The MEPN program is a total of 68 credits over 5 consecutive semesters. The MEPN program offers courses through a combination of synchronous face-to-face classes, required clinical experiences in SC Midlands area, and online courses.

Full-time plan of study, on-campus with in-person clinicals required in SC Midlands area. 

Semester 1

• NURS 701 - Introduction to Nursing Practice and Theory
• NURS 709 - Pathophysiological Concepts for Nursing Practice
• NURS 711 - Pharmacotherapeutics for Nursing Practice 
• NURS 712 - Health Assessment for Nursing Practice +

Semester 2

• NURS 713 - Nursing Practice Fundamentals + *
• NURS 716 - Maternal, Newborn and Pediatric Nursing + *
• NURS 721 - Gerontological Nursing Care

Semester 3

• NURS 723 - Medical Surgical Nursing Practice I *
• NURS 729 - Psychiatric Nursing Practice *
• NURS 730 – Population Health Nursing
• NURS 745 - Nursing Ethics, Policy & Advocacy

Semester 4

• NURS 726 - Medical Surgical Nursing Practice II *
• NURS 746 - Informatics, Technology, and Emerging Issues ^B
• NURS 750 - Transition to Nursing Practice I *
• NURS 789 - Statistical and Research Methods for Nursing Practice  ^A 

Semester 5

• NURS 747 - Leadership and Safety for Nursing Practice
• NURS 748 - Care Coordination and Outcomes Management in Nursing Practice
• NURS 751 - Transition to Nursing Practice II +*
• NURS 791 - Seminar in Nursing Research ^A

Total 68 credits / 784 direct clinical hours
+on campus immersion
*course requires clinical hours
#course offered in 5- week Summer term only
 ^Aindicates A term, ^B indicates B term. If not noted, full semester course.

• Bachelor's Degree from a nationally accredited program
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from previous undergraduate course work
• Three professional references from individuals with a master’s or higher in their chosen profession who can evaluate your potential for success in a graduate program. 
  • Recommendation forms are completed electronically on the application (Letters of recommendation cannot be used in lieu of our recommendation form).
  • Recommendations from family members are not appropriate.
• Personal goal statement reflecting MSN program outcomes
• Current CV or resume
• *Pre-requisite courses:
  • Anatomy & Physiology 1 and 2 with lab (ex. BIOL 243, BIOL 243L, BIOL 244, BIOL 244L),
  • Microbiology with Lab (ex. BIOL 250, BIOL 250L),
  • Chemistry with Lab (ex. CHEM 102/102L or CHEM 111/111L AND CHEM 112/112L).
  • Human Growth and Development (ex. PSYC 420).

*All prerequisites must be completed within the last 5 years, each with a grade of C or better, before your application will be reviewed.

*Courses should be completed at a regionally accredited university.  Please check our Transfer Table for guidance on equivalent courses.  

- GRE not required

- December graduates are eligable to apply (ex. December 2025 graduate applying for spring 2026). All prerequiste courses must be completed by the application deadline of September 1. 

- Students admitted to the MEPN program must complete Basic Life Support CPR certification prior to the start of the program. One of the following is required:

• American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider course
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider course
• American Red Cross BLS/CPR for Healthcare
• Military Training Network Healthcare Provider (in accordance with the curriculum of the American Heart Association for the BLS for the Healthcare Provider).

All application materials (except official transcripts) will be submitted via the College of Nursing's graduate application portal. 

Official transcripts must be sent to The Graduate School. Review the degree requirements before you apply.

The MEPN program accepts students for spring entry.

• Admission cycle for spring entry:
  Application opens – May 1
  Early decision deadline – July 1
  Final decision deadline – September 1

View our video information session with graduate program faculty and staff.

MSN program costs depend on several factors. For estimated costs and fees, view Graduate Programs Cost Estimates 2023-2024 and MEPN Anticipated Start-Up and Final Semester Out of Pocket Costs. The Office of Financial Aid provides the full breakdown of the estimated cost to attend. For additional tuition and fee information, visit the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees website.

Financial aid is available. To determine your eligibility, complete the FAFSA form on the university’s Financial Aid website. The College of Nursing also offers general scholarships. In addition, other scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available through The Graduate School and the university’s Financial Aid and Scholarships office.

Contact Us

Phone: 803-777-9080
Email: NURSGRAD@mailbox.sc.edu

Address: 
Williams-Brice Building, Room 208
1601 Greene St.
Columbia, SC 29208