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Master of Science in Nursing – Application Process

MSN – Steps for Application:

  • Applications are completed through the UCA Graduate School. To apply, go to the UCA Graduate School application. Applicants will need to set-up a new account by clicking on the “First timer use account creation.” Students that have been previous UCA students still need to create an account. Applicants will put in their name, birthdate, and email address and a PIN number will be sent to the email provided. A password will then be created. The School of Nursing has additional requirements for admission that will be uploaded into the UCA Graduate School application. (see below)
  • Transcripts can be electronically sent to the UCA Graduate School team at: ucagradschool@uca.edu
  • If transcripts are mailed, address to: UCA Graduate School, 201 Donaghey Avenue, Torreyson West 328, Conway AR 72035

International students – Submit your application to the Office of International Engagement.

Applicants that have questions should contact the UCA Graduate School Admissions team at 501-450-3124 or email ucagradschool@uca.edu.

UCA School of Nursing Application Requirements:

Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered for admission. All required documents are uploaded to the applicant’s UCA Graduate School application portal.

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • NOTE** Undergraduate nursing students preparing to graduate should obtain a letter from the Dean or the Director of their nursing school stating expected graduation date verifying current enrollment.

 

Cover Letter Directions

Applicant Guidelines: Cover Letter Criteria

Your cover letter is a critical component of your application. It is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee, articulate your motivations, and demonstrate your alignment with our program’s mission and values. Please adhere to the following criteria:

Format and Length:

  • The letter must be limited to one single-spaced page.
  • Use a professional font (e.g., Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial) in a 10-12 point size.
  • Address the letter specifically to the “Graduate Nursing Admissions Committee”
  • Include your full contact information.

IMPORTANT: Failure to follow application cover letter guidelines will result in your application being disqualified.

Content and Focus: Your letter must address the following three core areas:

  1. Professional Goals and Motivation
  • Why this specialty? Clearly articulate why you are pursuing this specific advanced nursing track (MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN Nurse Educator, Post-Master’s DNP).
  • Why now? Explain your readiness for graduate-level study at this point in your career.
  • What are your goals? Describe your short-term and long-term career goals and how this specific degree will help you achieve them.
  1. Relevant Experience and Skills
  • This is not a summary of your resume. Instead, select 1-2 key experiences (clinical, leadership, research, or significant life experiences) and analyze
  • How did these experiences prepare you for the rigor of graduate education and the challenges of an advanced nursing role?
  • Highlight specific skills you possess that are essential for success, such as clinical judgment, leadership, communication, resilience, or cultural competency.
  1. Program Fit (“Why Us?”)
  • Demonstrate that you have thoroughly researched our program.
  • Be specific. Why is our program the right choice for you?
  1. Professionalism and Communication
  • Your writing is a reflection of your ability to communicate professionally, a key skill for graduate nurses.
  • The letter must be free of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos.
  • The tone should be confident, mature, and professional.

Click here to access the cover letter grading rubric:(Link Coming soon)

 Resume Directions

Applicant Guidelines: Resume criteria

Applicants should create an abbreviated resume containing the following information:

  1. Education
  2. Licensure
  3. Certifications (if applicable)
  4. Work History

Completed applications will be reviewed by the School of Nursing. Each applicant will be assigned to a faculty team that will review the resume and grade the cover letter (Writing Sample) and participate in the virtual interview. The results for each applicant will be weighted with the GPA to determine applicant rank.