Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet and/or furnish the following criteria:
- Application, application fee, residency form with all requested information and supporting documents.
- Transcripts: Individuals seeking admission must provide official transcripts showing all post-secondary coursework attempted and the award of the BSN degree by an accredited college or university. Official transcripts verifying all previous college-level course work are required for the University’s records. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to USC Upstate or delivered in a sealed envelope bearing a registrar’s stamp.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommendations should be from professionals knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic and nursing leadership potential.
- Current CV or resume.
- Completion of agency requirements needed for clinical practice.
- Personal statement: Applicants are required to submit a 1-2 page personal statement that describes career goals and how this degree will be utilized as a practicing Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator, or Nursing Leader.
- The GRE is not required.
After admission has been granted, an online orientation course will need to be completed before admission is final. After final acceptance to the program, the student will also need to comply with clinical agency requirements for CPR certification, HIPAA and OSHA certification.
Master of Science in Nursing
The Mary Black College of Nursing offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with concentration areas of Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership and Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). Detailed information regarding each MSN concentration can be located within the Graduate Student Handbook
Applications will be reviewed for the fall and spring sessions and must include the items below to begin the application process. Other items will be required once the applicant completes the items below.
- Apply to USC Upstate for the Master of Science in Nursing Apply Online
- Pay the $45 application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended must be sent to admissions@uscupstate.edu
You will be contacted to assist you with the process and to answer all of your questions.
Nursing Education
This program is for registered nurses who are graduates of an accredited Bachelor of Science in nursing program. Graduates of the masters in nursing education concentration will have the opportunity to serve as academicians to educate current and future nurses. Prepared to teach in academic and clinical settings, including staff development. Registered nurses who meet the admission requirements for the program may complete the program in two calendar years of full time study. Students selecting part-time study may take three years to complete the program. All coursework is delivered online with 375 clinical practicum hours completed in your own clinical settings.
Nursing Leadership
This program is for registered nurses who are graduates of an accredited Bachelor of Science in nursing program. Upon successful completion of the masters of science in nursing leadership degree, students will be prepared to assume leadership roles in academic and practice settings. Preparing budgets, scheduling, developing and implementing policies and procedures, advocating for patients, and serving on interprofessional teams are all encompassed in the nursing leadership role. Registered nurses who meet the admission requirements for the program may complete the program in two calendar years of full time study. Students selecting part-time study may take three years to complete the program. All coursework is delivered online with 187 clinical practicum hours completed in clinical settings.
Clinical Nurse Leader
The Clinical Nurse Leader is a relatively new role in nursing. In practice, the CNL is an advanced generalist who oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations. This master’s degree-prepared clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. The CNL evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. The CNL is a leader in the health care delivery system. The implementation of this role will vary across settings. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be eligible for CNL certification through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). All coursework is delivered online with 500 practicum hours completed in clinical settings.
The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs at University of South Carolina Upstate, Mary Black College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.