Master of Science in Nursing Admission & Application Requirements
Deadlines
- 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.
- Online graduate application
Submit the Graduate Online Application - This is only the first step in the application process.
- $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.
- Transcripts from degree conferring or transferring credits colleges and universities
Admission to a graduate degree or certificate program is considered only after all required application materials have been received and reviewed. Provisional admissions may be considered with unofficial transcripts and all required application materials submitted. A student has one semester to submit the official transcripts before they can register for the next semester.
Official transcripts can be 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.
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program
This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department.
- 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; however, additional application materials may be required.
This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department.
- 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.
- 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.
- Professional Resume
Prepare a resume that includes education, work experience, volunteer activities, etc. Put your name on all pages.
- 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.
Note: This program is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Students must reside in the US and have a valid RN license.
MS in Nursing Application Deadlines
- Summer: May 1
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: December 1
Steps to Apply
You may begin your application before all documents are ready. GradCAS saves your progress, and you may return any time to continue updating your application.
- Create your account in GradCAS
- Select your program from the list and click “+” to add to your cart.
- Complete the three general application sections.
- Complete the fourth, MSUM section (See Application Requirements below).
- Make sure to request all documents before submitting your application. Once you submit, you can no longer amend or upload additional documents.
- Pay the $50 application fee.
NOTE: Students interested in applying to the combined MS in Nursing & MHA program should apply using the MHA application in GradCAS.
The Admission and Graduate Studies Offices will verify your documents and requirements.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate courses at the institution where the baccalaureate degree was awarded.
- Provisional admission may be granted individually for students that do not meet the GPA requirement. Additional documentation may be required.
- Note: This program is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Students must reside in the US and have a valid RN license.
MSN Application Requirements
- GradCAS application
- A current resume (include education, employment history, professional organizations, and volunteer experience).
- Unofficial transcripts are required from all institutions you list on your application.
- If you attended MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions, you can retrieve your unofficial transcripts from eServices, contact graduate@mnstate.edu and we can assist.
- Upon admission, you must request official transcripts from your degree-conferring institutions and any other transcripts listing possible graduate transfer coursework. Official transcripts can be requested through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse and sent directly to processing@mnstate.edu.
- MSUM or MN system institution students do not need to request official transcripts. The admission team will do this on your behalf.
- Documentation of your current unencumbered U.S. registered nurse (RN) license (does not need to be Minnesota).
International Student Requirements
- An official comprehensive course-by-course transcript evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluator (ECE), World Education Services (WES) or any other NACES accredited evaluation firm, from post-secondary institutions outside the U.S.
- The ECE, WES, or NACES evaluation must certify your international degree is equivalent to a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
- For students whose native language is not English, or who were not taught in English, an official score from either TOEFL (6678 MSUM code) or IELTS (Minnesota State University Moorhead) is required.
- TOEFL scores-550 (paper-based) or 78-80 (online)
- IELTS score of 6.5
For questions about the program or the application process please call Graduate Studies 218.477.2134 or email graduate@mnstate.edu.
Visit the GradCAS Applicant Help Center for detailed application instructions.
Questions about completing the application:
Call | GradCAS Customer Service at 857.304.2086
Email | support@gradcas.myliaison.com
Chat help for applicants is available.
(Google Chrome and Firefox are the preferred browsers)