Application Process
When to Apply
Below are the application periods for the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) sequence and Nursing Leadership & Management sequence of our BSN to MSN program.
| Starting Term | FNP Sequence | Leadership Sequence |
| Fall | Apply October 1, 2023 - May 1, 2024* | Apply October 1, 2023 - July 15, 2024 |
*The priority application deadline for the FNP sequence is Feb 1, 2024. Applications are pooled and reviewed following the Feb 1 priority deadline. The application is now closed as target enrollment numbers have been met for the Fall 2024 admission term. Should space become available, we welcome appications to the Fall 2024 FNP Waitlist. If you are interested in applying to the Fall 2024 FNP Waitlist, please contact Melissa Moody, mkmoody@ilstu.edu. The Waitlist is for the Fall 2024 term only. Applicants who are not admitted from the Waitlist by July 31st, 2024, should reapply for Fall 2025 consideration. A new application and fee would be required.
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete an online application
Applicants can fill out an online application at https://illinoisstate.edu/apply/graduate/
All materials will be submitted as part of your GradCAS application. Make sure you have the following materials ready to upload to your application.
- Unofficial transcripts from all schools of higher education attended, other than ISU. Official transcripts will be required if accepted into the program.
- Current resumé
- Essay outlining educational and professional goals: 2-3 pages, double-spaced
- Two professional or academic references selected
- A copy of your RN license
International applicants: Please refer to this site prior to submitting an application: https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/international/online-program-disclosure/ Additionally, international applicants must submit a Credentials Evaluation Service Academic Report from CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). Applicants must comply with the International Applicant Requirements, https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/international/requirements/, as directed by the Illinois State University Office of Admissions. Please apply early in the application process to ensure adequate time to review transcripts and Credential Evaluation Reports.
Step 2: Submit references
Note two professional or academic references in the online application. The form linked below will be available to your references to submit electronically through the online application.
References should be from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s potential to succeed as a graduate student. At least one reference from a nursing faculty member in the student’s baccalaureate program or a master’s prepared nurse is required.
When are decisions made?
An application review and the admission process generally takes 3 to 4 weeks. Admitted applicants must have cleared a criminal background check and drug screen along with specified health and safety forms through MCN before enrolling in first semester courses.
- For the Nursing Leadership & Management sequence, applicants are admitted on a rolling basis up until the priority filing deadline of July 15th.
- For the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) sequence, applications received by the prioroty filing deadline of February 1st deadline will be reviewed and eligible applicants will be interviewed in late February and early March. Admission status will be communicated by late March/early April. The application will remain open after the priority filling deadline and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until target enrollment has been met.
- The College will accept and review applications received after the priority filing date as space permits.