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Master of Science Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants to KU's Master of Science program will contribute academic, nonacademic and socioeconomic diversity to the program.

The School of Nursing has paused admissions to the MS Nursing degree program for the 2025-2026 academic year. We are evaluating the future of this program and exploring options which include reimagining the opportunities contained within an advanced nursing practice pathway. We commend you for your desire to pursue further education and are appreciative of your trust in considering us as your educational partner.

Admission Criteria for the Master of Science
The KU School of Nursing selects applicants who, in the judgment of the Student Admission and Progression Committee, demonstrate the academic achievement, integrity and motivation necessary for successful functional area leadership in nursing. The committee looks for applicants who will contribute academic, nonacademic and socioeconomic diversity to the class.

Prospective students must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission to the Master of Science degree program:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a nationally accredited program (NLNAC or CCNE).
  • Current registered nurse license in at least one state in the United States.
  • Minimum of one year of clinical work experience as a registered nurse is recommended.
  • Minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Potential for leadership and application of scholarship in nursing.
  • Potential to provide expert service and leadership in functional area.
  • Graduate level statistics course. This course may be completed prior to admission or during the first semester of MS program enrollment.

Background Check Requirement

For KU programs to maintain accreditation status, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires that all persons, employees, volunteers and students involved in patient care activities to have background checks. This status is very important to health care organizations to demonstrate to patients and professionals that they meet the highest of standards for patient care.

This background check will be done at the applicant's expense after provisional acceptance has been granted. The information from this report is held in confidence by the school. 

Accreditation

The KU School of Nursing's baccalaureate, master's and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC, 20001; 202-887-6791. This organization is a nationally recognized professional accrediting body for collegiate nursing programs.

The baccalaureate, master's and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are also approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, Landon State Office Building, 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 1051, Topeka, Kansas 66612-1230; 785-296-4929.

The Nurse Midwifery Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, 8403 Colesville R., Suite 1550, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, 240-485-1800, FAX: 240-485-1818.

The University of Kansas is accredited by the North Central Accrediting Association through its Higher Learning Commission.

Master of Science in Nursing

KU School of Nursing
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Mail Stop 2029
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-588-1619 | TTY 711
soninfo@kumc.edu