Is the MSN program online or in a class room setting?

The curriculum has both online and face to face classroom experiences for learning. All courses have some online components, some courses are all face to face, and some courses are all online. MSN students typically meet on Wednesdays for the didactic portion of the program which helps them focus on course requirements. Program orientation, testing, lab, practicum and/or clinical course requirements will be a face to face for practice and demonstration to meet course objectives.

Once in a program can a student change tracks easily or would a new application need to be submitted?

A new NursingCAS application is not needed.

Do I have to stop working while attending the MSN program?

No, but graduate work is time intensive and it is highly recommended that students not work full time.

How often are MSN FNP clinical rotations?

Depends on the semester. Semester 2 is usually 1 day/week. Semesters 3, 4, 5 are generally 2-3 days/week.

Are clinical sites assigned or do I have to find my own?

The Gessner College of Nursing will work with students to find appropriate sites. We have sites available and we are open to adding more sites with student input. We do not guarantee that we will place students each semester in the site of their choosing. We will place students on availability. If a student has a clinical site they would like, they need to work with the Clinical Learning Team early to secure the site. It can take three or more months to secure a site.

Can I start the MSN program without a year of work experience?

Students can begin the MSN program directly after the BSN. The didactic coursework in the beginning of the MSN program allows the student to gain professional (BSN) work experience before the MSN clinicals begin. Students need BSN clinical work experience to navigate the clinical experiences in the MSN program.

Can I attend the MSN program part time?

Yes, most students are part time.

Does the Gessner College of Nursing offer job placement?

No, but employers will often call with job opportunities, which are shared with students.

Are there scholarship opportunities?

Yes, scholarships are available for all MSN tracks. Internal and External scholarships are available at Scholarships - University of Houston (uh.edu). All graduate students are encouraged to apply for FAFSA for scholarship opportunities.

Do I need to take the Graduate Entrance Exam GRE or MAT?

Effective Fall 2019 - Official score(s) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for applicants with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A GRE score will be required for applicants with a GPA between 2.75 – 2.9 for conditional admission. Scores may not be more than 5 years old. The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is no longer available.

What is the cost of the program? Resident tuition for the 2024 calendar year?

• The University has a “consolidated tuition” structure. Nursing tuition is inclusive of all course fees.
• Tuition cost for 6 semester credit hours/semester is $3714.60.
• University Mandatory Fees are $513 for 6 semester credit hours/semester.
• Tuition cost for MSN-Administration Track is approximately $22,288 (36 semester credit hours).
• Tuition cost for MSN-Education Track is approximately $26,000 (42 semester credit hours).
• Tuition cost for MSN-FNP Track is approximately $29,095 (47 semester credit hours).
• Tuition cost for Post Master’s Certificate in Nurse Administration or Nurse Education is approximately $5,572 (9 semester credit hours for each certificate).