PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
Admission Information
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements for admission to the program. No exceptions are made.
- Minimum Eligibility Requirements
- Possess or have ability to obtain an active, unrestricted, California RN license prior to the first semester of the DNP program. No previous or pending disciplinary actions to any previously or currently held RN licenses in California or other US state.
- Baccalaureate degree in Nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester units of BSN college/university coursework.
- Academic transcripts showing the following prep for the program:
- Statistics course
- Undergraduate physical assessment course inclusive of laboratory experience.
- One year of full time clinical registered nursing experience; two years of experience preferred.
- Narrative statement describing leadership potential through healthcare-related community service, unit-based or hospital committee participation, precepting, and or unit-based leadership roles.
- Narrative statement describing unit or department-based quality management topic that can be conceptualized as a DNP project.
- Two letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals; one letter from an advanced practice nurse is preferred, but not required.
Admission Process and Timelines
- Step One: Complete Cal State Apply Application
The Cal State Apply Application deadline is May 31st, 2025, or until the cohort has been filled.
Contact CEHHS Student Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu for information about completing your application.
Send official copies of all college transcripts. Order them from all institutions that you have attended and have one copy sent directly to ´ó·¢ at transcripts@csusm.edu.
Alternatively, hard copies may be sent to:
Office of Admissions & Student Outreach
California State University San Marcos 
333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road 
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001 
ATTN: Graduate AdmissionsPlease note: Unofficial Transcripts are submitted on Cal State Apply during the application process.
- Step Two: Complete the Supplemental Application for the BSN to DNP Program
Once you have submitted your Cal State Apply Application, you will receive an email with a link to the Supplemental BSN to DNP Application. This email will be sent within five (5) business days from the time your application has been submitted.
Upload the following documents to the Supplemental Application:
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- Professional resumé, which includes documentation of one year of full time clinical registered nursing experience; two years of experience preferred.
- Two narrative statements:
- One narrative statement describing leadership potential through healthcare-related community service, unit-based or hospital committee participation, precepting, and or unit-based leadership roles.
- One narrative statement describing unit/department-based quality management topic that can be conceptualized as a DNP project.
- Two letters of recommendation from healthcare professionals: one letter from an advanced practice nurse is preferred, but not required.
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- Step Three: Application Package Review
Application packages - the Cal State Apply application and the Supplemental Application with supporting documents - will be reviewed by the admissions committee.
Monitor your email for information regarding interviews and next steps.
- Step Four: Candidate Interviews
Interviews will be offered to the highest-ranking applicants. Interviews will be held during the following times:
- Week of March 17th, 2025
- Week of March 24th, 2025
- April Dates To Be Determined
- May Dates To Be Determined
- Step Five: Admission Offers Sent
Admission offers will be made beginning May 1st, 2025.
- Candidates will have two (2) weeks to accept an admission offer.
- Candidates who accept the offer of admission must pay a non-refundable admission intention fee of $250.00.