Nursing 

The Master of Science in Nursing is a 67-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

View the degree map 

View the program handbook

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

M.S.N. program costs

M.S.N. students pay standard University of Idaho graduate tuition and fees based on residency status, enrollment level and academic term, along with an annual program fee of $15,032.

Estimated tuition and fees per academic year are:

• $26,828 for Idaho residents
• $46,304 for nonresidents

Your total cost may vary depending on enrollment level, course load and other factors.

Annual cost of attendance for the M.S.N. program

The direct-entry Master of Science is eligible for the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) award.  

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Program contact: 
Direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing contact: vandalmedicine@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu, 208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Applicants for the  direct-entry M.S.N. program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:  

Program availability  

• Concentration: Non-thesis, capstone project  
• Semester intake: Fall  
• Currently offers admission for the Coeur d’Alene campus    
• The program is not eligible for international students requiring F-1 or J-1 visa status
• Deadlines: more information to come

Program requirements: 

Personal statement and prerequisite coursework* to include:

• General chemistry with lab  
• General biology with lab  
• Human anatomy with lab  
• Human physiology with lab  
• Microbiology with lab  
• Human nutrition  
• Statistics  

*Must have been completed within the last seven years with a grade of B (3.0) or higher.  
 

University requirements:

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• Letters of recommendation: Two
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
• Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency. 

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application. 

No. The program is specifically designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Applicants should expect to meet prerequisite coursework and admission requirements before beginning the program.

Both pathways can prepare students for RN licensure, but a DEMSN is a graduate-level program. In addition to pre-licensure nursing preparation, students complete master’s-level coursework that emphasizes evidence-based practice, care coordination, quality improvement and broader healthcare systems. 

Prerequisite coursework includes general chemistry with lab; general biology with lab; human anatomy with lab and human physiology with lab, or a combined A&P 1 and 2 sequence; microbiology with lab, human nutrition, and statistics. Prerequisite courses must have been completed with a grade of B (3.0) or higher.  Prospective students are encouraged to connect with the program early to review academic preparation and plan for prerequisite completion. 

Direct-entry nursing programs are typically intensive because they combine graduate coursework, labs, simulation and clinical experiences. Students should expect a demanding schedule and should speak with the program team before planning significant outside employment. 

Yes. Clinical education is an essential part of nursing preparation. Students will complete supervised clinical experiences that allow them to apply classroom learning in healthcare settings, develop patient care skills and build confidence as future registered nurses.