Master of Science in Nursing Admission & Application Requirements

Deadlines

  • Summer: May 1 (flexible deadline*)
  • Fall: August 1 (flexible deadline*)
  • Spring: December 1 (flexible deadline*)

*Submitting an application prior to the deadline does not guarantee admission. Applicants are ranked on admission criteria and program seat availability. Applications are often accepted after the deadlines posted above when space is available. Please contact the Graduate Studies Office if you have questions.

Part 1: Graduate Studies Application

Admission Requirement
Instructions
  1. Online graduate application

Submit the Graduate Online Application - This is only the first step in the application process.

  1. $35 Non-Refundable application fee for all graduate applications

After you complete the Graduate Online Application:

  • Log in to eServices with your StarID.
  • Click on Bills and Payment, and you will be able to pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.

Note: Upon completion of the application form in step one, you will receive an email in 1-2 business days giving instructions for the remaining steps and completing the program application in Part 2. Please note that the steps below cannot be completed until you receive that email. If you do not receive the email with Self Service Center instructions, please contact the Graduate Studies Office.

  1. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

Contact ALL the colleges and universities you have attended and have your transcripts sent to:

Graduate Studies Office, MSU Moorhead
1104 7th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563

Please note that failing to submit the official transcripts by the deadline will result in discontinuation of class enrollment.

You do not need to order transcripts from MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions. See Transcript Policy for more details.

Part 2: Graduate Program Application

  1. Bachelor's degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program (i.e. ACEN, CNEA, CCNE)

This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department.

  1. Undergraduate total cumulative local GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate courses at the institution where the baccalaureate nursing degree was awarded; provisional admissions are provided on a case-by-case basis for those students that do not meet the minimum GPA

This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department.

  1. Nursing Application Form
  • Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
  • Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
  • Select “Continue” to access the extended program application and fill in all information. Be sure to “Submit Application” when you have completed all aspects.
  1. Documentation of current unencumbered RN license in the U.S.
  • Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
  • Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
  • Select “Summary” to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses.
  • Upload document by selecting the “Upload” link under the respective “Action” column.
  1. Reflection

Compose a reflection approximately 250 words, typed and double-spaced, that represents your highest level of academic writing. Provide a description of your professional experiences and background that have contributed to your readiness for graduate education. Specify those experiences that prepared you for your desired specialty track. State your professional goals and indicate your potential to achieve this degree. Put your name on all pages.

  • Upload it to the Graduate Online Application site:
    1. Log in to the Graduate Online Application site.
    2. Select the “Check Status”
    3. Under “Program Specific Requirements”, click on “Upload Now” button for the “Reflection”
  1. Recommendations

Two recommendations from professionals (e.g., supervisor, former faculty member), not a co-worker or peer*

  • Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
  • Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
  • If you have not submitted contact information yet, select “Continue” to go into your application and complete program app and recommender information.
  • After clicking “Submit Application” you will need to contact the Graduate Studies Office for any recommender information changes.
  • Your recommenders will receive an email from the Graduate Studies Office asking them to fill out the recommendation form.
  • To check the status of your recommendations later, select “Summary” in the Applications tab.

*The recommendations requirement will be waived if:

  • You graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 GPA or higher with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a Minnesota State University (Bemidji, Mankato, Metropolitan, Moorhead, Southwest, St. Cloud, Winona).
    OR
  • If you are a nursing faculty member at any Minnesota State College or University. OR
  • If you are a Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) member.

Please contact the Graduate Studies office for more information.