Master of Science in Nursing

Program Coordinator: Tracy Wright, PhD
213 Lommen Hall, (218) 766-2336
wrighttr@mnstate.edu or nursing@mnstate.edu
 

Program Description

The School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership (SNHL) includes Nursing, Community Health, and Health Services Administration programs. The incorporation of the three programs into a single School represents an interdisciplinary approach to the teaching of health fields with the integration of nursing services, management practice, and community health programming.

The SNHL faculty members believe that health is the maximized potential and well-being of individuals, communities, and societies. SNHL’s goal is to prepare students to promote optimal health along the continuum of life, from birth to death. Students seeking a career in the health care and service professions will have access to excellent programs and experienced faculty who prepare students for full professional roles.

The MSUM Nursing Program offers a Master of Science (MS) with a major in nursing. This degree prepares registered nurses for practice as nursing educators. The program builds upon the general baccalaureate nursing competencies and provides the specialty education necessary to meet the education needs of nursing students and practicing nurses, providing skills for the expanded nursing care for adults with complex health care needs. Graduates will be better able to contribute to the advancement of nursing practice and to collaborate for clinical practice and research partnerships in education and service settings.

The MS with a major in nursing provides the emphasis, Nursing Education. The Masters classes are offered online with monthly synchronous meetings using a virtual platform. Clinical practica may take place in the student’s home area if appropriate. Students collaborate with their advisors to select practica that fit their particular areas or populations of interest and the course objectives.

Accreditation

The graduate nursing program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Guidelines from national and specialty organizations were used to develop a curriculum that prepares graduates for certification examinations. MSU Moorhead is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of College and Schools at the Master’s degree level.
 

Curriculum Components

The curriculum includes graduate nursing core courses, specialty track courses, clinical practica, and thesis in the Nurse Educator emphasis.

Admission Requirements

1. BS or BA in Nursing from NLN or CCNE accredited institution.
2. Completed "Application for Admission to Graduate Study" form.
3. Complete “Nursing Application” form.
4. Non-refundable $20.00 fee for first-time applicants to Minnesota State University Moorhead.
5. Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended.
6. A minimum of 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
7. Documentation of current unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in Minnesota (photocopy acceptable).
8. 500 word essay describing professional experience and future professional goals.
9. 3 letters of recommendation (2 from professional colleagues, 1 personal; use provided nursing forms).
10. *International students must contact the International Student Office at 218-477-2956. International students must hold a current work visa that will be valid throughout the course of study in the graduate program.



*International Student Policy
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 fundamentally changed the requirements for the international students who wish to study in the United States. The major change that affects an online program is that no more than the equivalent of one on-line/distance education class or 3 credits per session may count towards the ‘full course of study’ requirement. A full copy of the NAFSA (Association of International Educators) Advisory Manual is available in the International Student Affairs office [Chapter 3: F-1 Students; Section 3.20.7; Authority cite 8 C.F.R. SS 214.2(f) (6) (i) (G)]. Students are able to be admitted to this program if they have an active Work Visa. Students are unable to be admitted to this program if they have a Student Visa.

Post-Admission Requirements

1. Unencumbered RN license in state where clinical will be completed.
2. Unencumbered RN license in Minnesota.
3. Criminal background check upon admission (ACI) and annually (MN DHS), each indicating ability to provide direct patient care.
4. Evidence of current immunizations and TB testing required.
5. Professional liability insurance, if desired. Students are covered under the state institution liability insurance.
6. Current CPR certification (health care provider or professional level).
7. An inferential statistics course at the undergraduate upper division or graduate level must be taken within three years of the student registering for NURS 603 Intro to Research. This is to assure that the student’s recollection of statistics is timely and useful as he/she begins application of the knowledge in studying the research process within his/her own thesis work.

Degree Requirements

1. The program must be completed under Plan A (thesis).
2. All students must complete the program within 7 years.
3. Students progress at a part-time rate. Most students are also working in nursing practice; therefore, the program is geared for part-time progression
4. A maximum of 9 graduate semester credits from nursing, all of which must be related to the program, may be transferred from other appropriately accredited colleges or universities with the consent of the Graduate Nursing Program Coordinator. The transfer credits must be no older than seven years by the time of curriculum completion and carry a grade of B or better.
5. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to continue and graduate from the program. If the GPA falls below 3.0, the student is placed on probation for the next semester in which courses are taken. If the GPA remains below 3.0 at the end of the next semester, the student is withdrawn from the program. No more than two courses with a grade of C (including C+ and C-) may be applied to the program of study.
6. Successful oral examination of the student by the candidate's committee based upon and following completion of the thesis.

Course Requirements

NURS 600 Theoretical Perspectives of the Discipline (3)
NURS 603 Introduction to Research, Data Analysis and Informatics (2)
NURS 604 Advanced Nursing Research and EBP* (4)
NURS 606 Health Care Delivery Systems, Policy and Financing and Leadership (3)
NURS 608 Transcultural and Social Perspectives (3)
NURS 609 Advanced Pathophysiology (4)
NURS 610 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (2)
NURS 611 Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy (4)
NURS 612 Advanced Health Assessment (3)
NURS 622 Teaching: Technology and Information Management (3)
NURS 623 Nurse as Educator (3)
NURS 627 Program/Curriculum Design and Evaluation (3)
NURS 642P Advanced Nurse Educator Practicum I (2)
NURS 643P Advanced Nurse Educator Practicum II (2)
NURS 689 Thesis Seminar (1)
NURS 699 Thesis for Nursing (2)

Additional Information

Nursing Website
Graduate Application Form
Nursing Application Form
Reference Form
Printable copy of this information in PDF