Degree Requirements

The MSN is 39 credit hours in length.  Students will begin their study by building the theoretical and contextual background necessary for advanced nursing practice by completing 18 credits of core courses.  Students will progress to track-specific courses in either education or administration.  Students will culminate their educational experience with a final project/nursing study.  The program is scheduled to encourage completion in 6 semesters

Core courses (18 credits) Both Tracks			Credits
R505		Measurement and Data Analysis	3
N502		Nursing Theory I	3
R500		Nursing Research Methods I	3
Y510		Advanced Practice Concepts 1	3
Y520		Advanced Practice  Concepts 2	3
I630		Introduction to Nursing Informatics	3
		Total Core Course Credits	18

N505 Measurement and Data Analysis (3) Principles and applications of scientific measurement, data summarization, and univariate and bivariate inferential statistics are addressed. The research purpose and the phenomena under study are considered as determinants of measurement techniques and data analysis.

N502 Nursing Theory I (3) Focus is on evaluating the factors and issues influencing the development of theory in nursing. Theoretical terminology and criteria for the evaluation of theories are examined. Linkages applied between theory, practice, and research are explored.

R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3) This course provides a survey of research in nursing, including critique of research literature, research designs, sampling, data collection and measurement strategies, relation of research and theory, development of researchable problems, and theory utilization.

Y510 Advanced Practice Concepts I (3)  Analyzes selected nursing concepts and related research with a focus on ethics, human diversity and social issues including genomics and genetics as well as health promotion and disease prevention including select pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment.  Course investigates the advanced practice nurse role in population health and public health science.  Relationship of concepts to advanced practice models is explored.

Y520 Advanced Practice Concepts II (3)  Analyzes selected nursing concepts and related research with a focus on health care policy, organization of health care delivery systems, health care financing and health care economics and the impact of quality and safety on these concepts.  Relationship of concepts to advanced practice models is explored.

I630 Introduction to Nursing Informatics (3) Introduction to the field of nursing informatics, current state of the science, major issues for research and development. Includes theoretical models of nursing informatics; nursing roles; information processing and data management; data acquisition and data representation; information system standards, system architecture, and networking; evaluation; and ethical/social issues in healthcare informatics.

Nursing Education (15 credits)		Credits
T670	Teaching of Nursing	3
T615	Nursing Curriculum	3
T617	Evaluation in Nursing	3
T619	Computer Technologies for Nurse Educators	3
WWW	Elective	3
		15
Culminating Experience (6 credits)		Credits
R590	Research Study	3
T679	Nursing Education Practicum	3
		6
	Overall Credits in MSN Nursing Education Curriculum	39

NURS–T 670 Teaching in Nursing (3) Seminar and guided experiences in teaching of nursing, including planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating classroom and clinical instruction. The course is taught entirely on the Internet. Students work with a preceptor and submit a videotape or audio tape of teaching a unit of instruction.

NURS–T 615 Curriculum in Nursing (3) This course is designed for persons who are or will be engaged in teaching within nursing education settings. The primary focus is the process of curriculum development; philosophical, social, political, economic, and professional issues that need to be considered in planning curricula; evaluating existing curricula; and changing curricula are examined.

NURS–T 617 Evaluation in Nursing (3) Integration of concepts of assessment and evaluation into a nursing education framework. Students analyze assessment/evaluation concepts, models, and frameworks for applicability for students, faculty, curricula, and programs.

NURS–T 619 Computer Technologies (3) This course provides nurse educators an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills for using computer technologies to support the teaching/learning process. Emphasis is given to theoretical frameworks that guide the selection, use, and integration of computer technologies in nursing education programs.

R590 Research Study (3) P: R500 and R505. A guided experience in identifying a researchable nursing problem and in developing and implementing a research proposal.

NURS–T 679 Nursing Education Practicum (3) P: T619, T615, T617, T670.  A practicum experience designed for application, demonstration, and synthesis of theory and competencies related to the role of nurse educator. Learning experiences are planned and negotiated to meet individual learning goals in the context of preceptor supervised experiences. 

Nursing Administration (15 credits)		Credits
L574	Administrative Management in Nursing	3
N504	Leadership for Advanced Practice Nursing	3
L530	Legal Environment of Health Care	3
L671	Financial Management	3
ZZZ	Elective	3
Culminating Experience (6 credits)		Credits
R590	Research Study	3
L579	Nursing Administration Practicum	3
		6
	Overall Credits in MSN Nursing Administration Curriculum	39

NURS–L 574 Administrative Management in Nursing (3) P: L573. Content derived from contemporary environmental, personnel, and organizational issues related to the administration of nursing services with an emphasis on management principles and processes.

NURS-N504 Leadership for Advanced Practice Nursing (3) This course addresses core competencies essential to all advanced nursing practice roles and health care in complex systems.

NURS-L530 Legal Environment of Health Care (3)  A course to further develop the ability to analyze, synthesize, and utilize knowledge related to the complex and interdependent legal environment of health care.  This is accomplished through a variety of experiences including formal lecture, seminars, clinical experiences, and independent study. 

NURS–L 671 Financial Management: Nursing (3) Designed to acquaint nurses with budget preparation and fiscal management of a nursing unit or division. Methods of obtaining personnel input, estimating costs, and cost justification are analyzed in depth.

NURS–L 579 Nursing Administration Practicum (3) P: L574 A practicum experience designed for synthesis of theory and practice. Agency observation and activities are independently planned. Includes group seminars. 15 clinical hrs./wk.