The master’s program in nursing is open to registered nurses who wish to continue their education by obtaining an advanced degree. There are two admission options: RNs with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and RNs prepared at the associate or diploma level that have had outstanding practice experience and professional involvement. RNs who do not have a baccalaureate degree in nursing must complete additional undergraduate course work as prerequisites to master’s course work.
The following are unique admissions requirements for the Master of Science degree in nursing program:
- Two letters of recommendation: the letters should be from individuals knowledgeable of your academic and/or professional abilities and include contact information. If the applicant has been out of nursing school for less than five years, a former faculty member must submit one letter.
- Resume: include education, work experience, professional development, professional, community and volunteer activities, and research and publications.
- Statement of purpose/goals: include a statement of your educational and career goals.
- Writing sample‐-a two-page position paper on a social or health issue written in APA format, including references. Type in 12 point Times New Roman font, double-spaced on 8 1/2 x 11” paper with one-inch margins on all sides.
- Transcripts: submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. Transcripts are required regardless of the length of stay or if the grades appear on another school’s transcript, including hospital schools of nursing.
- Entrance exam:Miller Analogies Test (MAT) preferred, but the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are also accepted. Scores cannot be more than five years old from the desired semester of entry.The MAT score should be sent directly to Georgia State from Harcourt Assessment, Inc. The institution code is 2753. A department code is not necessary. If you have an official copy of your MAT scores, please send a photocopy with your application to expedite application processing. Visit the MAT website or call 1‐800‐622‐3231 for information and registration. The GRE score should be sent directly to Georgia State from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The institution code is 5251. If you have an official copy of your GRE scores, send a photocopy with your application to expedite application processing. Visit the GRE website or call 1‐800‐GRE‐CALL for information and registration. The entrance exam is waived for MS nursing applicants who hold a graduate degree in a non‐nursing field (i.e., MEd, MBA, MPH, etc.), Post‐master’s certificate applicants OR if you have a GPA of 3.0 or higher from your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
- Experience required: one to two years of clinical practice as a registered nurse. (Note: For clinical specialties, clinical practice should be in an area related to the specialty track chosen for the master’s program (for example, one to two years in medical‐surgical nursing practice to apply for adult health or family nurse practitioner specialty track.)
- International Applicants
Additional requirements may apply if you are an international applicant. Learn more about the requirements for international applicants. - Official TOEFL scores: for applicants whose native language is not English, include a copy of your TOEFL score in your application packet. Scores cannot be more than two years old from the desired term of entry.
- Certificate of immunization is required for accepted applicants who have never attended Georgia State. Upon admission, print the form found at www.gsu.edu/health and submit to Georgia State Health Services before registration.
- Citizenship verification: please review the requirements to verify lawful presence in the United States.
- RN to MS applicants must take the GRE or MAT exam to apply.
Additional requirements include the following:
- Graduation from an accredited nursing program.
- A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. The GPA is based on all undergraduate college-level course work attempted at regionally accredited institutions.
- Registration as a professional nurse in Georgia or another U.S. state and evidence of application to the Georgia Board of Nursing.
- One to two years of clinical practice in the specialty area for master’s education is preferred for applicants in the clinical practice specialist.
