Frequently Asked Questions for Nursing (M.S.)

We currently offer two specializations for the M.S. degree in nursing:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Education

We also offer a post-master’s certificate in nursing education.

You have six years to complete the program from the start-date of any transferred coursework.

You may transfer up to six semester hours of coursework toward a master’s degree. However, all coursework for the post-master's certificate in nursing must be taken at NIU.

The complete list of requirements is found in the current graduate catalog.

No. Students are admitted to the graduate nursing programs in both the spring and fall.

Before being admitted to the program, applicants may take up to nine credit hours as a student-at-large. Once admitted, approved credits are applied to your degree. Students-at-large are not guaranteed admission to the program and are not given priority registration.

For more information or to apply as a student-at-large, go to the Graduate School website.

All graduate programs are online.

Yes. The majority of our students attend school part time (one or two courses per semester).

Course requirements for each of the graduate specializations are listed in the graduate catalog.

Once admitted, students will meet with an assigned advisor to create an individualized plan of study.