Master of Science in Nursing Program Requirements

The University of Houston offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The Master of Science in Nursing program (Education, Administration, and FNP) is designed to build upon the BSN degree and is offered at the University of Houston at Katy and online. Students in this program are prepared to function at advanced levels with an expanded knowledge of theory, research and clinical application. Graduates are prepared to provide evidenced based health care and to work on collaborative teams. Lab and/or clinical course requirements will be in a face-to-face learning environment for practice and demonstration to meet course objectives and accreditation requirements. Each graduate will be able to function in an advanced practice role as a Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, or Family Nurse Practitioner. Nurses who have a master’s degree in nursing may be eligible to earn a Post Master’s Certificate as a nurse educator or nurse administrator.

The number of MSN students admitted each year is determined by availability of appropriate qualified faculty and/or clinical resources. Applicants are reviewed on an individual basis. Applicants to the graduate nursing programs must meet all requirements for graduate admission as described in the admissions section of the university catalog. International students must have a minimum score of 89 on the TOEFL.

Criteria for Admission

Criteria have been established by the faculty against which each applicant is evaluated for admission. The purpose is to predict individual potential to succeed at the MSN level. It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit all necessary documentation to NursingCAS by the published deadline for admission consideration to the MSN program. Categories of admission are determined by the degree of criteria met.

1. Apply for graduate admission through NursingCAS.

2. Completion of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an institution accredited professionally and by one of the six recognized regional accrediting associations as described in the ADMISSIONS section of the university catalog.

3. Evidence of current, unencumbered, valid licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Texas. This may be printed from the Board of Nursing website and uploaded into the NursingCAS application.

4. Official transcripts from each institution attended reflecting a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 point scale on coursework completed, and the baccalaureate (or higher) degree conferred, sent directly from each institution to NursingCAS.

Mail Documents to:

NursingCAS

P.O. Box 9201

Watertown, MA 02471

5. Applicants to the MSN program must provide a one page personal statement. The personal statement should include information about your education and experience as a professional nurse to date, why you are interested in graduate education, your career goals are for the next five (5) years, why you choose UH for your graduate education, and what contributions you plan to make to our mission at Gessner College of Nursing and to advanced nursing practice. This document will be uploaded into the NursingCAS application. Include a resume.

6. An interview will be required.

7. Official score(s) of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for applicants with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A GRE or MAT score will be required for applicants with a GPA between 2.75 – 2.9 for conditional admission. Scores may not be more than 5 years old.

8. Two letters of recommendation: one from a university faculty and one from an employer. Applicants will follow the NursingCAS References process.

9. Professional work experience as defined by individual tracks. It is preferred all FNP applicants have a minimum one (1) year of experience as a baccalaureate prepared registered nurse.

10. Applicants must satisfy the College of Nursing Policy for Clinical Readiness Requirements.

MSN REQUIRED CORE COURSES - Nurse Administration and Nurse Education (18 hours)

ACADEMIC CONCENTRATION Nurse Administration (18 hours)

Total Program Requirements

ACADEMIC CONCENTRATION – Nurse Education (24 hours)

Total Program Requirements

MSN REQUIRED CORE COURSES - Family Nurse Practitioner (15 hours)

ACADEMIC CONCENTRATION – Family Nurse Practitioner (32 hours)

Total Program Requirements

Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Education (9 hours) ^†

Students who desire this additional certificate are required to complete the Master of Scinece in Nursing Family Nursing Practitioner or Education requirements, in addition to the courses listed below:

Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration (9 hours) ^†

Students who desire this additional certificate are required to complete the Master of Science in Nursing FNP or Administration requirements, in addition to the courses listed below: