Step 1: Authorization for Out-of-State Students

State and federal laws require that colleges and universities obtain authorization to offer online degree programs in any state where their students reside. If you are an applicant from outside California, please click here to confirm we have authorization in your state.

International Students: We do not require a separate application or fee, and you should be prepared to meet all of the prerequisite and application requirements as outlined. If you need assistance with immigration (I-20 form, F-1 visa, SEVIS, etc.), our International Student Services (ISS) staff are available to help you. Visit the ISS website to learn more.

Step 2: Prerequisites and Application Requirements

The first step in the admissions process is to ensure you are on track to complete both the course prerequisites and application requirements in time to apply for your preferred year of entry.

Step 3: Preparing and Submitting your Application

The apply now page will provide you with step-by-step instructions as well as an application checklist. There are a number of supporting materials that make up your completed application and it is essential that you print and carefully follow the checklist to ensure that you properly submit these pieces by the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate through the application process, and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions.

Prerequisite Courses (2023 Entering Class
Required: 3 Semester Units / 4 Quarter Units
  • Nutrition
  • Social Sciences
  • Statistics

    • Must be an introductory course
    • Probability statistics, biostatistics, elements of statistics and psychology statistics
      courses will be accepted

  • Psychology

    • Introductory psychology, general psychology and developmental psychology will be accepted

Required: 4 Semester Units / 6 Quarter Units
  • ​Microbiology with lab

    • Must be completed by the time of application

  • Human Anatomy with lab

    • Minimum of 5 semester units/7 quarter if combined with Physiology
    • Must be completed by the time of application

  • Human Physiology with lab

    • Minimum of 5 semester units/7 quarter if combined with Anatomy
    • Must be completed by the time of application

Required: 6 Semester Units (Two courses minimum of 3 semester units each) / 8 Quarter Units (Two courses minimum of 4 quarter units each)
  • Communications

    • English composition, public speaking and writing courses will be accepted
    • May be taken outside U.S. in countries who’s native language is English (e.g. Canada, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand)

All ​Prerequisites:
  • Must be completed at a regionally accredited U.S. institution (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis) or its equivalent abroad
  • Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (a grade of “C-” or lower is not acceptable)
  • Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology must be completed at the time of application. All other prerequisites must be completed by the end of the spring term prior to matriculation.
  • May not be satisfied by advanced-placement, pass/no pass, credit/no credit basis
  • All coursework taken from non-U.S. institutions (excluding English-speaking Canadian institutions) must be submitted to an approved service for evaluation

Not sure if your course qualifies? If you’d like to find out whether the courses you’ve taken or plan to take will satisfy WesternU’s MSN-Entry prerequisites you may:

  1. Search the prerequisite database by institution
  2. If you don’t see your courses listed in the database and you have a few courses in question, you may submit a prerequisite verification form.
  3. If your courses are not listed in the database and you have numerous in question, or simply wish to lay out your coursework, you may instead print and submit an academic worksheet. Note: academic worksheets are available May 1st – September 30th
Application Requirements
Completion of prerequisite courses as outlined

Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) from a regionally accredited U.S. institution

Two reference forms to be completed by supervisor or faculty (non-relative) who can address the applicants’ academic performance and/or work ethic.

Minimum GPA of 3.0 for Overall and last 60 semester or 90 quarter units

Access to a computer meeting the minimum technical standards

Proof of Legal U.S. Residency – If Required

  • International applicants, or any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S., must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to matriculation.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – If Required

  • The TOEFL is required for all applicants submitting coursework from foreign schools
  • TOEFL scores are valid for two years
  • Internet-Based test (IBT) minimum score: 80
  • Computer Based test minimum score: 213
  • Exceptions:
    • The TOEFL exam will be waived for permanent and temporary residents of the United States who have completed six semester units of the communication requirement from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
    • You have a confirmed bachelor’s degree at the time of application from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
Application Process
Step 1: Authorization for Out-of-State Students

State and federal laws require that colleges and universities obtain authorization to offer online degree programs in any state where their students reside. If you are an applicant from outside California, please click here to confirm we have authorization in your state.

International Students: We do not require a separate application or fee, and you should be prepared to meet all of the prerequisite and application requirements as outlined. If you need assistance with immigration (I-20 form, F-1 visa, SEVIS, etc.), our International Student Services (ISS) staff are available to help you. Visit the ISS website to learn more.

Step 2: Prerequisites and Application Requirements

The first step in the admissions process is to ensure you are on track to complete both the course prerequisites and application requirements in time to apply for your preferred year of entry.

Step 3: Preparing and Submitting your Application

The apply now page will provide you with step-by-step instructions as well as an application checklist. There are a number of supporting materials that make up your completed application and it is essential that you print and carefully follow the checklist to ensure that you properly submit these pieces by the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate through the application process, and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions.

Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite Courses (2023 Entering Class
Required: 3 Semester Units / 4 Quarter Units
  • Nutrition
  • Social Sciences
  • Statistics

    • Must be an introductory course
    • Probability statistics, biostatistics, elements of statistics and psychology statistics
      courses will be accepted

  • Psychology

    • Introductory psychology, general psychology and developmental psychology will be accepted

Required: 4 Semester Units / 6 Quarter Units
  • ​Microbiology with lab

    • Must be completed by the time of application

  • Human Anatomy with lab

    • Minimum of 5 semester units/7 quarter if combined with Physiology
    • Must be completed by the time of application

  • Human Physiology with lab

    • Minimum of 5 semester units/7 quarter if combined with Anatomy
    • Must be completed by the time of application

Required: 6 Semester Units (Two courses minimum of 3 semester units each) / 8 Quarter Units (Two courses minimum of 4 quarter units each)
  • Communications

    • English composition, public speaking and writing courses will be accepted
    • May be taken outside U.S. in countries who’s native language is English (e.g. Canada, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand)

All ​Prerequisites:
  • Must be completed at a regionally accredited U.S. institution (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis) or its equivalent abroad
  • Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (a grade of “C-” or lower is not acceptable)
  • Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology must be completed at the time of application. All other prerequisites must be completed by the end of the spring term prior to matriculation.
  • May not be satisfied by advanced-placement, pass/no pass, credit/no credit basis
  • All coursework taken from non-U.S. institutions (excluding English-speaking Canadian institutions) must be submitted to an approved service for evaluation
Prerequisite Database

Not sure if your course qualifies? If you’d like to find out whether the courses you’ve taken or plan to take will satisfy WesternU’s MSN-Entry prerequisites you may:

  1. Search the prerequisite database by institution
  2. If you don’t see your courses listed in the database and you have a few courses in question, you may submit a prerequisite verification form.
  3. If your courses are not listed in the database and you have numerous in question, or simply wish to lay out your coursework, you may instead print and submit an academic worksheet. Note: academic worksheets are available May 1st – September 30th
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Completion of prerequisite courses as outlined

Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) from a regionally accredited U.S. institution

Two reference forms to be completed by supervisor or faculty (non-relative) who can address the applicants’ academic performance and/or work ethic.

Minimum GPA of 3.0 for Overall and last 60 semester or 90 quarter units

Access to a computer meeting the minimum technical standards

Proof of Legal U.S. Residency – If Required

  • International applicants, or any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S., must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to matriculation.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – If Required

  • The TOEFL is required for all applicants submitting coursework from foreign schools
  • TOEFL scores are valid for two years
  • Internet-Based test (IBT) minimum score: 80
  • Computer Based test minimum score: 213
  • Exceptions:
    • The TOEFL exam will be waived for permanent and temporary residents of the United States who have completed six semester units of the communication requirement from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
    • You have a confirmed bachelor’s degree at the time of application from a regionally accredited U.S. institution