Skip to main content

Master of Science in Nursing

School of Nursing

Nursing students put on PPE for a skills lab assessment

The WVU School of Nursing offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses the opportunity to earn a master's degree with flexible part-time or full-time options. Specialize in the Family Nurse Practitioner track and gain the skills necessary for advanced practice certification. Throughout the curriculum, you'll be guided in self-development, pursuing excellence in scholarly and professional endeavors.

Cost:

$797 / Cost per credit hour *

Courses and Credits:

15 Courses / 47 Credits

Duration:

Two to three years

Dates:

Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall

Learning Format:

Online asynchronous and synchronous, low residency

Request Info How to Apply

Program Overview

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.

"Be courageous enough to take that first step forward and trust that you are worthy of what awaits you on the other side."

Stephanie Lusk

Master of Science In Nursing

headshot photograph of graduate stephanie lusk

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree that provides the skills necessary to sit for advanced practice certification. The major area of study is Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Throughout the curriculum, students are guided in the process of self-development aimed at pursuing excellence in scholarly and professional endeavors. 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. At least 2 on-campus meetings are required during the program.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required
A minimum grade of C- is required in all courses

Core Courses

  • NSG 622: Theoretical Foundations and Disciplined Reasoning for Advanced Nursing Practice, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 623: Foundations of the Nurse Practitioner Role and Interprofessional Practice, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 625: Statistics, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 626: Lifespan Health Promotion, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 627: Evidence Based Practice Quality Improvement, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 628: Leadership/Policy/Ethics, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 701: Advanced Pharmacology, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 705: Adv. Assessment, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 706: Advanced Pathophysiology, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 709: Informatics & Healthcare Technologies, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 712: Primary Care 1, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 714: Primary Care 2, 3 credit hours
  • NSG 715-NP: NP Experiential Learning, 1 credit hours
  • NSG 720: Practicum 1, 5 credit hours
  • NSG 721: Practicum 2, 5 credit hours
Total: 47 Credit Hours
CCNE accreditation seal
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship programs in nursing.

Admissions Requirements and Eligibility

  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a nationally accredited nursing program and regionally accredited institution.
  • An overall GPA on all college work attempted of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 
    • Provisional admission may be considered if the overall GPA is 2.75-2.99 depending upon space available and other qualifications.
  • A minimum overall nursing GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • An active, unrestricted RN license in at least one state at the time of application.
  • Transfer students must provide a letter of good standing from the Nursing program in which currently enrolled or left incomplete.

To be considered, applicants will be required to meet all WVU admission requirements in addition to program-specific admission criteria.

Students must satisfactorily complete background checks and drug screens upon admission.  New program applicants with a positive drug screen will be ineligible for admission to the program and will forfeit their admission "seat." Please see the WVU SON Drug and Alcohol Screening Policy and the Health Information and Credential Documentation Policy.

Note: Any student who has been dismissed from the West Virginia University School of Nursing or any other nursing program may be considered for readmission if the dismissal was academic and was followed by successful completion of an additional degree. Any student who has withdrawn from the WVU School of Nursing program may be considered for readmission. Students may apply for readmission in accordance with the following guidelines and criteria but must follow the standard admission procedures. Students must meet all original admission requirements.

Admissions Process and How to Apply

Apply to WVU

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until July 1 for a Fall term start date. Acceptance is dependent upon space available in the program.

  • Click on the How to Apply button below.
  • Please select the following options on the New Application screen:
    • Type of Student: Masters
    • Which Program: Nursing MSN
  • On the Supplemental Materials screen, you will upload the following:
    • Current curriculum vita or current resume
How To Apply

Request Official Transcripts from All Colleges and Universities Attended

Request an official transcript of records from each college or university attended.

  • It is preferred that official transcripts be sent via an online, secure service such as  eScrip-SafeNational Student Clearinghouse, or  Parchment to  graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu.
  • Alternatively, sealed, untampered, physical official transcripts can be sent directly to: WVU Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 6510, Morgantown, WV 26506-6510.
  • Applicants who completed prior education outside of the U.S. must have their transcripts evaluated by  World Education Services (WES). Please request a "course-by-course" International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP).

Acceptance

Candidates for admission are evaluated on the entire admission packet. The WVU School of Nursing accepts new MSN students on a rolling admission basis and will review all qualified applications based on admission criteria. Acceptance is dependent upon space available in the program with the most qualified applicants being accepted at the time of review. Decisions will be emailed to students. Accepted students will receive information regarding orientation and course registration. Students will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Nursing GPA
  • Work Experience
  • Overall GPA

Please note that full-time and part-time placements are based on space availability. The most qualified applicants will receive priority for full-time placements. Class size and progression plans may be limited based on available faculty resources and space.

Enrollment in nursing courses is based upon readiness, availability of space and other essential resources.

Clinical rotations with approved preceptors in the final year of your program must be arranged with course faculty. Due to potential preceptor limitations, students may have to travel out of their local areas to their clinical sites and are required to provide their own reliable transportation.

In programs with limited capacity and competitive admissions, the most qualified students are selected among those that meet the minimum requirements. Students who want to appeal the Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions Committee decision as unfair, arbitrary, or capricious may contact the director of Admissions and Enrollment for the School of Nursing. The request will be forwarded to the program director for consideration, and the student will receive detailed information regarding the formal appeal process.

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Students are encouraged to:
  • File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
  • Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

Connect with an Admissions Coach

Jessica Carr Online Admissions Coach

(304) 293-6841 jessica.carr1@mail.wvu.edu

Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Placeholder

Careers and Employment

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.

Career Paths

  • Nurse Anesthetists
  • Nurse Midwives
  • Nurse Practitioners

Get in Touch

The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

Request Information

Connect with Admissions Coach