Nursing, Master of Science
Introduction
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program offers two tracks of concentrated study: Nursing Administration (36 credit hours) and Nursing Education (36 credit hours). In addition to these two tracks of study, the MSN program offers the MSN/MBA dual-degree.
The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Education is designed to prepare students to become professional educators in an academic or healthcare setting. The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Administration is offered in collaboration with the Godbold School of Business. This program of study seeks to prepare the professional nurse for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The interdisciplinary MSN/MBA dual-degree program combines nursing leadership with a working knowledge of business and managerial skills.
The courses in the MSN tracks of study are offered in a logical sequence from the core requirements of theory, issues, research, statistics, and professional role development to courses in the major area of concentration. The MSN Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, and MSN/MBA concentrations culminate in the application of knowledge in a thesis or project. Post-Master’s Nursing Education and Nursing Administration Certificate Programs are also offered.
Admission Requirements for MSN Nursing Education and Nursing Administration
Application for admission to the MSN Program should be made through the Gayle Bolt Price School of Graduate Studies. Application for admission to the MSN/MBA Program should also be made to the School of Graduate Studies, and applicants must meet admission requirements of both programs. In order to enroll students from a variety of backgrounds with the greatest potential for successfully completing the program, the following criteria for acceptance will be used:
- A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution with a nationally accredited nursing program;
- Current, unrestricted licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in the United States;
- GPA of 2.70 on all undergraduate work; or GPA of 2.70 on last 64 hours of undergraduate or graduate work;
- Transcripts of all previous college studies;
- Three Graduate Study Reference Forms;
- Current, official, satisfactory Criminal Background Check results from the current state of residence and any other state lived in during the past ten years;
- Immunizations as required by the University;
- Completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or better;
- RN applicants with a baccalaureate degree in another field may be accepted but must meet additional requirements during the first year of enrollment. The requirements include the following.
For all students:
NUR 312 Advanced Health Assessment
One of the following based on area concentration:
NUR 412 Community and Public Health Nursing (for students in the nursing education track) OR
NUR 403 Leadership/Management in Nursing (for students in the nursing administration track).
Students will be admitted provisionally until these course requirements are met. A grade of “B” or better is required in all courses in order to meet requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing program will be prepared to:
- Integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings;
- Demonstrate organizational and systems leadership to promote high quality and safe patient care that emphasizes ethical and critical decision making, effective working relationships, and a systems-perspective;
- Apply the methods, tools, performance measures, and standards related to quality and quality principles within an organization to promote high quality and safe patient care;
- Apply research outcomes within the practice setting to resolve practice problems, working as a change agent through dissemination of results;
- Integrate appropriate technologies for knowledge management to improve health care;
- Intervene at the system level through a policy development process that employs advocacy strategies to influence health and health care;
- Function as a professional member and leader of interprofessional teams through communication, collaboration, and consultation with other health professionals to manage and coordinate care;
- Synthesize broad, organizational, client-centered, and culturally appropriate concepts in the planning, delivery, management, and evaluation of evidence-based clinical prevention and population care and services to individuals, families, and aggregates/identified populations; and
- Articulate the understanding that master’s-level nursing practice integrates advanced level understanding and approach to nursing intervention (including both direct and indirect care components) that influences healthcare outcomes for individuals, populations, or systems.
Nursing Education and Nursing Administration Concentrations (36 hours)
A. Required Common Core
| NURS 500 | Theoretical Basis for Advanced Practice | 3 |
| NURS 501 | Nursing and Healthcare Systems and Issues | 3 |
| NURS 502 | Methods of Advanced Research | 3 |
| NURS 504 | Statistical Techniques for Graduate Research | 3 |
| NURS 506 | Professional Role Development for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
B. Required Courses by Concentration
Nursing Education
Nursing Administration
| NURS 606 | Nursing Economics and Finance | 3 |
| NURS 607 | Administration of Nursing and Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| BADM 641 | Health Care Law and Ethics | 3 |
C. Capstone Experience
Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration (51 hours)
The Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program is no longer accepting new students. Beginning with the Fall 2019 semester, this program is transitioning to a post-baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner program.
A. Required Common Core
| NFNP 500 | Theoretical Basis for Advanced Practice | 3 |
| NFNP 501 | Nursing and Health Care Systems and Issues | 3 |
| NFNP 502 | Methods of Advanced Research | 3 |
| NFNP 504 | Statistical Techniques for Graduate Research | 3 |
| NFNP 506 | Professional Role Development for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
B. Required courses for concentration
| NFNP 520 | Pathophysiology in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NFNP 521 | Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| NFNP 522 | Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NFNP 620 | Primary Health Care of Adults | 3 |
| NFNP 621 | Primary Health Care of Adults Practicum | 4 |
| NFNP 622 | Primary Health Care of Women in Families | 3 |
| NFNP 623 | Primary Health Care of Women in Families Practicum | 4 |
| NFNP 624 | Primary Health Care of Children in Families | 3 |
| NFNP 625 | Primary Health Care of Children in Families Practicum | 4 |
C. Capstone Experience