Master of Science in Nursing

Criteria for Consideration of Admission

Master of Science in Nursing basic application (regular program):

Priority Deadline: November 15 (all programs except the Care and Outcomes Manager  Nurse Executive program, which has a March 1 priority deadline)

Students admitted to most MSN programs (i.e., FNP, and most COM concentrations) begin classes in the summer of each year; students in the Care and Outcomes Manager Nurse Executive program typically begin in the fall. Those who apply by the indicated deadline are given priority consideration for financial assistance. Enrollments are limited in both concentrations. Admission is selective; meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Criteria for Admission to MSN Programs

 Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission. Applicants must:
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school of nursing (BSN to MSN applicants only).
  • Hold an active unencumbered Washington State RN license (BSN to MSN and RN-B applicants only)
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale for all college work
  • Have a minimum grade of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale in each prerequisite course
  • Submit PLU Graduate Application forms and $40 non-refundable fee
  • Have civil, administrative, and criminal history clearance in all states, as well as any other applicable territory or country 
  • Be fluent in speaking, reading, writing and comprehending graduate-level English (see policy and procedures in the Graduate Application Addendum)
  • Submit the School of Nursing Addendum packet, which includes:
  • Questions Relative to Licensure
  • Policy/Procedures for students who have attended another school of nursing
  • Washington State Patrol Disclosure Affidavit and non-refundable $15 fee
  • Policy/Procedures Regarding English Proficiency
  • and Physical/Psychological Expectations of Nurses preparing for Professional Practice
  • Submit the following:
  • Official transcripts from each college and university attended
  • Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) results from tests taken less than five years ago.Minimum scores: 500 in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections, and 4.00 in Analytical Writing section.
  • Professional statement of goals
  • Two letters of recommendation

One year of direct-care RN experience within the last 5 years is highly recommended.

Entry-Level MSN (for those with a non-nursing Bachelor's degree):

Priority Deadline: November 15th

Please click here to see the Entry-Level MSN program information page. Complete program information, course outlines, and admission criteria are located on the website. Information sessions for the Entry-Level MSN program are scheduled regularly; for the current calendar or to RSVP for an information session, please click here. Applications are accepted after the priority deadline on a space-available basis.

RN-B to MSN (for non-nursing baccalaureate RNs):

Priority Deadline: November 15

Please click here for the RN-B to MSN program information and application requirements page. ADN graduates interested in the MSN program must first complete a bachelor's degree.

Applications

To apply for graduate programs at Pacific Lutheran University, click here. For the Nursing Addenda Packet, click here.