To be considered for Admission to the MSN program you must submit:
- Application - complete the Metropolitan State University Graduate Programs Application, including a $20 nonrefundable application fee;
- Request for private and confidential information (optional);
- Official Transcripts – Transcripts must show a baccalaureate degree (BA or BS) in nursing earned from an accredited institution or the current transcript and documentation must indicate no more than 10 outstanding credits toward BA or BS degree in Nursing. Provide official transcripts with grade-point average or narrative description describing courses completed from all schools attended after high school and transcripts from any graduate or professional programs. Transcripts must indicate a cumulative 3.0 GPA;
- Goals Essay – The Goal Statement Essay should be a narrative of 750-1000 words, word processed, with your name on the top of each page, the pages numbered and stapled together. In preparing the statement please address the following points:
- Describe the area of nursing practice you envision for yourself after completing graduate study in nursing.
- Explain how this practice will contribute to two of the goals of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences mission: to advance professional nursing and to enhance the health of under-served and diverse populations.
- Describe and explain life, work or academic skills, knowledge and/or experience you currently possess that contribute toward the two goals stated above and how they can be applied to future advanced practice nursing;
- Evidence of unencumbered RN licensure in at least one state with eligibility for licensure in Minnesota;
- Computer proficiency form verifying ability to perform on line coursework;
- Completed reference forms (3) from specific individuals - one from a former faculty member, one from a supervisor or employer and one from a professional peer or colleague;
Application Deadline
- All application materials must be received by the annual application deadline January 15 (for fall admission)
Mail or deliver the completed application and related materials with the $20 application fee to the address below. A check or money order should be payable to Metropolitan State University. Do not send cash. Faxed or emailed applications are not accepted.
Metropolitan State University
Graduate Studies Office
700 East Seventh Street
New Main 204
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106
Applicants should follow up with the Graduate Studies Office at (651)793-1940 in advance of the due date to ensure receipt of all materials for a complete application. Only complete applications are reviewed and considered.
Application Tips
- Be sure to request all official transcripts regardless of whether a degree was earned or if the credits were transferred to a degree completed at another college (credits transfer, but grades and GPA are not recorded on the second institution’s transcript)
- Your cumulative GPA cannot be calculated if transcripts are missing
- Transcripts issued to students are not “official”
- Failure to submit all transcripts can be grounds for dismissal (academic fraud)
- Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
- Writing skills are very important to our faculty and to your success in the program (proofread and edit carefully)
- Role/goal compatibility (matching your professional goals with our mission and philosophy) is an important consideration
- Applications are becoming increasingly competitive; faculty select top candidates for limited available seats
Foreign nursing degrees require evaluation by CGFNS request “Full Course by Course Report.”
Additional Clinical Requirements
(These are needed before you can begin clinical/practicum hours; they are not admission requirements.)
- Health Assessment Proficiency (Nurs 325 or equivalent; proficiency can be demonstrated via video) (see enclosed handout)
- 1000 hours RN work experience
- Unencumbered license to practice nursing from the state in which the practicum experience is located
- Evidence of professional liability insurance
- Evidence of current CPR certification
- Evidence of current immunizations
- Mantoux test results
- Background study (fee to be paid by student)
Requirements for practicum participation must be current and valid throughout the practicum experience. As a result, some of the requirements noted will need to be repeated or renewed.