Nursing

Notice: The M.S. in Nursing has been suspended as of Fall 2023.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to prepare leaders in the advanced practice role as a nurse educator. Curricular content and field training provide advanced theoretical knowledge, scientific base, role/leadership development, and advanced clinical assessment and decision making. Graduates of the MSN program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to teach, lead, advocate and improve healthcare outcomes for diverse individuals, families, groups, communities and populations in a variety of settings.

Courses are offered in a hybrid format with approximately half of class meetings virtually through online learning technology and half of class meetings on campus. Students will complete the MSN core courses related to role, health policy, ethics, research, informatics and evidence-base. Science courses include advanced pathophysiology, health assessment and pharmacology, which are required foundational courses. Field training is offered in a variety of nursing education and practice settings to provide students with adequate practice exposure and hands-on experience opportunities that will facilitate their transition into their advanced practice roles after graduation.

The MSN curriculum is guided by the:

1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing, 2017.
2. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, 2016.
3. National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, 2018.
4. National League for Nursing (NLN) Core Competencies for Nurse Educators, December 2019.

The program is completed in 15 months/four consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring/Summer/Fall) and is composed of a total of 37 units in theory and practicum coursework with emphasis on curriculum design, teaching methodologies, educational needs assessment, and learner-centered theories and methods.

A. Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing degree program are:

1. A baccalaureate degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program. Graduates from foreign schools are evaluated individually.
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in undergraduate program.
3. Basic Pathophysiology or the equivalent.
4. Health Assessment with Lab or the equivalent.
5. Current active U.S. RN license.
6. Successful interview may be required.
7. Minimum of 1 year experience as a Registered Nurse is preferred.
8. For international and non-native English speaker, a minimum score of either:
   1. TOEFL: 550 (paper exam) or 80 (internet-based exam), or
   2. IELTS: 6.5

B. Requirements for the Degree

1. Required Courses (36 units)

NURS 500 Evolving Roles of the Advanced Practice Nurse (3)
NURS 501 Ethics, Policy, and Legal Implications for Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
NURS 502 Information Management for Advanced Practice Nursing (2)
NURS 503 Science Development, Study Design, and Statistics (3)
NURS 510 Pathophysiological Foundation for the Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
NURS 511/L Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning and Lab (3/1)
NURS 512 Pharmacological Foundation for the Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
NURS 560 Theories of Teaching and Instruction in Nursing (3)
NURS 561 Teaching and Learning Strategies in Nursing (3)
NURS 562 Curriculum Development in Nursing (3)
NURS 563 Evaluation and Assessment in Nursing Educations (3)
NURS 664 Faculty Role Development in Nursing (3)

2. Culminating Experience (1 unit)

NURS 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies/Exam (1)

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 37