Length of Program
The program of study varies from thirty-two to forty-six credits of academic coursework including clinical practice, an oral comprehensive examination, and a master’s paper (or in some cases, a thesis). Students may pursue the M.S.N. degree on a full-time or part-time basis.
The Curriculum
The curriculum consists of four components: the professional core, the research core, the clinical core, and the advanced nursing practice core courses. The professional core courses (NURS 646, NURS 647) and research core courses (NURS 778, NURS 779, NURS 992 or 993) are required of most MSN students. The clinical core courses and advanced practice area courses focus on the student’s selected area of specialization and role preparation.
The advanced nursing foci offered by the program reflect a combination of current practice trends as well as available faculty resources. Content in specialty areas and the types of areas of specialization offered are adjusted based on these factors. In some advanced practice specialty areas, electives in nursing or other disciplines or courses to support a focus area are required. Each student is admitted to a specific advanced practice area and a faculty advisor helps design a program of study that is appropriate to the student’s educational and career goals. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for national certification examinations appropriate to their advanced area of preparation.
Updated July 2012