Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Focus Areas

ACADEMIC PROGRAM INFORMATION	APPLICATION	APPLICATION DEADLINE
Family Nurse Practitioner Program Specifics PDF	Apply Now	Start term – Fall 2026 (August): Priority: February 15 Final: April 15 After our deadlines, we will accept applications on a space-available basis. Please begin your application and contact graduate admissions with questions.
MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program Specifics PDF	The Fall 2026 application Apply Now	Start term – Fall 2026 (August): Priority: February 15 After our deadlines, we will accept applications on a space-available basis. Please begin your application and contact graduate admissions with questions.
MSN Nurse-Midwifery Program Specifics PDF	Apply Now	Start term – Fall 2026 (August): Priority: February 15 Final: April 15 After our deadlines, we will accept applications on a space-available basis. Please begin your application and contact graduate admissions with questions.

Courses are offered in a synchronous online format. An immersion experience may be required for students during the fall and spring semesters at the Winchester Main Campus.

Admission Requirements

• Graduate Application for Admission and $30 Application Fee
• Unofficial or official transcripts
  • Applicants can choose to submit unofficial transcripts for initial review. If admitted, the applicant must submit an official transcript for each unofficial transcript upload. See our full policy for more details.  
  • Applicants must have earned a BSN degree from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited institution. Recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA.
    • If you are admitted, the School of Nursing will complete a transcript (gap) analysis for all students whose entry level nursing degree(s) and/or applied credits are received from a non-CCNE accredited nursing program to determine any gaps in meeting the Essentials of Entry Level Professional Nursing Education. 
  • Applicants must have completed or will complete the following prerequisite course requirements prior to enrolling at Shenandoah:
    • Undergraduate Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology courses. Recommended grade of “B” or better.
    • Undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.
    • Undergraduate Chemistry course with a grade of “C” or better.
  • All transcripts from non-U.S. based institutions must be course-by-course evaluated by a NACES or AICE accredited academic credential evaluation company to obtain equivalency information on courses, grades, and degrees earned. Upload a copy of this course-by-course evaluation to serve as your unofficial transcript from that institution.  Please note: If choosing to upload an unofficial evaluation, please contact the evaluating agency to ensure the same official version can be sent at a later date. Unofficial and official evaluations must be conducted by the same evaluation company to ensure consistency. See full international documentation requirements here.
    • Because academic programs vary among countries, students who complete degree programs outside of the United States must document that they have earned prior nursing degrees from accredited universities.
• Three Letters of Recommendation
  • If you graduated within the last five years, at least one from a previous faculty member at your most recent institution. Two recommendations from individuals who can attest to clinical experience. It is recommended that one of the references be from a doctorally-prepared nurse.
  • References will be sent a link to an electronic form to complete once you save their email address into the application form
• Professional Current Resume/C.V.
• Documentation of one full year (at least 2,080 hours) of direct patient care prior to specialty courses
  Applicants to our Nurse-Midwifery specialty are recommended to have experience in birth settings.
  • Documentation of Registered Nurse Clinical Hours Form
  • Documentation of Nurse Practitioner Clinical Hours Form  (if applicable)
• Essay (250-500 words) answering the following questions:
  • Why are you choosing to pursue the FNP, PMHNP, or Nurse Midwife role? 
• Copy of current unencumbered RN license – multi-state or individual state (must obtain licensure in the state in which you do clinical rotations).
• Language Proficiency Requirement must be met. Submission of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (DET) may be required. See our policy for full details.
• Videointerview submission. Please record and answer required questions (see application submission form for more instructions).
  • Describe your nursing experience including any leadership roles (committees, precepting, charge, etc). 
  • Discuss one life experience that has influenced your decision to return to graduate school or become an APRN. 
  • What is the role of the specialty you plan to pursue: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse-Midwife?
  • Why did you choose Shenandoah University?
  • What do you see as the challenges of fitting graduate school into your current life? 
  • If we asked a colleague or family member, what would they say is a strength for you? What would they say is a weakness? 

Please note: due to the part-time structure and mostly online nature of our MSN program, I-20 paperwork for F-1 visas cannot be issued to applicants pursuing this degree.