The PHSSN graduate nursing programs prepare students to assume roles in a variety of healthcare agencies and organizations. This includes advanced preparation in health care delivery as advanced family nurse practitioners, researchers, educators, or nurse executives.
Visit the departmentMcMurry’s graduate nursing programs build upon the foundation of a baccalaureate education, preparing nurses to meet the ever-changing health care needs of individuals, families, and communities. Guided by an expanding body of knowledge, our faculty emphasizes integrating theory, practice, and leadership.
Graduate students are encouraged to:
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Expand their understanding of health, environment, person, and nursing roles.
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Develop critical thinking, communication, clinical skills, and sound clinical judgment.
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Strengthen self-direction and accountability for lifelong learning and professional growth.
Our programs foster cultural awareness, recognizing that social and ethnic backgrounds shape patient care and enrich professional development. Through collaborative education, graduate students gain progressive mastery, learner maturity, and the skills to become competent practitioners and leaders in today’s complex health care environment.
What You Can Earn
Master of Science in Nursing, Education Track
You’ll complete at least 33 credit hours.
Note: Coursework is delivered entirely online, and students will complete preceptor clinical experiences in person in their own community.
Graduation Requirements:
- Fulfillment of all financial obligations to the University
- Payment of graduation fees.
Time Limit:
Students must complete all requirements for their degree program within four years of the initial semester of enrollment. All coursework must be completed to participate in the graduate commencement.
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Track
You’ll complete at least 44 credit hours.
Note: Coursework is delivered entirely online, and students will complete preceptor clinical experiences in person in their own community.
Graduation Requirements:
- Fulfillment of all financial obligations to the University
- Payment of graduation fees.
Time Limit:
Students must complete all requirements for their degree program within four years of the initial semester of enrollment. All coursework must be completed to participate in the graduate commencement.
MSN Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited school or university whose nursing program is ACEN or CCNE accredited. Additionally, applicants must hold an unencumbered license to practice as an RN in the United States. A minimum of one year of clinical nursing practice is recommended.
Academic Requirements:
- Undergraduate cumulative GPA must be a minimum of a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
- Undergraduate nursing coursework must be a minimum of a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Provisional admission to graduate study in nursing requires meeting one of the two GPA academic standards listed above and obtaining departmental endorsement.
Students granted provisional admission must maintain a 3.00 GPA during their first nine hours of graduate study. The applicant is encouraged to submit the application and all supporting documents by July 15 to receive full consideration for admission to the fall semester.
Students must first complete an application to the School of Nursing Graduate Program using the Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) and then complete McMurry University application requirements for graduate studies.
National Certification Exam/Licensure
Graduates of the Education and Family Nurse Practitioner MSN tracks and the Post-Masters FNP Certificate track are eligible to sit for national certification in their respective disciplines. Graduates of the Family Nurse Practitioner MSN and Post-Masters Certificate tracks can apply for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
NursingCAS Application Instructions
- Apply using NursingCAS
- The following documents will be required and should be uploaded to the Documents section in the NursingCAS application:
- Three (3) professional references from a supervisor, knowing your clinical skills, work ethic, style, and/or professors attesting to your academic achievements and potential success in a graduate nursing program.
- Official transcripts of all university-level work should be sent to NursingCAS.
- Unencumbered licensure to practice as an RN in Texas and in good standing with the Board of Nurse Examiners
- PHSSN health form
- Proof of current immunization status
- Completion of personal statement
- Resume
- Verification of licensure
- Proof of ACLS provider certification (FNP option only)
- Proof of health insurance coverage