Kennesaw State University

The wide range of nursing programs at Kennesaw State University emphasize practical learning and innovative research opportunities. With a legacy spanning 45 years, KSU's WellStar School of Nursing is the largest program in north Georgia, offering Baccalaureate, Master's, and Doctoral degrees for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Discover Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, Georgia

School Ranking: B+

Kennesaw State University is a 4 year or higher State Institution. It is a public and non-profit institution. The institution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Kennesaw State University admits 68% of applicants and graduates 49% of its students.

Contact Info

Quick Overview

  • $16,815 Undergraduate Tuition
  • $9,242 Graduate Tuition
  • Doctoral University: Very High Research Activity
  • 38,051 Undergraduate Enrolled
    *Certificate and degree-seeking students
  • 4,263 Graduate Students Enrolled
  • 68% Acceptance Rate
  • 49% Graduation Rate

Student Demographics

  • 22 Average Age
  • 50% Men
  • 50% Women
  • 0% Veterans
  • 79% White
  • 6% Hispanic
  • 14% Black
  • 2% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • Accelerated BSN

  • On-Campus BSN Program
  • $10,830 In-State Tuition
  • 57 Credits
  • 16 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.4 Program Score
  • Clinical Nurse Leader CNL

  • Online BSN to MSN Program
  • $12,120 In-State Tuition
  • 40 Credits
  • 16 Months
  • 2.50 GPA Required
  • 480 Clincal Hours
  • 4.4 Program Score
  • Family Nurse Practitioner FNP

  • Hybrid + Online BSN to MSN Programs
  • $13,332 In-State Tuition
  • 44 Credits
  • 20 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 840 Clincal Hours
  • 4.4 Program Score
  • Nurse Educator

  • Hybrid MSN to Post Grad Certificate Program
  • $3,636 In-State Tuition
  • 12 Credits
  • 10 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.4 Program Score
  • Traditional BSN

  • On-Campus BSN Program
  • $22,800 In-State Tuition
  • 120 Credits
  • 48 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.4 Program Score

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

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.

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