MSN HOME | APPLICATION INFORMATION | COURSE SCHEDULE | MSN PROGRAM BROCHURE | DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

Application
Students must first apply and meet the admission requirements to Missouri Western State University School of Graduate Studies. Please refer to the current University Catalog for an accurate list of requirements. Students must then apply to the MWSU Nursing Graduate Program. Selection is based on the applicant's leadership potential and ability to successfully complete graduate studies.

Application Deadlines
A completed application packet (see checklist below) must be received by the Department of Nursing by July 15 for a candidate to be considered for admission for Fall and October 15 for admission for Spring. Applicants will be notified by mail of their admission status once all applications have been reviewed. Applications will be accepted until the class is full.

Admission Criteria:

• Admission to School of Graduate Studies.
  General admission as a graduate student to the University does not admit a student to the master’s degree program in nursing.
• B.S.N. from a CCNE or NLNAC-accredited college or university.
• Missouri current, unencumbered RN license.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and nursing GPA 3.0 or higher.
• Completion of undergraduate statistics and research methods courses.
• Criminal background checks are required prior to beginning the nursing program in order to meet contractual obligations with clinical agencies (pursuant to Missouri Revised Statues Chapter 660.317.) An applicant who has been found guilty of a Class A or B Felony would not be allowed to participate in clinical nursing courses. Some clinical agencies have more stringent requirements.
• Eligibility to lawfully gain employment in the U.S.A.
• A supporting statement of interest discussing your career goals and your interest in the MSN in Health Care Leadership.
• Personal interview with Graduate Nursing faculty.
• Applicants who are not citizens of the United States must receive a score of 500 or above on the paper-based or 61 or above on the internet based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless the applicant is from a country where English is the native language or he/she possesses a baccalaureate degree from a college or university in which the primary language of instruction was English.

Provisional Admission
Graduate applicants who do not meet one of the admissions requirements may request provisional admission for their first graduate semester. Requests for provisional admission must originate from the student in writing, stating a justification for the exception. The student must attain departmental/program support, approval by the Academic Dean, and forward all written materials to the Graduate Dean for final approval. Full admission will be granted if the student attains a 3.0 GPA or better during the first semester of graduate studies at MWSU. Failure to achieve a 3.0 GPA will cause dismissal from the program. If dismissed, the student may re-apply for admission one year after the dismissal, subject to departmental review. Please refer to the Non-Degree Seeking student requirements from the School of Graduate Studies.

Non-Degree Seeking Admission Criteria
Non-degree admission may be approved for students who would like to enroll in a single course that does not include a practicum or for students who do not make the deadline for Fall Admission. Enrollment is allowed on a space available basis after all degree-seeking students are accommodated. The following materials are required for non-degree seeking admission:

The following materials are required for non-degree seeking admission:

• Application to Graduate Studies
• Official transcript of all college coursework
• Instructor permission
• Applicants should have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75

Instructions

1. Complete the general application for admission to the Missouri Western State University School of Graduate Studies.
    
2. In order to have a complete application packet and be considered for admission to the Department of Nursing, your application must contain:
   • Completed application form& curriculum vitae/resume
   • Three (3) professional references
   • $30.00 non-refundable application fee
   • Official transcript showing completion of BSN
   • Evidence of current, unencumbered RN license
   • Completion of undergraduate research methods and statistics
   • A clear statement of interest discussing your career goals and your interest in the MSN in Health Care Leadership.
   • Submit separate application for University admission either by mail:
     
     Missouri Western State University
     Admissions Department                         OR apply online:
     4525 Downs Drive                                www.missouriwestern.edu/graduate/
     St. Joseph, MO 64507
      
3. Return the completed MSN application packet to:

Missouri Western State University
Department of Nursing
4525 Downs Drive
St. Joseph, MO 64507