University Catalog

MSN Admissions Requirements (All MSN Programs)

The applicant for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree must meet the general requirements of Graduate Admissions and have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution. Individual consideration may be given to applicants who hold a BSN degree from non-accredited programs.

Potential students must also possess a current unencumbered RN license from Texas, a compact state, or other state board of nursing.

The College of Nursing admission criteria are detailed in the MSN Graduate Admission table below. The admission status options are described below.

Unconditional Admission

Applicants must meet all criteria for unconditional admission.

Probationary Admission

Criteria for probationary admission status and minimum GRE scores are listed in the MSN Graduate Admission table below. When admitted on probation, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program. Probationary students are admitted for part-time study only.

Provisional Admission

An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but whom otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.

Deferred Status

Deferred decision is granted when a file is incomplete or when a denial decision is not appropriate.

Denial of Admission

An applicant will be denied admission if they have less than satisfactory performance on a majority of admission criteria listed in the MSN Admission Table.

MSN Graduate Admission Table

Admission Criteria	Unconditional	Probationary
GPA on last 60 hours of Undergraduate Program (BSN) (as calculated by Graduate Admissions of UTA)	3.01	2.8-2.992,3
GRE4 Two highest GRE scores will be used in admission process	Not required	Verbal: 430 or 1492 or Quantitative: 430 or 141 or Analytical Writing: 3.5 Analytical: 430
Dual and Joint Degree Applicants	Additional standardized tests and requirements specific to the program must be completed. See Program advisor.
TSE (Test of Spoken English) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)	TSE: Score of 40 or higher or TOEFL: Minimum of 550 on paper-based test, 213 on computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test and achieve the following minimum scores on subtests: Writing, 22; Speaking, 21; Reading, 20; and Listening, 16 or IELTS minimum score of 7.0
Clinical Experience	1. Two years clinical experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) is strongly recommended for all programs. Applicants without 2 years clinical experience should contact the Associate Dean and/or Program Director prior to making application.
	2. For the ACPNP, NNP, and ACNP programs, two years clinical experience as an RN in an acute care setting is required (Evaluated by the Associate Dean and/or Program Director).
	3. For the MSN in Nursing Education program, 2 years clinical experience is required.
	4. International students are required to have two years RN clinical experience in a United States (or equivalent) health care system.
200 word Essay re: Career goals	Evaluated by Associate Deans of MSN Programs
Current and unencumbered RN License from Texas, a compact state, or other state board of nursing5	Evaluated by Associate Deans of MSN Programs
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)	Required only for the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program; Neonatal NP applicants may complete the NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program).
BSN for NLNAC or CCNE Accredited Program	Evaluated by Associate Deans of MSN Programs
Undergraduate Level Statistics	Minimum grade of "C"
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation	Required for all programs.

1	Minimum undergraduate GPA requirement for unconditional admission is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as calculated by Graduate Admissions.
2	If a person does not meet probationary admission requirements, he or she may request review by a Committee of the Graduate Nursing Faculty. The Committee may request completion of coursework and/or additional information to support the individual's petition for admission.
3	If admitted on probation, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program. Probationary students are admitted for part-time study only.
4	Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing GRE scores will be reviewed and the two highest scores will be considered for the admission process.
5	All graduate nursing students must have an unencumbered Registered Nursing License as designated by the Board Of Nursing (BON) for clinical courses. It is imperative that any student whose license becomes encumbered by the BON must immediately notify their department chair. The complete policy regarding encumbered RN license is available online at: http://www.uta.edu/nursing/MSN/unencumbered

References or Letters of Recommendation are not required for admission into the MSN Program.

Admission Policy for Individuals Ineligible to Continue Graduate Study at Another University

If potential students are ineligible to continue graduate study at another university and apply to The University of Texas at Arlington MSN Program, they will be reviewed by an admission committee. The admission committee will be composed of (at minimum):

1. Director of the Program to which they are applying,
2. Representative core faculty, and
3. MSN Graduate Advisor.

The admission committee will make their recommendation for admission or denial based on the following:

1. Admission materials (GPA on the last 60 hours of BSN, graduate GPA, GRE scores, grade of C or higher on statistics, essay, and English language score if applicable);
2. a narrative statement from the potential student providing a rationale for their ineligibility at another university; and
3. a plan for successful study at UT Arlington.

The admission committee reserves the right to ask for additional materials as are needed. The admission committee will make its recommendation of admission or denial to the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing.

DNP Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program builds on a foundation of previous advanced practice education in nursing and prepares advanced practice nurse providers who demonstrate leadership, clinical expertise and innovation in problem recognition and resolution. The required courses identified for the DNP curriculum meet the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials for Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (AACN, August 2006).

DNP Admissions Requirements

The applicant for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree must meet the general requirements of Graduate Admissions and have a Master’s Degree in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or a Post Master’s with NP Preparation from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution.

Potential students must also possess a current unencumbered Texas RN license or an unencumbered license from a designated compact state for admission.

The College of Nursing admission criteria are detailed in the DNP Graduate Admission Table below. The admission status options are described.

Unconditional Admission

Applicants must meet all criteria for unconditional admission.

Probationary Admission

Criteria for probationary admission status are listed in the DNP Graduate Admission Table. When on probation, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program.

Provisional Admission

An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but whom otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.

Deferred Status

Deferred decision is granted when a file is incomplete or when a denial decision is not appropriate.

Denial of Admission

An applicant will be denied admission if they have less than satisfactory performance on a majority of admission criteria listed in the DNP Graduate Admission Table.

DNP Graduate Admission Table

Admission Criteria	Unconditional	Probationary
GPA on master's course work or Post-Master's NP Certificate	3.5 on a 4.0 scale	3.0-3.491
GRE	Waived	Waived
TSE (Test of Spoken English) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)	TSE: Score of 40 or higher or TOEFL: Minimum of 550 on paper-based test, 213 on computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test and achieve the following minimum scores of subtests: Writing, 22; Speaking, 21; Reading, 20; and Listening, 16 or IELTS minimum score of 7.0.
Statistics course	Graduate level with a minimum grade of B.
Current Vita or Resume	Evaluated by Associate Dean or Admissions Committee
Written statement of career vision/goals	Evaluated by Associate Dean or Admissions Committee
Unencumbered RN License in Texas2	Evaluated by Associate Dean of DNP Program
Currently recognized by Board of Nursing as an APRN in Texas	Evaluated by Associate Dean of DNP Program
Current National certification as an NP	Evaluated by Associate Dean of DNP Program
Current NP Practice	Evaluated by Associate Dean or Admissions Committee
Current CPR, ACLS, PALS or NRP as required for their Specialty Area	Evaluated by Associate Dean of DNP Program
Proficiency in use of computer for word processing, spreadsheet development, and data and text file creation and manipulation	Evaluated by Associate Dean of DNP Program

1

Students admitted on probation, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program.

2

All graduate nursing students must have an unencumbered registered nurse license as designated by the Board Of Nursing (BON) for clinical courses. It is imperative that any student whose license becomes encumbered by the BON must immediately notify the Associate Dean for the DNP Program. The complete policy regarding encumbered RN license is available online at: http://www.uta.edu/nursing/MSN/unencumbered

Admission Policy for Individuals Ineligible to Continue Graduate Study at Another University: If potential students are ineligible to continue graduate study at another university and apply to The University of Texas at Arlington DNP Program, they will be reviewed by an Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee will be composed of (at a minimum):

1. Two representative faculty, and
2. DNP Graduate Advisor.

The Admissions Committee will make their recommendation for admission or denial based on the following:

1. Admission materials (GPA on the MSN or Post-Master’s certificate, grade of B or higher on graduate statistics, current vita, written statement of career vision, and English language score if applicable);
2. a narrative statement from the potential student providing a rationale for their ineligibility at another university; and
3. a plan for successful study at UT Arlington.

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to ask for additional materials as are needed. The Admissions Committee will make its recommendation of admission or denial to the Graduate Office for the University.

PhD Program

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program is built on a foundation of prior nursing education and prepares the student for original research and theory development. The PhD in Nursing Program is designed to prepare nurse scientists to meet the health needs of a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. The central focus of the PhD in Nursing Program is to prepare researchers and teachers who understand how communities evolve, interact, change and how they prescribe, understand and sanction health, illness and health seeking behaviors.

The PhD in Nursing Program offers two routes of entry: BSN-PhD or MSN-PhD. Potential students should refer to admission criteria below.

PhD Admission Requirements

The applicant for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degree must meet the general requirements of Graduate Admissions and have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN-PhD entry) or a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN-PhD entry) from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution. Applicants must submit to the Office of Graduate Admissions official transcripts from each college or university attended.

An applicant whose native language is not English must take the Test of Spoken English (TSE), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

• Persons taking the TSE must make a minimum score of 40.
• Persons taking the TOEFL must make a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, and meet the following criteria on the internet-based test: attain a minimum overall score of 79 and achieve the following minimum scores of subtests: writing: 22; speaking: 21; reading: 20; and listening: 16
• Persons taking the IELTS must make a minimum score of 7.0.

A foreign student wishing to be a graduate research assistant or a graduate teaching assistant will need to take the Test of Spoken English. For admission, the foreign student must also possess a current RN license in the state where the student is participating in clinical activities.

PhD Admission Status Options

The College of Nursing admission criteria are detailed in the PhD Program Requirements table below.

Unconditional Admission

Applicants must meet all criteria for unconditional admission

Probationary Admission

Criteria for probationary admission status are designated in the PhD Program Requirements table below. When on probation, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program.

Provisional Admission

An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but who otherwise appears to meet admission requirements.

Deferred Status

Deferred decision is granted when a file is incomplete or when a denied decision is not appropriate.

Denial of Admission

An applicant will be denied admission if he/she has less than satisfactory performance on a majority of admission criteria listed in the table below. The PhD Admissions Committee will make a recommendation for denial.

PhD Program in Nursing Admission Requirements

Note: A student on probation must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program.

Admission Criteria	Unconditional	Probationary
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN-PhD entry) or Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN-PhD entry) from a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited College of Nursing or equivalent.	Evaluated by Associate Dean	Evaluated by Associate Dean1
GPA on all bachelor's coursework (BSN-PhD) or on master's coursework (MSN-PhD).	3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale as calculated by Graduate Admissions	3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale as calculated by Graduate Admissions1
GRE for BSN-PhD entry; GRE waived for MSN-PhD entry	GRE with a total minimum score of: 500 or 153 on verbal; 500 or 144 on quantitative; 500/4 on analytical/analytical writing scores	Verbal: 400-490 or 146-152; Quantitative: 400-490 or 140-143; Analytical Writing: 3.0-3.5; Analytical: 400-490; (Based on GPA/GRE ratio)1
For international students, TSE (Test of Spoken English) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)	TSE: Score of 40 or higher or TOEFL: MInimum of 550 on paper-based test, 213 on computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test and achieve the following minimum scores of subtests: Writing, 22; Speaking, 21; Reading, 20; and Listening, 16. IELTS minimum score of 7.0.	TSE: Score of 40 or higher or TOEFL: Minimum of 550 on paper-based test, 213 on computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test and achieve the following minimum scores of subtests: Writing, 22; Speaking, 21; Reading, 20; and Listening, 16. IELTS minimum score of 7.0.1
Graduate level statistics course from an accredited college or university of 3 or more credit hours with a minimum grade of B.	Implement as stated	Implement as stated
Interview2	7 or higher on rating scale of 1-10	6 or less on rating scale of 1-10 Evaluated by Admissions Committee1
Written statement of goals2	7 or higher on rating scale of 1-10	6 or less on rating sclae of 1-10 Evaluated by Committee1
Professional liability insurance.	Evaluated by Associate Dean	Evaluated by Associate Dean
Evidence of current professional nursing licensure/registration in at least one political jurisdiction. Licensure/registration must be maintained throughout the program. If a PhD student is going to perform direct patient care activities or supervise students in clinical agencies, he or she will be required to obtain an RN license in Texas or a compact state.	Evaluated by Associate Dean	Evaluated by Associate Dean
Two years of clinical experience recommended (BSN-PhD entry)	Evaluated by Associate Dean	Evaluated by Associate Dean
Immunizations required by the College of Nursing.	Evaluated by Associate Dean	Evaluated by Associate Dean
Criminal background check prior to clinical and research activities in health care agencies, which satisfies the Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council and the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.	Evaluated by Associate Dean	Evaluated by Associate Dean
Drug screen prior to clinical and research activities in health care agencies, which satisfies the Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council and the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.	Evaluated by Associate Dean	Evaluated by Associate Dean

1	A student on probation must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program.
2	A new goal statement and a new interview are required with every application.