Graduate Studies in Nursing Division

The Graduate Studies in Nursing Division offers the Master of Science in Nursing degree with the following majors:

Nursing Administration

Nursing Education

Primary Care Nursing

The Division also offers a Dual Degree (MSN/MBA) program that awards a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a major in Nursing Administration and the Master of Business Administration degree.

In addition, Post-Master's Certificates are also available.

Policies and General Information - Graduate Studies in Nursing

Admission Requirements

Admission to all graduate nursing majors begins with submission of required application forms, letters of recommendation, writing sample, and official transcripts of previous college and university studies. Applications will be received by the Division of Graduate Studies in Nursing. Applications will be kept on file for a period of 18 months. Acceptance into any graduate nursing program will remain valid for a period of 18 months.

To assist in the decision-making process, the Division of Graduate Studies in Nursing reserves the right to require the applicant to:

  • Interview with the Committee; and/or
  • Take the GRE.

Criteria for regular admission are:

  • B.S.N. or B.S. degree with a major in nursing from an accredited program. Students with a non-nursing major who have a minimum of 10 years of recent experience in nursing practice may also be considered for admission. These candidates must also submit a portfolio which includes:
    • Current CV/resume including evidence of accomplishments in nursing based on the nine baccalaureate nursing essentials
    • An expanded goal statement, reflecting how they intend to make an impact in nursing with their MSN
  • Undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from the baccalaureate degree granting institution at which at least a minimum of 30 hours was completed.
  • Anyone applying to become a student at Indiana Wesleyan University must provide proof that all nursing licenses – whether current or inactive – are unencumbered. Potential students with encumbered nursing licenses will not be considered eligible for enrollment at Indiana Wesleyan University.
  • Three letters of recommendation which must include references from: a former instructor, a pastor or someone with whom the applicant has worked in the past year who can attest to the applicant's service record or character, and a direct supervisor.
  • Original transcript from the degree granting institution.
  • A writing sample will be required, consisting of responses to three questions selected from a provided list.
  • At least one year of professional practice. Students applying for admission to the Primary Care Program must have 500 hours of direct contact and/or care for patients within the year prior to admission. Students applying for admission to the Nursing Administration or Nursing Education majors must have 1000 hours of nursing practice within the three years prior to admission.
  • A criminal history background check must be completed before registration for any track of the graduate nursing program. Letters of acceptance from the Division of Graduate Studies in Nursing will include instructions for completing the criminal background check. The criminal background check must be completed two weeks before the beginning of the first course. A second criminal background check and drug screen will be required for Primary Care students two weeks before the first clinical course begins. Instructions for the second criminal background check and drug screen will be sent to students by the Division of Graduate Studies in Nursing. Progression in the program may depend on the results of these checks.
  • If English is not first language, satisfactory scores from one of the following is required:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) . For graduate students, a score of at least 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 100 (Internet-based) is required for regular academic admission.
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For graduate students, a score of at least 6.5 is required for regular academic admission.
  • Master's Degree in Nursing for Post-Master's degree Certificate.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must have completed the following:

  • Completion of all core and major requirements for the specific program (Primary Care - 49 hours; Nursing Administration - 41 hours; Nursing Education - 38 hours, MBA/MSN - 60 hours).
  • Minimum grade of "C" in each core course and "B" in each major course.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00
  • Program must be completed within a maximum of four years from the date of enrollment.
  • All financial obligations must be settled in order to receive a diploma.