Master of Science in Nursing at IU South Bend

Admission Criteria

Admission to the Indiana University South Bend School of Nursing master's program requires approval by the faculty and is based on the applicants qualifications as evidenced by grade point average, statement of professional aspirations, official transcripts, references, etc.  A personal interview may be requested.  Acceptance into the program is competitive.

The following criteria must be met for unconditional admission.

1. Official transcripts from all post-secondary coursework.
2. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program.
3. GRE testing is not required.
4. Copy of current Indiana RN license: Current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Indiana.  Applicant must also complete a form statement attesting that there is no action pending or have been taken against their licensure in Indiana or any other state they currently hold or have held a license to practice nursing or health care.  International applicants not yet licensed by any state in the U.S. will need to submit evidence of passing the CGFNS exam before applying for an RN license in Indiana.  A copy of your license must be submitted at the time of application.
5. Statistics grade (by transcript or current completion at IU South Bend): Applicants need to have a grade of B- or higher in a three credit, 300 level (or higher) class, and it must have been taken within the last five years of the date of application.  If the applicant took a course that is not 300 level, he/she may check with a graduate counselor or submit a course syllabus (not course description) to be reviewed for acceptability.
6. Essay (goal statement).  A 250-word essay describing and explaining professional career aspirations as an advanced practice nurse.
7. Computer skills:  Verification of ability to use computer technologies including accessing, retrieving, receiving, and communication information.
8. A test of English as a Foreign Language:  Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Internet-based version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which has a speaking portion.  The applicant's score must meet the requirements of the IU South Bend Office of Graduate Admissions.  International students must apply through the Indiana University South Bend Office of International Student Services.
9. Essential abilities:  Applicants must agree to the essential abilities policy of the School of Nursing.  The policy states that students must demonstrate essential abilities in a variety of areas (judgment, neurological function, emotional coping skills, intellectual/conceptual skills, and other behavioral attributes) as well as meeting all progression criteria.
10. References:  Applicants need three professional references.  References must use the online reference form.
11. Criminal background check:  Applicants must provide verification of a federal criminal background check within the past 12 months.  If you do not have one you will be required to purchase it by following this link www.CertifiedBackground.com.  Instructions:

Click on Students

In the Package Code box, enter ND72

Select a method of payment: visa, mastercard, etc.

(Please note that if any additional residences are found within the previous 7 years (from residency history) additional county criminal searches will be performed.)

12. Clinical practice:  Two years of relevant clinical practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the past five years.  Application may be made during the cycle when the two years of experience as an RN will be reached.