Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University (KSU) was founded in 1963 and is a public institution.

Kennesaw State University's WellStar School of Nursing, established 45 years ago, is the largest program in north Georgia. The School of Nursing offers degree options including the Baccalaureate, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. 

Undergraduate

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The curriculum in this BSN program focuses on courses in the Humanities, Biological, and Social Sciences as well as offering the theoretical and clinical background necessary to practice professional Nursing.

Admission Requirements (not all-inclusive)

1. Active application on file
2. Complete at least 7 of 12 prerequisite courses prior to applying to the Nursing Program
3. Science courses less than 10 years old
4. Cumulative GPA at least 3.0
5. Grade of "C" or higher in all prerequisite and major requirements
6. ATI TEAS Entrance Exam (limited to 2 attempts) to achieve a minimum score of 78

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Accelerated BSN program is an abbreviated four-semester program for students who hold a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than Nursing. The Baccalaureate degree must be from an accredited US institution (or equivalent International degree) with all of the Kennesaw University Core Requirements completed.  All applicants must successfully complete American History (HIST 2111 or 2112) and American Government (POLS 1101) as required by the State of Georgia.

Other admission requirements for the Accelerated BSN program are the same as for the Traditional BSN program.

Graduate

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN Leadership in Nursing program offers two separate and distinct tracks:

Nursing Education Leadership in a Digital World Track

Nursing Administration and Transformational Leadership Track

Admission Criteria (not all-inclusive)

1. BSN from a nationally accredited institution with 3.0 minimum GPA
2. Minimum one-year full-time experience as an RN involving direct patient care within the past 5 years
3. Current, unencumbered Georgia RN license
4. GRE
5. Statement of personal goals for the program
6. Undergraduate Research, Statistics, and Physical Assessment courses
7. Two professional letters of reference

Master of Science in Nursing Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The MSN Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is a professional degree that prepares experienced Registered Nurses to take the FNP certification examination.

This is a 40-semester hour course of study that consists of 14 credit hours of core classes, 8 credit hours of primary care area of concentration, and 18 credit hours of residency. All classes are offered in an alternative weekend schedule.

Admission Criteria (not all-inclusive)

1. BSN from a nationally accredited institution with a satisfactory GPA of at least 3.0
2. Minimum 3 years full-time experience as an RN involving direct patient care within the last 5 years
3. Current unencumbered RN license in the state of Georgia
4. The General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required
5. Written statement of professional goals
6. Undergraduate Physical Assessment, Research, and Statistics courses
7. Two professional letters of reference

Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS)

The Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) is designed to prepare Nurse Educators and Scholars for leadership roles in nurse education, health policy related to vulnerable populations, and applied research.

NOTE:  As of 12/3/18, the DNS admission is CLOSED

Accreditation

The Nursing Programs at KSU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Rankings

US News & World Report (2020)

• #293-#381 in National Universities
• #72 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
• #72 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools

Niche (2020)

KSU is ranked #2 in Best Online Colleges in Georgia by BestOnlineColleges.com (2020).

Format & Tuition of Available Program

•  
  Format
  Tuition
  Score
• Accelerated BSN
  On-Campus
  $10,830
  4.4 /5
• Clinical Nurse Leader CNL - BSN to MSN
  Online
  $12,120
  4.4 /5
• Family Nurse Practitioner FNP - BSN to MSN
  Hybrid, Online
  $13,332
  4.4 /5
• Nurse Educator - MSN to Post Grad Certificate
  Hybrid
  $3,636
  4.4 /5
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner PMHNP - MSN to Post Grad Certificate
  Hybrid
  $7,878
  4.4 /5
• Traditional BSN
  On-Campus
  $22,800
  4.4 /5