Prerequisites for Admission
Applicants to the master of science in nursing (M.S.N.) program or the doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) program should have graduated with, or be about to graduate with, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program with an upper division major in nursing. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.000 on a 4.000 scale is required.
Prior to or during the first term of study, all master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing practice applicants must have taken undergraduate nursing research and a statistics course which included inferential analysis (must be completed within 5 years of program start date).
Applicants that select an advanced practice nursing specialization must have taken an undergraduate course in health assessment. It is recommended that applicants to the health care systems leadership or to the advanced practice nursing specializations in acute care, nurse-midwifery or pediatrics have a minimum of one year related professional experience.
Applicants to the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) program in nursing should have graduated with, or be about to graduate with, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program or a master’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program. For a bachelor’s applicant, the requirements are: RN licensure, a GPA of 3.000 on a 4.000 scale, a statistics course within the last 5 years, acceptable GRE scores, three letters of reference, a goal statement and a personal interview. Generally, for a master’s applicant, a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.300 on a 4.000 scale is recommended. A graduate level research course is a required prerequisite.
Familiarity with computers and the Web (e.g., electronic retrieval of data, word processing) is required for all applicants. Some courses use web-enhanced and/or hybrid teaching.
Health Requirements and Criminal Background Checks Information (Word Doc)
Nursing (NURS) Application Requirements
Applicants must submit, directly to the Marquette University Graduate School:
A completed online application form and $50 application fee.
Official transcripts from all current and previous colleges/universities except Marquette.
(For master’s and D.N.P. applicants only) three completed recommendation forms prepared by previous or present employers and teachers familiar with graduate education in nursing.
(For Ph.D. applicants only) three Ph.D. letters of recommendation.
(For master’s and D.N.P. applicants only) GRE scores (General Test only). Waived if undergraduate GPA is 3.200 or above. Waived for applicants who have a master’s degree and the master’s GPA is 3.200 or above.
(For Ph.D. applicants only) GRE scores (General Test only). Waived if applicant is Marquette M.S.N. graduate with GPA of 3.700 or above.
(For post-master's D.N.P. applicants only) evidence of certification in a specialty.
A resume and written statement of professional goals, including reasons for pursuing graduate study. For Ph.D. applicants, a curriculum vitae and objectives/career intentions, including research interests.
(For Ph.D. applicants only) sample of scholarly writing.
(For international applicants only) a TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.
An interview is required for applicants to the advanced practice nursing specializations in acute care nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery and pediatrics.
With the exception of Second Degree Direct Entry M.S.N. applicants, an applicant must be registered in the United States as a professional nurse. Graduates of nursing schools in foreign countries must successfully complete the examination administered by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and must be licensed in Wisconsin.
Upon acceptance to the graduate program, students must complete and submit the Graduate Student Health Status Report form. Information on CPR requirements, physical examination and immunization status, including results of a T.B. skin test and proof of Wisconsin R.N. licensure and a criminal background check must be submitted to a program on the website www.certifiedbackground.com/. Results of a T.B. skin test must be provided annually. Students are responsible for the cost of these services. The information is required for progression within the program.
Acute care nurse practitioner students must demonstrate evidence of current Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification and have experience working with acutely ill adults before commencing with the first clinical practicum course. Pediatric acute care nurse practitioner students need to be PALS certified.
Master of Science in Nursing — Second Degree Direct Entry for Non-Nurses
The master’s program for non-nursing graduates is designed for those individuals who hold baccalaureate degrees in fields other than nursing and who wish to become nurses. The program builds upon the student’s broad educational preparation and provides an intense, accelerated, and specialized nursing curriculum to meet the student’s career goals.
Students complete the nursing requirements and meet the bachelor of science in nursing program objectives in an intense 15-month, pre-M.S.N. phase and progress to graduate study. During the spring term of the pre-M.S.N. phase, students select a graduate option. Note that some options highly recommend and/or require a year of practice prior to beginning clinical practice courses; this may necessitate part-time study. The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) must be taken within 2 months of completion of the pre-M.S.N. phase, with proof of a Wisconsin Registered License submitted by Oct. 15.
An interview is required for admission to the M.S.N. pediatrics, nurse-midwifery and acute care options. Note: Entry into the master’s phase of the program is conditional. See #5 below.
Students are then prepared in the M.S.N. program for nursing administration, clinical nurse leader or advanced nursing practice roles in: acute care, adults, children, nurse-midwifery or older adults.
Admission Requirements for M.S.N. – Second Degree Direct Entry for Non-Nurses
Baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing with a GPA of 3.000 or above, using a 4.000 system.
GRE scores (General Test only). Waived if applicant already has a master’s degree or if undergraduate GPA is 3.200 or above.
Completion of three recommendation forms.
Maintain an average of B or above each term, and completion of the following prerequisite courses with grade of C or above:
Anatomy and physiology: 5-6 credits (preferably within the last 5 years)
Chemistry or biochemistry or biology or microbiology: 5-6 credits total (preferably within the last 5 years)
Behavioral sciences, e.g., psychology, sociology: 3 credits
Statistics (including inferential): 3 credits to be completed within the last 5 years of program start date.
Maintenance of 3.000 GPA each term and every summer session in pre-M.S.N. phase.
Full-time status is required for the pre-M.S.N. phase.
Admission Requirements for M.S.N. — Second Degree Direct Entry for A.D.N. Nurses
Baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing with a GPA of 3.000 or above, using a 4.000 system.
Associate’s degree in nursing with a GPA of 3.000 or above, using a 4.000 system.
GRE scores (General Test only). Waived if applicant already has a master’s degree or if undergraduate GPA is 3.200 or above.
Completion of three recommendation forms.
Resume and written statement of professional goals.
Official transcripts from all current and previous colleges/universities except Marquette.
Completion of the following prerequisite courses with grade of C or above:
Anatomy and physiology: 5-6 credits
Chemistry or biochemistry or biology or microbiology: 5-6 credits total
Behavioral sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology): 3 credits
Statistics (including inferential): 3 credits to be completed within 5 years of program start date.
