Nursing (BSN to MSN), M.S.N.

Admission Information

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing or the equivalent degree in nursing from a foreign institution.
• Must meet University Admission GPA requirements.
• Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the State of Florida before October 30th.  Students must have a RN license in the United Statesprior tp admission.
• A minimum 3.00 GPA in nursing courses.
• Three letters of recommendation, indicating potential for graduate study, from persons who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability, clinical competence, and commitment. These letters must be from a nursing faculty, clinical supervisor, and/or healthcare provider (APRN, PA, DO, or MD). Letters from acquaintances, friends, or family are not acceptable for submission.
• Current resume or curriculum vita.
• Applicants interested in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration must have at least one year [12 months] of full-time experience in critical care (intensive care unit) or high-acuity patient care before matriculation to meet professional practice requirements for clinical placement. Clinical experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by faculty.

The USF College of Nursing does not require the GRE Exam for our BSN-MSN applicants. Please send all official transcripts from every institution attended directly to NursingCAS. Do not send official transcripts to USF Admissions. Once a student is admitted, the College of Nursing will move all official transcripts and documents from NursingCAS to USF Admissions.

Applicants who have less than 12 months of RN experience will be automatically placed on a  new graduate program plan so that they can continue gaining work experience while enrolled in the graduate nursing program.  RN experience in an area relevant to the concentration of choice is strongly preferred. Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner  and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Occupational Health Nursing Sub-specialty   candidates are not eligible for this pathway.  

Please note before starting the application process, international students may have additional restrictions stipulating course delivery format for their program of choice.  Applicants attending USF on F-1 student visa are not eligible for admission to the MSN or DNP programs due to regulatory limitations for online study. Please refer to USF World for further information on these requirements.

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Credit Hours - 57

• Core - 12 credit hours minimum
• Foundational Courses - 20 credit hours minimum
• Concentration - 18 credit hours minimum
• Electives - 7 credit hours minimum

Sequencing of courses is particularly important and core requirement courses below must be successfully completed prior to beginning clinical coursework. All courses in the advanced practice nursing tracks must be completed in sequence per an approved program plan unless otherwise approved by faculty.

The program follows a standard plan and course sequence.  The  sequence of courses for each admission cycle is determined upon admission to the program and students will be provided their specific program plan upon accepting their offer of admission.  

Concentration courses and clinical hours will be adapted when offered in Fall 2026 to meet accreditation requirements (with a new minimum number of credit hours). Concentration directors and advising can provide a sample program plan upon request.