Admissions

The Master of Nursing program is committed to a holistic application review process. Students from diverse cultural, historically underrepresented, or disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The program admits once per year; fall quarter with a priority application deadline. Admission to the MN program is in accordance with the UW Graduate School requirements and eligibility.

You do not need to know which track you may pursue upon application. All applicants apply to the MN program; not a particular track. The decision to purse a track takes place end of the first year in the program.

• Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in a major other than nursing may pursue the RN to MN pathway.
• Applicants interested in commencing in a quarter other than fall may be eligible to enroll as a graduate non-matriculated student.

Apply now

Quarter	Application Deadline
Autumn 2023	Deadline extended to July 17 Always check back to see if deadline continues to be extended as space permits

Admission requirements

• Bachelor degree in nursing from an NLN or CCNE accredited program*
• At least a 3.0 grade-point-average on a 4 point scale (or equivalent measures of performance if a graduate of an institution with no grading system) for those credits earned at the institution awarding the bachelor’s degree OR at least a 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4 point scale) for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits. **
• Proficiency in English. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate  English proficiency (see policy 3.2).
• Completion of a 3 credit quarter-based or 2 credit semester-based basic statistics course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a grade of at least 2.0 grade (no expiration date).
• Active and unencumbered Washington State RN license.
• Agree to the Essential Nursing Behaviors and the Health and Safety requirements starting with:
  • UW School of Nursing Criminal Disclosure Form (sent by program after offer of admission)
  • Criminal background check with acceptable results upon offer of admission***​

*Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in a major other than nursing may pursue the RN to MN pathway.
**Programs can petition the minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements under alternate admission standards. Contact the graduate program advisor for questions at cesmith3@uw.edu and review the Alternates Standards (3.1.2) 
***For examples of offenses that would result in individuals being ineligible for the program, see the Department of Social and Health Services. Applicants are responsible for the fee to administer background check ($53.00).

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Application materials

Résumé

Describe your RN work experience, with dates, positions, and a brief description of responsibilities, including evidence of leadership in practice. Provide your educational background, Washington State RN license number, and list any certifications. Identify professional involvement, accomplishments, awards, volunteer work, publications, and/or committee leadership and/or membership.

Statement of purpose

The maximum length of your statement should be no more than three pages and double spaced, using a 12-point font. Address the following:

• How the program aligns with your overall goals.
• Your unique attributes and background and how these contribute to your academic and professional nursing career goals.
• Why you are pursuing a graduate nursing degree and how a graduate experience is necessary or desired to reach your nursing goals.

In addition, you will be asked to provide a brief statement sharing why you believe the track you have selected will benefit your career. It is completely acceptable to not be sure of which track you will pursue and you may change your mind at a later time. Your statement assists us with ensuring we have a clear understanding of your academic interests and needs.

Two recommendations 

• Supervisor recommendation: If you are currently employed, provide a supervisor recommendation. If you are not currently employed, provide a recommendation from a former supervisor or provide a professional recommendation. The professional recommendation must be from a graduate degree prepared healthcare provider who can attest to the potential for your success in the program. If neither of those holds true, contact the graduate program adviser for an alternative option.

• Academic or professional recommendation: If your nursing degree was earned within the last 3 years, submit an academic recommendation. If it has been more than three years, provide a professional recommendation from a graduate degree prepared healthcare provider who can attest to the potential for your success in the program. If neither of those holds true, contact the graduate program advisor for an alternative option.

Unofficial transcripts 

Transcripts from all prior educational institutions. You may submit unofficial transcripts for the purpose of the application review. If admitted, you will be required to submit official copies of selected transcripts as directed by the School. 

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Application fee assistance

• UW BSN students and alumni: The School of Nursing and Health Studies seeks to reduce financial barriers for applicants to our graduate programs. UW Bothell, Tacoma and Seattle Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and alumni are eligible to have the graduate application pre-paid as funding permits. Email the graduate program advisor prior to submitting the application to request the application be pre-paid. Reimbursement of the application fee is not an option.  Graduate Program Advisor: Celinda Smith, cesmith3@uw.edu.

• Need based: Applicants who have financial need and those who participate in the McNairs Scholars or PPIA Fellows programs may be eligible for an application fee waiver from the UW Graduate School. See the UW Graduate School fee waiver policy and application

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