MSc Course Based

Master's level graduates will be able to function as associate investigators in their selected area of interest. With their increased knowledge of the theoretical basis of practice, they will be able to play a role in evolving health care systems. For the Course-Based master's degree, students will:

1. Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced scientific theory to their professional practice.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate clinical research methods, including the development of clinical measures and the determination of clinical and program efficacy.
3. Complete four required and three additional approved half courses usually centred around a theme.
4. Complete a 15-20 page scholarly paper on a health care topic.

Download and submit all items on this checklist the MSc Course Based Supporting Documents for this program.

The appropriate foundation for graduate level entry is a professional degree. Candidates must comply with the School of Graduate Studies Regulations for the M.Sc. degree. The specific admission requirements are:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (60 units taken at a university) with a minimum of the equivalent to a McMaster B+ average over the final 60 units from an undergraduate nursing program. Applicants who are graduates of a baccalaureate nursing degree program for registered nurses and who have between 50 and 59 units of university study will be considered on a case-by-case basis. These 60 units will not include advanced credit for college courses.
2. Submit two academic references. (See Grad FAQ for academic versus clinical references).  NOTE: that McMaster University uses the Electronic Referencing System. By entering the email address of your Academic referee through the online application, the system will automatically send an e-Reference request on your behalf. If for some reason you are unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, you can download the Reference form here.
3. Submit one clinical reference. Please download guidelines here.
4. Submit a Curriculum Vitae.
5. Submit a Declaration of Employment. Please download the form here. 
6. Submit a Personal essay responding to the 5 questions to provide us with insight into your motivation and interest in the MScN program. (one page per question, single spaced, 12 font). Please download the guidelines here. 
7. Submit Health Professional Requirements: Evidence of eligibility to be registered or licensed in his/her own province/country (copy of License/Registration).
8. Submit  Declare Focus Within Fields of Study: Please download the form here.​

English-language Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to supply evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language. The most common evidence is a score of at least 92 (iBT), 580 (paper-based test) or 237 (computer-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Nursing Graduate Program requires a minimum score of 7.0 for IELTS (Academic Test).

FACILITATED INDIGENOUS ADMISSIONS PROGRAM (FIAP): SELF-IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

With an understanding that Indigenous learners can face specific barriers or challenges when pursuing higher education, schools and programs within McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences have facilitated admissions streams for applicants with Indigenous North American (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) ancestry. This process is intended to provide equitable access to Indigenous applicants and aligns with the intent of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. Applicants wishing to apply through McMaster’s FIAP need to complete the supplementary self-identification application in addition to  McMaster university and program specific application processes. All Indigenous applicants who meet the admission criteria will be considered within an Indigenous applicant cohort.

Full details are found on the Indigenous Students Health Sciences Website:  https://ishs.mcmaster.ca/admissions/self-identification

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS	Baccalaureate
REQUIRED COURSES	Eight half courses: NUR 701 (Theoretical basis of nursing practice) NUR 715 (Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods in Health Research) NUR 711 (Advanced practicum in Nursing) Nursing 714 (scholarly paper)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS	Four additional electives approved by advisor or supervisor (half ​courses which may include up to two 600-level half courses) SGS 101 and SGS 201

Requirements for Degree Completion

Each student will have an Advisor assigned by the Assistant Dean. The Advisor will be a member of the graduate faculty in Nursing.

They will also need to complete, with at least a B- standing, a minimum of 8 graduate half-courses, which must include NUR 701, NUR 715, NUR 711, NUR 714 and ​four additional half-courses selected by the student in conjunction with his/her faculty advisor.

Program Timeline

Students will be expected to complete the Master's requirement within two calendar years (full-time) of entering the program. The maximum allowable time for completing the MSc will be three calendar years (part-time).