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, in which you will engage in a lively, critical examination of theory, clinical practice, and research, and delve into your own research. Nurtured by close mentoring relationships with faculty supervisors, you will normally complete the program in 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 Year 2. 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
Fall Year 1
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Nurs 802 Qualitative Methodology & Methods
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Nurs 811 Theoretical Bases of Nursing Research
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Nurs 899 Thesis Research (independently with MNSc Supervisor)
Winter Year 1
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Nurs 800 Intermediate Statistics and Analysis
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Nurs 803 Intermediate Quantitative Research Design
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Special Topic Course Nurs 899 Thesis Research (independently with MNSc Supervisor)
Spring/Summer Year 1
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Nurs 899 Thesis Research (independently with MNSc Supervisor)
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Thesis Proposal Defence (in late summer)
Year 2
- Nurs 899
- Final Thesis Defense (end of Year 2)
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)
Students registered in Queen’s MNSc program, who show exceptional promise in their research with excellent academic records, may be eligible for acceleratation into the PhD in Nursing Program, without completion of the MNSc degree. Based on the recommendation of their supervisor and School of Nursing, the student would submit and defend a 'mini-master's' thesis, following the completion of the first two terms of the MNSc program.
If this interests you, please email grad.nursing@queensu.ca for more information.
For more course information please visit the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Academic Calendar.
Apply Now
Applications for Fall 2023 are now open!
Deadline to apply: Applications for Fall 2023 are due February 1, 2023.
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.
- 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 (submit through the SGSPA application system).
- We encourage thesis applicants to identify an area of research interest and contact a potential supervisor before applying.
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.
- Registration (or eligible to register) as a registered nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
- Copy of Curriculum Vitae (Resume).
- English language proficiency test (if required; See "International Applicants" tab)
Academic Requirements:
- 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 (submit through the SGSPA application system).
- Advance contact with proposed thesis supervisors is recommended but not required.
Additional Requirements:
- Copy of Curriculum Vitae (Resume).
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. On occasion, an applicant may have a specific plan for research, but this is not typical.
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.