Application Requirements

MSN Application Requirements

Admission requirements are consistent with those of the Graduate School. Applicants for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will be considered on a competitive basis.

Admission requirements are consistent with those of the Graduate School. Applicants for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will be considered on a competitive basis.

The following are requirements for admission:

1. For regular admission, a grade point average of at least 3.0 overall (based on a 4.0 grading scale) or 3.0 for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work is required.

2. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing.

3. Current unencumbered RN licensure in the United States. Click Here to view the states from which the College of Nursing accepts applications for admission.

4. Final admission is contingent upon drug and background screen results deemed acceptable by appropriate University officials.

BSN to DNP Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are consistent with those of the University of Alabama Graduate School.

Applicants for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) will be considered on a competitive basis.

The following are requirements for admission:

1. Reside and hold a current unencumbered RN licensure in a state approved for admission. Click Here to view the states from which the College of Nursing accepts applications for admission.

2. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing.

3. For regular admission, a grade point average of at least 3.0 overall (based on a 4.0 grading scale) or 3.0 for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work are required.

4. Final admission is contingent upon drug and background screen results that are deemed acceptable by appropriate University officials.

MSN to DNP Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are consistent with those of the University of Alabama Graduate School.

Applicants for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) will be considered on a competitive basis.

The following are requirements for admission:

1. Reside and hold a current unencumbered RN licensure in a state approved for admission. Click Here to view the states from which the College of Nursing accepts applications for admission.

2. Master’s degree in nursing from a CCNE or NLN accredited school of nursing or a Master’s degree in another relevant field. Those with Master’s in a field other than Nursing may be required to complete additional courses.

3. A 3.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system in a completed graduate degree.

4. Final admission is contingent upon drug and background screen results that are deemed acceptable by appropriate University officials.

Post-Graduate Certificate Application Requirements

Admission requirements are consistent with those of the Graduate School. Applicants for the nurse practitioner post-graduate certificate will be considered on a competitive basis. Nurses who are interested in the nurse practitioner post-graduate are encouraged to contact the Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) Coordinator of Graduate Student Services.

The following are requirements for admission:

1. Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited graduate program in nursing or a master’s degree in a health-related field with a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program.

2. For regular admission, a grade point average of at least 3.0 overall (based on a 4.0 grading scale) or 3.0 for the graduate work is required.

3. Current unencumbered RN licensure in the United States. Click Here to view the states from which the College of Nursing accepts applications for admission.

4. Must have completed Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Health Assessment within 5 years. (If these courses are needed they can be worked into the applicants plan of study).

5. Final admission is contingent upon drug and background screen results that are deemed acceptable by appropriate University officials.

Master of Science Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) Application Requirements

Admission requirements are consistent with those of the Graduate School. Applicants for the MEPN will be considered on a competitive basis.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) Coordinator of Graduate Student Services.

The following are requirements for admission:

1. For regular admission, a grade point average of at least 3.0 overall (based on a 4.0 grading scale) or 3.0 for the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work is required.

2. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited school.

3. Final admission is contingent upon drug and background screen results deemed acceptable by appropriate University officials.

Prerequisites for the MEPN Program
• Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab I & II
• Biology with Lab (or Chemistry with Lab)
• Microbiology with lab
• Statistics
• Human Growth and Development

Graduate Application Process

Graduate Application Process

Application Process

  • Begin your graduate application at the UA Graduate School.
  • Request transcripts following the Graduate School’s transcript instructions.
  • Upload supporting documents.  Upload the supporting documents below into your graduate application.
  • Statement of purpose – Please complete the statement of purpose using the following links: Statement of Purpose Guidelines
  • Resume or curriculum vitae 
  • Contact information for two references – The references should be professionals who can provide insight regarding your potential for success in the graduate program.  The Graduate School will contact these references via e-mail.
  • Copy of active RN license from every state in which you are licensed.  A screenshot of your online verification is sufficient.  Note: Licensure must be maintained throughout the program. (Does not apply to the MEPN students)
  • Post-Masters DNP OnlyVerification of Post-Baccalaureate Clinical Hours or proof of APRN certification
  • Interview – Applicants will receive instructions on this step (if they meet the minimum GPA requirement) once the application is complete with the above requirements.
  • DNP (BSN to DNP and Post-Masters DNP) – Accepted students have the option to take the College Composition CLEP test. If passed with a score of 55 or greater, the CLEP will allow the student to waive the course “Introduction to Writing” as part of their plan of study. If the CLEP is not taken or not passed with a score of 55 or greater, the student will take “Introduction to Writing” as part of their plan of study.” Once the test has been completed, please forward the test score to vsamuel@ua.edu. The test information is here: https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-exams/college-composition. Information on registering is here: https://clep.collegeboard.org/register-for-an-exam/how-to-register

Additionally, we may require the following:

English proficiency exam score – Whether an international or a permanent resident. if your first language is not English, you must submit an official score report from one of the following proficiency examinations: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Person Test of English (PTE). Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for further information.

Upon admission you will receive written notification of admission from the Dean of the Graduate School. You will also receive an email from Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at CCN Outlining requirements for entry.

Degree Requirements

MSN Nurse Executive (Formerly Nurse Administrator) Degree Requirements

Upon admission you will receive written notification of admission from the Dean of the Graduate The MSN with Nurse Executive concentration will be awarded to the student who has met the following requirements:

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Good Standing at the time of graduation
  • Successful completion of the required coursework
  • Participate in virtual orientation

MSN Nurse Practitioner Degree Requirements

The MSN with Nurse Practitioner concentration will be awarded to the student who has met the following requirements:

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Good Standing at the time of graduation
  • Successful completion of the required coursework
  • Participate in a virtual orientation
  • Participate in-person the clinical intensive and during the NP IV clinical course for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

MSN Nurse Educator Degree Requirements

The MSN with Nurse Educator concentration will be awarded to the student who has met the following requirements:

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Good Standing at the time of graduation
  • Successful completion of the required coursework
  • Participate in virtual orientation

DNP Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Nursing Practice will be awarded to the student who has met the following requirements:

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Good standing at the time of graduation
  • Successful completion of the DNP project
  • Successful completion of the required coursework and DNP project hours
  • Recorded participation in virtual DNP orientation
  • Attendance at one (1) DNP Intensive during the DNP Project Immersion courses (NUR 796-798 taken the last three semester of the program)
  • BSN to DNP students with a Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health or Dual NP focus are required to attend the on-campus orientation for NPs
  • BSN to DNP students are required to attend the virtual NP Clinical Intensive during the concentration unique clinical courses

Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate Requirements

The post-graduate certificate will be awarded to the student who has met the following requirements:

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Good Standing at the time of graduation
  • Successful completion of the required coursework
  • Participate in a virtual orientation
  • Participate in-person the clinical intensive and during the NP IV clinical course for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Scholarship/Financial Aid

Scholarship Application

To apply for a graduate scholarship, please complete the application. Scholarships are awarded for fall and spring semesters. The scholarship application will open in September and close May 1st each year.

Follow the steps below to apply:

1. Log into myBama.

2. Select the Admission & Scholarships page.

3. Under “All Graduate/Undergraduate Students,” click “Alabama Scholarship Award Manager.”

4. Thoroughly read all instructions.

5. Complete and submit any available applications and complete the recommended opportunities if applicable.

Financial Aid

The first step in securing scholarships is completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

A variety of programs are available for graduate students such as scholarships, federal student loans, grants, and traineeships.

You may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for assistance.

Federal Government Assistance

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) also offers scholarships and loans for nursing education.

Alabama Board of Nursing Scholarships

At various times, the Alabama Board of Nursing offers scholarships.

UA Online, The University of Alabama

UA Online offers scholarships that are specifically available to distance students.

Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama

Scholarships available from the Capstone College of Nursing are administered through the Graduate Programs Office.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing/Financial Aid/Scholarship Information

An extensive listing of graduate nursing scholarships can be found on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing website.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Organization

Accepts applications for the Pursuit of Excellence in Nursing Scholarship each year, for more information visit Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP ORG

Mandatory Orientation

Participation in the virtual orientation is mandatory to begin the program.

Fall 2025 – Microsoft Teams invites will be sent to crimson emails.

Family Nurse Practitioner – August 20, 2025 – 10:00am CSST – 12:00pm CST

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – August 20, 2025 – 2:00pm CST – 3:00pm CST

Nurse Educator – August 20, 2025 – 3:00pm CST – 4:00pm CST

Nurse Executive – August 20, 2025 – 6:00pm CST – 7:00pm CST

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – August 20, 2025 – 1:00pm CST – 2pm CST

Spring 2026 – Microsoft Teams invites will be sent to crimson emails.

Family Nurse Practitioner – January 8, 2026 – 10:00am CSST – 12:00pm CST

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – January 7, 2026 – 2:00pm CST – 3:00pm CST

Nurse Educator – January 7, 2026 – 3:00pm CST – 4:00pm CST

Nurse Executive – January 7, 2026 – 6:00pm CST – 7:00pm CST

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – January 7, 2026 – 1:00pm CST – 2pm CST