Frequently Asked Questions

No. However, for applications to those concentrations that have more eligible applicants than seats available, GPA, years of registered nurse experience, professional experience relevant to the specific MSN concentration and evidence of scholarship and involvement in the nursing profession as indicated on the applicant's resume will be considered in the selection process for applicants who meet all admission criteria.

Some concentrations are able to admit students who are new BSN nurses. However, for applications to those concentrations that have more eligible applicants than seats available, GPA, years of registered nurse experience, professional experience relevant to the specific MSN concentration and evidence of scholarship and involvement in the nursing profession as indicated on the applicant's resume will be considered in the selection process for applicants who meet all admission criteria.

The admission requirements are:

• An active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which clinical coursework will be completed.
• A bachelor's and/or graduate degree from an accredited registered nursing program (an RN license with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field will be considered based on review of a portfolio submitted with the application).
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point scale. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered for conditional admission according to the University Graduate Admission Policy
• Completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a minimum C grade.
• A résumé or curriculum vita.
• Completion of a two to three page admission essay describing reasons for seeking the master's degree in the identified specialty and demonstrating clarity of professional goals.
• Three letters of reference from a health care professional or academic faculty who can speak to the applicant's professional and academic abilities.
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 560 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 83 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 78 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 55 PTE score
• The MSN/MBA program requires applicants to complete the GMAT or GRE. Students selected for admission to the nursing program must meet the College of Nursing's Clinical Compliance Policy.

The admission deadlines are:

• The SPRING application deadline is October 1st.  The FALL application deadline is March 1st.  
  • The Family Nurse Practitioner program (MSN and Certificate) only accepts applications for the fall semester.
  • All other MSN and Certificate programs admit both Fall and Spring semesters.
  • DNP and PhD programs only admit once a year for the fall semester.

Only if you are applying to the MSN-MBA Dual Degree program, which requires the GMAT or GRE.

Students who meet all admissions criteria, including a 3.0 or greater GPA, receive preference in the admissions process and can be admitted unconditionally. Students with less than a 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission once all unconditional admissions have been extended.

Please review the requirements for graduate transfer work. 

If you’re an RN, but don’t have a BSN, you may still be eligible if you have a bachelor’s degree in another field. Such applicants must complete a portfolio review. Once you have completed your application, contact Student Services at 330-672-7911 for more information.

Applicants who have earned a master’s degree in nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from an accredited nursing program can apply to any of our post-master’s certificate programs.

Post-master's certificate admission criteria