Nursing
Due to the new AACN Essentials requirements for accreditation, the Masters Curriculum is under review and changes are anticipated beginning Spring 2012.
Admission Criteria
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate Nursing Program, the applicant must have:
a.BS or BA in nursing from NLN or CCNE accredited university.
b.A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework.
c.Documentation of current unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in Minnesota.
d.International students must contact the International Student Office at 218-477-2956. International students must hold a current Work visa that will be valid throughout the course of study in the graduate program.
Post Admission Requirements
a.Unencumbered RN license in state clinical will be completed.
b.Maintain unencumbered RN license in Minnesota.
c.Criminal background check on admission (ACI) and annually (MN DHS) each indicating ability to provide direct patient care.
d.Evidence of current immunizations and TB testing required. See Handbook section, “Health, Education, and Licensure Records”
e.Professional liability insurance, if desired. Students are covered under the state institution liability insurance.
f.Current CPR certification (health care provider or professional level).
International Student Policy
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 fundamentally changed the requirements for the international students who wish to study in the United States. The major change that affects an online program is that no more than the equivalent of one on-line/distance education class or 3 credits per session may count towards the ‘full course of study’ requirement. A full copy of the NAFSA (Association of International Educators) Advisory Manual is available in the International Student Affairs office [Chapter 3: F-1 Students; Section 3.20.7; Authority cite 8 C.F.R. SS 214.2(f) (6) (i) (G)]. Students are able to be admitted to this program if they have an active Work Visa. Students are unable to be admitted to this program if they have a Student Visa.
Application Procedure
1. Complete the MSUM Graduate Studies application
2. Complete Master of Science School of Nursing Application that includes:
- School of Nursing Application Form
- Three references: two from professional colleagues (Reference Form) that address clinical competence and potential for graduate education and one personal reference.
- Written narrative of professional experience and future professional goals.
Submit all materials, except official transcripts, in one packet to:
Graduate Studies Office
Minnesota State University Moorhead
1104 Seventh Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563
Application deadline for Summer Session: April 15
Application deadline for Fall Semester: July 15
Application deadline for Spring Semester: November 15
Early applications are recommended for all deadlines to ensure timely processing of application materials.
All students must complete the program within 7 years.
Students may progress either full- or part-time, depending on the area of study. Full-time students may complete the MS degree in 2 years.
A maximum of 12 graduate semester credits, all of which must be related to the program, may be transferred from other appropriately accredited colleges or universities with the consent of the Chair of the Graduate Nursing Program. The transfer credits must be no older than seven years by the time of curriculum completion and carry a grade of B or better.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to continue and graduate from the program. If the GPA falls below 3.0, the student is placed on probation for the next semester in which courses are taken. If the GPA remains below 3.0 at the end of the next semester, the student is withdrawn from the program. No more than two courses with a grade of C (including C+ and C-) may be applied to the program of study.
A Thesis or classroom-based research project is required. An oral examination by the candidate's committee is conducted following completion of the thesis or classroom-based research and a majority of required coursework.
Curriculum for Master's of Science Degree
The curriculum includes graduate core courses, specialty track advanced practice courses, other nursing and support courses, clinical practica, and either a master's project or thesis. Students collaborate with their advisors to select practica that fit their particular areas or populations of interest. Clinical practica may take place in the students' home area if appropriate. The focus of the program is advanced nursing practice with a choice of two specialty emphases: