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.
Through our two-year, direct entry-into-nursing master's program, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to:
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.
We are flexible, so you can be, too:
Flexible Course Scheduling
Choose your plan of study (5- and 6- semester options) depending on whether you want to finish faster or you have other responsibilities, such as work or family. The 5-semester plan is accelerated and requires approximately 60 hours a week for class, lab, clinical and study time. The 6- semester plan provide more flexibility if you need to work or have other responsibilities.
The chart below shows the timelines.
Flexible Next Steps
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:
Our graduates leverage their former life experience and nursing master's degree to pursue a variety of health care careers with roles that include:
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.
This program’s 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 is built on the science of how we learn and provides multiple opportunities for you to demonstrate and use what you are learning as you learn it.
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:
For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.
This plan of study is for students entering the MSN-E program in fall 2024 and subsequent fall semesters.
| FALL ADMISSION - 5 Semesters | Credits |
| Semester 1: Fall 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 (45 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NURS 516: Nursing Role and Professionalism | 2 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 16 Credits |
| Semester 2: Spring 1 | |
| 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 1 | |
| NURS 531: Reproductive Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 533: Pediatrics Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Semester 4: Fall 2 | |
| 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: Spring 2 | |
| 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. View a list of electives (a UMID and password is required to access the document).
For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.
This plan of study is for students entering the MSN-E program in spring 2024 and subsequent spring semesters.
| SPRING ADMISSION - 6 Semesters | Credits |
| Semester 1: Spring 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 (45 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NURS 516: Nursing Role and Professionalism | 2 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 16 Credits |
| Semester 2: Summer 1 | |
| NURS 531: Reproductive Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 533: Pediatrics Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Semester 3: Fall 1 | |
| 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: Spring 2 | |
| 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 4: Summer 2 |
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| Use for coursework, student nursing | |
| 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. View a list of electives (a UMID and password is required to access the document).
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:
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
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 2025 Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Priority Deadline | Dec. 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 | Feb. 1, 2025 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 | Feb. 21, 2025 All applications and supplemental documents must be received by this date. Incomplete applications after this deadline will be canceled. |
| Spring 2026 Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Feb. 24, 2025 |
| Priority Deadline | July 15, 2025 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, 2025 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 All applications and supplemental documents must be received by this date. Incomplete applications after this deadline will be canceled. |
Should the deadline fall on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the subsequent business day.
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.
* These courses must have been taken in the past 10 years.
Prior to applying, applicants must complete a minimum of:
* These courses must have been taken in the past 10 years.
See more information on MSN-E Prerequisite Requirements.
Accepted students must submit proof of enrollment for any outstanding prerequisite courses. If a student is admitted after the deadlines previously mentioned, proof of enrollment is due within two weeks of receiving their admission decision. 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. Effective immediately, applicants must submit final grades at least two weeks prior to classes starting.
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Materials |
Submission Guidelines |
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Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. |
Start your application now via 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. |
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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.
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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:
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Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. |
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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. |
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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:
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Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu. |
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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. |
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.
For additional admissions-related questions, see our Admissions FAQs.
Why should I choose the MSN-E at UMSON?
What is the benefit of earning an MSN rather than a BSN to enter nursing?
In addition to graduating with a valuable master’s degree, you will have more options for leadership, teaching, research, and practice roles. Our MSN-E graduates tend to move rapidly up the career ladder. Also, the MSN-E allows you to take graduate-level electives, as mentioned above.
Can I do the program part-time?
No. We offer two plans of study (5- and 6-semester plans) and both are considered full time. This is important, as you are eligible for federal financial aid, no matter which plan you choose. The 6-semester plan provides more flexibility if you need to work or have other responsibilities. Remember that you should prioritize nursing school while you are in school.
What is the difference between the 5- and 6-semester plans of study?
The 5-semester option is accelerated and takes approximately 60 hours a week for class, lab, clinical, and study time. We strongly recommend against working while enrolled in this plan. The 6-semester plan allows you to take one fewer class per semester and have an additional summer for coursework, internships, or working.
The chart below shows the timelines.
What elective options do I have?
You can tailor your program to your interests and experience by taking graduate electives in the School of Nursing, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Graduate School, or other UMB professional schools.
Can I work toward a certificate or another Master's Degree while I'm completing this MSN?
Yes. After beginning your coursework for the MSN-E program, you can apply to a certificate or another master’s program at UMSON or other UMB schools.
Can I work while I complete this program?
Yes. Many students work part time while in the 6-semester option. We strongly recommend you do not work during the accelerated 5-semester option.
I eventually want to earn a DNP or PhD. How many credits transfer from the MSN-E?
After you graduate from the MSN-E program and you apply and are accepted to an UMSON doctoral (DNP or PhD) program, you can transfer 9 credits into the DNP program and up to 6 credits into the PhD program from MSN-E required coursework and electives.
Do I have to find my own clinical sites?
No. One of the benefits of choosing to earn your nursing degree at UMSON is that we arrange all clinical experiences for you.
Where are the clinical sites?
Clinical sites are located across Maryland and Washington, D.C., primarily in central Maryland and in and around Baltimore. Your clinical site may be up to an hour’s drive from UMSON’s Baltimore campus.
How do I prepare a strong application?
Aside from having a strong academic record, successful applicants often have experience as athletes, servers, or baristas, or they may have shadowed in health care, worked on research teams, taken care of a family member, or put themselves through school successfully. In your resume and essay, highlight these kinds of experiences.
If you do not meet the GPA criteria, consider retaking prerequisites you did not do well in, and when you do apply, be sure to complete the supplemental essay to explain. Your transcript should demonstrate recent academic success. Finally, make sure your application is complete by the deadline for the semester you choose.
Do not hesitate to reach out to our Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships team at admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu for help at any point along the way.
How do I write a successful essay?
Your essay should be personal and respond to all the question prompts. We want to know about you.
The essay is an opportunity to write about why you are choosing nursing, what personal strengths you bring, and your goals and career plans.
If you have something in your resume or academic history that stands out, whether good or questionable, please address it in your primary essay.
Be specific. The best essays are clearly written and include details that reflect you as a person.
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.
