How to Apply to PhD Degree Programs

Preparing a competitive application can take several months. We encourage you to begin the following steps early: 

• Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Identify at least three individuals who can provide strong recommendations.
• Confirm the email addresses your recommenders would like used for recommendation requests.
• Update your resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
• Gather and review potential writing samples.

• GRE scores are not required.
• Applicants should have earned a minimum 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework.
• Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may still be considered for admission.

When completing the online Graduate Admissions Application, you will submit:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Essay: Goals for Pursuit of the PhD
• Writing Sample (see details below)
• Contact information, including email addresses, for at least three recommenders
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended

Your writing sample may include:

• A research publication (sole or first author preferred)
• A course or term research paper (maximum 20 pages)
• Another scholarly or research-based writing sample

The PhD in Nursing and Healthcare Innovation is designed for scholars who aspire to become leaders in research, education, and health policy. As part of the application process, all applicants must submit a personal statement that demonstrates their interest in scholarship and research, explains their motivation for pursuing doctoral study, and describes why the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is the right fit for their academic and professional goals.

Your personal statement should address the following:

1. Academic and Professional Goals
   Describe your current academic and professional goals, as well as your anticipated career goals five years after completing the PhD in Nursing and Healthcare Innovation.
2. Program Fit and Career Preparation
   Explain how the PhD in Nursing and Healthcare Innovation will help you achieve your academic, research, and professional objectives.
3. Research Interests and Faculty Alignment
   Describe your proposed area of research and explain how your interests align with the expertise of one or more faculty mentors within the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

4. Writing Sample and Research Background
   Discuss how your writing sample relates to your research background and/or reflects your current research interests.

    

Submission Guidelines
Your statement will be evaluated for clarity, focus, writing quality, and alignment with the expectations of doctoral-level study.

• Maximum Length: 1,500 words
• Submission Method: Upload your statement through the application portal.

Applicants who wish to be considered for a Presidential Graduate Assistantship (PGA) should submit an additional essay addressing the following questions:

1. Alignment with the ASU Charter
   ASU’s Charter emphasizes inclusive excellence, student success, meaningful research, and societal impact. How do your experiences, perspectives, and/or future goals align with these values, and how do you hope to advance them as a Presidential Graduate Assistant?
2. Commitment to Health Equity
   Describe any research, academic, or professional experiences that have enhanced your understanding of health disparities and the needs of diverse populations. How have these experiences influenced your research interests and approach to advancing health equity?

Submission Guidelines

• Maximum Length: 500 words
• Submission Method: Upload your essay through the application portal.

Recommendation forms should address your academic and scholarly abilities, interpersonal and communication skills, emotional maturity, professionalism, and character. Recommendations from professors or instructors who can speak to your academic and intellectual abilities are preferred. Recommendations from employers or supervisors who can comment on your professional performance and work habits are also acceptable.

A minimum of three (3) recommendation forms is required.

When selecting recommenders, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Preferred recommenders: Individuals who can speak from personal knowledge about your academic qualifications and potential for graduate study, such as former professors, instructors, or academic advisors.
• Professional recommenders: If you have been out of school for several years, current or former supervisors who can evaluate your professional qualifications, work ethic, and leadership potential are appropriate recommenders.
• Not acceptable: Family members, classmates, friends, or others who cannot provide an objective assessment of your qualifications for graduate study.

After you submit your online application, an electronic recommendation request will automatically be sent to each recommender you have identified. Recommenders will complete and submit their recommendation forms electronically and may also upload a supporting letter if desired.

Please inform your recommenders of the application deadline and encourage them to submit their recommendation forms well in advance to ensure your application is reviewed on time.

The writing sample should demonstrate your ability to communicate technical, scientific, and scholarly ideas clearly and effectively.

Acceptable submissions include:

• A publication for which you are the primary author
• A term paper or course paper
• A student research paper, such as a capstone project or thesis

Length: The writing sample must not exceed 20 pages.

Applicants should submit a sample that best reflects their analytical thinking, research skills, and scholarly writing ability.

Request that your official transcript(s) be sent directly to ASU Admission Services.

Official transcripts are certified records from each high school, college, university, or technical school you have attended. These records must include the courses you completed, grades earned, and any certificates or degrees awarded. Arizona State University requires transcripts from every institution attended.

For detailed instructions on submitting transcripts, please visit the Sending Transcripts to ASU page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/transcripts

You do not need to submit transcripts from Arizona State University. We will be able to access your ASU transcript directly. 

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with ASU policy.

For additional information, please visit:

• ASU English Proficiency Requirements
• International Graduate Applicant Resources

Applications are reviewed holistically. Faculty evaluate applicants based on their ability to:

• Analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and communicate through scholarly writing
• Demonstrate master's-level knowledge of the research process
• Connect personal strengths with academic and professional goals
• Demonstrate leadership through service and professional engagement
• Show potential for leadership, innovation, and scholarly contribution

Faculty reviewers make initial admission recommendations after reviewing applications and conducting interviews. Final admission decisions are made by the ASU Graduate College.

Please note that applications are not reviewed until all required materials have been received. We strongly encourage applicants to submit materials well before the deadline to allow sufficient time for transcripts and recommendation forms to arrive.

Ready to apply?

Complete the online Graduate Admissions Application using the link below.

Apply Now: online application