Master of Science, Major in Nursing

The Master of Science, major in Nursing program is designed to build upon the first professional degree. The student may select one of following study options:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Primary Care: This concentration focuses on primary care of individuals and families. Students receive a concentration of clinical experiences for each age group, culminating in a final practicum where students synthesize knowledge for application across the lifespan. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for national certification as family nurse practitioners.

• Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (A/GNP) - Primary Care: This concentration focuses on primary care of adults and older adults, featuring courses in mental health and nursing informatics. Students receive a concentration of clinical experiences culminating in a final practicum where students synthesize knowledge for application to adults and older adults. In-depth coverage of gerontology enhances NP preparation and is critical to addressing the needs of well and frail elders. 

• Nursing Educator: This concentration is designed to prepare nurses as college teachers of nursing and for staff development and continuing education. The courses address curriculum development, current issues and research in teaching and learning, including a variety of classroom and clinical teaching and learning styles. The educational technology course allows nurse educators to master technology in order to create an optimal learning environment. 

The objectives of the Master of Science degree program with a major in nursing are to provide graduates with the ability to:

• integrate advanced knowledge from nursing and related disciplines into a specialized area of nursing practice.
• demonstrate competence in a selected functional role (clinical specialist or nursing education).
• evaluate and apply research findings from nursing and related disciplines to advanced nursing practice.
• participate in the development of nursing knowledge by identifying researchable nursing problems, conducting research and selectively integrating research findings in advanced nursing practice.
• utilize leadership, management, teaching knowledge and competency to influence nursing practice.
• participate as a leader to influence health policy and improve health care delivery systems.
• contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.

Applications for the Master of Science in Nursing is now closed for the 2024-2025 school year. 

The following requirements need to be met for an admission application to be considered:

• Completion of the on-line application at Online Application.

• Baccalaureate Degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program.

• Official transcripts from all previous programs.

• Cumulative (All college credits) GPA of 3.25 or higher - applicants who attended a program with mostly or all pass/fail grades will not be considered competitive.
• Official TOEFL/IELTS scores for International Students. TOEFL score may be required by applicants for whom English is not their first language.
• Three letters of Recommendation addressing academic ability and practice knowledge/skills from masters or doctorally prepared individuals (supervisors, MDs, NPs, etc.).
  • Prefer one from a nursing faculty from your undergraduate program, one from a supervisor, and one from a health care professional who is familiar with your clinical skills.
• Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

• Clinical Practice: minimum of 600-plus hours of nursing practice within the previous 12 months of application. Clinical Practice Form.

Post-Admission Requirements 

• Background Check. Negative results from a background check may preclude students from completing the clinical requirements thus preventing completion of the program.

• Professional liability insurance with the non-direct care rider

The MS FNP and MS AGNP tracks accept applications for a fall start (August). Please see the Graduate School page for deadlines and application details Graduate School. New cohorts are admitted each August. The deadline for August applications is May 15^th each year. 

The MS Nurse Educator track accepts applications for a summer start (May). Please see the Graduate School page for deadlines and application details Graduate School. New cohorts are admitted each May. The deadline for May applications is February 15th each year.

Nursing Scholarships

Nursing scholarships are available through Clemson University and the School of Nursing.

Please visit the Financial Aid website for Clemson University scholarship information.

Additional scholarships and awards are available in the Spring semester through the School of Nursing. Details and application forms are emailed directly to students in the spring. Please see the list below and contact Mrs. Angie Newton for more information. 

External nursing scholarships can be found on the AACN website.

If you are an international student, please review this information carefully as it will tell you how to have your information evaluated and also how to obtain the proper licensure:

As you know, in order to apply for CUSON graduate nursing programs, an applicant must hold an earned bachelor's/baccalaureate degree in nursing and an unrestricted Registered Nurse license in South Carolina and the states where students will be completing clinical hours.    We also need the verification of clinical hours form completed.

Earned Bachelor's/Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing:  You will submit your transcripts as the Graduate School will affirm that foreign nurse graduates have graduated from a bachelor's degree program in nursing in their home country. 

Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the United States: 

The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools was established to support graduates of foreign nursing programs in their pursuit of lawful credentialing as Registered Nurses in the United States.  

Below is a brief description and links that provide detailed information, you will work with CGFNS to provide us with the information needed.  

About CGFNS International, Inc.

Founded in 1977 by the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National League for Nursing (NLN) and based in Philadelphia, the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) International is an immigration-neutral not-for-profit organization proudly serving as the world’s largest credentials evaluation organization for the nursing and allied health professions. CGFNS International is an NGO in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is a member of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO). For more information, visit https://www.cgfns.org and https://www.cgfns.org/professions/registered-nurses/

CGFNS International is an immigration neutral nonprofit organization that helps foreign educated healthcare professionals live and work in their country of choice by assessing and validating their academic and professional credentials.  We provide foreign students and healthcare professionals with a comprehensive assessment of their academic records to facilitate their successful admission to schools in the US and other countries.  We help protect migrating healthcare professionals by advocating for ethical recruitment practices and continuously monitoring the global landscape for developing trends in employment recruitment and workplace norms.  CGFNS International is an NGO in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which serves as the central forum for international and social issues.

Once you have obtained the information from CGFNS for evaluation, authentication and verification, please include with your application for review.

The Master of Science nursing program is offered exclusively at our satellite office in Greenville, South Carolina on the campus of Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Ellen Chiles
Graduate Student Services Coordinator
The Clemson University Nursing building
(864) 720-2052
achiles@clemson.edu