Admission Standards for Degree Seeking Students

Individuals seeking admission to USC Upstate as a degree candidate will be considered for full admission when the USC Upstate Admissions Office receives all admissions materials. A baccalaureate (BSN) degree from a college or university and accredited by a regional accrediting agency is required. Nurses admitted to the RN-BSN program can receive direct admissions to the MSN program at USC Upstate.

Additional requirements include:

• An unencumbered RN license
• Nursing grade point average (NSG-GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Cumulative grade point average (CUM-GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework (official transcripts for all post-secondary school coursework are required),
• Undergraduate level statistics course

Application Requirements for Master of Science in Nursing Program

1. Application, application fee, residency form with all requested information and supporting documents.
2. Transcripts: Individuals seeking admission must provide official transcripts showing all post-secondary coursework attempted and the award of the BSN degree by an accredited college or university.  Official transcripts verifying all previous college-level course work are required for the University’s records.  To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to USC Upstate or delivered in a sealed envelope bearing a registrar’s stamp.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required.  Recommendations should be from a professional knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic and nursing leadership potential.
4. Validation of current RN license
5. Current CV or resume
6. Completion of agency requirements needed for clinical practice.
7. Personal statement: Applicants are required to submit a 1-2 page personal statement that describes career goals and how this degree will be utilized as a practicing CNL, a Nursing Educator and a Nursing Leader.

(Part-time study is also possible; students should seek guidance regarding required sequencing.)

Required Prerequisite

Completion of a BSN degree and licensure as a registered nurse.

Required Courses

Plan of Study Grid

First Year		Hours
NURS U700	Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations for Nursing	3
NURS U701	Health Promotion and Advanced Health Assessment	3
NURS U702	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NURS U703	Cultural Perspectives in Healthcare	2
NURS U704	Education in Nursing	3
NURS U706	Curriculum and Program Development	3
NURS U707	Instructional & Evaluation Strategies	3
NURS U710	Advanced Evidence-Based Nursing Practice	3
	Hours	23
Second Year
NURS U711	Health Care Delivery Systems	2
NURS U720	Advanced Applied Pharmacology	3
NURS U725	Role of the Nursing Educator	3
NURS U726	Nursing Educator Practicum	4
NURS U739	Advanced Management of Health	1
NURS U740	Advanced Management of Health Practicum	2
	Hours	15
	Total Hours	38