Application & Admission

MSN-DNP Track
Applications for our MSN-DNP track can be submitted annually starting in August. Any APRN (Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Anesthetist) interested in obtaining the Doctor of Nursing Practice terminal degree is welcome to apply. Application deadline for starting in the Fall semester is February 1.

BSN-DNP/FNP Track
Applications for the BSN-FNP track can be submitted starting in August for an admission starting in the summer semester of the following year. The priority application deadline is November 1 however applications are accepted through January 1 on a space available basis for qualified candidates. Candidates for the BS-DNP/FNP track must hold a Bachelor's degree in nursing or have a Master's degree in nursing and are NOT already a Family Nurse Practitioner. Applicants attend an Information session, provide a detailed resume, and write a short essay as part of the holistic application process. Following review of application, top eligible candidates will be invited to an online interview. 

Questions? Please email graduatenursing@mnsu.edu.

Candidates for Minnesota State University, Mankato's DNP program must hold either a Bachelor's or a Master's degree in nursing. If candidates are Master's prepared and seeking to obtain a post-APRN masters DNP, they must be certified in one of the advanced practice nursing roles: clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner.

Admissions

DNP Applicants submit materials to the College of Graduate Studies and Research (CGS&R). The CGS&R reviews the University Graduate Application and forwards the student transcript to the School of Nursing for review. The School of Nursing reviews the information from the CGS&R information to make admission decisions.

BSN-DNP/FNP APPLICATION PROCESS   Apply Now

1. Admission to the Minnesota State University, Mankato College of Graduate Studies and Research (CGS&R). To apply please click the "Apply Now" link above.
2. Official copies of transcript(s) from each institution attended for graduate study as evidence of graduation with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited graduate program in nursing.
3. Satisfactory scores on the TOEFL test for international or non-English speaking students.
4. BSN/BS/BAN/BA/MSN/MS/MAN/MA/MN from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited school of nursing as verified by transcript.
5. Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale. If GPA<3.00, the student's Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores must be submitted along with the application. GRE scores are not needed for students with a graduate degree.
6. Current RN licensure with eligibility for licensure in Minnesota. 
7. One year of work experience as a baccalaureate prepared registered nurse prior to beginning nursing course work.
8. One professional reference from current or recent supervisor, available in GradCAS.
9. Professional resume including:
   • Name, address, phone, cell phone, email, and any other contact information
   • Education (degree, institution, major, date degree conferred)
   • RN Licensure #
   • Certifications (if applying for the post-Masters DNP program)
   • Professional employment history as a registered nurse (institution, city, state, position title, dates, percent time worked)
   • Honors, awards, and scholarships
   • Professional organization memberships
   • Leadership positions/involvement in professional organizations and employment situations (past and current)
   • Scholarly activities including publications, professional presentations, research activities, and/or consultation (local, regional, national, international)
   • Professional service activities

10. Prerequisite if admitted to the program: Graduate level statistics course with a minimum grade of B (HLTH 675 or equivalent) and undergraduate research course.
    
    

MSN-DNP Admission Process    Apply Now

Must have national APRN certification for Post-Nursing Masters DNP Program

1. Prospective students apply to the College of Graduate Studies and Research via GradCAS and include transcripts of completed masters and undergraduate degrees. GRE scores will not be necessary for students with a masters degree.
2. Prospective students are evaluated and may be invited for an interview. We continue to review applications for classes starting each fall until classes are filled.

Questions?

Please email graduatenursing@mnsu.edu.