Admission Criteria have been established by the faculty against which each applicant is evaluated for admission. Applicants to the Gessner College of Nursing MSN program will be reviewed holistically on an individual basis. The purpose is to predict individual potential to succeed at the MSN level.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit all necessary documentation to NursingCAS by the published deadline for admission consideration to the MSN program. Categories of admission are determined by the degree of criteria met.

*Individuals with an international degree (link) need to complete additional procedures before applying.

All applicants are required to meet the following requirements:

• Completion of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an institution accredited professionally and by one of the six recognized regional accrediting associations.*
• Submit a one-page personal statement. The personal statement should include information about your education and experience as a professional nurse to date, why you are interested in graduate education, what your career goals are for the next five (5) years, why you choose UH for your graduate education, and what contributions you plan to make to our mission at Gessner College of Nursing and to advanced nursing practice. This document will be uploaded into the NursingCAS application.
• Submit a Resume or CV. This document will be uploaded into the NursingCAS application
• Submit two letters of recommendation: one from a university faculty member or Advance Practice Registered Nurse and one from an employer.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible to apply.
• Submit official score(s) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if applicant has a GPA between 2.75 – 2.99. Applicants with a GPA between 2.75 – 2.99 can be admitted conditionally. GRE scores are not required for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Scores may not be more than 5 years old.
• Submit evidence of an unencumbered, current Texas Registered Nurse license.
• Professional work experience as defined by individual tracks. It is preferred all FNP applicants have a minimum one (1) year of experience as a baccalaureate prepared registered nurse and are continuously employed as an RN throughout enrollment of the program.

Individuals who meet the above requirements are encouraged to apply to the MSN degree.

Please note that applications are not carried forward to the next deadline date and there are no waiting lists.