Welcome to the graduate nursing program at Ball State University.  This career-enhancing option is available to you if you are already a registered nurse but hold a bachelor's degree in a nonnursing field. It allows you to earn a master's degree that will prepare you for a leadership role as an administrator, educator, nurse practitioner or clinical specialist, depending on the track you choose, without first having to complete all the requirements of a second bachelor's degree in nursing.

We're committed to your success both in your professional practice and educational endeavors. Because we know you lead a busy life, we've designed our program to provide flexibility. All courses in the R.N. to M.S. option are offered entirely on-line, and can be pursued through part-time study. You arrange clinical experiences right in your own community, and use outside specialist in your area of study who give practical training and experience to students (preceptors).

The program has three distinct tracks---leadership (educator or administrator), nurse practitioner (adult or family), and clinical nurse specialist. The number of baccalaureate level courses you will need to take depends on your degree and previous experience. You'll have up to six years to finish your degree.

The MS admission requirement is a BS in nursing.  Because you have a degree in another field you will need to take 16 credit hours of upper division nursing courses at the baccalaureate level.  These courses are offered online through our distance RN to BS Program.  The courses will be scheduled as part of your MS program.

Courses: Undergraduate:
               Issues in Nursing (NUR322)
               Leadership / Management (NUR405)
               Community Health (NUR404)
               Assessment for Clinical Nurse Specialists (NUR303)

               Electives:
               All students need undergraduate research.

Contact Info:
Dianne Parish
Master's Program Secretary
Room 459 D
(765) 285-5768
dparish@bsu.edu