- Do I need years of clinical experience before I can apply?
- Do any of my undergraduate courses count towards my master's degree?
- Are any courses online?
- How many credits are required?
- I have interests in several areas. Can I be part of more than one concentration?
- How long will it take me to finish?
- Is there a PhD option?
- When are classes held?
- When are applications accepted?
- Can I still work while in the program?
- I am an international student, what admission examination do I need to take?
Do I need years of clinical experience before I can apply?
No, except for our nurse anesthesia concentration that requires at least one year of critical care experience, you may start graduate level classes right after you earn your BSN degree.
Do any of my undergraduate courses count towards my master's degree?
If you took certain graduate level research or elective courses that fit with our graduate program, yes, those credits can count towards your master's degree.
Are any courses online?
Yes, the core courses such as Ethics, Advanced Pathophysiology, Nursing Science and Nursing Research are online.
I have interests in several areas. Can I be part of more than one concentration?
Yes, for instance you may be in our pediatric nurse practitioner program and also get a post-master's certificate in nursing education.
How long will it take me to finish?
Full-time students should be able to finish in two years. Part-time students have five years to complete all requirements for graduation.
Is there a PhD option?
Yes, if you are in the master's level nursing education concentration, you can select courses that help you transition seamlessly into the PhD program that prepares nurses as teacher-scholars for careers in academic settings. There is a separate PhD application process.
When are classes held?
Graduate classes, except for practicum and anesthesia courses and certain nurse practitioner courses, are scheduled for 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Core courses are also offered online.
When are applications accepted?
Applications are accepted all year. Deadlines for review of application for admission are
Fall – July 1st, Spring – November 1st, and Summer – April 1st.
Can I still work while in the program?
Many of our non-nurse anesthesia students are able to continue to work during most of the graduate program. However, the clinical hours required for practicum courses does make it difficult to work during the week days.
I am an international student, what admission examination do I need to take?
All non-native English speakers are required to submit either official TOEFL or IELTS results. TOEFL: Applicants must score a minimum of 540 on the paper-based test or 83 (25 in speaking) on the iBT (internet-based test) in order to be considered for admission. When you register for the TOEFL, please request that your results be sent directly to Villanova - our institutional code is 2959. IELTS: Applicants must score at least 6.5 overall (7 in speaking band) in order to be considered for admission.
