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 four additional approved half courses usually centred around a theme.

Download and submit all items for the MSc ​Course based program. All documents should be uploaded into your online application.

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 one official transcript of academic work completed to date, sent directly from the issuing institution. Please include any additional course work. Please note that non-English transcripts must be translated and notarized. Please upload an unofficial transcript in your application. 
3. Submit two academic references. (See Grad FAQ for academic versus clinical references).  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. Please ensure you enter only your two academic references through the online application system. 
4. Submit one clinical reference. 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. 
5. Submit a Curriculum Vitae, please upload this document directly in the online application. 
6. Submit a Personal essay responding to the five questions to provide us with insight into your motivation and interest in the MSc program​. Please download the guidelines here. Please ​submit the questions directly in the online application. 
7. Submit Health Professional Requirements: Please upload these documents directly in the online application. Evidence of health professional requirements include: copy of RN license/registration or renewal. If you have not yet graduated, please email us at gradson@mcmaster.ca to let us know.
8. Declare Focus Within Fields of Study found here, please submit your choice directly in the online application. 

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 (BScN)
REQUIRED COURSES	Four required half courses: NUR 701 (Theoretical basis of nursing practice) NUR 706 (Achieving Quality Patient Care Through Applied Research and Evaluation)​ NUR 707 (Foundations of Nursing Leadership) NUR 711 (Advanced practicum in Nursing)
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 Indigenous Health Online Modules​

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 711, NUR 706, NUR 707 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).