MDE Admissions
For Non-Nursing College Graduates (MDE, MDE/DNP, MDE/PhD)
There are three application options: Applicants can apply to the MDE program or apply jointly to either the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program.
Masters Direct Entry (MDE) Only
- Program Length: 15 months
- Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
- Eligibility for RN licensure after successful completion of the program
Masters Direct Entry/Doctor of Nursing Practice (MDE/DNP)
- Program Length: Four years (15 months MDE plus three years DNP)
- Degrees Awarded: Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Eligibility for RN licensure after successful completion of the MDE program
- Eligibility for APRN licensure after successful completion of the DNP program
Masters Direct Entry/Doctor of Philosophy (MDE/PhD)
- Program Length: 4-5 years combined (15 months MDE + 3-4 years PhD)
- Degree awarded for MDE Program - Master of Science (MS)
- Eligibility for RN licensure after successful completion of the program
- Degrees awarded for PhD Program - M.Phil (during PhD program) and PhD
Tuition and Fees
Admission Criteria
- Bachelor's Degree (in a discipline other than nursing from an accredited college or university)
- Note: Official transcripts from all institutions attended will be required prior to enrollment in the program.
Prerequisite Courses
Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework for an accredited college or university. It is required that completed courses have a grade of a B or better. Note: Grades of B- or below are not sufficient as successful completion of the course. Applicants must plan their courses accordingly where if they need to retake the course, they have enough time to do so during the application process. This will guarantee completion prior to enrollment in the program.
- Psychology (intro, developmental, or lifespan)
- Statistics (completed within five years of the start term of the program)
- Human Anatomy or Human Anatomy and Physiology I*
- Human Anatomy or Human Anatomy and Physiology II*
- Microbiology*
- Nutrition
- English Composition (International Applicants Only)
*One science course must be complete prior to the application deadline.
For more detailed information regarding prerequisite courses, please visit our MDE Prerequisite Courses page.
Interviews (MDE/PhD applicants)
MDE/PhD applicants will be invited to an interview by the PhD program in December 2021.
International Applicants
International applicants are eligible to apply to the MDE or MDE/PhD programs. For more information, please visit our MDE International Students page.
Contact the Office of Admissions
- Preferred: nursing@cumc.columbia.edu
Walk-in Hours: Mon, Tue, and Fri: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Appointments Only: Wed and Thu: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Note: We are not accepting any walk-ins or in-person appointments until further notice.
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