Nursing

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

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Meet standards for advanced practice certification or other advanced professional distinction.
2. Demonstrate competencies based on professional standards to assume advanced roles in nursing, and for leadership and career advancement, including doctoral study.
3. 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.

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.

Ohio Residents

Non-Ohio Residents

¹The $612.62 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 $622.62 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.

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.

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.