Application Requirements
As a Registered Nurse who is embarking on your master’s education at WesternU, we are here to provide you with guidance and direction as a prospective student and applicant for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree to Master of Science in Nursing (BSM to MSN) program. We are here to serve you from day one, step one.
Step 1: Authorization For Out-Of-State Students
State and federal laws require that colleges and universities obtain authorization to offer online degree programs in any state where their students reside. If you are an applicant from outside California, please confirm we have authorization in your state.
International Students: We do not require a separate application or fee, and you should be prepared to meet all of the prerequisite and application requirements as outlined. If you need assistance with immigration (I-20 form, F-1 visa, SEVIS, etc.), our International Student Services (ISS) staff are available to help you. Visit the ISS website to learn more.
Step 2: Preparing And Submitting Your Application
The apply now page will provide you with step-by-step instructions as well as an application checklist. There are a number of supporting materials that make up your completed application and it is essential that you print and carefully follow the checklist to ensure that you properly submit these pieces by the deadline.
Whether you are applying to the Health Systems Leadership-Administrative Nurse Leader, Health Systems Leadership-Clinical Nurse Leader or Ambulatory Care Nursing track, the next step in the admissions process is to ensure you are able to complete the requirements in time to apply for your preferred term of entry.
- A Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited program. Bachelor’s degrees in related fields will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for Overall and last 60 semester or 90 quarter units
- Completion of a Statistics course (min 3 semester units) with a grade of “C” or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
- Registered Nurse (RN) active and unencumbered licensure in the state where your preceptored clinical hours will be completed
- One-year (1800 hours) of experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) preferred
- Students without one-year experience will be expected to work while completing the program, and must be employed as an RN before being accepted into the program and must continue working as an RN while completing graduate coursework.
- Access to a computer meeting minimum technical standards
- International applicants or any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S. should be prepared to provide proof of legal U.S. residency at the time of interview.
Proof of Legal U.S. Residency – If Required
- International applicants, or any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S., must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to matriculation.
Test of English language proficiency- If Required
Required for all applicants submitting coursework from foreign schools. TOEFL scores are valid for two years. The following exams will be accepted:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Internet-Based test (IBT) minimum score: 80
- Computer Based test minimum score: 213
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
- Minimum Score: 77
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Minimum Score: 6.5
- The test of English language proficiency will be waived if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You are a permanent and temporary residents of the United States and have completed six semester units of the communication requirement from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
- You have a confirmed bachelor’s degree at the time of application from a regionally accredited U.S. institution