Master’s-Level Entry-Into-Nursing Program

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. 

* 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. 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.
• Final transcripts and scores must be submitted one week prior to classes starting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Should the deadline fall on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the subsequent business day.

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. 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.

Application Materials and Instructions:

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.

Jump to:

• General Program Information
• Applying to the MSN-E Program

For additional admissions-related questions, see our Admissions FAQs.

General Program Information

Why should I choose the MSN-E at UMSON?

• You can be assured of a top-tier education: We are consistently ranked among the top schools nationwide for graduate education by U.S. News & World Report.
• Choose your plan of study (5-, 6-, or 7-semester options) depending on whether you want to finish faster or you have other responsibilities, such as work or family.
• Take graduate-level electives that may also apply toward a certificate, a second master’s degree, or a doctoral degree, which you would complete after you earn your MSN.
• And don’t forget: We offer extremely competitive in-state tuition.

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 three plans of study (5-, 6-, and 7-semester plans) and all are considered full time. This is important, as you are eligible for federal financial aid, no matter which plan you choose. The 6- and 7-semester plans provide 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-, 6-, and 7-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- and 7-semester plans allow 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- and 7-semester options. 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.

Applying to the MSN-E Program

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.