Admissions
The Master of Nursing seeks a diverse student body that embodies a wide range of identities and experiences. Applying for admission to the program requires an application for graduate studies and supplemental materials to be submitted to the University of Washington Graduate School. A new cohort begins each fall quarter.
Priority application dates
Fall 2024: Still accepting applications on a seat- available basis.
Fall 2025: May 1st. Application opens October 1st. Applications received after May 1st are reviewed on a space-available basis.
RN to MN pathway
Explore our RN-MN pathway designed for experienced nurses holding a bachelor’s degree in a major other than nursing.
Graduate non-matriculated (GNM) enrollment
We welcome students interested in enrolling in the program’s core and elective coursework without being formally admitted (matriculated) to the program.
Admission requirements
- An in-process or earned bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nursing program that is accredited by a national accrediting body, recognized by the US Department of Education (e.g., CCNE, NLN, ACEN). Applicants not holding a BSN are eligible to apply.
- A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0, or a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 semester/90 quarter graded college/university credits The degree must be completed prior to beginning the program of study. Applicants not meeting the GPA requirement may still apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case in accordance with the Graduate School Alternate Standards Policy 3.1.2.
- Proficiency in English. Every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Learn more.
- Completion of a 3-credit quarter-based or 2-credit semester-based basic statistics course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a grade of at least 2.0 grade (no expiration date).
- Active and unencumbered RN license valid in the State of Washington.
- Agree to comport with the Essential Nursing Behaviors and the Health & Safety requirements.
- Criminal background check with acceptable results and a criminal disclosure form upon offer of admission.
This program is not eligible to admit international students enrolling with an F1 or J1 student visa.
Application materials
Résumé
Describe your RN work experience, with dates, positions, and a brief description of responsibilities, including evidence of leadership in practice. Provide your educational background, a Washington State RN license number, and a list of certifications. Identify professional involvement, accomplishments, awards, volunteer work, publications, and/or committee leadership and/or membership.
Statement of purpose
The maximum length of your statement should be no more than three pages and double-spaced, using a 12-point font. Address the following:
- How the program aligns with your overall goals.
- Your unique attributes and background and how these contribute to your academic and professional nursing career goals.
- Why you are pursuing a graduate nursing degree and how a graduate experience is necessary or desired to reach your nursing goals.
Two recommendations
A supervisor recommendation is required if you are currently employed. If you are not currently employed, provide a recommendation from a former supervisor or provide a professional recommendation from a graduate degree-prepared healthcare provider. Contact the graduate advisor for alternate options as needed.
An academic or professional recommendation if your nursing degree was earned within the last 3 years. If it has been more than three years, provide a professional recommendation from a graduate prepared healthcare provided. Contact the graduate advisor for alternate options as needed.
Criminal disclosure form and completion of a background check
Upon offer of admission students begin the process of completing a set of Health and Safety requirements. This initiates with the submission of a 1) a criminal disclosure form and 2) a background check with acceptable results. The background check fee $53.00 and access to the online portal to complete the criminal disclosure form as part of a larger set of requirements accessible to complete in the portal is $63.00. These two items are required prior to course enrollment. All requirements are accessed, submitted and monitored using CastleBranch. Instructions are to complete the two items are available in the application portal once the applicant accepts the offer and pays the university’s enrollment confirmation deposit.
Unofficial transcripts
Transcripts from all prior educational institutions. If admitted, you will be required to submit official copies of selected transcripts as directed by the School.
Application fee assistance
UW BSN students and alumni from Bothell, Tacoma, and Seattle are eligible to have the application pre-paid as funding permits.
Email the graduate program advisor prior to submitting the application to request pre-payment. Reimbursement is not an option. Celinda Smith, cesmith3@uw.edu.
All Applicants who have financial need and those who participate in the McNairs Scholars or PPIA Fellows programs may be eligible for an application fee waiver from the UW Graduate School. See the UW Graduate School fee waiver policy and application