
Nursing
The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Kent State University offers advanced training for registered nurses aiming to elevate their practice and take on leadership roles. With concentrations in fields such as Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Clinical Nurse Specialist, the program provides comprehensive education that fosters clinical expertise and strategic thinking. Graduates are prepared to meet the complex demands of modern healthcare environments and excel in advanced nursing careers.
Nursing Program Master’s Degree Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing degree meets the educational eligibility requirements for national certification in the respective area of study. The degree program can be completed in four to five semesters (two full academic years) for full-time students. Part-time students typically take three to four years to complete the program. Completion of a thesis is optional.
The Nursing major comprises the following concentrations:
- The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration allows students to attain advanced practice nursing competencies in providing evidence-based care to adults and older adults with complex acute and chronic illnesses. Clinical experiences occur in a variety of acute care settings, including general medical care, emergency care, critical care and specialty practice. Through clinical practicums, students provide direct patient care in collaboration with a team of health professionals to diagnose and treat patients across the continuum of health care services.
- The Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration fosters acquisition of the needed competencies to care for patients spanning the entire adult to older-adult spectrum. Class and clinical experiences focus on providing advanced nursing care across the health continuum, from wellness to acute care. Students develop competencies across the three spheres of impact: patient/direct care, nurses/nursing practice and organizations/systems.
- The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration allows students to develop advanced practice nursing competencies in health promotion, risk detection, illness prevention and management of acute and chronic illnesses in adults and older adults. Clinical experiences involve direct care in collaboration with other health professionals to maximize the effectiveness of community and health care system services. Clinical practicums include primary care offices, such as internal medicine and family practice clinics, managed care offices, emergency departments, free clinics and long-term care and occupational health settings.
- The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration allows students to acquire advanced practice nursing competencies to provide continuity of health care to persons across the life span, as well as to maximize the effectiveness of community and health care system services through collaboration with other health professionals. Clinical experiences are offered in a variety of ambulatory care settings and specialty clinics in primary care offices, including family practice, internal medicine, managed care offices, emergency departments, long-term care facilities and academic and occupational health settings.
- The Nurse Educator concentration allows students to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in selected areas of nursing practice and the role of the nurse educator. Emphasis of the nurse educator role focuses on best practices in curriculum development, instruction and evaluation that prepare students for teaching within a variety of learning environments in academic and staff professional development settings. Students engage in individualized practicum experiences where they apply content learned throughout the graduate curriculum in both their area of nursing practice and the nurse educator role.
- The Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership concentration integrates management, leadership and nursing knowledge for students to develop skills and competencies in administration, systems leadership and advanced nursing.
- The Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration focuses on health promotion, illness prevention, risk identification and acute and chronic care of infants, children and adolescents in the primary care setting. Practicum experiences take place in outpatient primary care and specialty settings; the experiences offer the opportunity for students to provide individualized and culturally competent advanced practice nursing care to children within the context of their families.
- The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration builds on core advanced practice nursing knowledge. The program focuses on knowledge and skill development in mental health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, prescribing and medication management and advanced therapeutic modalities such as individual, group and family psychotherapy.
- The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares students to provide the highest level of primary nursing care for women involving health promotion and disease prevention. Students gain competency in advanced nursing management of common acute and chronic conditions. Students practice in direct care and in collaboration with other health care professionals. Practicum experiences foster development of clinical judgment and primary care skills through faculty mentorship and clinical preceptors in a variety of ambulatory care settings and specialty clinics.
In this role, you may be employed in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, private practice, primary care, emergency settings, correctional facilities, and on consultation/liaison teams in hospitals.
Dual Degree: Students also have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the MBA degree and the MSN degree. A separate application must be submitted for each program. Students can view admissions requirements for each program on their respective catalog page.
The dual degree is for experienced nurses whose career goals include assuming middle or executive management positions in health services agencies or in health-related companies, or who are interested in starting their own businesses. It combines the strengths of advanced nursing preparation with the practical management knowledge needed to develop significant leadership capabilities.
MSN Program Structure
- 35-42 minimum credit hours depending on online concentration
- 13-18 courses depending on concentration
- 4 major requirement courses
- Online concentration requirements: 23-35 credits
- Minimum 300-600 clinical hours, depending on concentration
- Graduate in as few as 2 years/4-5 semesters; maximum 6 years of study. Under selected circumstances and upon the consent of the advisor, petitions for extensions of an additional one year to completion may be submitted to the concentration director
MBA/MSN Dual Degree Program Structure
- 57 minimum total credit hours
- 25 courses
- Graduate in as few as 3 years
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Meet standards for advanced practice certification or other advanced professional distinction.
- Demonstrate competencies based on professional standards to assume advanced roles in nursing, and for leadership and career advancement, including doctoral study.
- Communicate, integrate and apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to provide equitable, evidence-based, inclusive nursing care and promote quality outcomes in nursing and health care.
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing degree at Kent State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State’s website for professional licensure disclosure.
The Nurse Educator and Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership concentrations have an optional licensure that is not required in any state.
Nursing Admissions Master’s Degree Program Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Applications to the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration are not being accepted at this time.
- Bachelor’s and/or graduate degree from an accredited registered nursing program1
- Minimum 3.000 undergraduate/graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (starting with spring 2026 admission term, minimum 2.750 GPA is required)
- Completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a minimum C grade (starting with spring 2026 admission term, requirement is eliminated)
- Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which clinical coursework will be completed
- Curriculum vitae (including activities such as national nursing certifications, professional organizations, clinical ladder, PI/QI projects, research, publications and military experience if applicable)
- Essay (two pages double spaced, 500 words) describing professional preparation and rationale for seeking the master’s degree in the identified specialty along with professional goals and any experience as a nurse caring for the under-served, high risk or vulnerable populations (starting with spring 2026 admission term, the essay is eliminated)
- Admission essay is required starting with spring 2026 admission term responding to the following questions (two pages, double spaced, 500 words):
- How do you plan to contribute to the nursing profession and healthcare community after earning your M.S.N. degree?
- How has your experience, professional development and service within the profession contributed to your readiness for graduate education?
- What experience do you have working as a nurse caring for the underserved, high-risk or vulnerable populations?
- Three professional letters of reference from healthcare professionals, either a supervisor and/or an advanced practice nurse who can speak to the applicant’s professional capabilities
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
- Minimum 83 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 55 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
Admission to the M.S.N. degree is competitive and never guaranteed. Priority will be given to candidates with:
- Strong academic record
- Strong references
- Demonstrated experience in the area of interest
- National certification in a specialty as a nurse
- Membership in a professional nursing organization or military
- Documented community service
- Participation in an agency’s Clinical Ladder, PI/QI Projects, research, publication or similar programs/projects
- Experience as a nurse caring for underserved, high risk or vulnerable populations
An additional interview video may be required. Students selected for admission to the nursing program must meet the College of Nursing’s Clinical Compliance Policy.
1Applicants with an RN license and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, or with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an institution outside the U.S. will be considered based on faculty review of a portfolio submitted with the application.
2International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.
Program Courses
Program Requirements
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Major Requirements | ||
NURS 50089 | INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CARE POLICIES 1 | 3 |
NURS 60025 | HEALTH POLICY AND ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE | |
NURS 60010 | ADVANCED NURSING INFORMATICS 2 | 3 |
NURS 60101 | THEORETICAL BASIS FOR NURSING PRACTICE | 3 |
NURS 60403 | METHODS OF INQUIRY 3 | 3 |
Concentrations | ||
Choose from the following: | 18-34 | |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 30-46 |
1NURS 50089 is only offered in another country for students who travel abroad. Students who are planning to earn the D.N.P. degree may take NURS 70685 or NURS 70686 toward this requirement.
2Students who are planning to earn the D.N.P. degree may take NURS 70750 toward this requirement.
3Students who are planning to earn the D.N.P. degree may take NURS 70630 toward this requirement.
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Concentration Requirements | ||
NURS 60015 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT | 3 |
NURS 60045 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60126 | FAMILY AND ADULT GERONTOLOGY NURSE PRACTITIONER ROLE AND PROCEDURES | 2 |
NURS 60129 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER I | 3 |
NURS 60230 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER III | 4 |
NURS 60330 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER IV | 2 |
NURS 60441 | PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60506 | CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES | 3 |
NURS 61092 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER I PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 61392 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER II PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 62392 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER III PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 63392 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER IV PRACTICUM | 2 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Major Requirements | ||
NURS 60015 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT | 3 |
NURS 60045 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60110 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST I | 3 |
NURS 60210 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST II | 3 |
NURS 60310 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST III | 3 |
NURS 60441 | PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60506 | CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES | 3 |
NURS 61192 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST I PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 62192 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST II PRACTICUM | 2-3 |
NURS 63192 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST III PRACTICUM | 2-3 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 28 |
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Concentration Requirements | ||
NURS 60015 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT | 3 |
NURS 60045 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60120 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE I | 3 |
NURS 60125 | FAMILY AND ADULT GERONTOLOGY NURSE PRACTITIONER ROLE | 1 |
NURS 60220 | PRIMARY CARE II: CHRONICALLY ILL ADULTS | 3 |
NURS 60320 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE III | 3 |
NURS 60441 | PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60506 | CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES | 3 |
NURS 61292 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE I PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 61892 | FAMILY AND ADULT GERONTOLOGY NURSE PRACTITIONER ROLE PRACTICUM | 1 |
NURS 62292 | PRIMARY CARE II PRACTICUM: CHRONICALLY ILL ADULTS | 2 |
NURS 63692 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE PRIMARY CARE III PRACTICUM | 2 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 29 |
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Concentration Requirements | ||
NURS 60015 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT | 3 |
NURS 60045 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60120 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE I | 3 |
NURS 60125 | FAMILY AND ADULT GERONTOLOGY NURSE PRACTITIONER ROLE | 1 |
NURS 60160 | PRIMARY CARE PEDIATRICS | 3 |
NURS 60220 | PRIMARY CARE II: CHRONICALLY ILL ADULTS | 3 |
NURS 60325 | PRIMARY CARE: FAMILY HEALTH AND CHRONIC ILLNESS | 4 |
NURS 60441 | PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60506 | CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES | 3 |
NURS 61292 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE I PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 61692 | PRIMARY CARE PEDIATRICS PRACTICUM | 1-2 |
NURS 61892 | FAMILY AND ADULT GERONTOLOGY NURSE PRACTITIONER ROLE PRACTICUM | 1 |
NURS 62292 | PRIMARY CARE II PRACTICUM: CHRONICALLY ILL ADULTS | 2 |
NURS 63292 | PRIMARY CARE: FAMILY HEALTH AND CHRONIC ILLNESS PRACTICUM | 2 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 34 |
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Major Requirements | ||
NURS 60015 NURS 60045 NURS 60441 | and PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE and PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3-9 |
NURS 60016 | ADVANCED ASSESSMENT, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE NURSE LEADER | |
NURS 60592 | NURSING EDUCATION PRACTICUM | 3 |
NURS 60601 | CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION IN NURSING EDUCATION | 3 |
NURS 60602 | ROLES AND EVALUATION FOR NURSING EDUCATION CURRICULA | 3 |
NURS 60605 | NURSING EDUCATION WITH TECHNOLOGY | 2 |
NURS 60607 | CLINICAL NURSING AND EDUCATION ISSUES IN A SPECIALTY AREA | 2 |
NURS 67092 | CLINICAL NURSING AND EDUCATION ISSUES IN A SPECIALTY AREA PRACTICUM | 2 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Major Requirements | ||
NURS 60014 | LEADERSHIP IN NURSING AND HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT | 3 |
NURS 60016 | ADVANCED ASSESSMENT, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE NURSE LEADER | 3 |
NURS 60020 | LEGAL AND REGULATORY MANAGEMENT FOR NURSE ADMINISTRATORS | 3 |
NURS 60024 | HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, STRUCTURE AND BEHAVIOR | 3 |
NURS 60315 | BUDGETARY AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT FOR NURSES | 3 |
NURS 64002 | PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION FOR NURSE ADMINISTRATORS | 3 |
NURS 64292 | NURSING ADMINISTRATION AND HEALTH SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP I PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 64302 | NURSING ADMINISTRATION AND HEALTH SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP SEMINAR | 2 |
NURS 64392 | NURSING ADMINISTRATION AND HEALTH SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP II PRACTICUM | 2 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Concentration Requirements | ||
NURS 60015 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT | 3 |
NURS 60045 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60170 | PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES | 3 |
NURS 60270 | PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER I | 3 |
NURS 60370 | PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER II | 1 |
NURS 60372 | ADVANCED NURSING CARE OF THE CHRONICALLY ILL CHILD | 3 |
NURS 60441 | PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60470 | PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER III | 2 |
NURS 61792 | PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 62792 | PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER I PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 63792 | PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER II PRACTICUM | 1 |
NURS 63992 | ADVANCED NURSING CARE OF THE CHRONICALLY ILL CHILD PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 64792 | PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER III PRACTICUM | 1 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 29 |
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Concentration Requirements | ||
NURS 60012 | ADVANCED MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY | 4 |
NURS 60015 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT | 3 |
NURS 60045 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60051 | NEUROBIOLOGY AND PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY OF MAJOR PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS | 4 |
NURS 60151 | INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY | 3 |
NURS 60251 | FAMILY AND GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY | 3 |
NURS 60353 | INDIVIDUAL, ORGANIZATION AND COMMUNITY CONSULTATION | 3 |
NURS 60441 | PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 61592 | PRACTICUM I: INDIVIDUAL THERAPY | 2 |
NURS 62592 | PRACTICUM II: MEDICATION MANAGEMENT AND INDIVIDUAL THERAPY | 2 |
NURS 63592 | PRACTICUM III: FAMILY AND GROUP THERAPY | 2 |
NURS 64592 | PRACTICUM IV: NURSE PRACTITIONER ROLE | 2 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 34 |
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Concentration Requirements | ||
NURS 60015 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT | 3 |
NURS 60045 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60441 | PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE | 3 |
NURS 60506 | CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES | 3 |
NURS 66100 | WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER I | 3 |
NURS 66192 | WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER I PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 66200 | WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER II | 2 |
NURS 66292 | WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER II PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 66300 | WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER III | 3 |
NURS 66392 | WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER III PRACTICUM | 2 |
NURS 66400 | WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER IV | 2 |
NURS 66492 | WOMEN’S HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER IV PRACTICUM | 2 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
---|---|
- | 3.000 |
- Minimum 300-600 clinical hours, depending on concentration
- Maximum six years of study. Under selected circumstances and upon the consent of the advisor, petitions for extensions of an additional one year to completion may be submitted to the concentration director.
- No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
- Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Nursing Master’s Degree Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
$594.78 | $1,784.34 | $20,800-$25,000 part-time1 $19,600 full-time2 |
Non-Ohio Residents
Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
$604.78 | $1,814.34 | $21,200-$25,400 part-time3 $20,000 full-time4 |
1The $594.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester. The tuition range listed is based on which concentration the student chooses.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester. The program is calculated at being completed in 3 semesters.
3The $604.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour. The tuition range listed is based on which concentration the student chooses.
4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken each semester (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180). The amount is calculated at students completing the program in 3 semesters plus the surcharge ($350 - $420).
Program fees/semester; a one-time, non-refundable program admission fee; an Academic Partner Onboarding fee; and a Practicum Fee (all graduate degree programs with clinical practicums) are figured on an actual cost basis.
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
Careers
- 31.5% much faster than the average
- 422,300 number of jobs
- $104,280 potential earnings
- 52.4% much faster than the average
- 211,300 number of jobs
- $111,680 potential earnings
- 17.6% much faster than the average
- 72,900 number of jobs
- $75,470 potential earnings
- Clinical nurse specialists
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
Related Reading from the Kent State Online Blog
Advance Your Career With Kent State
Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Applications to the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration are not being accepted at this time.
- Bachelor’s and/or graduate degree from an accredited registered nursing program1
- Minimum 3.000 undergraduate/graduate GPA2 on a 4.000-point scale
- Completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a minimum C grade
- Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which clinical coursework will be completed
- Résumé or curriculum vitae (including activities such as national nursing certifications, professional organizations, clinical ladder, PI/QI projects, research, publications and military experience if applicable)
- Essay (two pages double spaced, 500 words) describing professional preparation and rationale for seeking the master’s degree in the identified specialty along with professional goals and any experience as a nurse caring for the under-served, high risk or vulnerable populations
- Three professional letters of reference from healthcare professionals; letters should be from a supervisor and/or an advanced practice nurse who can speak to the applicant’s professional capabilities
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:3
- Minimum 83 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 55 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
Admission to the M.S.N. degree is competitive and never guaranteed. Priority will be given to candidates with:
- Strong academic record
- Strong references
- Demonstrated experience in the area of interest
- National certification in a specialty as a nurse
- Membership in a professional nursing organization or military
- Documented community service
- Participation in an agency’s Clinical Ladder, PI/QI Projects, research, publication or similar programs/projects
- Experience as a nurse caring for underserved, high risk or vulnerable populations
An additional interview video may be required. Students selected for admission to the nursing program must meet the College of Nursing’s Clinical Compliance Policy.
- 1
Applicants with an RN license and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field will be considered based on faculty review of a portfolio submitted with the application.
- 2
Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered for conditional admission according to the University’s Graduate Student Admission Policy.
- 3
International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.