Program Overview

Master of Science in Nursing Overview

The Master of Science in Nursing is designed for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced practice preparation as nurse practitioners. The program follows a lock-step progression. Admitted applicants with fewer than 12 months of RN experience at the start date will be placed on an alternate plan with a lighter course load to support their transition into practice. Program plans are provided upon admission. This program admits for the fall semester only, beginning each August.

Master of Science in Nursing Concentrations

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Occupational Health

Admission Requirements

Admission to the BSN to MSN program is competitive and based on a review of complete application materials and resource availability. Applicants must meet University Admission, English Proficiency, and program-specific requirements in the USF Graduate Catalog. BSN-prepared nurses may enroll directly in graduate coursework, with credit requirements varying by concentration.

Admission Criteria

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution.
• Must meet USF Graduate Admissions overall GPA requirements
  • A bachelor’s degree satisfying at least one of these criteria:
    • “B” average (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better in all work attempted while registered as an undergraduate student working toward a bachelor’s degree
    • “B” average (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better in all work attempted while registered as a graduate student working for a graduate degree
  • A bachelor’s degree with a “B” average or better and a previous graduate degree with a “B” average or better.
    • Note: In cases where an applicant has a bachelor’s and a graduate degree at the time of admission, the credentials and GPA of the graduate degree will be the determining factor for admission.
  • The equivalent bachelor’s and/or graduate degrees from a foreign institution.
    • Bachelor’s degrees from institutions in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) are considered equivalent based on the Bologna Accord. For applicants with a 3-year bachelor’s degree with less than 120 hours that was received at a non-Bologna Accord institution, we require a transcript evaluation from a NACES member to confirm equivalency.
• Current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in Florida by October 30th. Students must have an RN license in the United States prior to admission.
• 3.0 minimum Nursing GPA
• 1 year (12 months) minimum of full-time experience in critical care (intensive care unit) or high-acuity patient care before the start of the program to meet professional practice requirements for clinical placement. Clinical experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the faculty (Note: This requirement is for Adult Gerontology Acute Care concentration only.)
• Three (3) letters of recommendation indicating potential for graduate study from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability, clinical competence, and commitment.
  • These letters must be from a current or prior nursing faculty member or clinical instructor, a nursing supervisor, and an advanced healthcare provider (APRN, PA, MD, or DO).
  • Applicants who are not able to obtain a letter of recommendation from a current/prior nursing faculty member or clinical instructor may substitute with another letter from a second nursing supervisor or advanced practice healthcare provider.
  • Letters from acquaintances, friends, or family are not acceptable for submission
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• It is recommended, but not required, to submit competitive GRE scores taken within the last five years

Application Process

Applicants to the BSN-MSN program must complete both a USF Graduate Admissions Application and a NursingCAS application.

• Submit a USF Graduate Admissions Application
• Submit a NursingCAS Application
  • Submit all required documentation through NursingCAS, including official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, letters of recommendation, Florida Registered Nurse license, and resume.

Application Deadlines

• August 15: NursingCAS Application Opens
• February 15: NursingCAS Priority Application Deadline
• July 1: NursingCAS Deadline to Apply
• July 15: NursingCAS Verification Deadline

Prior Conduct Requirements

Students admitted to the USF College of Nursing must meet all health, legal, and technical standards to participate in clinical training and progress in the program. In addition to USF Student Health Requirements, clinical partners may require extra vaccinations or screenings under federal mandate. Exemptions are at the discretion of the clinical partner, and the College cannot guarantee approval. Noncompliance may delay or prevent clinical coursework and program completion. Proof of current health insurance is also required.

All admitted students must complete Level 1 and Level 2 background checks, drug screening, and meet Florida nursing licensure eligibility. In the NursingCAS application, applicants must disclose any misdemeanor or felony convictions, even if sealed, withheld, or adjudication was withheld. DUIs and DWIs are not considered minor traffic offenses. Expunged records do not need to be disclosed but may still appear on background checks; if this occurs, admission may be rescinded and clinical placement cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must also demonstrate the physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities necessary to meet nursing program technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations. Graduate applicants with a valid Florida RN license issued after an incident may be allowed to continue, subject to review. Applicants concerned about their ability to meet compliance or technical requirements are encouraged to wait and reapply after resolving potential issues.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

At the USF College of Nursing, scholarships and financial aid are available to assist nursing students in achieving their academic goals. In 2024–2025, the College of Nursing awarded over 380 foundation scholarships, distributing $730,000 in private funding alone.