California MSN Programs

Azusa Pacific UniversitySchool of Nursing

Azusa Pacific University’s (APU) School of Nursing offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree: a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to MSN program as well as a Direct Entry MSN program.

The Direct Entry MSN pathway is designed for those who hold a Bachelor’s or higher degree in a non-nursing discipline who would like to both become a Registered Nurse (RN) and earn a Master’s in nursing. The program includes accelerated learning of basic nursing skills sufficient enough to take and pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam so that the student can then pursue an MSN.

MSN programs are offered in a wide variety of specializations/roles including:

• Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Adult Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Parent-Child Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Graduates from the Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs can also get a School Nurse Services Credential. APU also offers an MSN with a Parish Nurse specialization.

Applicants entering via the Direct Entry MSN program must hold a Bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution in a non-nursing field with a 3.0 or higher cumulative undergraduate GPA. Those with 2.7-2.99 GPAs may be conditionally admitted on an individual basis.

Applicants to the BSN to MSN programs should hold a BSN degree from an ACEN/NLNAC or CCNE accredited program and have completed undergraduate courses in Health/Physical Assessment, Nursing Research, Statistics, Pathophysiology, Nursing Leadership, and Community Health Nursing. They should have at least a 3.0 Bachelor’s or Master’s GPA. Those with 2.7-2.99 may be conditionally admitted on a case-by-case basis. Candidates should be licensed RNs with recent experience as an Registered Nurse.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

901 East Alosta Avenue
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 969-3434

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California State University, ChicoSchool of Nursing

A Master of Science in Nursing degree is available through the School of Nursing at California State University, Chico. The university offers the MSN degree in two specializations:

• Nurse Educator
• Nursing Leadership

Applicants to the program are required to hold a BSN degree from a nationally accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate nursing courses, including an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of “C” or higher. GRE scores from the last five year period are required. Candidates should hold a current California license as a Registered Nurse.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Holt Hall, Room 369
Chico, CA 95929
(530) 898-5891

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California State University, Dominguez Hills School of Nursing

Three pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered by the School of Nursing at California State University, Dominguez Hills. They offer a Direct Entry MSN pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a BSN to MSN pathway.

The university’s accelerated Direct Entry Program (called their Master’s Entry-Level Professional Nursing Program) is an accelerated program designed for those with a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree seeking to become a Registered Nurse. The program requires 75 credits and more than 1000 hours of clinical experience. It can be completed in just six semesters of full-time study over 2 years. Students in the program earn an MSN with a specialization as a Clinical Nurse Leader.

The RN to MSN pathway (called the MSN Pathway Program) is offered to RNs who hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s. They complete pre-requisite BSN courses along the way to their MSN.

Registered Nurses pursuing their MSN can choose from several roles/specializations including the following:

• Nurse Administrator
• Nurse Educator
• Parent-Child Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Leader

Applicants entering via the Direct Entry MSN program are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 or higher GPA in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study. Grades of “B” or better are required in all science pre-requisites (anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology). Grades of “B” or better are strongly recommended in all other pre-requisite courses. Students are also required to complete a Certified Nursing Assistant course prior to entering the program.

Applicants entering the MSN program via the RN to MSN pathway are required to be licensed as a Registered Nurse and to hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s. Before entering the program, candidates are required to attend a workshop. Faculty will determine which undergraduate nursing bridge courses you will need to complete before beginning work on graduate level courses.

Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution and an ACEN/NLNAC or CCNE accredited progrgm (or equivalent) with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours). They must have completed both a Statistics and Nursing Research course (or take them concurrently with their graduate course work). Candidates must hold a current and active RN license in the U.S.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

1000 East Victoria Street
Welch Hall – A330
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-3596

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California State University, Fresno Department of Nursing

The Department of Nursing at California State University, Fresno offers a Direct Entry MSN pathway, an RN to MSN Bridge pathway, and BSN to MSN pathway to a Master of Science in Nursing.

The Direct Entry program is designed for non-nurses and provides them a way of becoming a Registered Nurses as well as earning an Master’s in nursing. Students are prepared as a Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator.

RNs seeking their MSN can choose from several roles/specializations including the following:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator

Applicants to the RN to MSN program are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. They must have completed an accredited nursing program and be registered (or eligible for registration) as an RN in the state of California. Work experience and all past education will be considered when determining an individualized program for each applicant.

Applicants with only an Associate’s degree in nursing can enter the RN to BSN Bridge program, and once completed, go on to get their MSN. Those entering the RN to BSN program are required to hold only an Associate’s degree in nursing from a California BRN-approved, regionally accredited program. They must hold a current, active, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in California. They must also hold a current CPR certification.

The university is currently not accepting applications to their Direct Entry program due to a nursing faculty shortage.

Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN/NLNAC accredited program with an overall GPA of 2.5 and a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate nursing courses. Students must have completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Nursing Research. Candidates must be licensed as Registered Nurses in California (unless they are an international student). They must also hold a current CPR certification.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

2345 East San Ramon Avenue
Mail Stop MH25
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-2041

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California State University, Fullerton School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at California State University, Fullerton offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree in a wide variety of specializations/roles including:

• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leadership
• Nurse Anesthesia
• School Nursing
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife

There are several pathways offered by which to earn an MSN. CSU Fullerton offers the typical BSN to MSN pathway. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field with no previous nursing education can enter the Accelerated (Direct Entry) BSN program and then earn their MSN. Those currently licensed as an RN (or eligible for RN licensure) can enter via the RN to BSN pathway and then earn their MSN.

Applicants to MSN programs should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or related field from a professionally accredited institution with a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale. They should have completed both Statistics and Community Health Nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better. A current, active, unrestricted California RN license is required. Certain specializations require clinical nursing experience.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

800 North State College Boulevard
PO Box 6868
Fullerton, CA 92834
(657) 278-3336

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California State University, Long Beach School of Nursing

Several pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing are offered through the School of Nursing at California State University, Long Beach. They offer a Direct Entry pathway as well as a traditional BSN to MSN pathway. RNs are also offered an RN to BSN to MSN pathway.

MSN programs are available in a variety of roles and specializations. They options offered include:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Health Care Administration

Programs are also offered leading to dual Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health as well as dual Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Health Care Administration degrees.

Applicants to the Direct Entry MSN program should hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulate undergraduate/graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must have completed all prerequisite courses. Candidates are required to take the School of Nursing’s TEAS Admission Test.

Applicants to the BSN to MSN program must hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (or a related field) with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. They must have completed courses in Statistics, Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Community Health. Candidates should be licensed as an RN in California.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-4463

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California State University, Los Angeles School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at California State University, Los Angeles offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing. They offer a traditional BSN to MSN pathway as well as a Direct Entry MSN pathway for those without an RN license who have earned a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree. They also offer an RN to MSN “blended” bridge pathway with separate options for RNs with a non-nursing Bachelor’s and RNs with only an Associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. Note that a BSN can be awarded as part of this program if all general education and nursing course required for a BSN are completed (not just the bridge courses).

MSN programs are offered in a variety of roles and specializations including:

• Nursing Education
• Nursing Administration
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
• School Health
• Acute Care Adult Nurse Practitioner
• Primary Care Adult Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Applicants entering an MSN program via the Direct Entry pathway must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing with at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 90 credit hours of undergraduate work. They are admitted conditionally as graduate students. They must complete a prescribed series of nursing courses with an overall GPA of 3.0 (76 credit hours over 5 quarters) as well as take and pass the California RN licensing exam before being classified as graduate students unconditionally.

Applicants entering an MSN program via the RN to MSN “Blended” Master’s pathway must hold an Associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or an ACEN/NLNAC accredited diploma. Those holding a Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field must have at least a 2.75 GPA in the last 90 quarter units attempted. Candidates must complete a series of BSN course prerequisites (bridge courses) before they are fully classified as graduate students. Applicants must hold current licensure in California as an RN and have one year of clinical employment as an RN before enrolling in NURS 470/471.

Applicants entering an MSN program via the BSN to MSN pathway should hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (or MSN for Post-Masters) from a CCNE accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA in both all upper division nursing courses as well as the last 90 quarter units of attempted course work. They should also have completed Statistics, Nursing Research, and Health Assessment courses. Candidates should have a current California license as a Registered Nurse.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

5151 State University Drive
Simpson Tower F417
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-4730

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California State University, Sacramento School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State) offers a traditional MSN program those RNs holding a Bachelor’s in Nursing. They also accept RNs with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Sacramento State students can choose from two specializations:

• Advanced Clinical/Educator
• School Nurse

Applicants to the programs must hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (or a related field) from an accredited institution. It is strongly recommended that they have an undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. They should also have completed a Nursing Research course. Candidates should hold a license as a Registered Nurse in California.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 278-6011

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California State University, San Bernardino Department of Nursing

California State University, San Bernardino’s Department of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree program not only to RNs with a BSN, but also to those RNs with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

MSN students may choose from three areas of specialization:

• Population Based MSN
• Nurse Educator
• Advanced Public/Community Health

Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Those entering via the RN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus demonstrate specific nursing competencies. Both must have at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 90 quarter (or 60 semester) hours of course work attempted. They must also have completed an upper division Statistics course as well as “NURS 601: Prep for MSN Learning with Technology”. Candidates must hold a current California license as an RN.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407
(909) 537-5000

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California State University, Stanislaus School of Nursing

Both an RN to MSN Bridge pathway and BSN to MSN pathway are offered by the School of Nursing at California State University, Stanislaus. Those students entering via the RN to MSN Bridge program must complete a series of bridge courses before being allowed to progress through the graduate program.

A Master of Science in Nursing is offered in two specialty areas:

• Nurse Educator
• Adult-Gerontological Health

Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN program must hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway are required to hold both an Associate’s degree in nursing as well as a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree. They must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, and they must of completed an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better. Acceptable scores on the GRE or MAT exam are required. Candidates should hold a current license as an RN in the state of California.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

One University Circle
Demergasso-Bava Hall 260
Turlock, CA 95382
(209) 667-3141

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Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing

The Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing: an RN to MSN pathway and a Direct Entry MSN pathway. RNs entering the program can pursue a specialization as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Leader.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students must have completed several prerequisite courses prior to admission in English Composition, Speech, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology, Nurtrition, and Statistics. GRE scores are required.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)

1748 East 118th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90059
(323) 568-3302

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Dominican University of California Department of Nursing

Dominican University of California’s Department of Nursing offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree: a BSN to MSN pathway and an ADN/RN to MSN pathway. All pathways lead to a MSN with a specialization as a Clinical Nurse Leader.

Applicants entering via the ADN/RN to MSN pathway must hold an Associate’s degree in nursing and hold a current license as an RN in California. After completing a one year program of bridge courses (16 credit hours), the student advances into the graduate program where 32 more credit hours are required. Note that no BSN degree is conferred to those in the ADN/RN to MSN program. This is an accelerated program where the BSN degree is bypassed.

Applicants entering the via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor’s degree nursing with a with a 3.0 or higher GPA on the last 60 units of graded undergraduate or graduate work (unless an exception is made by the faculty). They must have completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Nursing Research within the last 5 years with a grade of “B” or better (or proof of mastery). Candidates must hold a current California license as an RN.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

50 Acacia Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415)457-4440

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Holy Names University Department of Nursing

The Department of Nursing at Holy Names University offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree: an RN to MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathway.

The RN to MSN pathway allows Registered Nurses with a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree to earn a Master’s in nursing within two to three years. They are required to take 16-18 credit hours of undergraduate bridge course work (depending on the concentration) before being fully admitted to the MSN program.

MSN students choose between three specializations:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Educator
• Nursing Administration/Management

A dual degree option is also available leading to both MSN in Nursing Administration/Management and MBA degrees.

Applicants entering the program via the RN to MSN pathway must hold a nursing diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing and hold a California license as an RN.

Applicants entering the program via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an ACEN/NLNAC or CCNE accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 2.80 or better and a 3.0 or better GPA on all undergraduate nursing courses. They must have completed courses in Pathophysiology, Statistics, and Nursing Research at the undergraduate level. Candidates must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse in California.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

3500 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94619
(510) 436-1305

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Loma Linda University School of Nursing

Loma Linda University’s School of Nursing offers Master of Science in Nursing degree programs in a variety of roles/specializations including:

• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Pyschiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Adult and Aging Family Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Growing Family Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Nurse Educator (Concentrations available in Adult/Aging Family and Growing Family)
• Nursing Administration

Applicants to the programs are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program with an undergraduate and/or graduate GPA of 3.0 (both cumulative and in nursing courses). They must hold an RN license in the U.S. prior to applying to the program as well as a California RN license prior to start of classes. Prior to entering clinical courses, students should have one year of RN experience. Nursing experience is preferred in the area of specialization.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

11262 Campus Street
West Hall
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-4923

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Mount St. Mary’s College Department of Nursing

The Department of Nursing at Mount St. Mary’s College offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer a traditional BSN to MSN pathway and an RN to MSN Bridge pathway. Those in the RN to MSN Bridge program will complete a series of undergraduate bridge courses which can be completed in one year of full-time study.

Specializations for the MSN degree are offered in the following areas:

• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leadership and Administration

Applicants to the RN to MSN pathway must hold an Associate’s degree in nursing with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of course work. They are also required to hold a clear and current RN license in California. Candidates should have either at least one year of full-time contiguous work experience as a licensed RN with the last 5 years (exceptions can be made for recent RN graduates who are currently employed in an acute care clinical setting as an RN or are willing to enroll in the RN externship program until the employment requirement is met).

Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway should hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing with a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of course work. They should have completed a course in Statistics or Nursing Research as a prerequisite for NUR 290. Candidates must hold a valid and clear, current license as an RN in California. Varying types of clinical experience are required depending on the specialization (but generally, one year of experience is required).

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

10 Chester Place
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 477-2901

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Point Loma Nazarene University School of Nursing

Point Loma Nazarene University’s School of Nursing offers pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree for both diploma/ADN and BSN prepared Registered Nurses.

The RN to MSN pathway requires diploma/ADN prepared students to take three bridge courses in the Spring and Summer semesters. They then join the Fall MSN cohort and continue with the MSN course progression. Students can complete the degree program in 2.5 years as opposed to those entering via the BSN to MSN pathway who can complete the program in just 2 years. But it should be noted that a BSN degree is not conferred as part of the diploma/ADN to MSN program.

Those entering the MSN program at Point Loma Nazarene can choose from the following specializations/roles:

• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Family/Individual Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Educator

Applicants should be licensed RNs who hold a nursing diploma, Associate’s degree in nursing or Bachelor’s degree in nursing. They should have at least one year of continuous, full-time experience as a Registered Nurse.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 849-2200

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Samuel Merritt University School of Nursing

Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered by Samuel Merritt University through their School of Nursing. They offer a Direct Entry MSN pathway and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.

Those who are not currently an RN who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can become an RN and earn an MSN degree through the Direct Entry MSN pathway. Those who enter via this program can choose from two specializations:

• Case Management
• Family Nurse Practitioner

Those RNs entering the program via the BSN to MSN pathway can choose from three specializations:

• Case Management
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Anesthesia

Applicants entering via the Direct Entry MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and have completed all prerequisites by the time of entry. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of course work as well as the prerequisite science courses.

Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (those RNs holding degrees in other related fields will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis). They should have completed a Statistics course. Candidates should hold a current California RN license with some clinical practice experience.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

3100 Telegraph Avenue
Suite 1000
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 869-6511

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San Diego State University School of Nursing

San Diego State University’s School of Nursing offers Master of Science in Nursing programs in a variety of specializations/roles including:

• Nurse-Midwifery
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Dual Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Dual Acute/Critical Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Acute/Critical Care Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Dual Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Educator
• Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems

Applicants to the MSN program should hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an ACEN/NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. RNs without a BSN who hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s in a non-nursing major can enter the program but may be required to take additional undergraduate and/or graduate bridge courses based on individual assessments. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale on all upper division undergraduate courses. They must also have completed a course in Statistics with a grade of “C” or better. A satisfactory score on the GRE General Test is required. Candidates must hold a license as an RN in California.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
(619) 594-5200

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San Francisco State University School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at San Francisco State University offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree including a traditional BSN to MSN pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a Direct Entry MSN pathway.

The Direct Entry pathway is designed for those with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline who would like to enter the nursing profession. Those students entering the MSN program through the Direct Entry pathway are admitted conditionally. They spend four semesters completing nursing theory and clinical course work to prepare them to take the national nursing licensing exam (NCLEX). Once they pass the exam and are licensed as a Registered Nurse, students then follow the MSN graduate course progression.

An RN to MSN pathway is available to Registered Nurses who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Students entering the MSN program via this pathway will likely be required to take bridge courses prior to beginning their MSN course progression.

Specializations available depend on the pathway. Those entering the school’s Generic MSN program via the Direct Entry pathway can choose from one of the following graduate specializations:

• Nursing Administration
• Adult Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Women’s Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Community Public Health

Those entering the MSN program as RNs with Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing or other non-nursing fields have an additional option of a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization.

Applicants to the MSN program (regardless of pathway) are required to hold a Bachelor’s or higher degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA in the last 60 units earned. Students should have taken the Analytical Writing section of the GRE prior to application with a score of 4 or higher. All RNs are required to hold a valid license as an RN in California. All non-RN students must have completed all prerequisites at the time of application to the program.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

1600 Holloway Avenue
Burk Hall 357
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 338-1802

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San Jose State University The Valley Foundation School of Nursing

The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University offers two pathways to an MSN degree: a BSN to MSN pathway and an RN to MSN bridge pathway.

The RN to MSN Bridge pathway is designed for RNs with a Baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing. Candidates are admitted conditionally to the MSN program. An individualized course of study is provided for them which includes a minimum of four undergraduate course. Those courses must be completed with a grade of “B” or better before advancing to the MSN courses.

San Jose State offers MSN to prepare students for the following roles:

• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Administrator
• Nurse Informaticist

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192
(408) 924-3131

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Sonoma State UniversityDepartment of Nursing

Sonoma State University’s Department of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. One can enter the MSN program through two pathways: a BSN to MSN pathway or an RN to MSN pathway.

The RN to MSN pathway (referred to at Sonoma State as their “Pathways Program”) is designed for RNs without a BSN degree (i.e. RNs with a nursing diploma or Associate’s degree) but who do hold a Bachelor’s degree in some field other than nursing. The applicant’s previous course work and experience are assessed and a individualized program of undergraduate bridge courses is created based on that assessment. Once those bridge courses have been completed, the student will progress into the MSN course work.

Applicants entering the program via the RN to MSN pathway must be licensed RNs with a Bachelor’s or higher degree in a non-nursing field. Those entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 units of college course work. They must be licensed as an RN in California. Candidates are preferred to have at least two years of experience as an RN, but those with less will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)

1801 East Cotati Avenue
Nichols Hall 256
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 664-2465

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University of California, Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing

The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at University of California, Davis offers Master of Science in Nursing degree programs in two specialty areas:

• Leadership
• Nurse Practitioner

The MSN in Leadership is a full-time program. It is designed to be completed in five quarters and requires a thesis.

The Nurse Practitioner program is a full-time program designed to be completed in 24 months. It requires a thesis as well as 720 hours of clinical practice.

Applicants to the program must hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field with at least a 3.0 GPA. They must hold a license as a Registered Nurse. The GRE is not required.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

4610 X Street
Suite 4202
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 734-2145

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University of California, Irvine Department of Nursing Quality, Research, and Education

The University of California, Irvine’s Department of Nursing Quality, Research, and Education offers Master of Science in Nursing programs in the following areas of specialization/roles:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Students are required to complete 72 units and 720 hours of clinical practice with populations in their specialization. They are expected to be enrolled full-time and to complete the program in two years.

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally and CCNE accredited institution. Their overall GPA must be at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students must have completed a course in Descriptive and Inferential Statistics and received a score of “C” or better. They must also have completed a Nursing Research courses. Candidates must hold licensure as an RN in California and must have at least one year of recent clinical experience as an RN before entering the program.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

101 The City Drive
Building 22A
Irvine, CA 92697
(949) 824-9734

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University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing

Two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered by the University of California, Los Angeles’ School of Nursing. They include a Direct Entry MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathway

UCLA’s Direct Entry pathway is called the “Masters Entry Clinical Nurse”. It’s designed for individuals who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and are seeking to begin a career in nursing. In addition to awarding an MSN degree, the program prepares students to take the national RN licensing exam (NCLEX), the Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam, and the California Public Health Nursing certification.

Those RNs entering via the BSN to MSN pathway have many more options for specializing including the following:

• Nursing Administration (Concentration available in Occupational and Environmental Health)
• Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Concentration available in Occupational and Environmental Health)
• Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Concentration in Oncology)
• Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Concentration in Oncology)
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Applicants entering via the Direct Entry pathway are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university approved by the School of Nursing and UCLA Graduate Division. The student must have completed a series of prerequisite courses.

Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an institution with an accredited nursing program approved by the School of Nursing and UCLA Graduate Division. A minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred. They must have completed approved Statistics and Nursing Resource courses before entering the school. Candidates for all MSN programs other than Nursing Administration should have completed an upper division Physical Assessment course with the last 3 years as well as an upper division Human Physiology course within the last 5 years. They must hold a license as an RN prior to admission and a California RN license prior to entry into any clinical practicum.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

700 Tiverton, 2-256 Factor Building
Box 951702
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 825-9621

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University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at University of California, San Francisco offers three pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree: a Direct Entry pathway, an ADN/RN to MSN pathway, and a BSN to MSN pathway.

The Direct Entry program is a three year program for persons with no previous nursing preparation who hold a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in a non-nursing field. Unfortunately, Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees do not meet admission requirements.

The university offers an ADN/RN to MSN pathway program for Registered Nurses who have earned an Associate’s degree in nursing and have not earned a Bachelor’s degree in any major. Participants enroll in one of several bachelor completion programs at Golden Gate University (GGU) or John F. Kennedy University. Once a Bachelor’s degree has been earned, participants can move into the UC San Francisco MSN program.

Several specializations/roles are offered to those seeking an MSN degree including:

• Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Adult-Gerontological Critical Care Trauma Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Advanced Practice Public Health Nursing
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Health Policy Nursing
• Nurse Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing
• Oncology (Adult Gerontology) Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
• Adult-Gerontology Occupational and Environmental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric/Mental health Clinical Nurse Specialist

Applicants entering the MSN program via the Master’s Entry program are required to hold a B.s. or B.A degree in a non-nursing discipline with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students should have completed courses in Statistics, Psychology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Anatomy, and Human Physiology prior to application. The GRE is required within the last five years prior to application.

Applicants entering the program via to the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor’s in nursing from an ACEN/NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. RNs with a U.S. Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing degree are also eligible. A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Students must have completed an introductory Statistics course. Candidates should be licensed as a registered nurse in California (or their home state of residency) and have at least a year of work experience as a registered nurse in an area related to their chosen specialization if possible. Certain specialties may require additional experience.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

2 Korat Way, Room 319C
Box 0604
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 476-1435

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University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science

University of San Diego’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science offers pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree to both BSN prepared RNs as well as diploma/ADN prepared RNs who also hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited program. A Direct Entry program is also available for those who hold a Bachelor’s degree in another discipline and are seeking a career as a nurse.

MSN programs in the following specializations are available:

• Executive Nurse Leader
• Health Care Informatics
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Family/Lifespan Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Dual Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner
• Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner

Several additional MSN options are available. Those interested in becoming Nurse Educator by taking two additional classes (a 3 unit Theory of Nursing Education course and a 3 unit/144 clinical hour teaching practicum course). A Latino Health Care option or Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care option can also be added by taking one extra course in either Latino Health: Sociocultural and Family Perspectives or Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care, respectively.

Applicants entering the MSN program via the Direct Entry pathway are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited, approved institution with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Prior to beginning the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing, students must have completed a series of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “B” in all science courses. Candidates should have at least 100 hours of volunteer experience in a hospital setting where they observe RNs on the job.

RNs applying to the MSN program must have either a BSN degree or a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline as well as a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited and approved program. They must have completed a Statistics courses. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. Students must hold a current California license as an RN, and a year of clinical experience is preferred.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4548

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University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions

University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing and Health Professions offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Several pathways to an MSN are offered: a Direct Entry (non-nurse) pathway, an RN to MSN pathway for those with a nursing diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing, and a BSN to MSN pathway. Only one specialization is offered: Clinical Nurse Leader.

Applicants to the Direct Entry MSN program must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field of study. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.

Applicants to the MSN program entering via the RN to MSN pathway are required to hold a nursing diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher..

Applicants to the MSN program entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

2130 Fulton Street
Cowell 102
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 422-6681

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West Coast University College of Nursing

The College of Nursing at West Coast University offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree to RNs who are either BSN prepared or diploma/ADN prepared with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.

There are 5 specializations/roles offered within the MSN program as follows:

• Generalist
• Nurse Educator
• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Strategic Innovation Management

Applicants to the program should hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Those with a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing will have their course work and work experienced assessed. Bridge courses may be required depending on the outcome of the assessment. Applicants are required to have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (those with 2.7 to 2.99 can be admitted on a probationary basis). If their GPA is less that 2.7, students can also be admitted if they pass the HESI A2 at the 90% level or score satisfactorily on the GRE. Candidates should be licensed as a Registered Nurse in California or their state of residence.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

151 Innovation Drive
Irvine, CA 92617
(949) 783-4800

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Western University of Health Sciences College of Graduate Nursing

Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Graduate Nursing offers three pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing: a Direct Entry pathway, an ADN/RN to MSN Bridge pathway, and a BSN pathway.

The Direct Entry pathway is designed for those who wish to become Registered Nurses who hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree. Students prepare for their RN licensure in just four semesters and then begin their MSN course progression.

The ADN/RN to MSN pathway allows RNs with an Associate’s degree in Nursing to earn their MSN without first earning a BSN. The program can be completed in two to three years.

Students entering the MSN program can choose between three specializations:

• Health Systems Leadership – Administrative Nurse Leader
• Health Systems Leadership – Clinical Nurse Leader
• Ambulatory Care

Applicants entering the program via the Direct Entry pathway must hold a Bachelor’s (B.A. or B.S.) degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units. A series of prerequisite courses must have been completed.

Applicants entering the program via the ADN/RN to MSN pathway must hold an Associate’s degree in nursing from a BRN approved institution with at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units. Prior course work must include certain prerequisite courses. Candidates must be a licensed Registered Nurse with one year of experience as an RN preferred. Those lacking experience will be expected to work while completing the program. They must be employed as a Registered Nurse before entering the program.

Applicants entering the MSN program via the BSN to MSN pathway should hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (or related field) from an ACEN/NLNAC or CCNE accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units. They should have completed a Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better. Candidates should hold a license as an RN in the state where your clinical practicum will be performed, and have at least one year of experience as an RN.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

309 East Second Street
College Plaza
Pomona, CA 91766
(909) 623-6116

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