Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the USU Graduate School of Nursing?
What programs and degrees are offered at the School?
How do I apply to the USU Graduate School of Nursing?
What are the admission requirements for the master's programs?
What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D. program?
When are the application deadlines?
What is the tuition?
What is the campus like at the Uniformed Services University?
Who can apply to the USU Graduate School of Nursing?
Commissioned officers in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Public Health Service with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing may apply to GSN master's programs. Acceptance is contingent upon approval of the sponsoring agency or service.
Nurses from the uniformed services have priority for admission into the USU PhD program in Nursing Science. Nurses employed in federal agencies nominated and supported by their agency are also eligible for admission into the PhD program on a space available basis.
What programs and degrees are offered at the School?
The GSN has a Master of Science in Nursing program and a Ph.D. program. All four of the master's programs provide education and training that prepares GSN graduates for advanced roles in both acute and primary care settings. Master's program options include: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The Ph.D. program in nursing emphasizes the conduct of nursing research significant to the federal sector. The distinctive curriculum encompasses areas of basic, applied and translational nursing sciences that form the scientific underpinnings of military operational readiness and force protection. Ph.D. areas of concentration are nursing science; research; statistics and designs; and federal and military health care policy and issues.
How do I apply to the USU Graduate School of Nursing?
Visit www.usuhs.mil/gsn/admissions/gsnapplications.html to obtain application forms for the USU master's and Ph.D. programs.
What are the admission requirements for the master's program?
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Target GPA and science GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
(All applicants must demonstrate ability to perform graduate level science work) - GRE scores within five years of application
(Target score: verbal 500 / quantitative 500) - Three letters of reference are needed from the following persons: an immediate supervisor, a person in your chain of command, and an optional source who is able to assess your potential for success
(Nurse anesthesia applicants must have a letter from a military CRNA) - A personal statement that includes a history of professional experiences and future goals
It is recommended that all applicants have at least two years of nursing practice experience as follows:
Nurse Anesthesia: one year in an acute setting with advanced physiological monitoring
Family Nurse Practitioner: ambulatory/outpatient experience
Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist: two years as a perioperative nurse
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: two years as a psychiatric nurse
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What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D. program?
- Master's degree in nursing or related field at an accredited school with a minimum GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Current nursing license of eligibility for licensure in any of the 50 states and territories
- Current curriculum vitae
- Official evidence of scores on the Graduate Record Exam taken within five years of application
- Clear and succinct statement of the applicant's reason for PhD study and a match to faculty programs of research
- (Applicants may submit an essay, term paper, thesis, published article or professional report to demonstrate their ability to communicate logic and concepts)
- Computer literacy with proficiency in word processing, email and internet use
- Three letters of reference from professors or other professionals who can adequately evaluate the applicant's potential for success
- An interview with PhD faculty members to assess the applicant, link research interests with USU faculty expertise, intent and level of motivation for successful completion of PhD study.
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When are the application deadlines?
- The application deadline for the master's program is July 1st for all branches of service.
- The application deadline for Ph.D. candidates is February 15 for summer or fall admission.
What is the tuition?
There are no tuition costs or fees. Students incur obligated service according to the requirements of their sponsoring organization.
What is campus life like at the Uniformed Services University?
The University is located just outside of the nation's capital in Bethesda, Maryland. This central location makes it easy for students to take advantage of the cultural offerings of a thriving metropolis. Home to some of the nation's top attractions — including national monuments, premiere museums, and top-rated restaurants — Washington D.C. is a city brimming with activity.
Furthermore, the campus itself is located among beautiful woodlands. The park-like setting offers a welcome break from the rigors of graduate school with its many nearby hiking and biking trails.
Students also benefit from learning in a multiservice environment. A pervasive spirit of camaraderie and teamwork distinguishes the GSN from other schools. A full complement of extracurricular activities — including student clubs, athletic teams and social gatherings — helps to enrich the student experience.
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Highlights
Spotlight
USU faculty takes first place in Navy Wide Research Competition
Several Graduate School of Nursing faculty members and students were honored during the 26th Annual Navy-Wide Research Competition held on May 26 at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP).
CDR Greg Nezat, USU's former research director at NMCP, and CDR Chris Oudekerk, USU's current research director at NMCP, represented the winning team in the Navy Medicine East competition.
Their presentation, "The effect of intraoperative intravenous lidocaine infusion on the reduction of postoperative pain and return of bowel function in patients undergoing minor laparoscopic gynecological procedures," was supported by USU teammates LT Philip Grady, LCDRs Nathaniel Clark and John Lenahan, CDR Robert Hawkins and CAPT (Ret) Joe Pelligrini.