Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
[Program Overview] [Curriculum] [Admission Criteria] [Application Requirements] [Transfer Credits] [Time to Completion] [Accreditation] [Financial Aid] [Contact Information]
Metropolitan State University offers two distinct programs leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):
- MSN (BSN to MSN) - prepares BSN-educated registered registered nurses for advanced nursing roles
- Entry Level MSN (ELMSN) - prepares individuals, who hold baccalaureate degrees in fields other than nursing, for entry into the nursing profession
The catalog information below relates to the BSN to MSN program.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares registered nurses for advanced nursing roles. Graduate degrees in Leadership and Management, Nursing Educator or Public Health Leadership and Management provide focused education for Master's prepared individuals.
Admitted MSN students can choose from the Leadership and Management (LMN) track, the Public Health Nursing Leadership (PHNL) track, or the Nurse Educator (NE) track. The MSN curriculum combines foundational courses, such as nursing science, integrative care, and research methods, with skill and role development courses designed for the specific area of specialization.
Classes are scheduled in a variety of formats, including face to face, online or in a hybrid format. Courses offered in a predominantly online format may require mandatory participation in on-campus seminars and immersion experiences throughout the program. All tracks can be completed in a minimum of two years; part-time options are available in each track up to a maximum of five years.
The MSN only option is available to Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioners (WHCNPs) who are already certified at the time of application through Planned Parenthood of Minnesota/South Dakota. Course work for this MSN only option for WHCNPs does not prepare students for additional certification. After much consideration, this program has suspended admissions as advanced practice nursing moves towards education at a doctoral level.
A Post-Master's Graduate Certificate option is offered on a space available basis for RNs who hold a master's degree in nursing and would like to expand their practice to include LMN, NE, or PHNL preparation. The program of study is individually designed with a faculty advisor based on curricular and certification requirements.
The Wound, Ostomy, Continence (WOC) Program is offered online and prepares the post-baccalaureate RN to take the WOC certification exam. Students are directed to www.webwocnurse.com for complete information about the WOC program.
Curriculum
To earn the MSN degree, students must successfully complete the core and supporting course requirements, the specific track requirements, and the End of Program presentation. To earn a post-master's graduate certificate, students must successfully complete the specialty course requirements and the individualized plan of study. Curricular requirements for each track are linked below.
- Leadership and Management (LMN)
- Nurse Educator (NE)
- Public Health Nursing Leadership (PHNL)
- MSN only for current Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioners (WHCNP)
- Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Option
- Wound, Ostomy, Continence Certification (WOC)
Admission Criteria (BSN to MSN)
A 3.00 cumulative GPA calculated from all course work and evaluation of all transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) is the minimal requirement for full admission to the BSN to MSN program at Metropolitan State University. Admission is competitive and the faculty committee decision is based on cumulative GPA, evaluation of applicant essay, and references. All application requirements must be met for consideration. An interview with member(s) of the School of Nursing Admissions Retention Committee may be required for qualified applicants according to established admissions committee procedures.
Denial of Admission
Applicants with poor academic records or limited probability of succeeding in graduate work may be denied both admission to the MSN program and permission to take graduate courses. Applicants may also be denied if the School of Nursing concludes that they do not meet the professional standards commonly required for students earning a graduate degree in nursing and/or have stated professional goals that are incompatible with program offerings.
Plagiarism/Essay Citation Statement
Applicants are expected to use their own words and ideas when responding to essay questions. To clarify or strengthen a point, applicants may choose to include the thoughts and ideas of others when responding. In these cases, applicants are required to provide proper citation of the works in which the ideas originated. Applicants are encouraged to review language regarding plagiarism found at http://www.metrostate.edu/msweb/pathway/gateway/handbook/handbook.html Applicant essays are subject to plagiarism review, including the use of plagiarism detecting software.
Pre-Practicum Requirements
Prior to beginning the practicum experience, information must be submitted to the School of Nursing which may include, but is not limited to the items listed below. Requirements must be valid fro the duration of practicum experiences.
- Acceptance of Compliance with Agency Requirements
- Documentation of current immunizations, including a Tuberculosis test
- Verification of hours of RN work experience
- Current CPR certification at Health Provider Level
- Minnesota Department of Human Services Background Study Form
- Authorization for Release of Student Background Study Information
- Authorization for the Release of Education Records to Clinical Facility
- Evidence of an unencumbered license with current registration to practice in Minnesota and the state(s) in which practicum will be conducted
- Evidence of current professional liability insurance
- Evidence of current health insurance
- Evidence of successful completion of HIPAA training
Requirements must be valid for the duration of practicum experiences.
Application Requirements
- Completed Graduate Application
- Non-refundable application fee (waived for graduates of Metropolitan State University)
- Official transcripts of all college coursework, one of which must indicate a completed bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Goal essay
- Two references
- Completed computer proficiency form
See Applying to the Program for application packets and details on the requirements and deadlines.
Transfer Credits
With the approval of the School of Nursing, students may substitute relevant credits earned in other accredited graduate programs toward their Metropolitan State degree. Students may request that up to eight graduate semester credits apply toward MSN degree completion. This total includes graduate credits taken at Metropolitan State University as a non-degree seeking student prior to admission to the MSN program. Cross-listed courses taken for graduate credit while enrolled in the Metropolitan State RN-BSN program are not included in the eight credit transfer maximum.
Evaluation of Credentials of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools
Graduates of foreign nursing schools who apply to the MSN program are required to have transcripts evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. The evaluation report will serve as the basis for the transcript evaluation needed for admission to the University and to the graduate nursing program.
Time to Completion
All requirements for the MSN degree must be completed within five years of the first semester of enrollment in the MSN program. Student requests for a one-time extension of up to one year may be considered if, prior to expiration of the initial five years, the student makes a written request to the School of Nursing. The request should include the rationale for the request, a detailed plan regarding completion of degree requirements, and a target completion date.
Enrollment Status
Full-time versus part-time status varies by program and semester. At Metropolitan State University, full time is considered eight or more graduate credits; part-time status is less than eight graduate credits per semester.
Accreditation
The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-463-6930
Fax: 202-785-8320
Metropolitan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
312-263-045
Financial Aid
A limited number of scholarships for MSN students are available through employers or organizations such as the American Cancer Society or the Veteran's Administration. For information and application forms, call the Financial Aid Office at 651-793-1414 or contact them via the university website.
Contact Information
For more information about the Master of Science in Nursing or Post Master's Graduate Certificate Options, visit Metropolitan State's College of Health, Community and Professional Studies website at www.metrostate.edu/cnhs or contact the academic advisor for graduate programs.
Mailing Address
School of Nursing
Saint John's Hall
700 E. Seventh Street
Saint Paul, MN 55106
