Admission

Doctor of Clinical Nutrition

Admission Policy

For the Post-Baccalaureate DCN program, admission is open to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree with a 3.00 GPA or better in any discipline with required prerequisite courses or students who earned a baccalaureate degree in nutrition/dietetics and have received a verification statement.  Students who have not completed prerequisite courses prior to submitting their application will be considered for program admission as long as all prerequisite courses are completed with a grade of “C” or higher prior to the onset of the DCN courses.

Prerequisite Courses

  • 1 semester of general chemistry and lab
  • 1 semester of organic chemistry and lab
  • 1 semester of biochemistry
  • 1 semester of microbiology and lab
  • 2 semesters of anatomy and physiology and lab
  • Introduction to Nutrition 
  • Food Science

For the Post-RDN DCN program, admission is open to students who are registered Dietitian Nutritionists with or without a master’s degree. Credit for prior learning and experience will be evaluated.

Admission Procedures

Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee. Students seeking admission must complete and submit the following online:

  1. A completed application. Apply online.
  2. A non-refundable $65 application fee.
  3. A professional resume.
  4. A personal statement: Please write a one to two page letter of personal introduction and professional intent. Include the following in your personal statement: What inspired you to choose nutrition as a career, what personal and/or professional experiences you have that would make you a strong applicant, your short and long term career goals, and how the DCN program at Fairfield University will help you in achieving these goals.
  5. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities including all transfer credits that contributed to your baccalaureate degree as well as all transcripts documenting any prerequisite coursework completed or in progress.  Send all transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admission. Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent by email. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluating service which can be found on our website.
  6. Two professional letters of recommendation, completed online and accompanied by the University online recommendation forms.
  7. Note: The GRE is not required.
  8. Applications can be submitted through June 15 for fall admission. All completed applications submitted after the deadline will be considered if there are still openings.
  9. The program is currently unable to accept international students.

Submit transcripts to:

Office of Graduate Admission
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195
Phone: 203-254-4184
Email

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Admission Policy

There are four tracks available in the BSN-DNP program: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery and Nurse Anesthesia. Admission procedures vary by program. Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee.

Applicants for the BSN-DNP at Fairfield must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) with a grade point average of 3.00 or higher overall and in the nursing major, and a 3.20 or higher with a science GPA of 3.20 or higher for the nurse anesthesia program.

Applicants for the Advanced Practice and Executive DNP programs must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent), with a grade point average of 3.20 or higher overall. Advanced Practice candidates must be eligible for APRN licensure in the state of Connecticut. Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee.

Admission Procedures

BSN-DNP Entry Application Deadlines

Family Nurse Practitioner July 1
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner July 1
Nurse Anesthesia August 1
Nurse Midwifery July 1

MSN-DNP Entry Application Deadlines

Advanced Practice August 1
Executive DNP August 1

All DNP programs except Nurse Anesthesia

Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee. Students seeking admission must complete and submit the following online:

  1. A completed application. Apply online.
  2. A non-refundable $65 application fee.
  3. A professional resume.
  4. A personal statement:
    • Discuss a practice problem in your field that, in your experience, has a broad impact on patient care outcomes
    • State professional goals for the next 5-10 years
    • Explain how a DNP will help you reach your goals
    • For Nurse Midwifery students, provide a 3 page, double-spaced personal statement that states (a) why you want to be a nurse midwife, (b) your career goals for the next 5-10 years, and (c) your future contributions to the profession of nurse midwifery.
  5. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities sent to the Office of Graduate Admission. Transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate degree (BSN entry) and Master's degree (MSN entry). All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluating service which can be found on our website. Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent by email.
  6. Two professional letters of recommendation (completed online), one of which must be from a current supervisor or professor who can assess one's current clinical expertise and academic potential, accompanied by the University online recommendation forms.
  7. Copy of current active, unencumbered RN license; licensure to practice in the state of Connecticut will be required upon admission.
  8. Copy of current active, unencumbered APRN license and certificate of national certification in the advanced specialty (for MSN-DNP applicants only).
  9. Documentation of the number of supervised clinical hours1 completed in previous MSN program (for MSN-DNP or EDNP applicants only).
  10. For the midwifery program, a minimum of one year's work experience as an RN (preferably in women's health) is required.

Nurse Anesthesia Program

Nurse Anesthesia applicants must meet the following requirements before applications will be processed:

  • A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent).
  • Two semesters of biology, at least one semester of chemistry, one semester of microbiology, and one semester of college math. Physics is strongly recommended. Anatomy and Physiology meets the Biology requirement.
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.20 with a science GPA of 3.20.
  • Current active, unencumbered Registered Nurse license to practice in the United States at the time of application. A Connecticut RN license and a NY RN license will be required upon admission.
  • A minimum of one year's experience as a RN in a critical care setting is required; ER does not fulfill this criterion. The one year of critical care experience must be current.
  • Current ACLS, BCLS, and PALS certification (must be maintained while in the program). Please note the program only accepts certifications from the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross. No other certification programs will be accepted.
  • CCRN certification is required.
  • Shadowing experience is required. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 8 hours of CRNA shadowing experiences.
  • Note: The GRE is not required.

Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee. Students seeking admission must submit online:

  1. A completed application. Apply online.
  2. A non-refundable $65 application fee.
  3. A professional resume or CV.
  4. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities sent to the Office of Graduate Admission. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluating service which can be found on our website. Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent by email.
  5. Two recommendations (forms and letters completed online), including one from your current supervisor and one other from an individual who can assess your clinical expertise in an acute care setting.
  6. A three page, double-spaced personal statement stating your career goals and future contributions to the profession of nurse anesthesia.
  7. Copy of current active, unencumbered RN license; licensure to practice in the state of Connecticut will be required upon admission.
  8. ACLS, BCLS, and PALS certification.
  9. CCRN certification.
  10. Documentation of 8 hours of CRNA shadowing experience.

For additional information, contact:

Office of Graduate Admission
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195
Phone: 203-254-4184
or visit the University website.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Admission Policy

Individuals may apply to the graduate program to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Applicants for a master's degree must hold a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) with a quality point average of 3.00 overall and in the nursing major. All applicants must have a current active, unencumbered RN license. Once accepted/fully matriculated, all Nurse Practitioner/Nursing Leadership students licensed in another state must provide a copy of current Connecticut RN licensure. RN applicants who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree will be considered on an individual basis and will be required to complete a bridge program of three prerequisite courses (NURS 2270 Health Assessment, NURS 3310 Foundations of Research for Evidence Based Practice, and NURS 4330 Population Health) to be eligible for the MSN program. NURS 3310 must be taken at Fairfield University. The other two bridge courses taken outside of the Egan School must produce an official transcript and complete syllabus to be approved by the adult program director. The course(s) can be no more than 5 years old.

Admission Procedures

Application Deadlines

Family Nurse Practitioner July 1
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner July 1
Nursing Leadership July 1

Students seeking admission must complete and submit the following online:

  1. A completed application. Apply online.
  2. A non-refundable $65 application fee.
  3. A professional resume.
  4. A personal statement.
    • Discuss a practice problem in your field that, in your experience, has a broad impact on patient care outcomes
    • State professional goals for the next 5-10 years
    • Explain how an MSN will help you reach your goals
  5. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities sent to the Office of Graduate Admission. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluating service which can be found on our website. Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent to: gradadmis@fairfield.edu.
  6. Two professional letters of recommendation (completed online), one of which must be from a current supervisor or professor, who can assess one's current clinical expertise and academic potential, accompanied by the University online recommendation forms.
  7. A current active, unencumbered RN license.

MSN/MBA Dual Degree

Admission Requirements

Applicants for a master’s degree must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) with a minimum GPA of 3.3 or better and be a Registered Nurse.

Admission Process

Applications to the graduate program are accepted on a rolling basis and require the following:

  1. A completed application. Apply online.
  2. A non-refundable $65 application fee.
  3. A professional resume.
  4. A personal statement:
    • Discuss a practice problem in your field that, in your experience has a broad impact on patient care and outcomes.
    • State professional goals for the next 5-10 years and explain how this degree will help you reach your goals.
  5. Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended demonstrating a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better. Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent by email. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluating service.
  6. Two letters of recommendation.
  7. Copy of current active, unencumbered RN License to practice in the State of Connecticut.
  8. All international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking either the TOEFL or IELTS exam. A TOEFL composite score of 80 or an IELTS score of 6.5 is strongly recommended.

Accelerated Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing

Admission Policy

Fairfield University’s Accelerated Master’s Entry to Practice Nursing (MEPN) program provides a unique opportunity for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in an accelerated format. The MEPN is the first such program in the state of Connecticut to prepare advanced generalists for registered nursing practice and leadership.

The program is designed to draw upon your prior education and experience, allowing you to earn a master’s degree in two years. The MEPN program will equip students with valuable knowledge and skills to lead change, promote health, and elevate care in a variety of settings. At the completion of this program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse.

The MEPN program is a 76 credit/800 clinical hour program to be completed full-time over 24 months.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program will be competitively offered to students who hold a baccalaureate degree in any discipline from an accredited four–year college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.30 or better. Applicants must have completed the required pre-requisite courses prior to admission.

Prerequisite Courses

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
  • General Chemistry for Health Science and General Chemistry for Health Science Lab
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Elements of Microbiology & Elements of Microbiology Lab
  • Statistics

Admission Procedures

Students seeking admission must submit:

  • A Completed application (Apply Now). 
  • A non-refundable $65 application fee paid by credit card online. Fee is waived for current Fairfield students.
  • A Professional Resume. Applicants are required to submit a current resume that includes employment and education history.
  • A Personal Statement
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended demonstrating a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved approved evaluating service.
  • Two recommendation forms and letters, one of which must be, preferably, from a current employer or supervisor. Recommendations are completed online. At the time of application candidates will need to provide the email addresses and names of their two recommenders.

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Admission Policy

Admission to this online program is open to students who have completed a bachelor's degree in any discipline. A quality grade point average of 3.0 or higher is preferred.

Admission Procedures

Students seeking admission must complete and submit the following online:

  1. A completed application. Apply online.
  2. A non-refundable $65 application fee.
  3. A professional resume.
  4. A personal statement.
    • Discuss your professional goals for the next 5-10 years.
    • Explain why the Healthcare Administration program may help you achieve these goals.
    • Include, if applicable, experiences you have had that have helped form your professional goals.
  5. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities sent to the Office of Graduate Admission. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluating service which can be found on our website. Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent by email.
  6. Two professional letters of recommendation (completed online), one of which must be from a current supervisor or professor, accompanied by the University online recommendation form.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Admission Policy

Admission to this online program is open to students who have completed a bachelor's degree in any discipline. A quality grade point average of 3.0 or higher is preferred.

Admission Procedures

Students seeking admission must complete and submit the following online:

  1. A completed application. Apply online.
  2. A non-refundable $65 application fee.
  3. A professional resume.
  4. A personal statement.
    • Discuss your professional goals for the next 5-10 years.
    • Explain why the Public Health program may help you achieve these goals.
    • Include, if applicable, experiences you have had that have helped form your professional goals.
  5. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities sent to the Office of Graduate Admission. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluating service which can be found on our website. Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent by email.
  6. Two professional letters of recommendation (completed online), one of which must be from a current supervisor or professor, accompanied by the University online recommendation form.
  7. Applicants may be asked to participate in a Zoom interview as part of the application process.

Admission Policies for Students Admitted to On-Campus Programs

Background Check, Drug screening, and Licensing

All graduate students in Egan School for on-campus programs are required to have a background check and drug screening completed prior to the start of the graduate program. In addition, once accepted/fully matriculated, all graduate nursing students licensed in another state must provide a copy of current active, unencumbered Connecticut RN license.

Bridge Courses

For admitted MSN or DNP students who possess a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree and an Associate Degree in Nursing, the following policy applies effective Spring 2021:

  1. All students must complete the following courses (or their equivalent) with a grade of B or better, prior to enrolling for the first DNP/MSN courses:
  2. Student must take NURS 3310 Foundations of Research for Evidence Based Practice at Fairfield University.
  3. If a student wants to take a bridge course outside of the Egan School, they must produce an official transcript along with a complete syllabus of the course, and it must be approved by the adult program director. The course can be no more than five years old.
  4. All students must meet with the adult program director to register for the bridge courses. 

Computer Literacy

Basic computer literacy is expected of all graduate students in the Egan School. The Academic Computing division of the university supports Microsoft products (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), which are used throughout the curriculum.

Basic computer literacy is defined as the ability to use:

  • Word processing software to create, edit, save, print, send attachments, and manipulate document files.
  • Presentation software to design, show, and print a presentation using text and graphics.
  • Email to send, receive, and print electronic mail messages; send, receive and open attachments. (All students must utilize their @student.fairfield.edu Gmail account.)
  • Internet navigation to investigate research topics using search engines.
  • Spreadsheets to organize data in a worksheet, create formulas, use functions, copy and paste formulas and functions, and format cells.

Having access to a computer system with the above capabilities is essential for successful completion of the program. Nurse Anesthesia students must have a laptop computer for class. There are several computer labs on campus. Labs are equipped with e-mail and word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Printers are available to students in the computer labs.

All students must communicate via their University Gmail account. All University notices, mail, etc. will be sent through my.Fairfield, and it is recommended that students check their e-mail at least once a day for any mail/notices.

Computer literacy skills are not taught as part of the graduate curriculum. Students not proficient in their use should inform a faculty member, who will help them locate resources from which they may obtain the requisite skills.

Mandatory Immunizations

Connecticut State law requires each full-time or matriculated student to provide proof of immunity or screening against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), meningitis and tuberculosis. Certain exemptions based on age and housing status apply. Matriculating students are defined as those enrolled in a degree seeking program or an in-person certificate program. More detailed information on the required immunizations and how to submit the required documentation is available online. Although compliance with University immunization requirements is not required to complete an application, you must provide proof of immunity/screening prior to course registration. Please note, students who are enrolling in 100% online programs with no intention of coming to campus may be exempt from providing immunization records. Please consult the Student Health Center to determine what documentation may be required as an online student. Questions may be directed to the Student Health Center: 203-254-4000 x2241 or email health@fairfield.edu .

International Students

International applicants must provide an official course-by-course evaluation for all coursework completed outside the US. Evaluations must be completed by an approved evaluator (found on our website) recognized by NACES. All international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking and submitting test scores from one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic. Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Fairfield University's ETS code is 3390. English language test score requirements can be viewed on our website. English language testing may be waived for those international students who have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. International applications must also provide a certificate of finances (evidence of adequate financial resources in U.S. dollars). All supporting credentials must be submitted at least three months prior to the intended start date.

Students with Disabilities

Fairfield University is committed to providing qualified students with disabilities an equal opportunity to access the benefits, rights, and privileges of its services, programs, and activities in an accessible setting. Furthermore, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Connecticut laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students to reduce the impact of disabilities on academic functioning or upon other major life activities. It is important to note that the University will not alter the essential elements of its courses or programs.

If a student with a disability would like to be considered for accommodation(s), they must identify themselves to the Office of Accessibility, located in the Academic Commons on the main floor of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, and complete the interactive request process for accommodations. Instructions for how to initiate the accommodation request process are located on our website. Students can also email ooa@fairfield.edu to start the accommodation request process. This process should be done prior to the start of the academic semester and is strictly voluntary. However, if a student with a disability chooses not to self-identify and provide the necessary documentation to the Office of Accessibility, accommodations need not be provided and are not retroactive. All information concerning disabilities is confidential and will be shared only with a student's permission. For more information regarding accommodations and the registration process, please email, or call 203-254-4000 x2615.