Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Recognized worldwide, Penn Nursing’s MSN programs offer valuable opportunities to concentrate in a specific field of nursing while expanding the depth and breadth of your knowledge.
Minimum qualifications
All applicants must have completed a BSN at an accredited college or university and a statistics course. Generally speaking, competitive applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their BSN program. As of July 1, 2021, the GRE is no longer required for the MSN program.
All students at Penn Nursing must fulfill our immunization requirements as well as CPR certification, drug screen and background checks, licensure requirements, and other program-specific qualifications.
Required RN experience
The following programs require RN experience:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP — A minimum of one year full-time RN experience (post-orientation) in an adult acute care setting within the last 3-5 years.
- Neonatal NP — A minimum of two years full-time RN experience (post-orientation) in a level III-IV NICU within the last 3-5 years. Delivery room experience is encouraged but not required.
- Pediatric Acute NP, Acute/Chronic Care Concentration — A minimum of one year full-time RN experience (post-orientation) in pediatric acute care within the last 3-5 years. Two or more years recommended. Neonatal ICU (Level III-IV NICU) experience will be considered for this requirement.
- Pediatric Acute NP, Critical Care Concentration — A minimum of one year full-time RN experience (post-orientation) in a pediatric ICU or pediatric cardiac ICU. Two or more years recommended. Neonatal ICU, progressive care units, ICU flex or float pools, and pediatric/neonatal transport experience do not meet this requirement.
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Pediatric Acute NP, Pediatric Oncology Concentration — A minimum of one year full-time RN experience (post-orientation) in a pediatric acute care oncology setting within the last 3-5 years. Two or more years recommended.
Prospective applicants may email admissions@nursing.upenn.edu to confirm their work experience meets these requirements.
RN experience must be met prior to the start of the clinical sequence. In all programs except Nurse Anesthesia, non-clinical courses may be taken part-time while completing the required work experience. Program directors may suggest RN experience at their discretion.
Application decisions
Decisions for part-time applicants are processed on a rolling basis upon completion of admissions review. Full-time decisions vary by program with the majority of programs reviewing after posted deadlines.
You are welcome to apply for these programs if you are still enrolled in a BSN program, however your acceptance will be contingent upon the successful completion of your degree requirements and evidence of RN licensure.
Program start dates
The following programs begin in August for full-time students:
- Family NP
- Neonatal NP
- Pediatric Acute Care NP- Chronic Care Concentration
- Pediatric Acute Care NP- Critical Care Concentration
- Pediatric Acute Care NP- Pediatric Oncology Concentration
- Pediatric Primary Care NP
The following programs begin in May for full-time students:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Nurse Midwifery*
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP
- Women’s Health / Gender-Related NP**
The Health Leadership and Nursing and Healthcare Administration programs can begin full- or part-time in the fall, spring, or summer. Part-time enrollment for all other programs may begin in the fall, spring, or summer.
*BSN students who graduate in May: please visit the Nurse-Midwifery page for full-time eligibility requirements with regard to RN licensure.
**BSN students who graduate in May: please visit the Women’s Health / Gender-Related page for full-time eligibility requirements with regard to licensure.
International Applicants
Please visit our International Applicants page for further information.