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2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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Master of Science in Nursing

The Kirkhof College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree. The M.S.N. prepares registered nurses for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), expert clinicians who lead improvements in nursing practice and health outcomes across patient, nursing, and system spheres of impact. The CNS curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to integrate clinical expertise, systems leadership, and evidence-based practice to advance quality, safety, and equitable care. Graduates are eligible to apply for national certification as an Adult-Gerontology or Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist.

The KCON M.S.N. - CNS graduate is prepared to

  1. Provide advanced, evidence-based care to improve outcomes for patients, nurses, and health systems.
  2. Lead and evaluate practice changes to enhance quality, safety, and efficiency across microsystem and organizational levels.
  3. Translate research and data into practice innovations to address population and system needs.
  4. Model professionalism, mentorship, and advocacy to advance the discipline and improve health equity.
Admission

The M.S.N. admission process is designed for post-baccalaureate nursing (B.S.N.) entry. Applicants must be graduates from a B.S.N. program that was accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), or anticipate that they will have graduated from such a qualifying program before enrolling.

  1. Complete the GVSU graduate application available at https://www.gvsu.edu/kcon/oss/admission-deadlines-74.htm specifying the M.S.N.-CNS option.
  2. Submit transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework.
  3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework.
  4. Submit a current curriculum vitae/resume.
  5. Submit a scholarly writing sample, using the guidelines in the online application.
  6. Participate in a qualifying interview with KCON faculty.
  7. International student applicants must meet minimum English proficiency requirements by submitting scores from one of the following: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery), or PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic).

Additionally, full admission is contingent on successful completion of the following:

  1. Current licensure to practice as a registered nurse in Michigan.
  2. Current licensure to practice as a registered nurse in their state of residence for clinical nurse specialist students.
  3. Criminal background check and drug screen.
  4. Compliance with health record, immunization, and other KCON graduate program requirements.

A new M.S.N.-CNS program cohort begins each fall semester. To ensure acceptance, the application and supplemental materials must be received by May 1 of the calendar year in which the student desires entry. Applications received after May 1 will be considered based upon program capacity.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certification

Students pursuing an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) emphasis must complete the didactic and clinical courses in a selected population or specialty area that qualifies them to sit for national specialty certification. For the M.S.N. program, options include adult/gerontology or pediatric clinical nurse specialist.

Program Requirements

Completion of 63 credits is required for the M.S.N. degree.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Emphasis Core Courses

The following core courses are required for all students pursuing a CNS emphasis in either Adult-Gerontology or Pediatric.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Semester 7

Semester 8


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