The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares nurses for advanced practice either as a nurse practitioner or nurse-midwife in the care of culturally diverse individuals, families and groups within a variety of health care settings, with an emphasis on the challenges facing urban populations. 

Each program prepares its students to take the appropriate clinical specialty/APRN licensing exam for the State of Michigan. Graduates who want to practice in other states should review the Board of Nursing's Licensure Professional Requirements by State.

The MSN program is delivered on campus with an option for synchronous distance learning. Visit the College of Nursing distance learning site for requirements to be a synchronous distance learner.

Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate nursing degree from an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A transcript/credential evaluation is required for all international transcripts. All transcripts must be from an accredited institution.

Step 1: Apply to Wayne State University 

Admission to the program is contingent upon admission to the WSU Graduate School and the review of application materials by College of Nursing faculty. Applicants can apply online using the GradCAS system.

• The initial application requires the following:
  • Application fee.
  • Unofficial transcript upload.
  • Resume upload.
• To upload your supplemental materials (listed below) and complete the application, you must submit your application via GradCAS FIRST. Watch your email for directions on how to access your application, check for missing items, and monitor your application status.

Step 2: Submit supplemental materials

Upon applying to the Wayne State University Graduate School, applicants must provide the following supplemental materials: 

• Completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions must be sent directly from the institution to Wayne State University. If an unofficial transcript is provided, an official transcript must be submitted during the first semester of the program. A transcript/credential evaluation is required for all international transcripts (including Canada). WSU accepts World Education Services and Education Credential Evaluators.
• Resume or curriculum vitae that includes education, work and/or research experience, publications, certifications, licenses, grants, professional affiliations, awards, honors, presentations and/or courses taught. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional.
• Two professional letters of recommendation on company letterhead that includes credentials and contact information. An example of a professional letter of recommendation includes prior faculty and/or unit manager.
• Current Michigan Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. Out-of-state or international students must submit current RN license with application, and after admission must submit Michigan licensure within two semesters. All applicants educated outside of the United States must be certified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to obtain Michigan licensure.
• A personal statement of goals for graduate study.
• If the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required, the minimum total score required is 101 (minimum 25 Listening, 25 Reading, 25 Writing and 26 Speaking). Or, students can submit IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores, with a required minimum overall score greater than 7 (minimum of 8 in Speaking, minimum of 7 in Writing, and greater than 7 in Reading and Listening).
• Complete an interview.
• For information on program costs, please refer to the WSU tuition and fees schedule.

Each of the clinical specialties may have additional requirements, including specialty RN work experience prior to the start of the APRN clinical courses.

Step 3: Accept your offer and watch your email

Check your WSU email for updates regarding your application. Once admitted, accept your offer of admission and check your Wayne State email regarding information on registration, important meetings and more.