Master of Science Nursing: Entry-Level
About the Program
St. Catherine University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Entry-Level option for those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field who are seeking to transition into the nursing profession. This accelerated option is for individuals who are committed to innovation, ethical leadership and social justice. Our graduates are entry-level scholar-practitioners prepared to lead and influence.
Our rigorous program of study prepares you to advance rapidly, assume leadership positions and acquire professional expertise in nursing Upon completion, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses and can begin your nursing career.
Our Curriculum
The 51-credit MSN: Entry-Level option may be completed in 23 months. The program blends online and classroom experiences on St. Catherine’s campus in St. Paul, with lab and clinical experiences integrated throughout the course of study.
Courses are offered primarily in an evening/weekend format, with some additional weekday commitments. Students are encouraged to reduce outside commitments to accommodate the demands of this intensive course of study.
The curriculum is designed to prepare and enable nurses to lead change and advance health. You will develop graduate-level competencies in clinical leadership, evidence-based practice, teamwork and communication, healthcare economics and politics, and healthcare informatics.
St. Catherine places strong emphasis on course content and learning experiences that are based on current and projected needs in the changing healthcare environment. Our nursing faculty are committed to providing healthcare to underserved populations, and support students who wish to do the same.
Tuition and Fees
The 2024–25 tuition rate for the MSN: Entry-Level option is $995 per credit. Additional costs include fees for student services and technology ($330 per term) and books (prices vary by course).
How to Apply
The application deadline is October 1 for Spring 2025 enrollment.
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have:
• A bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution accredited by a nationally recognized, regional accrediting association.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Five prerequisite courses (a minimum of three courses must be completed by the application deadline):
o Human Anatomy with lab
o Human Physiology with lab
o Statistics
o Lifespan Developmental Psychology
o Microbiology
The MSN: Entry-Level application requires the following materials:
• Admission essay
• Current résumé
• Three recommendations
• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Official scores from TOEFL or IELTS (if native language is not English)
• Credential evaluation from World Education Services (if college/university coursework was completed outside the U.S.)
Visit our website for detailed application instructions.
MSN: Entry Level Sample Plan of Study
Complete the MSN: Entry-Level program in 23 months.
Sample Plan of Study: Spring Start
Year 1
Year 2 Application of Evidence-Guided Nursing Practice
Basic Graduate Nursing Informatics
Ethics and Healthcare
Introduction to Nursing Science and Practice
Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
Family-Centered and Population Focused Care
Foundations in Evidence-Guided Nursing Practice
Promoting and Protecting the Health of Vulnerable Populations
Evidence-Based Practice
*Global Health and Populations (MN clinical)
Year 3
Nursing Leadership in Complex Healthcare Systems: High Acuity Care
Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan
*Global Health and Populations (Mexico or MN clinical)
Nursing Leadership in Complex Healthcare Systems: Assimilation into Professional Nursing Practice
*choose one of the three clinical options 10.2023