Apply to a UCF Online MSN Degree
Admission requirements and how to apply to a UCF Online master’s degree in nursing (MSN), which are recognized among the nation’s best.
Below are the minimum program requirements for an MSN program at UCF:
- Fulfill general UCF graduate admissions requirements. Visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog for details.
- Earned a BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution. The nursing program must be accredited either with CCNE or ACEN.
- Registered Nurses with a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s can apply to all MSN programs, but must take prerequisites.
- Passed an undergraduate statistics course.
- Holds an RN license in the state or country in which you practice.
Please note: Online programs do not meet immigration requirements for students holding an F1 or J1 Visa to maintain status. If you have questions, please contact UCF Global at global.ucf.edu or call 407-823-2337.
Applicants must be physically located in a Nurse Licensure Compact state for the duration of their education.
UCF College of Nursing faculty are authorized to teach in Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) states. Due to nursing education restrictions imposed by non-NLC states, UCF is unable to offer courses, clinicals, or other educational services regardless of modality within non-NLC states. Should you be physically located within a non-NLC state for more than a vacation or brief visit, regardless of your legal state of residence or the type of license you have, you will be unable to apply or continue your nursing degree program at the UCF College of Nursing. This includes, but is not limited to, students accepting traveling nurse positions in a non-NLC state. Although Colorado is a NLC state, the UCF College of Nursing cannot enroll students who will complete clinical practice hours there due to Colorado statute requirements for worker’s compensation insurance coverage.
You may contact the College of Nursing’s Assistant Dean of Students with any questions regarding non-NLC states.
Please note: Online programs do not meet immigration requirements for students holding an F1 or J1 Visa to maintain status. If you have questions, please contact UCF Global at global.ucf.edu or call 407-823-2337.
In addition to learning more about the programs and application process, you’ll gain tips on writing your essay, how often you need to come to campus (if at all) and more. Register now.
Before submitting your application, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss your goals for graduate study. To schedule your appointment, contact the College of Nursing’s Graduate Student Services Office.
- Official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) reflecting prior education, recent clinical and/or practice accomplishments, any recent scholarly work (publications, presentations, grants and/or research participation), awards and scholarships received, additional professional certifications, volunteer activities, and membership, leadership and activities with professional organizations and community service organizations. For recent graduates, this can include accomplishments as a student.
- Three (3) recommendations.
- Written essay (see below)
- Note: GRE is not required.
Your essay will need to address the following three items and meet the formatting requirements below:
- Describe your future career plans and how the program to which you are applying will help you achieve your career goals.
- Describe the changes you would make in your personal and professional life to ensure success in your graduate nursing education.
- Identify one significant contemporary issue or problem in U.S. healthcare and explore how members of the nursing profession can help address that issue or solve that problem.
Written essay formatting requirements:
- 500 words or less for entire essay, not each question
- Double spaced
- 12-point Times New Roman font
- 1-inch margins
An interview with faculty may also be required.
| Program | Apply to UCF | Admission | Type |
| Leadership & Management MSN | By April 1 | Fall | Accelerated or part-time |
| By Sept. 1 | Spring | Accelerated or part-time | |
| Nurse Educator MSN | By April 1 | Fall | Full- or part-time |
| By Sept. 1 | Spring | Full- or part-time | |
| Healthcare Simulation MSN | By April 1 | Fall | Full- or part-time |
| By Sept. 1 | Spring | Full- or part-time |
Admissions are decided by a committee of faculty and staff within the College of Nursing, based on an applicant’s overall GPA, GPA of the last 60 hours of undergraduate program, CV, and written essay.