The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master’s degree program in nursing at Montclair State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Dreaming about becoming a registered nurse, but earned your bachelor’s degree in another field? Start your journey toward a rewarding career in healthcare with Montclair’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – designed for career changers ready to enter the healthcare field.
Montclair’s accelerated curriculum prepares you to deliver high-quality patient care in a variety of settings – from physicians’ offices and nursing homes to hospital ICUs.
In just seven semesters (less than two years), you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become a licensed registered nurse (RN) – no previous healthcare experience required.
Turn Your Calling into a Career With:
- Immersive, High-Tech Training: Build clinical skills in Montclair’s state-of-the-art Simulation Center, where intelligent manikin mimic real medical events – from childbirth to heart failure to end-of-life care – allowing you to practice in a safe environment before entering a hospital.
- Hands-On Experience: Care for real patients in diverse healthcare settings throughout the community. Montclair’s partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, and care facilities ensure you’ll gain meaningful experience across the lifespan – from pediatric to geriatric care.
- A Comprehensive Curriculum: Grow into a well-rounded nurse through coursework grounded in science, mathematics and the humanities. Develop the empathy, critical thinking, and communication skills needed to treat the whole person – not just the condition.
Built for the Real World
Brian wanted a nursing education that showed him the full picture. At Montclair, he gained hands-on experience across specialties — and now works in both the ER and on the sidelines at NFL games.
“You aren’t siloed into one specialty. You’re able to see how different teams work, how different patients present, and how healthcare systems function from every angle.”
Brian Cadavid ’24
Program: Nursing Pre-Licensure MSN
Career: Emergency Room Nurse, St. Joseph’s Health & MetLife Stadium Medical Team
Cost & Financial Aid
As a public institution, Montclair offers one of the most affordable nursing programs in New Jersey.
The School of Nursing proudly partners with Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, and St. Joseph’s University Medical Center to provide a 20% tuition discount for eligible employees enrolled in the Pre-licensure MSN program.
Admission Requirements
- Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies.
- Deposit Required: An enrollment deposit is required upon admission and will be applied to your first semester’s tuition.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
- *F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program.
Required Prerequisite Coursework:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II (8 credits with lab)
- Microbiology (4 credits with lab)
- Chemistry (3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
- Nutrition (3 credits)
A minimum grade of C is required for all prerequisite courses. Prerequisite science courses must be completed within five (5) years of your anticipated admission date.
Before beginning your clinical courses, you’ll need to pass a criminal background check and urine toxicology screening, completed by an external agency. Results are sent confidentially to the School of Nursing. Fees apply.
Application Checklist
- Application Deadline: All materials must be submitted by January 16, 2026 for Summer admission.
- Transcript: One (1) from each college attended.
- Essays/Personal Statement: One (1) one-page personal statement is required and should explain your reason for applying to the program, learning goals and relevant professional experience.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two (2).
- Resume: Required.
Questions? We’re Here to Help.
For questions about this program or information about how to enroll, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.
- graduate@montclair.edu
- 973-655-5147
- The Graduate School, 4th Floor
Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program director can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.