Aug. 16, 2023
Next Start Date
14
Courses Required
$743
Cost Per Credit Hour
($1,679 For Non-Residents)
46
Total Credit Hours
Online Courses
Learning Formats
The Master of Science in Nursing program, offered by the WVU School of Nursing, offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses the opportunity to earn a master's degree with part-time or full-time curriculum options. Current programs include master’s degrees in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner specialty tracks. The 46-credit hour degree provides the skills necessary to sit for advanced practice certification. Throughout the curriculum, students are guided in the process of self-development aimed at pursuing excellence in scholarly and professional endeavors.
The MSN program offers a curriculum that allows students to enroll on a part-time or full-time basis. The 46-credit program can be completed in five semesters (including a summer session) of full-time study (average of nine to twelve credit hours per semester).
Flexibility within the basic curricular structure is achieved through the individualization of learning experiences and students may complete the program over a longer duration. The pattern and duration of the student’s plan of study is determined in consultation with a faculty advisor and is based upon the student’s background and goals.
The program tracks are offered online by faculty at the WVU Health Sciences Center (HSC) at our Morgantown and Charleston campuses. Graduates meet all requirements to sit for the national certification examination in their major area of study, family nurse practitioner or pediatric nurse practitioner. They are prepared to offer care at the advanced practice level to select populations and are able to perform all activities encompassed in the traditional scope of practice.
Note: It is a strong recommendation by the University and the School of Nursing that graduate students limit their credit load if they are also involved in full-time work. Full-time work and studies may negatively affect the student’s ability to succeed academically.
"As a graduate of WVU, I look forward to helping future students begin their own journeys to becoming a Mountaineer. At WVU Online, we are eager to guide you through the enrollment process with ease and want to provide you with the information and resources you need to be successful. Online degrees give everyone an opportunity to further their education and I can’t wait to help you do just that."
To be considered, applicants will be required to meet all WVU admission requirements in addition to program-specific admission criteria.
Any student who has been dismissed from the West Virginia University School of Nursing will not be readmitted to the program.
Apply To WVU
The application period for the Fall term opens on October 1 and closes on January 1. Applications are reviewed in March for the cohort that begins the following Fall term. Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions in April. Completed applications received after the priority deadline on January 1 and received prior to July 1 will only be reviewed if space remains available in the program.
Application Process
Complete Application Checklist
Once the WVU application has been completed, you must complete and submit the Application Checklist, a tool designed to ensure you have submitted all required information for your application to be considered complete.
Request Official Transcripts from All Colleges and Universities Attended
Alternatively, sealed, untampered, physical official transcripts can be sent directly to:
WVU Graduate Admissions
P.O. Box 6510
Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
Admission Process for the MSN Program
The Graduate Admissions Committee will meet in early March to review all qualified applicants. Decisions will be emailed to students by the first week of April. Acceptance is dependent upon space available in the programs, and the most qualified applicants are accepted. Students will be evaluated based on the following:
Major Code: 8646
Learn more about student experiences in the Master of Science in Nursing program.
Stephanie Lusk
"Be courageous enough to take that first step forward and trust that you are worthy of what awaits you on the other side."
WVU provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more by visiting the Student Financial Services website.
Students are encouraged to:
Master of Science in Nursing total degree cost: $39,480 – Residents, $77,234 - Non-Residents
Credits | Resident Tuition | Non-Resident Tuition |
---|---|---|
1 | $743 | $1,679 |
3 | $2,229 | $5,037 |
6 | $4,458 | $10,074 |
9 | $6,687 | $15,111 |
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required
A minimum grade of C- is required in all courses
Core Courses
Course | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
NSG 622 | Theory and Disciplined Reasoning | 3 |
NSG 623 | Advanced Practice Role & Interprofessional Collaboration | 3 |
NSG 625 | Statistics | 3 |
NSG 626 | Lifespan Health Promotion | 3 |
NSG 627 | Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
NSG 628 | Leadership/Policy/Ethics | 3 |
NSG 706 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
NSG 709 | Health Care Informatics | 3 |
Required Area of Emphasis (select one of the following):
Course |
---|
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) |
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) |
Total Hours: 46
The West Virginia University School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree that provides the skills necessary to sit for advanced practice certification. The major areas of study are Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP). Throughout the curriculum, students are guided in the process of self-development aimed at pursuing excellence in scholarly and professional endeavors. Courses are offered via web-based modalities using synchronous and asynchronous formats. The MSN program offers a curriculum that allows students to enroll on a part-time or full-time basis. The 46-credit program can be completed in five semesters (including a summer session) of full-time study (average of nine to twelve credit hours per semester)*. Flexibility within the basic curricular structure is achieved through the individualization of learning experiences and students may complete the program over a longer duration. The pattern and duration of the student’s plan of study is determined in consultation with a faculty advisor and is based upon the student’s background and goals.
If you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in nursing and are looking for a reputable program that offers a range of specializations and flexible learning options, the WVU Master’s Degree in Nursing is worth considering. Graduates of the WVU Master’s Degree in Nursing are well-prepared to advance their careers in nursing and make a positive impact in the healthcare field. They are highly sought after by employers and are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality care to patients and their families.
The employment outlook for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is highly optimistic, with a projected growth rate of 40 percent from 2021 to 2031, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. On average, approximately 30,200 job opportunities are predicted each year over the next decade for these professions. A significant portion of these openings will stem from the need to replace workers who leave their current positions for other occupations or retire from the labor force.
With demand growing faster than the average for all occupations, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners can plan to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, physicians' offices, and clinics. Most advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) work full time.
The 46-credit program can be completed in five semesters (including a summer session) of full-time study (average of nine to twelve credit hours per semester). Flexibility within the basic curricular structure is achieved through the individualization of learning experiences and students may complete the program over a longer duration. The pattern and duration of the student’s plan of study is determined in consultation with a faculty advisor and is based upon the student’s background and goals.
Students pursuing this advanced degree should possess the following: communication skills, critical-thinking skills, be detail-oriented, resourceful and compassionate.
States’ requirements for APRNs vary. In general, APRNs must have a registered nursing license, complete an accredited graduate-level program, pass a national certification exam, and have an APRN license. Details are available from each state’s board of nursing.