Please note that many of our programs have made exceptions to the application process and admissions requirements due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Additionally, references to in-person campus visits, events, lab work, or classroom interactions should be read in light of current campus health and safety guidelines, which continue to evolve in response to changing conditions. More information can be found on WesternU’s COVID-19 Information page. Please contact us if you have any questions or need further information.
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.
Prerequisite Courses (2023 Entering Class
Required: 3 Semester Units / 4 Quarter Units
Required: 4 Semester Units / 6 Quarter Units
Required: 6 Semester Units (Two courses minimum of 3 semester units each) / 8 Quarter Units (Two courses minimum of 4 quarter units each)
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:
- Search the prerequisite database by institution
- 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.
- 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 RequirementsThe 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 ApplicationThe 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.
- Prerequisite Courses
-
Prerequisite Courses (2023 Entering Class
Required: 3 Semester Units / 4 Quarter Units
Required: 4 Semester Units / 6 Quarter Units
Required: 6 Semester Units (Two courses minimum of 3 semester units each) / 8 Quarter Units (Two courses minimum of 4 quarter units each)
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:
- Search the prerequisite database by institution
- 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.
- 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