Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Family Nurse Practitioner specialty
Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University School of Nursing · Nashville, TN
- Field: Nursing (MSN, DNP, PhD)
- Degrees: Master's, PhD, Professional doctorate
- Application fee: $75
- GRE: Not required
- Letters: 3 (recommendations)
Deadlines
- PhD in Nursing Science, early deadline (all materials): Oct. 15, 2026
- PhD in Nursing Science, standard deadline (all materials): Dec. 1, 2026
Essays
Statement of purpose (MSN)
Should reflect your interest in a specific specialty; application to multiple specialties will not be considered.
Application questions (MSN)
Answer all application questions; writing style and content will be evaluated.
Statement of purpose (PhD)
Career goals, research interests and how they evolved, research experiences, how research fits your career plans, the VUSN faculty you want as mentors, and your plan to reduce other commitments to study full time.
Editor's notes
- Vanderbilt reviews MSN applications on a rolling basis from August, with priority to early applicants in specialties with limited seats, so applying in the fall for a fall 2027 start helps. Your statement of purpose must be about one specialty only, and the school evaluates your writing style and content in every application answer. At least one of your three references must hold a master's degree or higher, and extra letters add nothing. PhD applicants should name the faculty mentors they want and explain how they will cut back other commitments for full-time study; the early deadline is October 15, 2026.
