• Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by both the USDoE and CHEA and national nursing programmatic accreditation (CCNE, ACEN, CNEA). -OR- Registered Nurses (RNs) who have a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing may also apply by meeting the following additional criteria:
  • A minimum of 10 years experience in nursing practice.
  • Submit a portfolio with evidence of accomplishments in nursing based on The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. There will be a $200 (non-refundable) portfolio review fee for applicants who do not have a BSN degree.
• Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution at which a minimum of 30 credit hours was completed -OR- graduate-level grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from accredited program where at least 9 credits were completed. GPA for conditional admission: Applicants who do not meet the GPA listed in the criteria for regular admission and have at least a 2.75 undergraduate GPA may be conditionally admitted and allowed to take 9-credit hours of masters nursing courses to establish a graduate GPA
  • Students who have earned a 3.0 GPA by the completion of 9-credit hours in master nursing courses, will meet the criteria for regular admission
  • An unsatisfactory grade (C- or lower in any GNUR course) while conditionally admitted will result in administrative withdrawal from the program and denial of regular admission.
  • Students who do not earn a 3.0 GPA by the completion of 9-credit hours in master nursing courses will be denied regular admission.
• 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 professional reference from faculty members, professional colleagues, work supervisors or a pastor who can evaluate the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program. At least one recommendation must be from a supervisor from within the last two years. Recommendations from family members are NOT appropriate.
• Official transcript from the undergraduate degree granting institution and institution where graduate courses have been taken, sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University
• At least one year of professional practice. Students applying for admission to the Primary Care (Family Nurse Practitioner) or the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing major must have 500 hours of direct contact and/or care for patients within the year prior to admission.
• A criminal history background check will be conducted on all applicants with the initial application for enrollment in the program, at the applicant’s expense. A second background check and drug screen will be conducted for Psychiatric Mental Health NP students prior to the first practicum experience, at the student’s expense. Admission and/or progression in the program may depend on the results of these checks.
• Students who do not speak English as their first and primary language must submit satisfactory scores from one of the following prior to admission to the university:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For graduate students, a score of at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based) is required for regular academic admission.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For undergraduate students, a score of at least 6.0 is required; for graduate students, a score of at least 6.5 is required; for doctoral students, a score of at least 7.0 is required for regular admission.

• Satisfactory completion of all core, major, and clinical requirements for the specific program.
• Minimum grade of “C” in each core (GNUR prefix) course and “B” in each major (PYC, PMHN prefixed) course.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.00
• The MSN degree programs must be completed within a maximum of four years from the date of enrollment; the dual MSN/MBA degree program must be completed within a maximum of five years from the date of enrollment.
• Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Students must maintain an active license in the state where clinical requirements are completed. All RN licenses must remain unencumbered throughout the program.

Practicum

Practice is an essential component of the masters nursing program. Practicum courses offer students the opportunity to develop and integrate the knowledge and skills necessary for evidence-based advanced practice. If required by the facility, cost for placement is the responsibility of the student.

• Students accrue a minimum of 525 practicum hours, and attend an onsite course in advanced health assessment and two intensives.
• Students must maintain an active license in the state where practicum requirements are completed.
• All RN licenses must remain unencumbered throughout the program.

NOTE: Students must meet all practicum agency requirements. Students in any nursing major may be required to undergo drug testing in order to successfully complete practicum requirements. 

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

The master's degree programs in nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE). IWU is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).