MSN Application Requirements
All MSN applicants must complete the requirements listed below unless otherwise noted. Some of our programs require additional qualifications. International applicants please visit this page for information specific to your application process.
*Streamlined Adult Gerontology Acute Care applicants, please see the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate page for requirements unique to this program’s application.
Application Requirements
A complete application includes the following:
- $80 non-refundable application fee
- Completed online application
- Transcripts: unofficial transcripts, from your accredited BSN program and all undergraduate and graduate schools, must be uploaded for review purposes.
- Official transcripts are only required if offered admission and can be sent electronically (from the issuing institution) or sent via postal-mail. Note: mailed transcripts can take up to six weeks to arrive at the School of Nursing after the initial request.
- Verification that you’ve completed the requisite statistics class
- GRE scores: As of July 1, 2021, the GRE is no longer required for the MSN program.
- Three letters of recommendation: from the following sources: academic, employer, and professional; all letters of recommendation must be submitted online, without exception, through the online application.
- Responses to essay questions
- Copy of your active RN license(s): all master’s students are required to have an active Registered Nursing License(s). Progression into the clinical component requires an active Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License, and as specified by individual programs in Delaware (compact state) and New Jersey.
- Interview: we will contact you if you qualify for this step in the application process.
*Please Note: All application requirements must be uploaded or completed before the application is submitted. One active application is permitted at a time, do not submit an application for multiple programs or multiple terms.
Please consult our master’s program admissions page for any program specific requirements (e.g., necessary work experience) and information on meeting requirements for national certification. While program curricula offered by the School of Nursing prepare students to sit for national certification within their specialty area, Nurse Practitioner program graduates may be required to complete additional state-specific requirements before being permitted to practice.
Mailing address
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
418 Curie Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217
Attention: Office of Enrollment Management
Electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@nursing.upenn.edu.
Licensure
You are required to have a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License prior to beginning clinical rotations. If you do not have a Pennsylvania license but you are licensed to practice in another country, you must complete the CGFNS Certification Program. Proof that you’ve passed the CGFNS Qualifying Examination is required prior to reviewing your admissions application. See the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website for more details.
If you are completing the NCLEX® in another state, please review the requirements to obtain a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License. See Item 6: Licensure by Endorsement With Temporary Practice Permit.
*Exemptions: Streamlined Post-Master’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner applicants are exempt from the RN Licensure requirement, but must provide NP License(s). Please see our Post-Graduate APRN Certificate page for program-specific requirements.
International applicants
Please visit our International Applicants page for further information.