MSN Degree Online

The MSN degree curriculum is curated by specialty. The number of credits needed and the number of months your degree will take will vary, depending on the pace you choose (Accelerated Plus, Accelerated, or Working Professional). We advise that you visit the page for your MSN specialty of interest below and thoroughly review your prospective curriculum so you are fully aware of the program details and requirements.

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leader
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

How Much Does the Online MSN Degree Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MSN Degree online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. Visit the page for your MSN specialty of interest below for a breakdown of the costs at West Coast University.

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leader
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

We offer several MSN Degree financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.

Applicants for the program must meet the following requirements (MSN All Track Option): 

1. Completion of the application for admission.
2. Complete all university admissions requirements.
3. Completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA accredited program, with a 3.0 GPA or better.
4. A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in any US State or territory in which the student is licensed, including the State in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
   1. Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this State requirement for nursing licensure.
   2. An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
   3. A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.
5. Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the first week of the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period to be admitted to the program.

* Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog..

MSN Probational Admission Requirements

Applicants with a CGPA of 2.70-2.99 may be considered for probational admission after meeting the following probational admissions requirements. Based on review of the applicant packet the Program Dean may request an interview in consideration for admission.

1. The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
2. The applicant must be approved for admission by the Program Dean/Director.
3. The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites and achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms). Students failing to meet these requirements following the first trimester (two terms) will be administratively withdrawn from the university.

Additional Admission Requirements Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Tracks Only:

In addition to the admissions requirements above, applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse tracks must also meet the following admissions requirements:

1. Recommendation for admission by the Program Dean/Director and admission committee members. Past academic performance and professional achievements will be evaluated using a rubric to determine the applicant’s level of qualification.
2. Applicants to the APRN tracks must have a minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care RN experience before entering APRN core courses.
3. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Track applicants must have one (1) year of intensive care unit (ICU) experience as a registered nurse (RN) within the past 5 years prior to admission.
4. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track applicants must have one (1) year of registered nurse (RN) experience in direct patient care or a minimum of six (6) months of direct patient care experience in psychiatric mental health nursing (preferred) within the last 5 years prior to admission.
5. Students in MSN APRN tracks will be required to have a Gap Analysis review upon admission.
6. All students will be required to complete the Supplemental Application Form.

To view additional requirements, including requirements for students with degrees from outside the U.S. and language verification criteria, visit our catalog.