How to Apply:
Master of Science in Nursing
Along with your completed application accompanied by $50 non-refundable application fee, you’ll need to provide a few supporting materials. Because there’s lead time required for some items, here’s a step-by-step process that seems to work best for candidates:
Complete your online or paper application. While you wait for your transcripts to be processed, you can begin your online application,
which lets you build, edit and save sections of your application along
the way. Or you can apply with our downloadable MSN application.
If you would like an application mailed to you, please email
or call our Graduate Coordinator at
1-888-ALVERNIA extension 6.
Order your official transcript(s). Official transcript(s)
indicating that the applicant has earned a baccalaureate degree in
nursing from a NLNAC or CCNE accredited program at a college or
university. Also, the completion of an undergraduate statistics course
and undergraduate research course with a grade of “C” or better is
required. If not completed, the courses must be taken in conjunction
with graduate courses at Alvernia University.
Three references using specific recommendation forms. MSN applicants must obtain references using the specific reference form supplied with the admission packet or downloadable version.
References are preferred from professional nurses with graduate
degrees, but can also come from former professors, employers or
supervisors. All forms must be placed in envelopes with a signature
across the seal and forwarded to the Graduate and Continuing Studies
Division at Alvernia University.
Personal Statement. Applicants must submit a two-page entrance
essay. Also note that applicants must follow specific guidelines for
both the content and the format of the entrance essay. Guidelines are
available from the program coordinator if not included in the
application packet or downloadable version.
Scores from a graduate entrance exam. Scores submitted from a
graduate entrance exam such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or
the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) within the past five years. The GRE or
MAT will be waived with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or
better on a 4.0 scale and all other admission criteria is satisfactory.
Also, this requirement will be waived for Alvernia College alumni, and
other students who have earned bachelor’s degrees five years or more
prior to submitting an application.
Professional Resume.
Interview with the MSN program coordinator or faculty member.
After all the required application materials have been received, each
applicant will be contacted to arrange for a personal interview. The
interview will be conducted by the MSN program coordinator/faculty or a
designated representative.
Photocopy of applicant’s current Registered Nurse License.
Minimum of one year recent relevant practice in nursing is required.