Degree Options
Master of Science in Nursing
How to Apply: Application and Admission Requirements (including the RN to MSN option)
Admission to the master’s program requires approval by the faculty and is based on the applicant’s qualifications as evidenced by grade point average, essay, official transcripts, and references. A personal interview may be requested. Acceptance into the program is competitive. Students select a major area of study at the time they apply for admission to the MSN program. Review the MSN majors listed in the right column for more information.
Please read all instructions on the checklist carefully and print the checklist for your records.
If you plan to take a statistics prerequisite please follow the timeline and directions for first submitting your University (IUPUI) application. The University application is required to take courses at IUPUI.
Submit the University Application:
By December 1 to take a course during the spring semester
By April 1 to take a course during the summer sessions
By August 1 to take a course during the fall semester
- Complete the University application only at this time.
- Create a PIN and password when you fill out the application.
- Use the help icon at the top of the page for technical assistance.
- List "Graduate Nursing" under Educational Objectives.
- Save the application (be sure to remember your PIN and password) so that you can return to it later if you need to edit or in case you don't finish the application in one sitting.
- Pay the $50 application fee and submit the application.
- You will see a "Submission Complete" message after you have completed the application submission process.
You must also complete and submit the MSN Departmental Application.
All other application materials must be submitted in one packet by the following dates.
Application Dates
- February 15 for admission into the fall semester that begins in August
- September 15 for admission into the spring semester that begins in January
The Family Nurse Practitioner major admits students only in August. Students interested in this major MUST APPLY BY FEBRUARY 15.
The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner major admits students only in January. Students interested in this major MUST APPLY BY SEPTEMBER 15.
All admission materials must be received by the appropriate due date.
Please send all materials in one packet to:
Graduate Recorder
1111 Middle Drive NU 122
Indianapolis, IN 46202
PLEASE NOTE: Incomplete packets will not be accepted.
Admission criteria and required application materials needed:
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited program.
- GRE testing is not needed for application to masters degree programs although it is necessary for application to the PhD program.
- Statistics is required for all MSN majors. Please speak with a graduate advisor regarding this.
PLEASE NOTE: Students interested in the Adult Health CNS, Nursing Administration, or Nursing Education major may choose to take NURS-R 505 as it is required for each of these majors. - Submit official college and/or university transcripts from all institutions attended, except Indiana University. We will print your IU transcript and put that in your submitted application packet.
- Submit a copy of your current Indiana RN license. Evidence of a current, active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered practitioner of nursing in the state of Indiana. International applicants not yet licensed by any state in the U.S. will need to submit evidence of passing the CGFNS exam before applying for an RN license in Indiana.
- Submit an essay (goal statement) of 200-250 words explaining your career goals, reasons for your choice of major, and why you want to pursue an advanced degree in nursing.
- Applicants must agree to and submit the essential abilities form (PDF) of the School of Nursing, which states that students can demonstrate essential abilities in a variety of areas (judgment, neurological function, communication skills, emotional coping skills, intellectual/conceptual skills, and other behavioral attributes) as well as meeting all progression criteria.
- Submit, along with your packet materials, three references using the Graduate Student Appraisal Form. At least two of your references should hold an Master's in Nursing degree.
- Submit a current resumé which shows clear documentation of clinical practice as an RN:
- Applicants to any Nurse Practitioner major must have two years of relevant clinical practice by the admission review deadline. Contact the faculty in the specific practitioner major to discuss your experience prior to submitting your application.
- All RN to MSN applicants must have the equivalent of two years full-time practice as a registered nurse in the past five years.
- Application may be made during the cycle when the two years of experience as an RN will be reached.
- Applicants to the Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Administration and Nursing Education majors who have a BSN do not have to meet the two year work requirement.
- Applicants must have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to use computer technologies to communicate.
Contact us for more information about the master's program, admission criteria, or the application process, please call (317) 274-2806 and ask for a graduate advisor or e-mail oesgrads [at] iupui [dot] edu.
