Application Process
Please note that when you apply, application to the SDSU graduate nursing programs is a two step process. You must complete both the:
- Online application to the SDSU Graduate School.
- Application to SDSU graduate nursing program via NursingCAS.
Graduate School Application
Applicants must complete the SDSU Graduate School application. It is an online application, and it does not require transcripts or letters of recommendation. To initiate this process, go to Graduate School, select the semester that you intend to start and complete the application.
Graduate Nursing Program Application
The graduate nursing program application must be completed online via NursingCAS. Here are some helpful tips before starting your application:
- Keep these instructions available when completing your NursingCAS application. These instructions will be helpful in order to not to miss a step or miss submitting required information.
- The NursingCAS application allows you to actively monitor the progress of your application and the receipt of supplemental materials. We encourage you to check your application often and to follow up as necessary to assure that all items are received in a timely manner. Follow the guidelines for the SDSU requirements and note that your application will not be considered until ALL elements listed below are completed, submitted and verified through NursingCAS.
Initiate Your Application
To initiate your application through NursingCAS:
- Visit NursingCAS
- Click on Create an Account and begin completing the required fields to start your application. If you have already created an account in previous application cycles, you can simply Sign In.
Application Sections Required for All Applicants
Each section will ask for multiple pieces of applicant information; please follow the directions below carefully for the SDSU requirements. Although some sections of the NursingCAS application are marked “optional," you must complete each section required by SDSU, or the application will not allow you to submit it.
You will need to complete all seven areas of the personal information section.
- Release statement
- Biographic information
- Contact information
- Citizenship information
- Family information
- Race and ethnicity
- Other information (all items are required, EXCEPT for social security number)
You will need to complete two or three of the academic history areas. Transcript entry is NOT required.
- College(s) Attended: Applicants are required to enter information on ALL institutions that they enrolled in college/university level coursework. Missing information will result in delay in the verification of the application by NursingCAS.
- All official transcripts must be mailed or electronically submitted from the issuing institution’s registrar’s office DIRECTLY to NursingCAS.
- See NursingCAS applicant help center for the link to the instructions for electronic submission.
- You can request these electronically from Credential Solutions, the National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment or by mail. See sending official transcripts to NursingCAS for more information.
- Instruct the institution to include the transcript request form when mailing the transcript to NursingCAS.
- Applicants who have completed or are in process of completing their degree from a South Dakota Regental Institution are also required to have current official transcripts sent to NursingCAS (no exceptions). Follow your institution's instructions for requesting transcripts.
- Standardized Tests (required if applicable): This section is only required if applicant meets ESL (English as a Second Language) definition. OFFICIAL Scores should be sent directly to SDSU as well as uploaded to NursingCAS in the documents section. Refer to program materials section: Documents.
You will need to complete the following areas of the supporting information section:
- Experiences: In addition, applicants will be required to have their recent/past employers complete the professional employment verification form. This form MUST be uploaded with the NursingCAS application. Refer to program materials section: Documents.
- Achievements (this is optional).
You will need to complete up to nine of the program material areas.
- Documents: PDF documents can be filled in electronically but should be printed and then scanned and uploaded to NursingCAS. If documents are uploaded 'blank' and without information, applications will be considered incomplete. Check document BEFORE you upload to NursingCAS.
- TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo (required for applicants who meet the definition of English as a Second Language): The College of Nursing requires all students who meet the definition of English as a Second Language attain the required TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score (regardless of residency status). English as a Second Language is defined as a student who was instructed and spoke primarily in a language other than English in the K-12 grades or primary and secondary schooling. OFFICIAL scores must be sent directly to SDSU and uploaded to NursingCAS (under the 'test score report' documents section). Test must have been completed within 2 years of application to the program. Score requirements are:
- TOEFL 81 Internet-based score,
- IELTS score of 6.5 total band or
- Duolingo score of 110.
- Licensure and Certifications: Applicants are required to upload current licensure and certification documents with the NursingCAS application. The NursingCAS system allows upload of one (1) license. If you have more than 1 license, please email the additional licenses to Graduate Program Specialist Cami Veire. License requirements:
- All applicants must submit an RN license.
- APRNs only must submit active APRN certification.
- Experiences/Employment: A minimum of 1500 hours of experience as a registered nurse is required for unconditional admission. New graduates may be eligible for conditional admission. Contact Graduate Program Specialist Cami Veire for more information. In addition, applicants will be required to have their recent/past employers complete the professional employment verification form. This form MUST be uploaded with the NursingCAS application (upload under 'other' documents).
- Supplemental Legal Questions:All applicants must complete the legal form found in the "documents" section of the NursingCAS application. The DocuSign form will go directly to the Director of Nursing Student Services. Applicants who answered “yes” to any of the legal questions on the form must submit the following through NursingCAS. These items must be uploaded on the DocuSign form:
- Copies of charges or citations.
- ALL communications with (to and from) the citing agency.
- The court of jurisdiction, including evidence of completion/compliance with court requirements.
- Resume/CV
You will need to complete the required questions.
- Multiple Area Topic Questions.
Program Specific Application Requirements
Ph.D. applicants should also complete the following items:
- Example of Scholarly Work: All Ph.D. applicants are required to upload an example(s) of scholarly written work with the NursingCAS application. These must be uploaded under the 'research/publication' documents area (minimum of one example).
Postgraduate certificate applicants should complete the following additional requirement:
- Include their official transcript showing a master’s in nursing conferred degree with date at the time of application. This can be uploaded under the “Education” tab on the NursingCAS application.
- If applying for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner postgraduate certificate, include your official transcript showing a master's in nursing conferred degree with date at the time of application. This can be uploaded under the "Education" tab on the NursingCAS application.
- If applying for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner postgraduate certificate, include your official transcript showing a master's in nursing conferred degree with date at the time of application. This can be uploaded under the "Education" tab on the NursingCAS application.
Application Submission
Your application in NursingCAS will not be considered until ALL elements listed above are completed and submitted. In progress/incomplete/non-verified applications will not be considered. Applications are considered COMPLETE if they are listed in the NursingCAS system as follows:
- Complete—this designation is assigned to applications in which all required documents have been received.
- Verified—this designation applies to applications that all required information has been received and verified by NursingCAS. ALL applications MUST be designated as VERIFIED by NursingCAS to be considered for admission.
Time Frame for Review of Application
It will take a minimum of two weeks for NursingCAS to review a complete application and move it to the verified status. If any items are missing, the application will be delayed. Therefore, you should ensure that your transcripts are received by NursingCAS as soon as possible.
NursingCAS
In addition to submitting an application to the SDSU Graduate School, students who wish to apply to SDSU graduate nursing programs, must submit an online application via NursingCAS.
SDSU Graduate School
In addition to submitting an online application via NursingCAS, applicants to SDSU graduate nursing must also submit an online application to SDSU Graduate School.
Contact our graduate program specialist
Cami Veire
Professional Academic Advisor and Graduate Program Specialist (Sioux Falls)
College of Nursing
Nursing Student Services
Department of Graduate Nursing