College of Nursing

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FAQs

Graduate Nursing FAQs

To apply, go to admissions.msu.edu, click Apply, then Graduate Applicants, then Start a graduate application.

Applications generally open each year on August 1 for the following programs:
  • Nurse Practitioner MSN and DNP
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist MSN and DNP
  • Post-Master’s DNP
  • Ph.D.
April 1 is the final deadline for these programs.

Nurse Anesthesiology DNP: Applications open April 1. Deadline: June 1.

Post-Graduate Certificates:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Applications open August 1, due March 1.
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, CNS: Applications open in summer, due October 1.
- Certificate in Teaching: Program begins in the fall. Application deadline: April 1.

All materials may be submitted online.

Transcripts may be sent by mail to:
Office of Admissions
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824-2604

Electronic transcript submissions are also accepted via Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, or any secure transcript service, sent directly to: admis@msu.edu
Not all applicants will be invited to interview. If selected, interviews are held virtually or on campus with faculty. Expect a 1.5 to 3 hour commitment.
Admission decision letters are typically sent via email within two months of your interview.
  • Fall: NP MSN/DNP, CNS MSN/DNP, Post-Master’s DNP, PhD
  • Summer: Nurse Anesthesiology DNP, PMHNP Certificate
  • Spring: FNP, AGPCNP, CNS Certificates
No. All applicants must hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing (BSN or BAN).
A 3-credit stats course (200-level or higher) is required within 5 years.
  • Undergrad stats: 2.0+ grade
  • Graduate stats: 3.0+ grade
You may apply before completing it, but you must finish before the program starts.
Yes. Up to:
  • 25% of coursework for MSN/DNP
  • 45% for the PhD (excluding dissertation credits)
Transfer requires transcript + syllabi for review and approval.
Yes. Out-of-state applicants are welcome.

International students may apply for the PhD and Nurse Practitioner programs. However, F-1 and J-1 visas are not compatible with the NP program due to online requirements.
Tuition rates vary by residency status. Visit the MSU Controller’s Office for current tuition and fees.
Yes. College of Nursing scholarships open January–March 1. Visit our website for additional funding opportunities.
CNS is one of the four types of APRNs. CNSs provide advanced nursing care in a range of settings and influence care outcomes by integrating clinical expertise with evidence-based practice across patient care, nursing practice, and systems improvement.
CNSs are leaders who improve patient outcomes, mentor nurses, and help transform healthcare systems. They are ideal for individuals passionate about nursing practice innovation and leadership.
Admission is holistic and based on academic history, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, resume, and an interview. Applications are accepted from August 1 to April 1 for fall entry.
Yes. An on-campus orientation is required before beginning the program. Courses are online, but orientation is held in August.
Admission is competitive. The Fall 2024 cohort had an average of 8.6 years of experience and an average GPA of 3.46.
Yes. Clinical hours are included in the CNS curriculum. A board-certified CNS serves as the preceptor.
No. The NP program is hybrid. Some courses are fully online while others require attendance on campus 4–5 times per semester.
Admission is competitive. The Fall 2024 cohort had an average of 4.5 years of experience and an average GPA of 3.48.
Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of continuous, full-time experience in a high-acuity ICU in the U.S. by the application deadline (excluding orientation or externships). Preferred experience includes RN roles in surgical, cardiothoracic, transplant, burn, neuro-trauma, medical, coronary, pediatric, and neonatal ICUs. ER, PACU, Cath Lab, and similar units are respected but do not align as closely with anesthesia practice.
The program admits 20 students annually with 200+ applicants on average. The Class of 2024 had an average GPA of 3.68 and an average of 4.2 years of experience.
CCRN (or equivalent) is required. Shadowing a CRNA is highly recommended. Some applicants take or retake science courses (e.g., graduate-level physiology, chemistry, or pharmacology), though this is not required.
No. The program does not typically allow deferrals. If you decline your seat, you must reapply.
The BSN-DNP program spans 36 months, full-time only. The first two semesters are front-loaded with coursework. Clinical immersion begins in the third semester. Students are typically on campus 1–2 days per week, and some courses are online. The weekly time commitment averages 60+ hours.
Some students may work part-time or per diem during the first 2–3 semesters. However, time demands increase substantially later.
Students rotate across affiliate clinical sites, including:
  • St. Mary’s – Grand Rapids
  • Bronson – Kalamazoo
  • Gerber – Fremont
  • Trinity – Muskegon
  • Ascension St. John – Detroit
  • Ascension Providence – Novi
  • Beaumont – Trenton
  • Henry Ford – Main
  • Henry Ford – Macomb
  • Henry Ford – West Bloomfield
  • Hurley Medical Center
  • Henry Ford Allegiance
  • Sparrow
  • McLaren Greater Lansing
  • Owosso Memorial
  • Hillsdale
  • Oaklawn – Marshall
Sites may change based on program needs. Students may not attend every location. The assistant program director coordinates placements to meet clinical and case requirements.
Yes. MSU provides malpractice insurance. Details are available on the MSU Risk Management and Insurance website.
No. Students are required to maintain their own health insurance. MSU offers student health plans via the Human Resources website.
This program is specifically designed for MSN-prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to complete the DNP.
Most students are able to complete this program in 2 years. The post-master's programs are unique in that they are tailored to your specific situation. This means that each applicant’s transcripts will be reviewed to determine the gap between DNP outcomes and their prior education.
No. Both bachelor’s and master’s-prepared nurses are eligible. Additional coursework or clinical experience may be required based on research interests.
The Ph.D. program is available in-person or in a hybrid format. Nursing courses are primarily on campus with some hybrid options. Other required courses may be online.
The Ph.D. can be completed in about 4 years full-time or 6 years part-time. Each student works with a faculty advisor to create a customized plan.