Academics & Admissions

​​Application Deadline

Fall deadline

March 1st priority deadline for Fall Admission

Admission Criteria

Applications received by March 1st will receive priority consideration for the next available Fall term. Applications received after March 1st are reviewed on a space‐available basis with a final deadline of July 1st.

  • Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program.
  • GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Current unencumbered RN license. A NJ or Compact State RN license will be required after acceptance to the program and within the first semester of study. Students are required to maintain current licensure throughout the program.
  • Minimum of 1 year acute care pediatric nursing experience
  • PALS certification

*Please note that GRE testing is not required.

  • Personal and Goal statements ‐ Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 2 pages) addressing the following:
    • a. How have your personal qualities and experiences influenced your career choice and how will they contribute to attaining this degree?
    • b. Discuss your reasons for choosing this specialty in relation to your career goals. How will this degree impact your care of the population you expect to serve after graduation?
  • Two letters of reference that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency, and personal character. The letters should be provided by a former faculty or a professional colleague and at least one letter should be from an individual in a supervisory role.
  • Resume/CV
  • Official transcript(s) of all prior college work
  • Fully submitted online application including paid application fee
  • If necessary, an interview may be offered to qualified applicants.

Application Tips

  • Applicants can view their most current admissions status through the online application system.
  • The online application contains an admissions checklist which must be completed in order to be considered for admission to the program.
  • Applicants are required to submit admission documents through the online application system (the applicant checklist).
  • Applicants are required to submit official transcripts for all previous college work.
    • Electronic transcripts (recommended) can be sent to transcripts_nursing@gradadm.rutgers.edu
    • Paper transcripts can be sent to Office of Admissions & Recruitment – School of Nursing, 65 Bergen St. (Room 601), Newark, NJ 07107

Once the admissions process begins, applicants with fully completed applications (all supporting documentation received) generally receive their admissions decision within 2-3 weeks.

International Applicants

In addition to the criteria and requirements above, you must submit an official review of your transcript by either World Education Services or CGFNS International, Inc., as well as your IELTS results. 

Even if you hold a master’s-level degree from the U.S. or another English-speaking country, you are still required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. Your scores must be current within two years of the semester you’re applying for, and you must have at minimum the following scores:

  • Paper-based TOEFL: 550
  • Computer-based TOEFL: 213
  • IBT internet-based TOEFL: 22 in writing, 23 in speaking, 21 in reading, and 17 in listening

Learn more about your application process.