Common Questions About the MSN Program
Admission
Do I have to take the GRE for entry into the master's program?
No, the GRE is not required.
What is the minimum cumulative GPA required for the MSN programs?
The required GPA for all MSN programs is 3.0. Students with a GPA between 2.7 to <3.0 may be considered following a formal interview and writing assessment.
How do I apply?
Applications are done at no cost and can be completed here. You may also apply via NursingCAS.
What is the admission deadline?
MSOE has a rolling admission date. The full time MSN program sequences start one time a year in fall. Spaces are limited. If you are interested in being a full-time student with a seamless progression, we encourage applications in spring/early summer.
Transfer Credit
Does MSOE accept transfer credit to graduate programs?
Yes, for graduate programs, MSOE accepts up to 9 graduate credits. The program director will evaluate your transcripts.
How many programs starts are available each year?
All full time MSN Programs start fall quarter. Students may start any quarter (winter, fall, or spring), as a part time student. Part time students work with the program director and faculty advisor to plan their unique sequence.
General
Am I too old to earn a degree in nursing?
You are never too old to pursue your dream career. Age is only a number—everyone in the program has the same goal as you, which is to graduate from the program.
What is pre-licensure?
Prelicensure refers to the courses taken during the undergraduate portion of the curriculum.
What happens if I do not pass the NCLEX exam?
Students must pass the NCLEX exam as a condition of continuing in the MSN program. Students who have not passed NCLEX by December 1 will work with the program director on an alternate plan of study after repeating the exam and obtaining licensure.
Can I work during the MSN program?
We do not recommend full time employment while enrolled in full time course work due to the time requirements of classes, clinical, and practicum.
Do I have access to the resources available on the main Milwaukee campus?
Yes, MSN students have access to all the resources available to students on the main Milwaukee campus including student support, library and career services.
Can I earn a master’s degree in nursing without a BSN?
To be eligible for a MSN at MSOE, you must already have a BSN degree.
How many days per week will I have to go to the program site?
Graduate Courses: All graduate courses are blended Blended courses meet synchronously and asynchronously throughout the quarter. (dates will be indicated in the course schedule). Students may elect to attend synchronous sessions on campus or in a virtual medium. In addition, NU6220 Advanced Health Assessment and NU7220 APRN Psychiatric Mental Health 3: Care of Families and Groups will each have a 3-day immersion, which will require travel and attendance of activities on campus; students will be informed of the dates at the time the schedule is posted.
Cost
What is tuition?
For all information on tuition and fees, please visit this webpage. The PMHNP Track is 57 credits, which includes 600 hours of practicum. The Leadership and Management track is 45 credits.
What software and technology are available?
At the graduate level, students may use their own computer or lease an MSOE laptop. All registered students have access to the needed software and programs.
Is financial aid available?
At this point, there is no institutional aid for MSN students. Students are encouraged to complete FAFSA and our financial aid office passes on scholarship opportunities as we become aware of them. Students do a combination of workplace tuition reimbursement, private scholarships, and loans.
Courses and Clinical
How many clinical rotations hours can I expect to complete?
At the MSN level, the PMHNP is 600 hours of practicum, the Leadership and Management track is 240 hours of practicum, and the post masters certificate is 600 hours of practicum.
Where are graduate practicums held?
You will work with the graduate program director and coordinator to identify preceptors. Though many students have a network and connections to potential preceptors, MSOE makes the final decision on clinical placements, working with our agency partner.
I currently work as an NP; can my work hours count as my practicum hours?
Work hours cannot be counted as practicum hours.
What treatment modalities will we learn in the PMHNP track?
Modalities covered in the curriculum include: Medication Management, Solution-focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Can I do my practicum hours at my place of employment?
Yes, however, you cannot count work hours towards practicum. And, we will not place you on the unit where you work.
Can I choose to not continue in the MSN program after I earn my BSN?
Yes, you will be an MSOE alumnus and may reapply to the MSN program later if you so choose.