How to Apply

By the application deadline, you must complete all of the following:

1. Submit an MSU Application

   • If you have never attended MSU at the undergraduate level, submit the MSU undergraduate transfer application for fall admission under the "Nursing - Accelerated Second Degree Program" major preference.

   • If you are a former MSU undergraduate student, submit the MSU readmission application. MSU students graduating in the spring must wait to submit their readmission application after graduation. This will not affect eligibility or application review.

Note: Applicants should not wait to receive an admissions decision from MSU before submitting the College of Nursing supplemental ABSN application!

2. Submit the College of Nursing Supplemental ABSN Application

• It is strongly recommended that students complete the application in one sitting.

• Applicants will be asked to respond to three short-answer (1500 characters or less) personal reflection prompts and provide a list of relevant experiences

• Applicants will be required to provide information for all courses that were or will be completed to satisfy each of the eight prerequisites. Before submitting an application, prospective students must verify that the courses are approved equivalents to the prerequisites. See "Verifying Prerequisite Coursework" below.  

3. Attend an ABSN Information Session

• Virtual information sessions are available. Dates and times are listed on our Events page.

4. Submit Transcripts

   • Provide official transcripts showing completion or current enrollment in all prerequisite courses.

   • Transcripts should be sent directly from each institution to the MSU Office of Admissions.

Note: Applicants who submit transcripts showing in-progress coursework must submit updated, final transcripts at the end of the spring semester and no later than May 15, 2026.

 

Submitting Transcripts

• Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.

• Transcripts must be sent directly to MSU Office of Admissions

• If you are currently enrolled in prerequisite courses, submit an updated transcript once grades are available.

 

Verifying Prerequisite Coursework:

To determine if the coursework you have completed--or plan to complete--at an accredited college or university will satisfy prerequisite coursework for the ABSN program, use the Transfer MSU website. Any courses listed as equivalents to the MSU prerequisites on this site will satisfy the ABSN prerequisite requirements. If a course does not appear in the Transfer MSU database, it has not yet been reviewed by the university and cannot be accepted until an evaluation is completed. For questions about the transfer credit review process, please contact traneval@msu.edu.

 

Academic Restart Policy

If you have earned a bachelor’s degree and completed 12 or more credits after graduating, you may request an Academic Restart. This policy allows your cumulative GPA to be recalculated using only post-bachelor’s degree coursework. Contact the College of Nursing for more details

 

Application Checklist

Submit the appropriate MSU application (transfer or readmission)

Submit the College of Nursing ABSN supplemental application

Attend an ABSN Information Session

Complete all prerequisite courses (or be enrolled in them at time of application)

Submit all required transcripts

 

Background Check and Drug Screening

All admitted students must complete a criminal background check and drug screening before starting the program. More information will be provided upon admission.