MS in Nursing—Direct Entry

All transcripts from post-secondary schools attended or in which credit was received must be uploaded to your online application. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted at the time of the application. Official transcripts are required at time of admission. Please do not mail in any paper transcripts to the Office of Admissions.

Two written essays are required on the application. The essays should be uploaded to the application as PDF files: Personal Statement: Explain your understanding of the role of a registered nurse. Why have you decided to pursue a career in nursing and how will Columbia Nursing’s MDE program aid in that transition? Essay Requirements: Two double-spaced pages (12-point font/one-inch margins) Social Justice/Health Equity Essay: In the U.S. and around the world, there are increasing concerns about inequity and a lack of fairness for many members in our society. Please discuss a situation where you see inequity in health care and/or the potential for advocacy within health care. You may choose to write about a personal experience of advocacy or inequity OR you may choose to write about a societal issue of personal interest to you. Essay Requirements: One double spaced page (12-point font/one-inch margins) MDE/DNP and MDE/PhD applicants will also be required to submit an additional essay highlighting their intention for pursuing their doctoral program. Essay Requirements: One to two double-spaced pages (12-point font/one-inch margins) MDE/DNP Essay: The role of a Registered Nurse (RN) is very different from the role of an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Explain what you understand about the role of the APRN specialty you are interested in. What attributes do you possess that you are able to bring to your specialty of interest? What are your career goals? MDE/PhD Essay: Describe your research interests, what led you to this area of research, and your career goals. Why is Columbia University the place where you can accomplish your goals?

Three letters of recommendation are required. One of these references must be an academic reference; the remaining two may be academic, professional, or a combination of the two. Two of these references must be recent, from within the last 12 months. References should be written for the purpose of the applicant's application. Academic references should know you as a student and professional references should know you in a job setting, preferably in a supervisory role. Personal references from friends or family members do not meet the requirement. References selected must align with the experience the applicant has accounted for in their application (ie. if selecting a supervisor as a reference, the job in which you worked at should be listed on your resume).

Applicants will be asked to provide their professional affiliations, awards/commendations, interests, hobbies, and community service involvement on the application. Applicants will also be asked to upload their resume/CV to the application portal. The resume/CV should be uploaded as a PDF in order to ensure proper formatting. There is no page limit required for the resume/CV. In addition to academic and professional experience, applicants should include hobbies, interests, honors, awards, and travel experience. This type of information will give the review committee an opportunity to gain a more holistic understanding of the applicant.

Applicants will be recorded answering two video essay questions. The questions are: Please tell us about a time that you have overcome an obstacle in your life, how you dealt with, and what you learned from the experience. In nursing, ethics serves as a strong component. Drawing from either a personal experience or creating a scenario, please discuss an ethical dilemma and your solution for it. The video essay is recorded live within the application, so applicants will need a webcam that is directly attached to their device and web browser that supports Flash. Applicants are not able to upload a pre-recorded answer. Below are guidelines to support recording the video essay: Set up the space where you will record in advance. A good internet connection is needed. Direct wire connections to router are best. If you are using WiFi, it's recommended set up your recording space as close as possible to your router. Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure the background where you will be recording your video is neat, and if applicable, remove any items you do not want on camera. Place your camera level with the top of your head for the best angle. Have your light source facing you – placed right behind your computer/camera. This is best in order to provide good lighting. Be aware of your surroundings and environmental sounds when recording audio. Use an external microphone if you have one (this may provide better sound quality). Make sure to dress professionally and as if you were delivering your video essay in person to the Admissions Committee. Don't rely on reading directly from any notes or a script when delivering your video essay. Use the practice round of the video essay. This is an opportunity to work out any kinks before the actual recording starts. Feel free to introduce yourself at the beginning of your video essay, and be mindful of the topics you decide to share when answering the question.

Applicants will be asked to answer a short essay question in a period of 10 minutes (two minutes to think about the response and 10 minutes to write the sample) within the application. A random question will be generated by the application site so applicants cannot prepare the essay in advance. Essays are evaluated on the content and structure of the applicant's response.