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FAQ

What are the residency requirements for the School of Nursing?

Please review the SON Admission Policy for information regarding residency requirements.

Is there an entrance exam required for your graduate programs?

No entrance exam is required for admission into the UMMC School of Nursing.

What are the GRE requirements?

There is no GRE requirement for the BSN-DNP program.

What are the GPA requirements?

A minimum cumulative GPA (undergraduate and graduate coursework) of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, or alternatively, a nursing GPA of at least 3.2.

How many times a year do you admit students?

The BSN-DNP program begins once annually; new students start in the Fall semester only.

When is the deadline to apply?

Application Deadlines

What classes do I need to take before starting nursing school?

Students applying to the BSN-DNP program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Is there a part-time option available?

Yes, students arrange their plan of study with their faculty advisor.

Is it possible for a student to have a job while enrolled in the BSN to DNP program?

Yes, most of our BSN to DNP students work while they are enrolled in this program. Typically, they work full-time and enroll in school part-time or work part-time and enroll in school full-time.

What is the difference between DNP and PhD?

The DNP is a practice-focused degree designed for nurses who want to become advanced practice providers (such as nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists), lead healthcare systems, or improve patient care through evidence-based practice. The DNP emphasizes clinical leadership, quality improvement, and translating research into practice. It’s ideal for nurses who want to stay directly involved in patient care or lead change in healthcare delivery.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) is a research-focused degree for nurses who want to generate new knowledge through original research. PhD-prepared nurses often work in academic or research settings, developing evidence that shapes nursing practice, education, and policy.

DNP vs. PhD

What is the benefit of earning a DNP degree?

Earning a DNP prepares nurses for leadership in clinical practice, healthcare systems, and policy. It offers advanced skills in evidence-based care, quality improvement, and patient outcomes—positioning graduates for high-level roles and career advancement in today’s complex healthcare environment.

What is the class schedule like?

Course delivery is a combination of online courses and intensive face-to-face sessions.

When do classes meet?

Actual meeting dates for intensive sessions are determined the semester prior to course offering. A calendar is made available during the preceding semester.

Where do in-person classes meet?

In-person courses meet on the Jackson campus. Some courses may be transferred from other institutions with course coordinator approval.

Do you offer flexible plans of study?

Yes, plans of study can be tailored to each individual student. Post-baccalaureate students, part-time study generally consists of two or three courses, instead of four or five.

Are there clinical hour components?

Post-baccalaureate DNP students will receive clinical hours related to their population preparation as nurse practitioner or nursing health care administrator. In addition, they have DNP project hours that are part of the clinical component.

Is there a dissertation?

No, DNP students do not complete a traditional dissertation. Instead, they complete a DNP project—an evidence-based implementation or quality improvement project that addresses a real-world healthcare problem. This project demonstrates the student's ability to apply research to practice, improve patient or system outcomes, and lead change in a clinical setting.

Additional information

For additional information, please email admissioncounselor@umc.edu. You may also call (601) 815-0124 or (601) 984-1080.