Master’s-Level Entry-Into-Nursing Program

Two Nursing Students working on a simulation patient

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.

Ranked Among the Best

Bet Masters Degree MSN 2023-2024

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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 the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The 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. It prepares students to provide equitable care to diverse patient populations by encouraging cultural 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 a Master 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 Fees View overview

In State Tuition: $873/credit
Out of State Tuition: $1,549/credit

Credits

65

Accreditation Read Details

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

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, the Articulation 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 can submit 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 1 for students admitted for Fall and Sept. 1 for 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’s The 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
Semester 1
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 the Foundations 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 may have the opportunity to apply for a residency or certified nursing assistant position 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’s The 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.

SPRING ADMISSION Credits
Semester 1
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 the Foundations 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 in an UMSON academic 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 a Free 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

The UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education is 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:


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 on MSN-E Prerequisite Requirements.

Accepted students must submit proof of enrollment for any outstanding prerequisite courses. Documentation must be received by June 1 for students admitted for Fall and Sept. 1 for 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 now via the Admissions Dashboard.

The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:

  • submit your online application and fee
  • submit/request any supplemental documents
  • check your application status.

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 come from 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:

  • Discuss your motivation to pursue the profession of nursing. Please be detailed and help us understand what we need to know about you to understand why you are applying to nursing school.  
  • Describe the population of interest or the area of health care in which you would like to work after graduation. 
  • Briefly summarize what you hope to be doing professionally five years from now. 
  • In addition, please respond to ONE of these two prompts: 
    • In addition to your academic record, describe how your intelligence, curiosity, and values prepare you to contribute to the learning community at UMSON.

      OR

    • UMSON values the diverse identities of our students. Tell us about a dimension of your identity that matters to you and why it will matter in your nursing career.

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:

  1. What factors led to your current status of not meeting the minimum admission criteria?
  2. In what ways have you taken steps to enhance your academic performance or shown proficiency in challenging coursework?
  3. Can you describe your strategy to achieve success in the nursing program if you are admitted?

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:

  • Maryland Baltimore, Univ of
  • UMB- School of Nursing

Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu.

Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. 

Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using 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 Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.

Upcoming Admissions Events See More
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.