by:
- Late November for Spring Admission
- April 15 for Fall Admission
Note for International Students:
Please note the anticipated timelines above, and plan accordingly. We highly recommend that international students apply by the Spring deadline for Fall admission (or Fall deadline for Spring admission). This allows ample time to process visa applications and other necessary documentation.