Nursing, M.S.N.

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The master’s program in nursing focuses on the preparation of leaders for innovative health delivery systems of the future. Graduates are prepared as clinical experts with advanced competencies in practice, critical thinking, inquiry, leadership, self-awareness, and empowerment. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to assume nursing administration, nurse practitioner, and various other advanced practice roles. Preparation is offered in a variety of nursing areas: adult-gerontology, psychiatric mental health, pediatric, and family health. The Master of Science program and the Post-Master’s Certificate program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-6791. Graduates of all master’s options are eligible to take national certification examinations in their specialty area of concentration.

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is to prepare nurse leaders and scholars who will expand health-related knowledge and make socially relevant contributions to the discipline of nursing and the larger society. The focus of the curriculum is on the development of nurse scholars and scientists; emphasis is placed on health promotion, protection, and restoration of health for high-risk, vulnerable populations.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program prepares advanced practice nurses to critically appraise existing evidence, implement innovative, evidence-based knowledge into clinical practice to improve health outcomes among individuals and populations. The DNP is an academic degree that prepares graduates for a variety of roles in practice and education. Graduates will be able to lead the implementation of cost-effective practices and quality improvement initiatives. DNP graduates are utilized in healthcare administration, professional nursing organizations, and a variety of practice settings.

Both the master’s program and the doctoral programs are offered in a distance-learning format. Classes are held onsite and online (synchronous and asynchronous formats).

Degree Requirements

Core Courses (22 Credit Hours)

NURS 7310 - Advanced Pathophysiological Concepts in Nursing, Part 1 3 Credit Hours
NURS 7320 - Advanced Pathophysiological Concepts in Nursing, Part 2 3 Credit Hours
NURS 7500 - Advanced Health Assessment 3 Credit Hours
NURS 7550 - Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse 3 Credit Hours
NURS 7600 - The Culture of Healthcare 2 Credit Hours
NURS 7900 - Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing 3 Credit Hours
NURS 7940 - Advanced Professional Nurse Practice Issues 2 Credit Hours
CNHP 7800 - Interprofessional Collaboration for Advanced Practice 1 to 3 Credit Hours

Concentration Requirements

Total = 48 Credit Hours

Clinical Masters Required Preliminary Course Work for the RN with an Associate Degree or Diploma

All RNs with an associate degree or diploma are required to meet university and School of Nursing requirements for undergraduate non-nursing coursework and to take two bridge courses NURS 6910 (Caring for Families and Communities - 5 credit hours) and NURS 6930 (Leadership and Management in Nursing - 3 credit hours). Additionally, students who have not completed an undergraduate health assessment course will be required to complete an on-line health assessment course.

Students admitted to the R.N.-M.S. Program and requiring the bridge courses, NURS 6910 and NURS 6930 , must work closely with the course administrators. NURS 6910 requires clinical site arrangement ONE semester before registering for the course. If clinical site arrangement is not done the semester before, students will not be eligible to take NURS 6910 in accordance with their program plans.

Clinical and Residency Course Requirements

Prior to entering clinical courses, students must complete the Nursing Student Health Form and provide evidence of current tuberculosis status and immunization for hepatitis B. The Health Form must be updated annually. Some clinical agencies require updates every six months. Additionally, students must provide evidence of current American Heart Association Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification, student liability insurance, and current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) within the U.S. Prior to any clinical activities, students will be required to have criminal background and substance usage checks. The student must utilize approved vendors to obtain these tests and must financially bear the costs.