Western Carolina University

Applicants will be selected for admission to the Master’s of Science in Nursing Program on the basis of intellectual ability, ability to think independently, ability to communicate, self-reliance, motivation, performance, compatibility of professional goals with those of the program, and other qualities appropriate to graduate study in nursing. Each admission decision will be made on the basis of an appraisal of the total application using established criteria.

Applicants may be required to participate in an interview session, including a written exercise. Meeting minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

MSN Admission Requirements
- Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Program Option
- Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate Program Option
- Nurse Anesthesia Program The MS(N) Nurse Anesthesia Program admission requirements are different from the other MS(N) program requirements!
Admission Procedures
Application Deadline

Apply Now!

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MS(N) Admission Requirements:

In order to be eligible for admission to the MS(N) Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• BSN from a regionally accredited college or university and nationally accredited nursing program
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
• Statistics course, undergraduate or graduate level
• Research course, undergraduate
• Registered nurse eligible for licensure to practice in the state in which the student intends to practice 
• Minimum of one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse within the last five years
• Three professional references: one must be from current or recent immediate supervisor
• Submit a resume and professional statement with the online Graduate School application
• Nurse Educator and Nurse Administration tracks accept either GRE or MAT scores. Students applying to the Family Nurse Practitioner track must submit satisfactory GRE scores. A combined score of 850 or higher (Quantitative and Analytical) is recommended for the previous GRE exam version. A combined score of 300 or higher is recommended for the Revised GRE exam.

Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program Option

Admission requirements are the same as for applicants to the MS(N) Program except for the following two criteria:

1)  The candidate must have graduated from a nationally accredited master’s program in nursing (MSN).
2)  GRE scores are waived.

Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate Program Option:

Admission requirements are the same as for the applicants for the MS(N) Program except for the following two criteria:

1)  The candidate must have graduated from a nationally accredited master's program in nursing (MSN) or a related discipline.
2)  Standardized exam scores are waived.

Nurse Anesthesia Program Admission Requirements

The MS(N) Nurse Anesthesia Program admission requirements, dates, and admission procedures are different from the other MS(N) program admission requirements, dates, and admission procedures.

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Admission Procedures:

Application to the MS(N) Program requires application to the Graduate School. Only complete applications will be eligible for review. As part of the online application, the applicant needs to prepare the following:

1. Request official college transcript from all secondary schools attended—to be sent to the WCU Graduate School. 
2. Submit either GRE or MAT scores, depending upon the track requirements for which you are applying. Request that your scores be sent to Western Carolina University's Graduate School. GRE scores are waived for applicants applying to either the Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
3. As part of your online application, be prepared to submit:
   a. Names of (and contact info for) three professional references who can attest to the applicant’s ability to pursue graduate study; one must be from a current or recent employer. 
   b. Professional Statement and Resume
   c. $50 application fee

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Application Deadlines:

Nurse Administration and Nurse Educator admit twice a year:

• April 15 for the Fall semester
• October 15 for the Spring semester

Family Nurse Practitioner admits once a year:

• March 15 for the Fall semester

Nurse Anesthesia admits once a year:

• May 15 for the Spring semester

Apply Now!

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Want more information? If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jessica Shirley, Director of Student Services for the School of Nursing,or click on the Request More Information link to receive additional program details.