Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing (AE-mSn)
General Information
Application Deadline: November 1 for summer admission
Application Available: September 1
Length of Program: 3 years full-time
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Nursing
Part-Time Study Available? NOT in first year
Distance Learning Available? NO
Admission Requirements | Application Procedures
About the AE-MSN
The Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing (AE MSN) program is designed for people holding baccalaureate or graduate degrees in disciplines other than nursing and who are interested in pursuing both their Registered Nurse (RN) License and Master of Science in Nursing degree. After successfully completing their rigorous academic and clinical training, AE MSN graduates are expected to assume entry-level positions and to advance rapidly in their nursing careers as they acquire experience in the field. Applicants to the AE program who, in reality, desire a BSN degree should apply, instead, to the undergraduate program in nursing.
AE MSN students choose from one of seven concentration areas on which to focus their academic and clinical work.
- Child Health with Role Specialty in Administration, Public Health Nursing, or Teaching
- Family Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Adult – Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Holistic Adult Health with Role Specialty in Administration or Teaching
- Maternity with Role Specialty in Administration, Public Health, or Teaching
- Nursing Administration and Healthcare Systems Management
- Public Health Nursing
Each concentration area follows a designated plan of coursework consisting of graduate level RN foundation courses and courses specific to the student’s area of study.
Course of Study
- The Foundation Year: The AE program is designed to satisfy RN licensure requirements and train students in advanced practice and specialty nursing roles. The first year of the program is an intensive, full-time series of foundation courses. The AE-MSN Foundation Year (Pre-Licensure) Courses (PDF) are accelerated, specially designed graduate courses. These courses include content and experiences that are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and are required for graduate-level study in nursing. All foundation courses must be completed before students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The sequence of AE MSN foundation courses begins in the first summer session of the program, and full-time enrollment during the foundation sequence is required.
- Master’s Coursework: After passing the NCLEX-RN and obtaining their RN license, students are eligible to work as an RN in Texas only. The second and third years of the program focus on the coursework required for the Master of Science in Nursing degree in the student's chosen concentration area. The MSN degree is typically awarded in the spring of the third year.
- Gerontology Portfolio: Visit Gerontology Portfolio web page to learn about the Gerontology Portfolio Program.
Important Forms/Documents
All files are in PDF format.
