Designed for those passionate about developing a scientific basis for nursing practice, the MNSc program is offered in both course-based and thesis-based patterns. You'll learn critical appraisal and research skills within a supportive academic environment that embodies scholarship. With this degree, you'll be equipped for success in clinical practice, nursing education, or health care management.
Have more questions? Our team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about the program, admissions, or student experience.
Your learning experience
Our thesis-based MNSc program consists of course work and a thesis. The thesis requires independent, original research and makes up at least two-thirds of the time normally required for the program. You will be taught primarily in small graduate seminars, providing a lively and critical environment to explore theory and clinical practice, while also giving you the opportunity to delve into your own research. With close mentoring relationships with faculty supervisors, you'll be nurtured throughout the program. Typically, students complete the program within two years.
Queen's Nursing also offers a course-based MNSc option, with a focus on advanced nursing practice. Students will take the same four core courses as thesis-based students in the first year and then complete a clinical project course during the summer and continuing into the fall of their second year. Students are also required to take three 800-level electives from a pre-approved list of courses in the School of Nursing, Health Quality Programs, the School of Rehabilitation Therapy, and the Department of Public Health Sciences.
Additional Resources
- School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (SGSPA)
- SGSPA Academic Calendar - Nursing Section
- Society of Graduate and Professional Students
- Queen’s Nursing and Health Research
Fall 2025 Information Webinar Recording
Fall Year 1
NURS 802 (3.0 cr) Qualitative Methodology & Methods
NURS 811 (3.0 cr) Theoretical Bases of Nursing Research
Winter Year 1
NURS 800 (3.0 cr) Intermediate Statistics and Analysis
NURS 803 (3.0 cr) Intermediate Quantitative Research Design
One (3.0 cr) elective from NURS, EPID, AGHE, HQRS or RHBS
Spring/Summer Year 1
Thesis proposal exam (in late summer)
Year 2
Final thesis exam (end of Year 2)
Students are continuously registered in NURS 899 (6.0 cr) Master's Thesis Research until all degree requirements are complete. Thesis research is conducted under the guidance of a supervisor.
Fall Year 1
NURS 802 (3.0 cr) Qualitative Methodology & Methods
NURS 811 (3.0 cr) Theoretical Bases of Nursing Research
Winter Year 1
NURS 800 (3.0 cr) Intermediate Statistics and Analysis
NURS 803 (3.0 cr) Intermediate Quantitative Research Design
Spring/Summer Year 1
NURS 897 – Advanced Nursing Practice Project (continues into Fall term)
Fall Year 2
NURS 897 (6.0 cr) Advanced Nursing Practice Project
One (3.0 cr) elective from NURS, EPID, AGHE, HQRS or RHBS
Winter Year 2
Two (3.0 cr each) electives from NURS, EPID, AGHE, HQRS or RHBS
The timing of electives may vary depending on available course offerings and student interests.
Admissions
Applications open: mid-September
Applications due: February 1
Applications to all graduate programs are made through the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs starting in September for admission the following year.
Please note, only complete applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Program Committee in the School of Nursing.
Queen's Health Sciences (QHS) and Graduate Nursing Programs are committed to advancing equitable and inclusive approaches to admissions and education. Faculty, staff, and learners involved in application review complete training designed to detect and minimize bias in admissions. Visit Queen's Health Sciences EDIIA page for more information.
Academic Requirements
- Graduation with a minimum of a second class standing (overall average equivalent to B) from a baccalaureate program in nursing that has been approved by the provincial/territorial authority and has received CASN accreditation.
- Two academic letters of reference (e.g. course professors).
- A course in statistics and a course in research methodology at the undergraduate level. If you are unsure whether your course meets program requirements, send the course details to grad.nursing@queensu.ca.
- Thesis applicants must secure a potential supervisor before applying.
International Applicants
In addition to the minimum requirements, international applicants should note:
- International applicants can apply to the thesis option only. The course-based option is not open to international applicants unless you have active registration as a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario and are a resident in Ontario.
- International MNSc applicants must be graduates of a baccalaureate program in nursing that is equivalent to a four year Canadian program and have a minimum of a second class standing (overall average equivalent of B).
- International applicants must provide proof of registration as a registered nurse in their own country but will not be required to register with College of Nurses of Ontario. Please note that international students who are not registered in Ontario will be unable to provide direct patient care or conduct thesis research that requires registration. The applicant and potential thesis supervisors should discuss this limitation on thesis topics during the matching process.
- Proof of proficiency in English. Applicants whose first language is not English or who have not recently studied for at least one complete year at a post-secondary institution where English is the official language of instruction, will be required to obtain satisfactory results in an English language proficiency test, as part of the application process, and before their application will be considered complete.
- Please visit the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs for more details on international student admission requirements.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the online application submitted to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, the following must be submitted by email to grad.nursing@queensu.ca :
- Proof of current registration as a registered nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario or provincial/territorial equivalent. If your undergraduate degree and/or licensing is still in progress, please indicate this in the SGSPA application. International applicants: refer to previous section.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Interest - Use standard font and margins. Include your surname in the filename, e.g. "Doe, Jane_MNSc SOI".
- What inspires you to pursue a master’s degree at this point in your academic or professional journey? How do you envision using the knowledge and research skills from this program to shape meaningful changes in healthcare systems, policy, practice, education or health outcomes? Max. 300 words.
- Describe a specific example of when you have actively promoted the principles of indigeneity, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism (I-EDIAA). Explain how this experience has shaped your core values and influenced your academic focus, career path, and future goals. In your response, make clear how the experience connects to your current research interests and demonstrates your readiness and potential to contribute and grow as a scholar in the MNSc program. Max. 300 words.
- Thesis applicants only: Describe key examples of your research experiences to date. Be specific about your role, responsibilities, and contributions to the project (e.g., design, data collection, analysis, writing, coordination). Include the goals and scope of the project, and any outcomes—whether published, presented, or ongoing. Highlight how this experience reflects your research interests and your potential to grow as a scholar in the MNSc program. Max. 400 words.
- Thesis applicants only: Why have you chosen the thesis-based MNSc option? Propose a research study you are interested in pursuing for your master’s thesis. Your response should include a brief rationale for the study, the research aim or question, a proposed methodology and method, an outline of your analysis strategy, and a reflection on the potential impact or contribution your study could make to the nursing discipline. Max. 400 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Our team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about the program, admissions, or student experience.
Admission to the thesis-based master’s program requires that applicants meet the minimum academic requirements and obtain a commitment from a faculty member to supervise the student’s thesis work for the duration of the program. It is the applicant's responsibility to contact potential supervisors in advance and identify the confirmed supervisor in your application. If you are unable to secure a supervisor for the current admissions cycle, you are advised not to proceed with your application.
Supervisory arrangements are by mutual agreement. A productive relationship between student and supervisor provides the foundation for a positive graduate student experience and influences future career development. When communicating with potential supervisors, it is essential to assess compatibility and determine whether they are accepting new students for the upcoming year.
A student’s primary supervisor must be a member of SGSPA and hold a full-time faculty position at Queen’s University with a primary appointment, cross-appointment, or joint-appointment in the School of Nursing. Qualified faculty from other departments or institutions can be invited to serve as a co-supervisor or committee member. Supervisor availability varies each year.
Review faculty profiles to identify those whose research activities align with your own interests. Include a brief description of your research interests and academic background when initiating contact. Faculty may request additional information such as a CV, proposal outline, writing sample, or a meeting. In addition to academic fit, other topics of conversation might include potential funding sources, opportunities to collaborate on publications and presentations, and communication styles. Consult the SGSPA resources on contacting graduate supervisors for tips.
Note: Commitment from a supervisor does not guarantee admission to the program.
You should have a clear sense of your research interests when you apply to the program. Student research must align with the supervisor's area of expertise and current research priorities. The specific questions and approach may evolve as you engage in course work and discussions with your thesis supervisor.
No, this is a full-time program only. The core courses are scheduled on Mondays in the Fall and Winter of the first year. The schedule of elective courses varies. The thesis or project requires a significant time commitment beginning in the summer of first year.
You can apply for the thesis option, but not the course-based option. As an international applicant you are not required to be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario, but must be registered as a nurse in your own country. If you are not registered as a nurse in Ontario during the program you will be unable to conduct thesis research here that requires registration. This limitation on thesis research topics should be considered and discussed with a potential thesis supervisor prior to submitting your application.
The Master of Nursing Science is eligible for the Ontario Learn & Stay Grant (Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents only, Ontario residency required).
Domestic thesis students in good standing normally receive a Queen's Graduate Award (QGA) of approximately $4,000 per year in their first and second years. Domestic thesis applicants are encouraged to apply for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master's (CGRS-M) through CIHR or SSHRC at the same time as they are preparing their program application. Applications for the CGRS-M are due in late fall for the following academic year.
There are a small number of departmental awards based on academic excellence. You will also have the opportunity to apply for roles as a teaching assistant and/or research assistant. Students who present at conferences can apply for funding support to cover registration and travel expenses. We encourage you to apply for external funding from professional associations, such as the RNAO Nursing Education Initiative Grant.