Master of Nursing Science

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.

General Information

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

Course Sequence (Thesis-Based)

Fall Year 1

Nurs 802 Qualitative Methodology & Methods
Nurs 811 Theoretical Bases of Nursing Research
Nurs 899 Thesis Research (independently with MNSc supervisor)

Winter Year 1

Nurs 800 Intermediate Statistics and Analysis
Nurs 803 Intermediate Quantitative Research Design
Special Topic Course (elective)
Nurs 899 Thesis Research (independently with MNSc supervisor)

Spring/Summer Year 1

Nurs 899 Thesis Research (independently with MNSc Supervisor)
Thesis proposal exam (in late summer)

Year 2

Nurs 899
Final thesis exam (end of Year 2)

Course Sequence (Course-Based)

Fall/Winter Year 1

NURS 802: Qualitative Methodology & Methods (Fall)
NURS 811: Theoretical Bases of Nursing Research (Fall)
NURS 800: Intermediate Statistics and Analysis (Winter)
NURS 803: Intermediate Quantitative Research Design (Winter)

Spring/Summer Year 1

NURS 897 – Clinical Project

Fall Year 2

NURS 897 – Clinical Project (continued from Summer term)
Elective (from NURS, EPID, AGHE, HQRS or RHBS)

Winter Year 2

Two Electives (from NURS, EPID, AGHE, HQRS or RHBS)

For more course information please visit the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Academic Calendar.

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Deadline to apply: Applications for Fall 2025 are due February 1, 2025.

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.

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Academic Requirements

Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited university.
Minimum overall average equivalent to B.
Two academic letters of reference (e.g. course professors).
Undergraduate courses in research methodology and statistics; if you are unsure whether your course meets program requirements, email grad.nursing@queensu.ca.
Statement of research interests:
- Why have you chosen this MNSc option (thesis-based or course-based)? Describe your research experience to date and your proposed research interests (e.g. focus, population, methodology, theoretical framework). Max. 200 words.
- Describe how you have advocated for health equity, diversity, inclusion, indigeneity, and/or accessibility (EDIIA) within the healthcare system. How has your experience influenced your career path and other pursuits to this point? Max. 200 words.
- What will be your strategy in your personal and professional life to manage the time commitment this program requires? This can include any academic accommodations that you plan to request. Max. 200 words.
We encourage thesis applicants to contact a potential supervisor before applying.

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 or hard copy to: Graduate Program Coordinator in the School of Nursing, Queen’s University, 92 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON Canada K7L 3N6.

Proof of current registration (or eligibility to register) as a registered nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario or provincial/territorial equivalent (international applicants see next tab).
Curriculum Vitae.

International Applicants

In addition to the above requirements, international applicants must provide:

Proof of registration as a registered nurse in your country (you will not be required to register with College of Nurses of Ontario). International students who are not registered in Ontario will be unable to conduct thesis research that requires registration. Please note that the course based option is not open to international students unless you have a valid and current license with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
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.

I am an international student who is not registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario, can I still apply?

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 that requires registration. This limitation on thesis research topics should be considered and discussed with a potential thesis supervisor prior to submitting your application.

Can I take the program part-time?

No, this is a full-time program only. Most of the course work involved in the program occurs in the first year and most classes are organized for Mondays and Tuesdays.

How do I decide on a thesis supervisor?

The decision on a supervisor is made by the Graduate Program Committee, following discussions between you and a potential faculty supervisor. A faculty member must be able to supervise thesis research in your area of interest and be willing to do so, given their current work commitments. It is recommended that you review profiles of faculty members on the School of Nursing website to determine if there is someone who conducts research in your area.

Do I have to have a thesis topic before I come?

Normally, you should have a general area of research interest before you begin the program, but a specific thesis topic is developed as you engage in course work and discussions with your thesis supervisor. We encourage applicants to reach out to a potential supervisor(s) during the application process.

Are there scholarships available?

The Graduate Program Committee nominates individual applicants and students for internal scholarships and awards for which they are eligible. In order to be considered for awards in the first year, your application should be completed by February 1st. You are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships and fellowships as early as possible, as some of these may then be available to you during your first year of study. These are often offered by professional organizations or associations in nursing. You may also have the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant and/or research assistant. Contact us if you would like more information about potential external funding.

Master of Nursing Science

Master of Nursing Science

Questions? Contact the graduate nursing office →

Program Overview

General Information

Course Sequence (Thesis-Based)

Course Sequence (Course-Based)

Learn More

School of Graduate Studies
and Postdoctoral Affairs

International
Student Resources

Funding & Awards

Indigenous Applicants

Apply Now

Academic Requirements

Additional Requirements

International Applicants

Frequently Asked Questions

I am an international student who is not registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario, can I still apply?

Can I take the program part-time?

How do I decide on a thesis supervisor?

Do I have to have a thesis topic before I come?

Are there scholarships available?