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Pre-licensure MSN FAQ

What prerequisite coursework is required for entry into the program?

  • Anatomy and Physiology I & II (8 Credits with lab)
  • Microbiology (4 Credits with lab)
  • Chemistry (3 Credits)
  • Statistics (3 Credits)
  • Human Growth and Development (3 Credits)
  • Nutrition (3 Credits)

Please note: 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.

Do I have to complete the prerequisite coursework at Montclair?

No. We accept coursework from all accredited institutions of higher learning.

Will this program make me eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN?

Yes. Students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN upon successful completion of the program.

What is your NCLEX-RN pass rate?

The NCLEX-RN pass rate for the Pre-licensure MSN degree program was 90.48% in 2023.

What is the time commitment of this program?

The Pre-licensure MSN is an accelerated 71-credit, 7 session program, and requires a full-time commitment from students.

Am I able to enroll in this program as a part-time student?

No. This is an accelerated program and requires a full-time* commitment from students.

*Effective Fall 2020, Montclair State University graduate students enrolled in six (6) credits will now be considered full-time students for financial aid purposes. For more information on financial aid options, please visit our Student Handbook for Financial Aid.

Is this program accredited?

Yes. The 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.

My bachelor’s degree is in another field. Am I eligible to apply for this program?

Yes, you are! We value and understand the importance of your non-nursing background and will build on your existing skills as we prepare you to become a registered professional nurse.

I have an associate’s degree, but not a baccalaureate degree. Am I eligible to apply for this program?

No. This program can only accept individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

What degree is awarded after graduating from the program?

Students are conferred a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) after graduating from the program. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination to become a licensed registered nurse (RN) in New Jersey.

Does this program have a specialty or concentration?

Students are educated for generalist nursing practice with specialty preparation in Care Coordination and Transition Management.

What is care coordination and transition management?

Care coordination involves making patients’ preferences known to professional health care providers and caregivers. This allows for the delivery of safe, high quality, effective and individualized care.

What courses will I take in the program?
For detailed information on coursework, please refer to the Pre-licensure MSN Curriculum page.

What is the program tuition?

Please refer to Graduate Student Costs for detailed information on tuition.

When does this program begin?

The next Pre-licensure MSN cohort will begin the program in Summer 2025.

When is the application deadline?

All required application materials and checklist items must be submitted by Friday, January 17, 2025. This includes proof of completion (transcripts with final grades) of all pre-requisite courses.

I have a question that is not listed here. Who can I contact?

Please contact us at 973-655-3693 or nursing@montclair.edu.