Master's of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.), Education Program

Admission Requirements

The student must apply to and meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

1. Earned Bachelor of Science degree (BS in Nursing or BSN) from program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or other nationally recognized accrediting body for nursing education.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (calculated based on previous 60 credits of undergraduate course work).
3. English Proficiency Exams: The SON MS Program adheres to the ISU Graduate School policy for those students who have not graduated from an accredited college or university in the United States (at the undergraduate and/or graduate level) and whose native language is not English.
4. Completed application, preferably before January 15th. Applications for Fall Admission are reviewed in the order they are received and accepted on a rolling basis until class filled.
5. Verification of valid and current unencumbered Registered Nursing license.
6. Mandatory attendance at the orientation for the M.S. in Nursing program to be held on the ISU Pocatello campus in August of the year of admission.

The GRE is not required for admission.
Admission to the Education option is dependent on a full cohort as determined by the School of Nursing. If located outside of Idaho and Utah, some restrictions may apply based on applicant's state of residence. 

Online Application

Apply to Idaho State University
Applications open in September of any given year for Fall Admission and applicants are encouraged to apply well before January 15th. We will begin evaluating applications in January and applicants will be notified of admission decisions by the end of May 2024.

Application Requirements

The student must apply to and meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

1. Submission of official transcripts from each institution at which they have taken any post-secondary work directly to the Graduate School. Evidence of a completed BS in Nursing or BSN from an accredited nursing program must be listed in official transcripts.
2. Submission of a professional essay (2-3 pages) is required describing applicant's interest in pursuing the Master of Science degree and vision of how this preparation will facilitate career goals. Describe experiences which have influenced your decision to seek a Master's in Nursing degree in the chosen option. Present one or more strengths that will support your success in the graduate program. Explain how completing the Master's degree in Nursing Education will contribute to your professional goals. Describe the potential impact your professional goals will have on the advancement of the nursing profession.
3. Three professional reference forms attesting to the applicant's capacity and potential for Master's study. (It is recommended two references be from academic sources and one from a recent employer).
4. Submission of professional vitae or resume.

If located outside of Idaho and Utah, some restrictions may apply based on applicant's state of residence. 

Selection Process for the M.S. in Nursing Education Program

Application for the Master's of Science in Nursing Education program will open in September of any academic year for a Fall Semester start date. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until class filled. All application and admission requirements as posted on the website for the M.S. degree program apply. Admission to the Education option is dependent on a full cohort as determined by the School of Nursing. Notification of successful applicants for admission and alternates will be announced in May of any year.

International Applicants

Do you accept International Students into Graduate Nursing Programs?

• It depends on the student and on the program. To start, please discuss Idaho State University application and admissions information with the ISU International Programs Office. Their staff will have a better idea how international degrees/credits transfer into ISU and what other admissions requirements you may have to complete for Idaho State University. You should also contact the ISU Graduate School and review their requirements for International Students. Once you have contacted those two offices and found out whether or not you are eligible to apply, contact the Academic Advisor for the School of Nursing to discuss program eligibility                        
• For International Students not located in the United States: Our graduate programs require admitted students to attend program Orientation on our Pocatello Campus and certain programs require clinical and/or practicum hours be completed domestically in the United States. These requirements may prevent International Students from successfully completing our graduate programs.
• For more details about the International Programs Office, please see their website at
  http://www.isu.edu/ipo/ and contact ipomail@isu.edu.

For more details from the Graduate School, please contact them at gradadmissions@isu.edu. For more information about the nursing program, please see www.isu.edu/nursing and contact the Academic Advisor.