Direct Entry MSN Prerequisites and Requirements
Whether you previously studied biology or psychology, our Direct Entry MSN program leverages your non-nursing bachelor’s degree so you don’t have to start your college education over from square one. Aside from the required prerequisites, all the courses associated with the 5-semester or 8-semester program options involve professional nursing study. Because our curriculum is tailored to the needs of students who do not have prior nursing education, we cannot accept BSN holders into the Direct Entry MSN program.
Admissions Requirements
Our Direct Entry MSN program serves as a second-degree option for those who have proven their ability to succeed in a collegiate environment and want to earn a master’s in nursing degree in 5 to 8 semesters. Because of the program’s rigorous nature, we require our nursing students to be able to hit the ground running when classes begin.
To be eligible for the program, you must:
- Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA in your conferred baccalaureate degree
- Hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Complete all prerequisite courses with a competitive grade
The GRE is not required to apply to the program. However, if you feel that your GRE scores would strengthen your application, you can submit them and we will include that information in the application review.
Prerequisite Courses
Before entering our Direct Entry MSN program, you must complete a series of prerequisite courses, earning grades of “C” or higher. For some of the prerequisites, you can choose what course you want to take. If you completed a similar class as part of your baccalaureate education, ask your admissions adviser about credit hour transfers. Your admissions adviser can also recommend the best course of action for completing these prerequisites.
| Direct Entry MSN Prerequisite | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | 5-6 |
| Microbiology with lab | 3 |
| Chemistry OR Biochemistry OR Biology | 3 |
| Nutrition for Health Sciences | 3 |
| Behavioral Sciences: Psychology or Sociology | 3 |
| Statistics* | 3 |
* Within seven years of program start date
Contact us to see if you are eligible for our Direct Entry MSN program.