School of Nursing Masters of Science (M.S.) Degree

GRE/GMAT are no longer required for applications to graduate programs at all SDSU campuses.

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the university, a student must have:

• A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. RNs with a bachelors or masters degree in another field without an upper division major in nursing or who have deficiencies will be considered on an individual basis and may be required to enroll in designated undergraduate courses and graduate courses beyond the minimum units necessary for advanced degrees
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate upper division courses
• A California license to practice registered nursing
• Satisfactorily completed a course in statistics (Statistics 250 or equivalent) with a grade of C or better
• One year of work experience as a registered nurse is preferred prior to starting concentration/ specialization courses.
• Students applying to the Advanced Practice Nursing of Adults and Elderly, three years of related experience is strongly recommended.
• Students who do not satisfy all admission requirements may, with special consideration, be admitted in a “conditionally classified” graduate standing.

Important: SDSU programs change periodically. Official requirements are always current in the SDSU Graduate Bulletin available online.

Application to the SDSU School of Nursing Graduate Programs is a two part process.

Applications must be submitted to both SDSU Graduate Admissions and the SDSU School of Nursing.

For assistance or questions during the application process please contact [email protected].

Complete the Cal State Apply application for graduate admission 

• All applicants must complete the Cal State Apply application and pay the required fee
• A SDSU RED ID Number will then be assigned which allows tracking of application status online.

Transcripts

Submit one set of official transcripts from each issuing institution for all coursework completed following high school to Graduate Admissions.  Transcripts must be received by the posted due dates. See SDSU Graduate Admissions for further information.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The TOEFL exam is required prior to admission if the Postsecondary instruction was in a language other than English.  Exam scores are to be sent directly to SDSU Graduate Admissions from ETS. The institution number for SDSU is 4682.  See the SDSU Catalog and SDSU Graduate Admissions for minimum acceptable scores and further information.

• TOEFL test scores(if applicable) must be sent directly from ETS. (Institution Code: 4682)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Send to:

School of Nursing Program Applications must be completed by

• Complete the School of Nursing Program application via Interfolio 

• The School of Nursing Program application requires the following items:
  • Copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (these do not need to be sent directly from the colleges – photocopies are acceptable)
  • Copies of the TOEFL test scores (if applicable).
  • A personal statement that addresses your purpose in pursuing graduate education, motivation derived from past experiences, and future professional goals. This is your opportunity to describe your special characteristics or skills and to articulate how your goals are compatible with the program to which you are applying for. Your ability to write clearly and to effectively demonstrate logical expression of ideas will be evaluated in your personal statement. The personal statement must be typed, double spaced, and should not exceed two pages.
  • Three letters of recommendation – Applicant must provide names and email addresses for recommenders. Recommenders will be invited to complete the recommendation electronically. Recommendations from previous academic faculty or those who have supervised your work are preferred.

• SDSU limits graduate transfer credits to a total of 12 units. 
• All transfer students must still complete the SDSU Graduate admission process during the admission period that opens October 1^st of the year prior to the year of admission.
• Courses may only be used for one graduate degree.
• Any courses used to meet degree requirements at another institution may not be used towards your graduate degree at SDSU
• Courses must have been completed within 7 years of your expected graduation date

1. Examine the course requirements for our program.  This involves reviewing the Graduate Bulletin for the required course list for your desired program and the course descriptions for each course.
    
2. Identify which courses you have completed at your institution and determine which you believe are equivalent to one or more of our courses.
    
3. Complete the Request for Transfer Credit Evaluation Form (pdf, updated 7/25/2018)
   • Right-click the above link, and save the pdf to your computer (Opening the file directly in your web browser will not allow your field entries to be saved).
   • Double-click the file to open it.
   • Complete the form electronically, then save the completed form. Complete and save additional forms as needed for additional coursework.
   • Email the completed form(s) to [email protected].
   • It is acceptable to complete the form by hand and to email a scan of the completed form.
4. Send the following to the SDSU SON Graduate Advisor at [email protected].
   • Your CV and transcripts of all academic coursework following high school graduation.
   • Your completed Request for Transfer Credit Evaluation Form with the information for each course you would like considered for transfer and which of our courses you believe it matches in terms of equivalency (units and content).
   • The course syllabus and detailed topical outline for each course you would like to be evaluated.  

If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate Advisor at [email protected].

Current and prospective graduate students should contact the School of Nursing Graduate Advisor, at 619-594-2766, or by email ([email protected]) with any questions.

Qualified students who meet individual course prerequisites and standards for regular enrollment in the University may qualify to take some classes through Open University before being formally admitted to the University. Open University allows students to enroll in courses on a space available basis with the approval of the course instructor and the department chair. Not more than 12 units of combined coursework in Open University and special sessions completed prior to admission to an advanced degree program will be acceptable on a program of study. If you missed the application deadline, please contact the Graduate Advisor.

Information about financial aid programs may be obtained from the University Financial Aid Office located in Student Services, room 3605. The phone number is 619-594-6323.

Full-time students may apply for Federal Nurse Traineeship Grants. Applications will be available at the beginning of the semester. See the scholarships page on this site.

Contact the Graduate Advisor to discuss your qualifications. School of Nursing Graduate Advisor, at 619-594-2766, or by email ([email protected])

Registered Nurses with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines will be evaluated on an individual basis and may be required to enroll in designated courses to complete upper division nursing deficiencies prior to graduate studies. Please contact the Graduate Advisor to discuss your individual situation. School of Nursing Graduate Advisor, at 619-594-2766, or by email ([email protected])

At the present time we do not have a Master’s entry program for individuals who are not registered nurses. Students must have a registered nurse license as well as meet other admission criteria.

Up to 12 semester units may be accepted in transfer from an accredited School of Nursing. You will be asked to submit documentation (e.g., course syllabi) for transfer courses so that these courses may be evaluated for equivalency of content to the courses offered at SDSU.

However, any course completed more than seven years prior to the date on which all requirements for the degree are completed cannot be used to satisfy the unit requirements of the official program of study.