Graduation from a BSN program, accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (formerly known as National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Current unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Illinois or state/country of practice.
Official transcripts from all previous academic programs are required.
- Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA from ADN degree if applicable Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA from BSN degree; or
- Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA from post BSN, graduate level coursework of no less than 6 credit hours; or
- Minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA from MSN and post-MSN coursework for entry into post-Master’s specialty in HSL or NE programs.
Successful completion of:
- A statistics course
- A nursing research course
  - If not, equivalent course(s) must be taken prior to or concurrent with the first graduate-level nursing course with a grade of “C” or above. If a student does not receive a grade of “C” or above in a bridge course, the student may not repeat the course and will be dismissed from the program. Bridge courses to meet the admission requirement:
    - Statistics course equivalent is undergraduate PSYC 30300 Statistics for the Social Sciences
    - Nursing Research course equivalent is NURS 30100 Evidence Based Practice or NURS 33500 Evidence Based Practice and Nursing Research
Two Letters of Recommendation: one from a nurse with a master’s or doctoral degree in the specialty for which you are applying; the second from your current supervisor or manager. Letters from persons deemed to have a conflict of interest will not be accepted, e.g. relatives or persons in a reporting position to the applicant.
A current résumé or curriculum vitae.
Essay (maximum 500 words) addressing the following:
- How your work and life experiences prepared you for graduate studies;
- How graduate study will facilitate achievement of your short and long term professional goals in your chosen track;
- How the Lewis University Mission integrates with your personal and professional identity.

Book IELTS | About IELTS | Practice and prepare

Application Deadline

01/11/2026

Further information

If you aren't eligible for the above entry requirements, you might have a chance to explore pathway options at Lewis University. If you want to find out more, speak to our counsellors.

Master of Science in Nursing

At Lewis University

Recommended for you

Course info

Entry requirements for Lewis University

Application Deadline

Further information

What our students think

How does IDP FastLane work?