Nursing: BSN to MSN (On-Campus and Online)

The application deadline for Fall 2026 is June 1, 2026. Application fee waivers and scholarships are available! Please email [email protected] for more information on fee waiver opportunities.

Application Requirements

At Simmons, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. We consider your personal, professional, and academic experiences as a whole in order to evaluate your preparedness and potential for success in the program.

The application deadline for fall admission is June 1. An applicant will be considered for review if the following requirements are submitted and completed by the deadline.

1. A bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university with a preferred GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale,
2. Personal statement of one to two pages
3. Current resume
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. Official college transcripts from all institutions attended, whether or not a degree was earned.
6. Copy of current unencumbered and unrestricted U.S Registered Nurse (RN) license
7. If applicable, additional requirements for international students

Prerequisites: Statistics

Successfully completed (with a grade of C+ or better) a three-credit course in statistics before the start of the program in September. If you do not meet this requirement, please contact an Admission Counselor at [email protected] to discuss options for fulfilling this requirement.

Academic Records: Transcripts

Official transcripts for all courses completed (undergraduate and graduate) at regionally accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions, whether or not a degree was awarded or regardless of when the courses were taken, are required. This requirement includes courses that appear on another transcript as transfer or study abroad credit. If courses and grades for study abroad appear on your home institution's transcript, you do not need to submit a separate transcript. Otherwise, please request the transcript directly from the school from which you earned the credits. Educational documents should clearly indicate the degree and date awarded. Photocopies or copies "issued to student" are not acceptable.

If you earned a degree abroad, academic records must include end-of9year marks sheets for each year of attendance, not just final exam results or a copy of the degree. Educational documents should clearly indicate the degree and date awarded. Overseas post-secondary institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country. Academic records in the native language and an official English translation (if needed) are required. English translations must be provided by someone other than the applicant, family member, or friend. It may also be necessary for the applicant to submit an interpretation by a foreign credential services agency. 

Standardized Tests

GRE scores are not required for our graduate nursing programs at Simmons University.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or Duolingo English Test scores taken within 2 years of the application deadline. This requirement is based on native language, not citizenship.

This requirement is waived for applicants who have graduated at the bachelor's or master's level from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a postsecondary institution abroad recognized by the Ministry of Education in the host country in English-speaking countries only.

Official scores are required; copies of student score reports are not acceptable.

• The TOEFL code is 3761. The minimum recommended score range for the TOEFL iBT (internet-based) is at least 100-105.
• The minimum recommended score range for IELTS is 7.0 to 8.0.
• The minimum recommended score range for the Duolingo exam is at least 120-125.

If you have concerns about meeting the minimum requirements, please contact [email protected]. If you do not meet the exam score expectations, we welcome you to apply, and your application will be assessed holistically. 

Recommendations

Three recommendations, written within six months of the deadline, are required. Employers or supervisors, as well as instructors, are preferred references, as we need evaluations from individuals who can assess your academic ability and readiness for graduate studies. We do not accept recommendations from individuals with whom you have a non-professional relationship (family members, friends, religious personnel, or politicians). Additional instructions for the recommendation process are available within the application.

Admission Decisions

All admission decisions are made after the designated application deadline of June 1 and within three weeks of the application completion date.

Enrollment Deposit

All accepted students who choose to enroll are required to submit a non-refundable $750 enrollment deposit by the date stated in the letter of admission. This deposit is applied to the first term bill.

Deferred Entrance

An accepted student may request in writing to the Director of Admission a deferral of the entrance date for a maximum of one year. The student must indicate what he/she will do in the interim. Deferrals are not granted if the student plans/chooses to attend another institution. If the deferral is approved, a non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to hold a place in the future class. This fee is applied to the first term bill.

Reapplication Procedure

An applicant who wishes to reapply should call the Office of Admission at 617-521-2605 to learn about this process. A new electronic application must be submitted, along with official academic transcripts for courses completed since the initial application. A reapplication fee is required and should be submitted with the new application.

Simmons partners with 2U to deliver the online MSN program. Please select the option for your planned area of speciality. 

Family Nurse Practitioner

 See Deadlines and Apply to MSN–FNP

Leadership

 See Deadlines and Apply to MSN–Leadership

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

 See Deadlines and Apply to MSN–PMHNP

Simmons-2U Partnership

Learn about Our Partnership with 2U