Master’s-Level Entry-Into-Nursing Program

Two Nursing Students working on a simulation patient

Coming Spring 2024: 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.

Application coming soon.

If you would like to receive information and be alerted when the application opens, please provide your name and email address in our online form.

Ranked Among the Best

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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.

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 View overview

In State: $844/credit
Out of State: $1,519/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.

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.


Prerequisite Courses

The following lower-division, pre-professional courses may be completed at any accredited college or university. 

Prerequisite CourseCreditsHelpful 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
English Composition I and II or Creative Writing/Literature 6 • Introductory-level English and one higher-level course fulfills this requirement
• English as a second language is not accepted
Psychology 3 • Any course from the psychology department
Sociology 3 • Any courses from the sociology department
College Algebra 3 • College algebra or higher, such as pre-calculus or calculus
• Intermediate/preparatory algebra is not accepted
Social Sciences 3 • Anthropology, behavioral science, criminal justice, economics, geography, history, international relations, legal studies, sociology, political science, psychology, social work, women's/cultural studies
Arts and Humanities 9

• Courses must come from at least two of these disciplines: art history, classics, communications,dance, history, humanities, film and media studies, foreign language (to include American sign language), linguistics, literature, music studio/visual art, philosophy, religious studies, speech, theatre, women’s/cultural studies

General Electives 7 • Any additional courses, academic in nature, that are not below the 100 level
• English as a second language, orientation, and nursing courses
are not accepted

* 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.

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 3 Credits 
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 
NURS 531: Reproductive Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) 4 Credits
NURS 533: Pediatrics Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) 4 Credits
Total: 8 Credits
Semester 4 (Summer Semester) 
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)/900 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.

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 3 Credits 
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)/900 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 AidAward
Federal 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 full scholarship: tuition and fees
(for those who will have completed 9 credit hours of graduate study by the start of the semester for which the Conway Scholarship is awarded and who have at least half of their credit hours remaining)
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: 

Competitive applicants will be offered admission first. Space is limited so applicants are encouraged to apply early. 

Spring 2024 Timeline
Priority Deadline  July 15, 2022
If your online application and all supplemental application materials are received by this date, your application will be reviewed immediately for priority consideration for admission decisions and scholarships.
Deadline Sept. 1, 2023
Completed applications received after the deadline are reviewed solely on a space-available basis. Only those who apply by this deadline will be eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required). This deadline does not impact eligibility for federal financial aid.
Application Review Rolling basis beginning in September
Admissions Decisions Announced Rolling basis beginning in September

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)

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 an additional essay via the Additional Supplemental item area in your portal.

Please submit a 200-word essay that addresses the following:

  1. Why have you not met the minimum admission criteria?
  2. Why do you deserve special consideration?
  3. How have you worked to improve your academics or demonstrated the ability to be successful in a rigorous academic curriculum?
  4. How do you plan to be successful if admitted to the nursing program?

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.

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