

In our master's program, you'll join students with a range of educational backgrounds to become a compassionate, evidence-based nurse leader with the skills needed to advance patient care. Our curriculum and supportive programs reflect our commitment to social justice and belief in the intrinsic value of every student and patient.
If you are a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree in nursing, our master's program will prepare you to take on the most pressing health care challenges.
If you earned a bachelor's degree in a field outside nursing, our direct entry master's program will prepare you to become a highly skilled registered nurse.
* Note: GRE is preferred but not required for application.
Admission is highly competitive and the number of applications far exceeds the number of available seats.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that coursework they have completed satisfies the prerequisite requirements. The graduate program staff will not contact applicants during the admissions process to verify prerequisite coursework.
Direct entry students are required to complete prerequisite courses prior to the start of the program. It is preferred that applicants have at least 4 of the following 5 science prerequisites completed or in process at the time of application: General Chemistry with Lab; Microbiology with Lab; Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab; Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab; Pathophysiology. All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to matriculation. Students must receive a minimum grade of B- (80) in each of the prerequisite courses. AP credit is NOT accepted as fulfilling prerequisite coursework.
For coursework completed before applying, please submit transcripts as part of your application. For coursework that you plan to complete after applying but before starting the program, please indicate this on the application and submit transcripts following course completion. The prerequisite courses include:
If you are a motivated and accomplished registered nurse with an associate's degree in nursing who wishes to maximize your experience and the credits you earned in previous nursing programs, this master's program can help you turn your professional knowledge into a career as an advanced practice nurse.
Approved by Faculty Assembly, November 20, 2019
Continuous improvement through assessment
The Connell School has a systematic plan for ongoing assessment of the master of science in nursing program. The master's program outcomes, along with the professional standards and guidelines listed below, shape the curriculum.
Assessment data are used to ensure that best practices in nursing education are employed.
Professional Nursing Standards and Guidelines addressed by the Master’s Program
Other
“My interest in gerontology and palliative care has driven my research, teaching, and publications for more than 30 years. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with those who have similar interests.”
Graduates of our master's program work at health care facilities serving a range of patient populations, including:
98%
of the class of 2020 was employed with one year of graduation
97.4%
of the class of 2021 was employed within one year of graduation
The GNA facilitates professional development opportunities and sponsors social events, connecting you to your fellow students and serving as a voice for the CSON graduate community.
The KILN program helps students maximize their leadership potential, prepares them to provide nursing care in an increasingly multicultural society, and nurtures their ability to create positive social change.
Participation in CSON's international programs can count toward nurse practitioner (NP) supervised hours for graduate students.
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required.
Deadlines
Please limit to two pages.
Please respond to the two prompts outlined below as they pertain to your goals. The responses should be typewritten, double-spaced, and limited to 1.5 pages for each prompt. The essays are very important to the Admission Committee’s deliberations, allowing them to assess your personal goals, your reasons for choosing advanced practice nursing as your career, your commitment to the profession of nursing, and your writing ability.
Official transcripts are preferred but not required upon application. If admitted, official transcripts will be required.
Official digital transcripts can be sent to csongrad@bc.edu.
All hard copy transcripts may be sent to the following mailing address:
Boston College
Graduate Nursing Office
Maloney Hall - 2nd Floor
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
*If the last name on your transcript does not match the application name, please contact csongrad@bc.edu after submitting the application.
Please submit a copy of your RN license
Based on the answers you provide in your application, you may need one or more of the following forms to complete your application: