Master of Science in Nursing

Interim M.S.N. Coordinator: Linda Zoeller
3470 CHHS Bldg.

The graduate program in nursing builds upon the baccalaureate entry into professional nursing, providing both academic and practice experiences basic to obtaining competencies for advanced professional nursing. The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program is to prepare nurses with advanced education in the discipline of nursing, in scholarship, and in a selected area of study. The initial areas of study that are timely in the local and national context are 1) the preparation of nurse teachers who are able to serve as faculty, practice preceptors, and teachers of other health professionals in a variety of settings, and 2) the preparation of nurse managers who can function in complex health care systems.

The graduate program in advanced professional nursing is designed to meet accreditation requirements of the national accreditation nursing bodies. The M.S.N. program received initial accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Education in Nursing (CCNE) in September 2008. Emphasis on learning within an interdisciplinary environment is included in keeping with recommended competencies for health professionals from the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

The master’s degree program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours taken within 12 courses (three hours each). There are eight core courses required of every student and four courses within the selected area of study. The thesis option is also available, but not required and would require an additional 6 graduate credits for completion. The program is designed to offer three courses per semester over a 2-1/2 year time period. Practicum experiences with an assigned faculty or community mentor will be chosen to best meet the needs of individual learner’s career plans.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must complete both the university’s Graduate College application and the School of Nursing application forms. Applications must be complete before the personal interview is scheduled. Individuals are admitted for study beginning only in the fall semester. Admissions decisions are announced on a continuous basis beginning March 15, though applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Not every applicant who meets the minimum admission requirements can be admitted; the department reserves discretion in admission of the most highly qualified applicants. Specific admission requirements are outlined below.

Evidence of an earned B.S.N. or B.S. degree with a major in nursing from an accredited baccalaureate program in nursing. Nurses with a baccalaureate degree in another discipline will be considered on an individual basis.
A grade point average of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 in the last 60 credit hours of the undergraduate nursing program;
Completion of the following Prerequisites:
- A recent undergraduate course in descriptive and beginning inferential statistics
- A recent undergraduate course in research design
- An undergraduate course in informatics
Current license to practice nursing in one of the 50 states, territories, or country of origin;
Submission of scores on TOEFL for international students with minimum score of 600;
Evidence of personal and professional qualifications for graduate study, as reflected in
- Three (3) letters of reference from individuals able to comment on the applicant’s most recent nursing employment, academic record, and potential for success in advanced professional nursing
- Responses on written essay related to advanced professional nursing
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Evidence of proficient nursing practice (e.g., certification)
- Responses during personal interview, including professional and behavioral characteristics required for nursing practice
Other assessment procedures as indicated.

Program Requirements

Specific program requirements are as follows:

At the time of admission, the individual must declare the selected area of study desired (teaching or leadership/management).
Completion of a minimum of 12 graduate courses, including eight core graduate courses and four specialty courses.
As an option, a master’s thesis (NUR 7000) may be completed for an additional 6 graduate credits by students who demonstrate research aptitude and interest.
The student must manifest behavioral and professional characteristics which, in the judgment of the school faculty, will support the development of her/his professional competence.