MS Nursing at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Nursing prepares nurses for advanced practice roles with specialised clinical knowledge. Concentrations are Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (new hybrid programs), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (onsite) and Nursing Research.

Faculty: School of Nursing | Department: Master of Science in Nursing | Intake: Fall; priority deadline November 1, regular deadline April 15 (rolling notification); international applicants priority deadline February 15 | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Programme outcomes follow the AACN Essentials: applying scientific findings and evidence-based practice, organizational and systems leadership, quality improvement and patient safety, health informatics and data analytics, health policy advocacy, interprofessional leadership and person-centered, culturally responsive care. Study is organized by concentration; a comprehensive exam is part of the programme.

Career pathways

Advanced practice nursing roles, including nurse practitioner roles in acute care, family, psychiatric-mental health and neonatal settings, and nursing research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

School of Nursing MSN criteria: baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN, NLN or CCNE accredited program (international applicants need a degree comparable to an American baccalaureate); current RN license in the US state/territory or location of clinical placement; GPA of 3.0 or higher from the previous nursing degree; pre-admission interview (virtual if at a distance); three letters of recommendation (recent academic programme director or faculty, recent employer, and/or someone who can speak to professional work); personal essay of 2-3 pages; applicant survey; CV or resume; official transcripts; non-refundable application fee. International applicants: course-by-course credential evaluation, TOEFL composite 100 with sub-scores of 21 or higher, IELTS 7.0 overall with speaking 7.0 and other bands 6.0 or higher, or Duolingo 125.

Domestic applicants: USD 32,140 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Nursing, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 40,686 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Nursing, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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