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Master of Science in Nursing
MSN Degree Program Requirements
Watch Dr. Filomela Marshall discuss the MSN degree program
The MSN degree requires a minimum of 36 credits consisting of different combinations of courses: core, direct care core, electives, specialty and Practicum. Two years of nursing experience is recommended, and a BSN degree from an accredited program is required.
MSN Program Credit Distribution
| Subject Category | Credits |
|---|---|
| I. Core Courses | 12 |
| II. Direct Care Core Courses or Electives | 9 |
| III. Area of Specialty (choose one) | 15 |
| Nurse Educator | 15 |
| Nursing Informatics | 15 |
| Nursing Administration | 15 |
| Total | 36 credits |
Nurse Educator Program top of page
The Nurse Educator program prepares graduates for teaching roles in healthcare and academic settings. A Nurse Educator Certificate is awarded in addition to the degree upon MSN program completion.
| Nurse Educator Program | Credits |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | 12 |
| Health Policy (NUR-529) | 3 |
| Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (NUR-530) | 3 |
| Nursing Informatics: Concepts and Issues (NUR-531) | 3 |
| Nursing Leadership in a Global Community (NUR-600) | 3 |
| Direct Care Courses | 9 |
| Advanced Health Assessment (NUR-516) | 3 |
| Advanced Pathophysiology (NUR-640) | 3 |
| Advanced Pharmacology (NUR-650) | 3 |
| Specialty Courses | 9 |
| Theoretical Foundations & Instructional Strategies in Nursing Education (NUR-630) | 3 |
| Curriculum Theory & Development in Nursing Education (NUR-700) | 3 |
| Testing, Assessment & Evaluation (NUR-710) | 3 |
| Practicum Courses | 6 |
| Nurse Educator: Seminar and Practicum I (NUR-740)* | 3 |
| Nurse Educator: Seminar and Practicum II (NUR-750)* | 3 |
| Total | 36 credits |
*Note: Completion of 150 on ground, supervised hours is required in each Practicum course. Application for Practicum placement is submitted six months in advance. The Practicums must be taken consecutively at the same facility.
Nursing Informatics Program top of page
The Nursing Informatics program prepares graduates to function as nursing informatics specialists. A Nursing Informatics Certificate is awarded in addition to the degree upon MSN program completion.
| Nursing Informatics Program | Credits |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | 12 |
| Health Policy (NUR-529) | 3 |
| Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (NUR-530) | 3 |
| Nursing Informatics: Concepts and Issues (NUR-531) | 3 |
| Nursing Leadership in a Global Community (NUR-600) | 3 |
| Elective Courses | 9 |
|
Electives may be selected from the nursing elective course offerings, direct care core courses and /or alternate specialty area courses. For example, students may take three courses in nursing to enhance their skill base and work toward a future certificate in another nursing specialty. |
|
| Specialty Courses | 9 |
| Nursing Informatics: Systems Life Cycle (NUR-631) | 3 |
| Nursing Informatics: Databases and Knowledge Management (NUR-701) | 3 |
| Nursing Informatics: Consumer Informatics and Communication Technologies (NUR-711) | 3 |
| Practicum Courses | 6 |
| Nursing Informatics: Seminar and Practicum I (NUR-721)* | 3 |
| Nursing Informatics: Seminar and Practicum II (NUR-731)* | 3 |
| Total | 36 credits |
*Note: Completion of 150 onground, supervised hours is required in each Practicum course. Application for Practicum placement is submitted six months in advance. The Practicums must be taken consecutively at the same facility.
Nursing Administration Program top of page
The Nursing Administration program prepares graduates for the role of nurse administrator in healthcare settings. A Nursing Administration Certificate is awarded in addition to the degree upon MSN program completion.
| Nursing Administration Program | Credits |
|---|---|
| Core Courses | 12 |
| Health Policy (NUR-529) | 3 |
| Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (NUR-530) | 3 |
| Nursing Informatics: Concepts and Issues (NUR-531) | 3 |
| Nursing Leadership in a Global Community (NUR-600) | 3 |
| Elective Courses | 9 |
|
Electives may be selected from the nursing elective course offerings, direct care core courses and /or alternate specialty area courses. For example, students may take three courses in nursing to enhance their skill base and work toward a future certificate in another nursing specialty. |
|
| Specialty Courses | 9 |
| Nursing Administration: Standards and Structures (NUR-632) | 3 |
| Nursing Administration: Executive Managerial Process (NUR-702) | 3 |
| Nursing Administration: Resources Acquisition and Management (NUR-712) | 3 |
| Practicum Courses | 6 |
| Nursing Administration: Seminar and Role Practicum (NUR-722)* | 3 |
| Nursing Administration: Seminar and Process Practicum (NUR-732)* | 3 |
| Total | 36 credits |
*Note: Completion of 150 onground, supervised hours is required in each Practicum course. Application for Practicum placement is submitted six months in advance. The Practicums must be taken consecutively at the same facility.
**Nursing Informatics: Concepts and Issues, a graduate-level course, replaced Emerging Trends in Healthcare Technology in both BSN and MSN degree requirements as of January 2011.
Nursing RN-BSN/MSN Publications
Connect with the School of Nursing
- RN to BSN/MSN
- Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Graduate Nursing Certificates
- Lourdes-CCC Dual Admission BSN Program