MSN Admissions
Admission to the master’s program requires approval by the faculty in the department in which study is desired. Admission is based on the composite of qualifications (as evidenced by the application), official transcripts, and references. A personal interview may be requested by the department. Acceptance into the master’s program is competitive.
The criteria that follow must be met for full admission. An applicant who lacks one or more of the criteria may be considered for probationary admission or conditional admission, meaning one or more the admission criteria has not been met.
- A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale from a program accredited by the National League of Nursing, or an equivalent program.
- A 500-word essay describing and explaining professional career aspirations as an advanced-practice nurse.
- A current active, unencumbered registered professional nurse license in the state in which the student practices. International applicants must submit evidence of passing the Council of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) qualifying examination prior to coming to Indiana University. Indiana licensure must be achieved prior to enrollment in any clinical nursing course.
- For International students - in addition to meeting academic qualification, you must:
- Show proficiency in English ( a Test of English as foreign Language (iBT=-TOEFL) score of 550 or above is required and a speaking score of 26 or above is required for those who native language is not English.
- Show proof of financial support, which will be processed through the Office of International Affairs.
- Submit evidence of passing the Councils of Graduate of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) qualifying examination prior to coming to Indiana University.
- All majors require a graduate statistics course. NURS-R 505 is the preferred course.
- Ability to use computer technologies including accessing, retrieving, receiving, and communicating information.
- Two years of relevant clinical nursing experience as a licensed registered nurse required for nurse practitioner applicants.
Registered nurses wishing to pursue graduate education whose highest academic nursing credential is a nursing diploma, an associate degree in nursing, or a baccalaureate degree in another field may be interested in exploring this educational option. The mobility option allows registered nurses to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree without the conferral of the baccalaureate degree in nursing. Two years of relevant clinical nursing experience as a licensed RN is required for all RN-MSN applicants. For more information, interested parties should contact the graduate advisor at the Center for Academic Affairs, 1111 Middle Drive, NU 122, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5107; telephone (317) 274-2806. Please note that this opportunity may not be the best option for all registered nurses, so it is important to talk with the School of Nursing’s academic counselor early in the decision process.
Admission of Students on Academic Probation
Students with undergraduate GPAs lower than 3.0 may be admitted on academic probation upon the recommendation of the academic department in which they desire a major and with the endorsement of the MSN Curriculum and Student Affairs Committee.
Maintaining Active Status of AdmissionAdmission is valid only for the enrollment period designated in the admission letter. Deferment may be granted upon written request, subject to adjustment of admission status to requirements of the new enrollment period. Applications and transcripts are kept on file for two years only; beyond that period, reapplication is required.
Part-Time StudyPart-time study is possible, provided that the program is completed within the six-year limitation period. Part-time students should consult with their MSN coordinator for any program plan changes.