MSN Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Northwest Nazarene University online MSN Program, students must hold a bachelors or associate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university.  The program provides the working professional the opportunity to complete a master’s degree in two/three years. All requirements of the degree must be completed within five years following admission. All students must be licensed by a State Board of Nursing or the equivalent for international students. They must be in good standing with the licensing body.

Each student will advance through the program in a online cohort model. Students in each cohort share personal and professional backgrounds while following an intense program of academic study. The cohort format provides a strong support system as class members proceed through the entire MSN Program together.

Students will be admitted to the MSN Program once the following admission requirements are complete:

BSN Admission Requirements: 

1. Complete online admission application 
2. Completed a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited college or university.
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.0* in all academic course work. 
4. Evidence of current RN Licensure

ADN Admission Requirements:

1. Complete online admission application 
2. Completed an associate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university.
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.0* in all academic course work. 
4. Evidence of current RN Licensure.
5. Evidence of two years work experience as an RN.
6. Transcripts of completion for the undergraduate courses pathophysiology and statistics with a minimum grade of C.
7. Completion of NNU's three online undergraduate articulated nursing courses NURS 4970 Community Health Nursing, NURS 4980 Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice, NURS 4990 Leadership Development (or equivalents) with a minimum grade of B.

*Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 to 2.99 will be given consideration on an individual basis. Additional criterion required is a professional reference who can address applicant’s ability and potential to complete graduate study.  If accepted with GPA of 2.75-2.99 applicant will be admitted provisionally. In the first three graduate courses student must earn a grade of at least B. If the student does not earn a minimum grade of a B in each of the first three courses, the student will not be permitted to progress in the MSN Program.  

On Campus - Program Orientation
The orientation is a vital component of the Master of Science in Nursing Program. The purpose of the orientation is to develop a sense of community among cohort members and NNU faculty. It will be essential for participants to make connections with this community of learners who will be their support system throughout the program. The orientation will be scheduled two weeks before the first day of class.

Active Status
A student who has been admitted to the online MSN Program and enrolled in at least one course is considered on active status. A student who does not register for a course applicable to the degree for three calendar years will be removed from active status and must make arrangements with Program Director to regain active status.

Transfer Courses
Students accepted into the online MSN Program may transfer up to 9 semester credits of previously completed graduate level courses from another accredited institution. The maximum transferable course work is three courses (9 semester hours). All transfer credits must have received at least a "C" letter grade and be approved. Single-credit courses may not be transferred. Credits must have been earned within five years preceding the date of admission.