Program Overview

Master of Science in Nursing

The graduate nursing MSN curriculum includes four core courses and specific courses related to role specialization within the three degrees. Three minor areas of study are also available for students seeking to refine their skills as leaders/managers, practitioners, or educators.

Program Details

The MSN Program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced nursing practice in nursing leadership, family nurse practitioners, or nurse educators. Emphasis is placed on facilitating health care delivery within a multicultural framework. The program offers the following specializations:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Leadership in Nursing Systems
• Nurse Educator

Application Deadlines

The Master of Science in Nursing program uses a rolling admission process during the admissions cycle. However, students are encouraged to apply early to allow for enough time to also apply for and qualify for federal student aid and scholarships.

Application Requirements

Complete Application for Admission

• Apply for Admission via the university's application portal
• An applicant may defer admission to an earlier/later semester
• Applications are valid for one year
• One deferral is allowed per application

Application Fee

• $50 for US citizens, $70 for International Students

Additional Requirements

• Submit a Resume for FNP program and an essay for leaders/managers and educators program
• License Submission
• Have 2 references submit the CONHS Reference Form
• Submit transcripts documenting all undergraduate and graduate course work taken at any accredited college or university attended

Special Program Requirements

• Upon admission to the College, complete a criminal background check
• Complete a five-panel non-chain of custody urine drug screen
• Purchase professional liability coverage through the University
• Meet Texas Department of State Health Services immunization requirements for students involved with direct patient contact
  • Students may be provisionally enrolled for up to one semester to allow students to attend classes while obtaining the required vaccines and acceptable evidence of vaccination
  • Students cannot be provisionally enrolled without at least one dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine if direct patient contact will occur during the provisional enrollment period
  • Polio vaccine is not required
  • One dose of tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (Td) is required within the last ten years
  • Students who were born on or after January 1, 1957, must show, prior to patient contact, acceptable evidence of vaccination of two doses of measles-containing vaccine administered since January 1, 1968
  • Students must show, prior to patient contact, acceptable evidence of vaccination of one dose of rubella vaccine
  • Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show, prior to patient contact, acceptable evidence of vaccination of one dose of mumps vaccine
  • Students shall receive a complete series of hepatitis B vaccine prior to the start of direct patient care or show serologic confirmation of immunity to hepatitis B virus
  • Students shall receive two doses of varicella vaccine unless the first dose was received prior to thirteen years of age
• Complete a series of hepatitis A vaccine or serologic confirmation of immunity to hepatitis A virus before enrollment in courses with clinical laboratory experiences
• Provide results of tuberculosis screening annually
• Hold a current American Heart Association or Red Cross Healthcare Provider CPR certification

Additional International Applicant Requirements

• Copy of current Visa (if applicable)
• English Language Proficiency
  • Official TOEFL score minimum paper-based score of 550 or internet-based score of 79-80
  • Official IELTS score minimum 6.5
  • TOEFL/IELTS will be waived if a valid Texas Nursing License is submitted