Master of Science in Nursing
Degree RequirementsCandidates must meet both the general requirements of the master’s program in the School of Nursing and the specific requirements of the specialty track.
All candidates for the degree of Master of Science in Nursing must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of courses (43 for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program), depending on the track, and fulfill departmental requirements. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be taken at the undergraduate level if the track offers an elective option. Courses meeting the requirement of advanced nursing practice must be taken in or through the School of Nursing.
- Remove all conditions, deficiencies, probation, and Deferred or Incomplete grades.
- Achieve a 3.0 grade point average by the time the student has completed 42 credit hours of course work, as required by the major department. Credit hours toward the degree are not granted for courses with a grade below B–. All grades are included in computing the grade point average.
- Complete all degree requirements within six years of the date the student begins course work.
- File intent to graduate forms at least one semester before the final semester of study. A new intent to graduate form must be filed if the graduation date changes. Application forms are online and filed with the recorder for graduate programs.
- Complete the School of Nursing Exit Survey, which is part of the intent to graduate form.
The School of Nursing is not responsible for certification for the degree if the student fails to file the application.
Portfolio Review Process for MSN Course SubstitutionA portfolio review process is available to all MSN students who believe that they can meet the learning objectives/competencies required of a specific nursing course within their program of study. The portfolio is a mechanism used to validate the acquisition of knowledge and skills congruent with course expectations and student learning outcomes. The portfolio provides objective evidence that students have acquired the knowledge, skills, and abilities through prior learning and/or practice experiences. The decision to accept the documentation provided is based on determination of the equivalency of this prior knowledge and skills that the student would be expected to demonstrate at the completion of a specific course. The portfolio review option does not take the place of course equivalency reviews or transfer credit. For more information about specific policies and procedures related to the portfolio review process for graduate students please refer to the current graduate student handbook at the School of Nursing Web site.