Truly Innovative Nursing Curriculum



Ranking & Recognition





Email Bookmark and Share


Frequently Asked Questions
master of science in nursing program

Q. How and when do I get started?
A. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Request Information or contact an Admissions Advisor at (866)-295-3104 for enrollment information.

Q. How many sessions a year do you offer?
A. In order to align with the demanding schedules of today’s professionals, our Master of Science in Nursing degree online program offers six sessions per year. Request Information or contact an Admissions Advisor at (866)-295-3104 for the next session date.

Q. What kind of educational background is required for admission?
A. You must have an earned bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5-2.9 will be considered for conditional admission based on the quality of other aspects of their admissions file.

Q. What are the admission requirements?

Q. Is there a thesis required?
A. No. Benedictine’s Online MSN program does not require a thesis. A 125 clock hour culminating capstone experience is required in the final course along with an academic portfolio.

Q. How many total credits are required?
A. The MSN program consists of 36 credit hours, 24 credit hours (eight courses) of core nursing and 12 credit hours (four courses) of focus electives whereby the student designs their program of study. Students may take focus courses from a pre-determined list of electives concurrent with the core nursing courses.

Q. How long will it take me to complete my degree?
A. Most adult students, who work full-time, take one online course per eight-week session. The Online MSN program offers six academic sessions per year, which means that most students take six courses per year. On average the Online MSN program is designed to be completed in as little as 16 months or up to 24 months depending on the student’s preferences. Students may take focus courses from a pre-determined list of electives concurrent with the core nursing courses.

Q. Is Benedictine University accredited?
A. Yes, Benedictine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.ncahlc.org). Benedictine’s RN to BSN program is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Q. Is there a residency requirement?
No, there is no residency requirement. The MSN program uses an online format, a process in which you do not attend lectures but rather learn anywhere you have access to the internet under the direction of faculty and staff. Online courses are delivered via the World Wide Web using a learning platform called Angel. This powerful educational technology allows you to get course assignments, ask questions to faculty and other students, and participate in critical analytical discussion with colleagues around the world.

Q. Do I need a computer?
A. Yes, you will need a computer with high speed internet access to successfully complete the requirements for the degree.

Q. What is the main software that I need to get started?
A. You must have Microsoft Office 2007, on your computer and your web browser should be Internet Explorer version 6.0 or Firefox version 1.5 or above. In addition there are some free support programs that you will configure at the start of the program to ensure you are able to view the media products used to support your learning. For example, Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Compression/Zip Utility, Macromedia Flash, and Adobe Acrobat. The Personal Support Center is available to assist you with configuration.

Q. How much do I need to know about computers to succeed in this program?
A. The courses are setup to be user-friendly for those who have limited computer skills. All students will complete an online orientation that will ensure the basic skills required to successfully navigate the course.

Q. Is there technical support?
A. Yes, you will have technical support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Personal Support Center easily reached through a toll-free number.

Q. Is advising available for all students?
A. Yes. Students can set up a telephone appointment to speak with an advisor whenever assistance is needed.

If you have additional questions, please fill out our Request Information form or call (866)-295-3104 to speak with an Admissions Advisor.