Your next career is calling: Nursing needs you.
Our Master of Science in Nursing Entry-into-Nursing program allows you to enter the nursing profession at the master’s level. It is specifically designed for those who are driven to change health care and improve patient outcomes. It also positions you perfectly for your next career move.
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Through our two-year, direct entry-into-nursing master's program, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to:
- Impact patient care.You’ll be prepared to provide person-, family-, and community-centered nursing care grounded in compassion, cultural humility, equity, and respect.
- Improve patient outcomes.You’ll learn to coordinate care that anticipates and meets the needs of diverse populations, informed by an understanding of the social determinants of health.
- Lead health care teams.You’ll have what it takes to facilitate collaboration and communication among interprofessional teams to improve health outcomes across the continuum of care.
It’s not just caring for others: This program will teach you to engage in self-care practices, incorporating self-reflection and feedback from others, to promote personal and professional resilience and well-being.
Our highly motivated students join us from a variety of fields. From fine art majors to public health graduates, former geologists to psychologists, this master's option attracts those with a common goal: the desire to become nurses and change health care for the better.
How the Program Works
- This is an intensive master's option that is typically completed in two years of full-time study. Flexible plans of study are also available.
- 65 credit hours of classroom and laboratory instruction are required,including:
- essential nursing courses
- coursework in health policy, health care systems, information management and technology, ethics, social justice, wellness, and more
- 900 clinical hours
- Students are admitted in the fall and spring.
- Two electives are included in the plan of study, and you have the option to take others, so you can tailor your education to your interests, building upon your previous work and life experience or trying out new directions.
The curriculum is aligned with theAmerican Association of Colleges of Nursing’sThe Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, which focus on competency-based education (CBE). CBE is a student-centered approachthat focuses on demonstrating knowledge, skills, and attitudes as students progress through their education.It prepares students to provide equitable care to diverse patient populations byencouragingcultural competence, understanding of social determinants of health,and the importance of addressing health care disparities. It also:
- fosters personal responsibility
- promotes equity by accommodating diverse learners
- provides individualized learning through focused feedback
- clarifies faculty expectations and enhances relationships between faculty and student
- connects curriculum to real-world scenarios
- fosters collaboration with shared goals
- ensures practice readiness for a seamless transition into the workforce
- promotes personal growth through motivation, collaboration, and lifelong learning
Nursing graduates with the competencies outlined in the Essentials will be well prepared to take the Next Generation NCLEX exam. CBE effectively develops critical thinking and judgment skills in graduates, enhancing their chances of passing the licensing exam and thriving in their nursing careers.
We are flexible, so you can be, too: This program offers pathways to a doctorate, a certificate, a nursing specialty, or deeper exploration of a variety of topics. Some of the pathways allow you to take courses you can apply toward a future degree or certificate.
If you want:
- A doctorate: Take electives that can count toward a DNP or lead to a PhD.
- A certificate: Take courses that can help you complete a graduate certificate, post-licensure.
- A nursing specialty: Focus your electives in a particular area of practice, such as nursing leadership, critical care/emergency nursing, or pediatric nursing, to name a few.
- To explore: Simply choose electives in a variety of subject areas that interest you, perhaps building off of your previous education or career.
Upon Completion of the Program, You Will be:
- awarded aMaster of Science in Nursing degree
- eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for licensure as a registered nurse
What You'll Do
Our graduates leverage their former life experience and nursing master's degree to pursue a variety of health care careers with roles that include:
- direct patient care
- case management
- nurse navigation
- clinical research
- nurse and patient education
- quality and safety management
- unit management
Some have also gone on to start their own businesses.
If you wish to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UMSON, there is no need to repeat coursework you've already completed for your master's degree. You can save up to 9 credits over the traditional entry-into-practice path to the DNP and up to 12 credits if you choose to take a third elective.Your personalized plan of study will be determined at the time of admission to the DNP program.
Program Snapshot: MSN-E
Length
As little as 2 years
Format
In person
Full time
Location
Baltimore
Tuition and FeesView overview
In State Tuition: $873/credit
Out of State Tuition: $1,549/credit
Credits
65
AccreditationRead Details
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
In addition to tuition, students are charged fees by the university and the school to support various educational services. These fees vary by program, semester, and course enrollment.
More Information about the Master of Science in Nursing Entry-into-Nursing program:
Prerequisites
Find out how your prerequisites transfer.
If you have taken coursework in Maryland, theArticulation System for Maryland Colleges and Universities (ARTSYS) is an online evaluation system that can help you determine how courses taken at any two-year college in Maryland transfer to UMSON or visit our prerequisite course equivalencies page to identify equivalent courses that meet UMSON's prerequisite requirements.
Before you begin the admissions process, you cansubmit copies of your unofficial transcript(s) to us for review, and an admissions counselor will advise you on your requirements for admission. Visit the Prerequisite Course Information Resources webpage to learn more about prerequisite requirement.
Prerequisite Courses
The following lower-division, pre-professional courses may be completed at any accredited college or university.
| Prerequisite Course | Credits | Helpful Course Tips |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry* | 4 | • Must include lab • Must be general chemistry or higher (example: organic) • Preparatory or introductory chemistry is not accepted |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II* | 8 | • Must include lab |
| Microbiology* | 4 | • Must include lab |
| Human Growth and Development | 3 | • Must be a lifespan course covering conception through death • Child/adolescent psychology is not acceptable |
| Statistics | 3 | • Must be a 100-level or higher statistics course |
| Nutrition | 3 | • Must be a human nutrition course |
* These courses must have been taken in the past 10 years.
General Notes:
- Courses may be taken online.
- No course can be used to fulfill more than one requirement.
- All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to enrollment at UMSON.
- Accepted students must submit proof of enrollment for any outstanding prerequisite courses. Documentation must be received by June 1for students admitted for Fall and Sept. 1for students admitted for Spring. Acceptable documentation includes an official transcript, unofficial transcript or a letter from the registrar’s office stating that you are enrolled for those courses. Failure to provide documentation of coursework in progress may result in the cancellation of your admission. Proof of enrollment documentation can be uploaded on your student portal. All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to enrollment at UMSON.
- Final transcripts and scores must be submitted one week prior to classes starting.
Courses You'll Take: Fall Admission Plan of Study
For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.
Students admitted in the fall semester enroll in classes for four semesters and one summer session.
The MSN-E curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’sThe Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, which focus on competency-based education (CBE). CBE is a student-centered approach that focuses on demonstrating knowledge, skills, and attitudes as students progress through their education.
This plan of study is for students entering the MSN-E program in fall 2024 and subsequent fall semesters.
| FALL ADMISSION | Credits |
| Semester1 | |
| NURS 510: Pathophysiological and Pharmacological Bases for Nursing Practice | 5 Credits |
| NURS 512: Health Assessment Across the Lifespan | 3 Credits |
| NURS 515:Foundations of Nursing Practice (90 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NURS 516:Nursing Role and Professionalism | 2 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 16 Credits |
| Semester 2 | |
| NURS 525:Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 527:Adult Health Nursing 1: Common Conditions (135 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NURS 524:Healthy Aging and Gerontological Nursing | 2 Credits |
| NURS 526:Evaluating the Evidence | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 14 Credits |
| Semester 3 (Summer Semester) | |
| NURS 531:Reproductive Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 533:Pediatrics Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Semester 4 | |
| NURS 541:Community and Population Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 547:Adult Health Nursing 2: Complex Conditions (135 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NRSG 782:Health Systems and Health Policy: Leadership and Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
| NELC XXX:Elective | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 15 Credits |
| Semester 5 | |
| NURS 551:Practicum (180 Clinical Hours) | 6 Credits |
| NRSG 550:Leadership in Practice | 3 Credits |
| NELC XXX:Elective | 3 Credits |
| NELC XXXX:Elective (optional) | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 12-15 Credits |
| TOTAL 65 CREDITS (68 with optional elective)/855 CLINICAL HOURS | |
View information on theFoundations of Interprofessional Education and Practice Course.
Courses You'll Take: Spring Admission Plan of Study
For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.
Students admitted in the spring semester may enroll in classes for:
- four semesters and one summer
or - four semesters and two summers.
Students choosing to enroll in both summer courses (531 and 533) in the first summer mayhave the opportunity to apply for a residency or certified nursing assistantposition at a health care facility for their second summer in the program.
The MSN-E curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’sThe Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, which focus on competency-based education (CBE). CBE is a student-centered approach that focuses on demonstrating knowledge, skills, and attitudes as students progress through their education.
This plan of study is for students entering the MSN-E program in spring 2024 and subsequent spring semesters. This option is four semesters and one summer session.
| SPRINGADMISSION | Credits |
| Semester1 | |
| NURS 510: Pathophysiological and Pharmacological Bases for Nursing Practice | 5 Credits |
| NURS 512: Health Assessment Across the Lifespan | 3 Credits |
| NURS 515:Foundations of Nursing Practice (90 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NURS 516:Nursing Role and Professionalism | 2 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 16 Credits |
| Semester 2: (Summer Semester) | |
| NURS 531:Reproductive Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 533:Pediatrics Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Semester 3 | |
| NURS 525:Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 527:Adult Health Nursing 1: Common Conditions (135 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NURS 524:Healthy Aging and Gerontological Nursing | 2 Credits |
| NURS 526:Evaluating the Evidence | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 14 Credits |
| Semester 4 | |
| NURS 541:Community and Population Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 547:Adult Health Nursing 2: Complex Conditions (135 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NRSG 782:Health Systems and Health Policy: Leadership and Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
| NELC XXX:Elective | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 15 Credits |
| Semester 5 | |
| NURS 551:Practicum (180 Clinical Hours) | 6 Credits |
| NRSG 550:Leadership in Practice | 3 Credits |
| NELC XXX:Elective | 3 Credits |
| NELC XXXX:Elective (optional) | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 12-15 Credits |
| TOTAL 65 CREDITS (68 with optional elective)/855 CLINICAL HOURS | |
View information on theFoundations of Interprofessional Education and Practice Course.
Scholarship Opportunities
Your nursing education is an important investment. Financial aid and scholarships can help make your goals a reality.
UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.
| Type of Aid | Award |
|---|---|
| Federal Financial Aid | various award amounts |
| Maryland Financial Aid | various award amounts |
| Merit Scholarships | $1,500-$3,000 per semester (You are automatically considered for a merit scholarship upon submitting a completed application for enrollment inan UMSONacademic program.) |
| Donor-Funded Scholarships | $500-2,000 per semester (offered during the fall and spring semesters) |
| Conway Scholarship | 50% scholarship: in-state tuition, fees, and books |
| Graduate Assistantships | stipend, tuition remission, in-state status, and paid student health insurance |
Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships
All students receiving funds through the University must:
- be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program
- complete aFree Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) each year by UMB's award priority deadline
- FAFSA Submission period:Oct. 1 (of the previous year) through Feb. 28
- FAFSA School code:002104
Theis available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.
Contact Us:
UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office
410-706-0489 | nrsscholarships@umaryland.edu
UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office
410-706-7347 | aidtalk@umaryland.edu
MSN-E Admission Information
In this section:
- Deadlines
- Qualifications
- Prerequisite Coursework
- Application Materials and Instructions
- Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S
Deadline:
For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the respective deadlines to ensure your application is considered for admission and scholarships.
| Fall 2024 Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Priority Deadline | Dec. 15, 2023 Applications and all supplemental materials must be received by this date for priority consideration for admission decisions and UMSON scholarships. |
| Regular Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration | Feb. 1, 2024 Completed applications received after this deadline are reviewed solely on a space-available basis. Only applicants who apply by this deadline will be eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required) and the Conway Scholarship (additional application required). Federal financial aid eligibility is not impacted by this deadline. |
| Final Deadline | March 29, 2024 All applications and supplemental documents must be received by this date. Incomplete applications after this deadline will be canceled. |
| Spring 2025 Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Priority Deadline | July 15, 2024 Applications and all supplemental materials must be received by this date for priority consideration for admission decisions and UMSON scholarships. |
| Regular Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration | Sept. 1, 2024 Completed applications received after this deadline are reviewed solely on a space-available basis. Only applicants who apply by this deadline will be eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required) and the Conway Scholarship (additional application required). Federal financial aid eligibility is not impacted by this deadline. |
| Final Deadline | TBA - Currently accepting applications All applications and supplemental documents must be received by this date. Incomplete applications after this deadline will be canceled. |
Qualifications:
- Baccalaureate degree in a major other than nursing with an overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Science Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (chemistry, anatomy and physiology I and II, and microbiology)
Applicants who do not meet certain admission criteria may still be considered for admission. You are strongly advised to submit the supplemental essay to review your case. Please refer to the Essay section below for more information about the supplemental essay.
Prerequisite Coursework:
- General Chemistry with Lab*
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab*
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab*
- Microbiology with Lab*
- Human Growth and Development
- Statistics
- Nutrition
* These courses must have been taken in the past 10 years.
Prior to applying, applicants must complete a minimum of:
- two of the following science prerequisite courses:
- General Chemistry with Lab*
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab*
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab*
- Microbiology with Lab*
* These courses must have been taken in the past 10 years.
- one of the following prerequisite courses:
- Human Growth and Development
- Statistics
- Nutrition
See more information onMSN-E Prerequisite Requirements.
Accepted students must submit proof of enrollment for any outstanding prerequisite courses. Documentation must be received by June 1for students admitted for Fall and Sept. 1for students admitted for Spring. Acceptable documentation includes an official transcript, unofficial transcript or a letter from the registrar’s office stating that you are enrolled for those courses. Failure to provide documentation of coursework in progress may result in the cancellation of your admission. Proof of enrollment documentation can be uploaded on your student portal. All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to enrollment at UMSON. Applicants must submit final grades one week prior to classes starting.
Application Materials and Instructions:
Materials | Submission Guidelines |
Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. | Start your application nowvia the Admissions Dashboard. The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:
You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date. We recommend that you continue to log in for regular updates. |
One recommendation.Your recommendation must comefrom a professor who can attest to your academic performance. Only the first recommendation received will be considered. | Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard. |
Essay.Please submit a 500-1,000-word essay that addresses the following:
For applicants who don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement, we highly encourage you to provide additional information regarding your academic history by submitting a supplemental essay in your admissions portal. Please submit a 200-word essay that addresses the following:
| |
Typed résumé or CV.Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. | |
Prerequisite Course List.Download and complete the Prerequisite Course List.Prerequisite courses must be taken at regionally or nationally accredited schools. ACE credits are not accepted. | |
Official transcripts.An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Returning students are not required to submit UMSON transcripts; we will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application. Please note that UMSON is listed two ways in the Academics area. Please make sure you choose one of the following:
| Have each institution submit electronically toadmissions.nursing@umaryland.edu. |
Residency classification.Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUSTapply for in-state status. | Complete aresidency applicationand submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to theOffice of the Registrarusing the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission. |
Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S:
- If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
- If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.
More information.
If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process,contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarshipsto avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.
Clinical Nurse Leader Plan of Study
For current students or alumni of UMSON’s Clinical Nurse Leader option who may need to reference previous plans of study for that program, you can do so in this PDF.
