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Master of Science in Nursing by Thesis

Program at a Glance

Master’s level graduates will be able to function as associate investigators in their selected area of interest. With their increased knowledge of the theoretical basis of practice, they will be able to play a role in evolving health care systems. For the Thesis-Based master’s degree, students will:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced scientific theory to their professional practice.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate clinical research methods, including the development of clinical measures and the determination of clinical and program efficacy.
  3. Complete four required and at least one additional approved half courses.
  4. Complete and defend a thesis arising from a health care issue.

School of Nursing Website: https://nursing.mcmaster.ca/

How to Apply

Apply to the MSc Nursing Thesis Based Program through the McMaster University Application Site.

https://gs.mcmaster.ca/programs/nursing?degree=20

Admission Requirements

The appropriate foundation for graduate level entry is a professional degree. Candidates must comply with the School of Graduate Studies Regulations for the M.Sc. degrees. The specific admission requirements are:

  1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (60 units taken at a university) with a minimum of the equivalent to a McMaster B+ average over the final 60 units from an undergraduate nursing program. Applicants who are graduates of a baccalaureate nursing degree program for registered nurses and who have between 50 and 59 units of university study will be considered on a case-by-case basis. These 60 units will not include advanced credit for college courses.
  2. Submit two academic and one clinical references.
  3. Submit personal essay responding to the 5 questions to provide us with insight into your motivation and interest in the MScN program. (one page per question, single spaced, 12 font)
  4. Identification of a faculty member who agrees to supervise the student. See our ?Areas of Excellence for a list of potential supervisors. NOTE: It is expected that applicants will approach potential supervisors at least three months prior to the application deadline.
  5. Submit evidence of current registration or eligibility for registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to supply evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language. The most common evidence is a score of at least 92 (iBT), 580 (paper-based test) or 237 (computer-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Nursing Graduate Program requires a minimum score of 7.0 for IELTS (Academic Test).

Indigenous Applicants

With an understanding that Indigenous learners can face specific barriers or challenges when pursuing higher education, schools and programs within McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences have facilitated admissions streams for applicants with Indigenous North American (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) ancestry. This process is intended to provide equitable access to Indigenous applicants and aligns with the intent of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. Applicants wishing to apply through McMaster’s FIAP need to complete the supplementary self-identification application in addition to  McMaster university and program specific application processes. Full details are found on the Indigenous Students Health Sciences Website:  https://ishs.mcmaster.ca/admissions/self-identification

All Indigenous applicants who meet the admission criteria will be considered within the Indigenous applicant cohort.