5020 Admissions

A person seeking to pursue any of the school’s  programs of graduate study must be admitted to Georgia State University through the Byrdine F Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions. The requirements for admission stated in the following sections are established by the School of Nursing and Health Professions and the divisions of the program. Acceptance into one of the programs in the School of Nursing and Health Professions does not imply acceptance into another College in the University.

Master of Science in Nursing

The master's program in nursing is open to registered nurses who wish to continue their education by obtaining an advanced degree. There are two admission options: RNs with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and RNs prepared at the associate or diploma level that have had outstanding practice experience and professional involvement. RNs who do not have a baccalaureate degree in nursing must complete additional undergraduate course work as prerequisites to master's course work. The determination of required undergraduate course work is based on an evaluation of each applicant's past academic work and on current undergraduate requirements for the baccalaureate nursing program.

Nursing accepts students into the master's degree options each semester. The application deadline for both summer and fall semesters is February 1. The application deadline for spring semester is September 1.

The following materials are required for admission:

  1. Application for Graduate Study, and supplemental application for specific program option.
  2. A $50 application fee.
  3. Two copies of official transcripts from all colleges attended.
  4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals knowledgeable of the applicant's professional and academic abilities; if you have completed your undergraduate nursing degree within past five years, one letter must come from a former professor.
  5. Current vitae or resume including education, work experience and professional development, professional and/or community activities, research and publications.
  6. Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), for applicants whose native language is not English. See section on "International Admissions" for more information.
  7. A written statement indentifying your educational /professional goals and the purpose for applying to the specific graduate option.
  8. A Certificate of Immunization.
  9. Official scores from either the  the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), which is  preferred,  or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Additional requirements include the following:

  1. Graduation from an accredited nursing program.
  2. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. The GPA is based on all undergraduate college-level course work attempted at regionally accredited institutions.
  3. Registration as a professional nurse in Georgia or another U.S. state and evidence of application to the Georgia Board of Nursing.
  4. An interview with a faculty member.
  5. One to two years of clinical practice in the specialty area for master's education is preferred for applicants in the clinical practice specialist.

Application information and materials are available on the School’s website nursing.gsu.edu/498.html

Admission Status

Full Graduate Status: Admission to the master's program is contingent upon the availability of  faculty and clinical resources Applicants who meet all admissions guidelines based upon faculty review may be admitted to full graduate status.

Provisional Graduate Status: Students who do not meet all admission criteria MAY be admitted on a provisional basis. These students are limited to nine semester hours of study. These nine hours of study are  determined and authorized by the student's faculty advisor. Courses that must be included in the program of study for provisional students include Nurs 7310 Advanced Pathophysiological Concepts in Nursing, Part 1 and NURS 7320 Advanced Pathophysiological Concepts in Nursing, Part 2 and one of the following: Nurs 7550 (Pharmacology), Nurs 7900 (Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing), or Nurs 7000 (Research Methods for Advanced Practice Nurses).  A grade of B must be achieved in each course during the provisional status period (9 credits); no course may be repeated. If a B is not achieved in each course, then the student will be withdrawn from the program. If a GPA of 3.0 is achieved (with at least a B in each course in the 9 credit course plan), and upon recommendation of the Master's Program Committee, the student is admitted to full graduate status and will receive a letter notifying him or her of the change in status.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The Nursing program accepts students into the doctoral program in the fall semester only. The application deadline is February 1.

The following materials are required for admission:

  1. Application for Graduate Study.
  2. A $50 application fee.
  3. Two copies of official transcripts from all colleges attended.
  4. Three letters of recommendation from individuals knowledgeable of the applicant's professional, intellectual, and academic abilities.
  5. Current vitae or resume including education, work experience and professional development, professional and/or community activities, research, and publications.
  6. Statements of professional goals and research area of interest.
  7. A two-page position paper on a current social or health issue.
  8. Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  9. Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), for applicants whose native language is not English. See section on "International Admissions" for more information.
  10. A Certificate of Immunization.

Additional requirements include the following:

  1. Master's degree in nursing. Applicants who hold a master's degree in an area other than nursing must have (1) a bachelor's degree in nursing, (2) a background in advanced clinical nursing practice, and (3) evidence of either previous course work in nursing theory or an individualized learning program in nursing theory.
  2. Licensure/Certification. All applicants (including international applicants) must hold a license in the United States as a registered nurse (R.N. license) prior to acceptance to the doctoral program.
  3. An interview with a Nursing faculty member.
  4. Applicants must have completed a graduate-level intermediate statistics course within the past five years prior to admission, OR must complete a graduate-level intermediate statistics course by the end of the first enrolled semester in the doctoral program.

Non Degree Admission

Non-degree status is granted on an individual basis in the graduate nursing programs. Applicants must possess a bachelor's of science degree with a major in nursing to be eligible to take master's courses. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.75 or greater to take master's level nursing courses. Applicants wishing to take a doctoral course must have a master's degree. Instructor permission is required for course enrollment. Admission to non-degree status does not warrant or secure admission to the degree program. Students with non-degree status may take up to a maximum of six credit hours of graduate coursework without admission to the nursing program.

Application information and materials are available on School’s website snhp.gsu.edu/188.html

Nutrition, Master of Science in Health Sciences

IMPORTANT: The four courses listed below are required prerequisites to the M.S. degree program in Nutrition. These courses must be completed prior to admission. If you wish to complete or update the required prerequisites at Georgia State University, you can apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at www.gsu.edu/admissions for postbaccalaureate status.

 Inorganic Chemistry (1 semester)

(GSU CHEM 1151K or equivalent)

Organic Chemistry (1 semester)

(GSU CHEM 1152K or equivalent)

Human Anatomy and Physiology (2 semesters)

(GSU BIOL 1110K and BIOL 1120K or equivalent)

Additionally, a biochemistry course (Nutr 6700 or equivalent) and a normal nutrition and metabolism course (Nutr 6500 or equivalent) are prerequisites to graduate coursework. They may be taken after acceptance into the graduate program. The biochemistry and nutrition/metabolism courses must have been completed within 10 years prior to beginning the graduate program if they are not taken as part of the graduate program.

The Master of Science program accepts students into the program each semester. The application deadline for summer semester is April 1, fall semesters is May 15 and for spring semester is October 1.

The selection of potential degree candidates for the Master of Science degree program in Health Sciences is competitive. Admission is based upon the quality of the undergraduate record, achievement on required admission tests, and suitable preparation for the specific degree program to be pursued All applicants must be graduates of accredited institutions with baccalaureate degrees and meet other requirements listed below.

The following materials are required for admission:

  1. Application for Graduate Study.
  2. A $50 application fee.
  3. Supplemental Application for the Master of Nutrition
  4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals knowledgeable of the applicant's professional, intellectual, and academic abilities
  5. Statement of Professional Goals

In addition to the materials required for program admission, the Division of Nutrition requires the following for applicants to the specialization in nutrition:

  1. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all college-level coursework.
  2. A rank in the 50th percentile or greater on both the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning measures.
  3. A resume (curriculum vita) outlining professional, educational, and volunteer experience and special skills, such as proficiency in languages other than English.
  4. Two letters of recommendation.
  5. A statement of professional goals.
  6. College-level courses with laboratory experiences in anatomy, physiology, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. Biochemistry and normal nutrition (nutrition and metabolism) are prerequisites for many graduate courses. These courses must have been completed within 10 years prior to taking graduate courses for which they are prerequisites. They may be taken at the beginning of the graduate program but do not confer graduate credit.

Students may be admitted in Fall and Spring semesters to the specialization in nutrition. The application deadline for fall semester is May 15 and the application deadline for spring semester is October 1. Students planning full time course loads are strongly urged to enter in fall semester to maximize availability of courses due to sequencing.

Application information and materials are available on the School’s website snhp.gsu.edu/217.html.

Nutrition, Master of Science in Health Sciences, Coordinated Program

IMPORTANT: The four courses listed below are required prerequisites to the M.S. degree program in Nutrition. These courses must be completed prior to admission. If you wish to complete or update the required prerequisites at Georgia State University, you can apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at www.gsu.edu/admissions for postbaccalaureate status.

Inorganic Chemistry (1 semester)

(GSU CHEM 1151K or equivalent)

Organic Chemistry (1 semester)

(GSU CHEM 1152K or equivalent)

Human Anatomy and Physiology (2 semesters)

(GSU BIOL 1110K and BIOL 1120K or equivalent)

Additionally, a biochemistry course (Nutr 6700 or equivalent) and a normal nutrition and metabolism course (Nutr 6500 or equivalent) are prerequisites to graduate coursework. They may be taken after acceptance into the graduate program. The biochemistry and nutrition/metabolism courses must have been completed within 10 years prior to beginning the graduate program if they are not taken as part of the graduate program.

Applicants to this program must meet the requirements for admission to the Master of Science in Health Science in Nutrition, including the Nutrition Specialization requirements listed above. They must also have completed an undergraduate course in anthropology, psychology, or sociology. Additionally, they must submit the supplemental application that is available online. Undergraduate majors from Didactic Programs in Dietetics who hold a CADE Verification Statement listing completion date or CADE Declaration of Intent to Complete Form with anticipated completion date must apply for this program January 15 for early admission or April 15th for a Summer Semester start date. All other applications are due May 15 for a Fall Semester start date.

The Coordinated program accepts students twice a year. The application deadline for summer semester is April 1, fall semester is May 15 and for spring semester is October 1.

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Candidates for admission to the entry-level doctor of physical therapy degree program must be able to demonstrate abilities to meet certain technical standards of performance necessary to carry out their activities as health professionals. They must demonstrate the functional use of their senses that will allow them to elicit appropriate information to perceive nonverbal communications from patients or clients. They must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and in written form. Additionally, each candidate should be physically able to provide reasonable care and emergency treatment when necessary.

All candidates must possess those intellectual, ethical, physical, and emotional attributes required to undertake the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty. They must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of these abilities in order to exercise good judgment in their activities as health professionals.

Prerequisites

The D.P.T. curriculum demands rigorous scholarly effort. Students with diverse strengths and backgrounds are encouraged to apply to the program. To gain admission, students must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The baccalaureate degree must be completed prior to matriculation into the D.P.T. program. The baccalaureate degree should be in a student's area of interest. The program is designed for the person with an undergraduate degree in a field other than physical therapy.

The following materials are required for admission:

  1. Application for Graduate Study and supplemental applications for the program.
  2. A $50 application fee.
  3. Two copies of official transcripts from each college attended.
  4. Official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  5. Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), for applicants whose native language is not English. See section on "International Admissions" in this chapter for more information.
  6. A Certificate of Immunization.

Selected applicants are invited to campus for an interview with the faculty, clinical instructors and students of the Division of Physical Therapy.

Students are accepted into the program once a year and the program begins in the fall semester. The application deadline is generally nine to twelve months prior to the anticipated semester of entry. Application information and materials are available on the School’s website snhp.gsu.edu/221.html.

Respiratory Therapy, Master of Science in Health Sciences

The selection of potential degree candidates for the Master of Science degree program in Health Sciences is competitive. Admission is based upon the quality of the undergraduate record, achievement on required admission tests, and suitable preparation for the specific degree program to be pursued. All applicants must be graduates of accredited institutions with baccalaureate degrees and meet other requirements listed below for the specialization areas.

Individuals are admitted into the program in one of two categories: Full Graduate Status, which includes provisional status, or nondegree status.

Full Graduate Status

Full Graduate Status must be achieved in order to fulfill all degree requirements. Required materials include the following:

  1. Application for Graduate Study and supplemental applications, if applicable.
  2. A $50 application fee.
  3. Two copies of official transcripts from all colleges attended.
  4. Official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  5. Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), for applicants whose native language is not English. See section on "International Admissions" in this chapter for more information.
  6. A Certificate of Immunization

Provisional Status

Applicants who do not meet one or more of the admissions standards for Full Graduate Status and who, in the opinion of the faculty, have the potential to be successful in graduate study, may be admitted to Provisional Status. Students admitted to this status must satisfy the requirements stated on their admission letter to continue in Full Graduate Status. Students are admitted to this status at the option of the division and when adequate facilities are available.

Respiratory Therapy Specialization

In addition to the materials required for program admission, the Division of Respiratory Therapy requires the following for applicants to the specialization in respiratory care:

  1. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all college-level course work.
  2. A rank in the 50th percentile or greater on both the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning measures.
  3. Bachelor of Science/Arts degree in respiratory therapy or related field.
  4. Resumé (C.V.) outlining professional and educational experience, with two professional references listed.
  5. If you already have your bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy, evidence of credentialing as a registered respiratory therapist (RRT), a copy of National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentials.

Provisional Status

Applicants who do not meet one or more of the admissions standards for Full Graduate Status and who, in the opinion of the faculty, have the potential to be successful in graduate study, may be admitted to Provisional Status. Students admitted to this status must satisfy the requirements stated on their admission letter to continue in Full Graduate Status. Students are admitted to this status at the option of the division and when adequate facilities are available.

Nondegree Status

Nondegree Status is provided to accommodate selected students who do not plan to seek the master's degree. Additionally, this status may be used to accommodate selected students who have the potential for graduate study but, at the time of application, are not able to fulfill all the requirements for admission to Full Graduate Status. A student is admitted to this status at the option of the division concerned. Admission to this status does not warrant or secure admission to the degree program. Students in Nondegree Status are limited to 12 semester hours of graduate course work.

Applications are accepted for the fall semester only. The application deadline is March 15. Application information and materials are available on the School’s website snhp.gsu.edu/225.html.

5020.20 Transient Student Admission

A student enrolled in a graduate degree program at another accredited institution may seek admission as a transient student in the school. Admission requirements include an application, application fee, certificate of immunization, and a letter of good standing from the institution the applicant is presently attending. The letter must include the courses approved by the home institution. The application must be printed/downloaded from the website snhp.gsu.edu/188.html.

Admission to transient status is normally for one semester only. A transient student who wishes to enroll for a subsequent semester at Georgia State must file an Application for Reentry with the School of Nursing and Health Professions Office of Academic Assistance. Students must be in good Academic Standing at Georgia State University in order to continue as transient students at the University. Transient students who are not in good academic standing will not be allowed to continue taking courses as transient students in the School of Nursing and Health Professions per the University Reentry Definition see section 1110.10 in this catalog. If the student wishes to enroll in courses other than those listed in the original letter of good standing, the home institution must submit a new letter indicating approval of those courses.

Although the university cannot guarantee the availability of space in desired courses, every effort will be made to assist students in the registration process. The student is responsible for requesting that transcripts of grades earned at Georgia State be sent to the home institution. Transient students who do not remain in good academic standing at Georgia State University may not be allowed to continue taking courses in the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

5020.30 International Student Admission

It is the policy of Georgia State University to encourage the enrollment of students from other countries. The University subscribes to the principles of international education and to the basic concept that only through education and understanding can mutual respect, appreciation and tolerance of others be accomplished. The recognition of the values of cultural exchange is inherent in our philosophy of education and is predicated on an awareness of the need to foster better cooperation, friendship, and understanding among the peoples of the world. In this regard, we welcome international students to our campus because we believe in a cultural exchange program which will be beneficial to our own student body, to the international students involved, and to metropolitan Atlanta.

5020.40 Changing Semester of Entry

Admission to a graduate program in the School of Nursing and Health Professions is valid only for the semester, the degree, the major and the concentration specified in the letter of acceptance. A student who does not enroll for the semester for which acceptance was granted should notify the college of their decision to change their semester of entry. In most programs, students who do not enroll for the semester they are accepted are not guaranteed admission in a subsequent semester. Students generally have to reapply to the program and must be reconsidered for admission.

5020.50 Reentry Students

A reentry student is a student who has been enrolled at Georgia State University and who:

  1. Has not registered for courses at Georgia State during the previous 12 months; or
  2. Attended any semester as a transient student and wishes to attend an additional semester as a transient student.

Graduate students in the School of Nursing and Health Professions may only reenter the same graduate program or status in which they were last enrolled. Students must additionally be approved for reentry through their division. Students who have attended Georgia State University in both undergraduate and graduate categories may apply to reenter in either category. Reentry applications for Undergraduate Students are submitted online to the Office of Admissions at www.gsu.edu/es/admissions.html. Graduate Student may obtain applications through the school’s website. Transient students should refer to the "Transient Student Admission" section in this chapter.

5020.40 Tuition Deposit

The Division of Physical Therapy requires students newly accepted into their program to submit a portion of their first semester's tuition at the time of acceptance. The advanced tuition, which is nonrefundable, guarantees the student's place in the class