Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master of Science in Nursing Certificate
Take the next step in your nursing career with graduate nursing education at Western Kentucky University. Designed for registered nurses seeking to expand their knowledge, leadership, and clinical expertise, WKU's graduate nursing programs prepare graduates to meet the growing healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities through advanced practice, evidence-based care, and compassionate leadership.
Whether you're pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Post-Master of Science in Nursing (Post-MSN) Certificate, you'll learn from experienced faculty committed to your professional growth while developing the advanced knowledge and clinical skills needed to excel in today's complex healthcare environment.
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Your Path Forward |
Why Choose WKU? |
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✔ Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
✔ Experienced Faculty and Clinical Experts |
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✔ Post-MSN Certificate Options |
✔ Flexible Plans of Study |
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✔ Family Nurse Practitioner Track |
✔ Clinical Experiences with Qualified Preceptors |
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✔ Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track |
✔ Preparation for National Certification |
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✔ Full-Time and Part-Time Options |
✔ Personalized Faculty Mentorship |
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✔ Designed for Working Nurses |
✔ Preparation for Advanced Practice Leadership |
Built for Advanced Practice
The WKU graduate nursing curriculum builds upon the knowledge and experience gained through professional nursing practice while preparing students for advanced clinical decision-making, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Coursework emphasizes advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, quality improvement, and population-focused care to prepare graduates for advanced practice nursing roles.
Students pursuing the Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track complete rigorous didactic coursework and supervised clinical experiences that prepare them to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings and populations.
Learn, Lead, and Make an Impact
Graduate nursing education at WKU extends beyond advanced clinical knowledge. Students develop the leadership, communication, collaboration, and systems-thinking skills needed to improve healthcare outcomes and lead change within their organizations and communities.
Graduates of the MSN program are prepared to pursue national certification in their specialty area, while Post-MSN certificate students expand their scope of practice through additional specialty preparation. Whether advancing your current nursing career or preparing for a new advanced practice role, WKU provides the education, mentorship, and clinical experiences to help you achieve your professional goals.
Expand your expertise. Elevate your practice. Advance your career with WKU Nursing.
MSN Degrees
If you want to be a FNP, please contact Eve Main (eve.main@wku.edu) prior to submitting an online Graduate School application.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is prepared at the graduate level to diagnose, prescribe, and treat conditions across the lifespan. This concentration prepares the graduate to test for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Please review the Graduate Catalog MSN information available, as well as the sample course curriculum for
- Fall full-time semester start.
- Fall part-time semester start.
- Spring full-time semester start.
- Spring part-time semester start.
When you are ready to apply, refer to the Application Process hyperlink on this web page for additional information. Cohorts begin each fall and spring. Applicants who apply to WKU's MSN FNP program should live and complete their clinical hours in KY or TN.
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is prepared at the graduate level to diagnose, prescribe, and treat psychiatric illnesses and mental health conditions across the lifespan. This concentration prepares the graduate to test for certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan).
Please review the Graduate Catalog MSN information available, as well as the sample course curriculum for
When you are ready to apply, refer to the Application Process hyperlink on this web page for additional information. Cohorts begin each spring and summer. Applicants who apply to WKU's MSN PMHNP program should live and complete their clinical hours in KY or TN.
Post-MSN Certificates
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is prepared at the post-graduate level to diagnose, prescribe, and treat conditions across the lifespan. This certificate prepares the completer to test for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Please review the Graduate Catalog Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate information available, as well as the sample course curriculum for
- Fall or Spring semester start.
When you are ready to apply, refer to the Application Process hyperlink on this web page for additional information. Cohorts begin each fall and spring. Applicants who apply to WKU's MSN FNP program should live and complete their clinical hours in KY or TN.
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is prepared at the post-graduate level to diagnose, prescribe, and treat psychiatric illnesses and mental health conditions across the lifespan. This certificate prepares the completer to test for certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan).
Please review the Graduate Catalog Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate information available, as well as the sample course curriculum for
- Summer semester start.
When you are ready to apply, refer to the Application Process hyperlink on this web page for additional information. Cohorts begin each summer. Applicants who apply to WKU's MSN PMHNP program should live and complete their clinical hours in KY or TN.
Review the Graduate School Admission Requirements and submit an online application to the WKU Graduate School by following the directions below.
- On the Apply Now to WKU website access the Graduate Applications section on the right side of the page.
- Select Domestic and International Applicants to begin your WKU Graduate Admission Application within TopNet.
- On the WKU Admissions Application web page, follow the prompts as requested (logging in with your WKUID and PIN or creating an application account).
- On the Pre- Application Questions web page, use the drop down list to select the appropriate term/semester you want to begin your course work. Ensure all other information on this web page is provided. Note: You may only take classes beginning the semester you indicate on your application. We highly recommend NURS 521 (Graduate Stats) in the Summer. Thus, new, applicants are highly encouraged to select summer instead of fall for their semester start.
- Follow the application checklist prompts through each section. You will need to complete all 10.
- On the Planned Course of Study web page, select the relevant Category of Study ("Certificate" or "Masters"), Planned Course of Study, and MSN applicants will need to select a Concentration. Please note, if you select the incorrect item and submit your application, a new application will have to be completed.
- If you have any questions or issues during the online application process, please contact the Graduate School at 270-745-2446.
Once you have received notification of the Graduate School receiving your application, all application materials, as noted for the specific degree or certificate in the Graduate Catalog, and transcripts must be submitted directly to the Graduate School. The required reference form can be found here. Please note: WKU graduates do not need to request transcripts be sent to the WKU Graduate School.
Acceptance of graduate transfer courses by the Graduate School does not mean that the courses fulfill course requirement in MSN courses. Review the WKU Graduate Catalog for transfer policies.
For more information on tuition costs at WKU, please visit this website; in addition to tuition, there are clinical course fees that will be billed to your University Account each semester you are enrolled in a clinical course. Also,please visit this website for more information about the cost of either certificate program, average time to complete & other important information.
- Contact rhonda.quenzer@wku.edu for additional information or interest in the PMHNP MSN or Post-MSN certificate.
- Contact eve.main@wku.edu for additional information or interest in the FNP MSN or Post-MSN certificate.
Contact Melissa Hamlin at 270-745-4392 or melissa.hamlin@wku.edu for additional information or interest in any program or certificate.
To schedule a tour of our Medical Health Sciences Complex (MCHC), please contact the School of Nursing and Allied Health by phone at 270-745-3391.
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