Nursing
Master of Science Degree
Announcements
New Graduate Student Orientation August 20, 2008
An orientation session will be held on August 20, 2008 1-4 pm in Murray Commons 208 on the MSUM campus. This orientation is for all master's of science nursing students admitted in 2008.
You will have the opportunity to meet your classmates and several of the nursing faculty, including your academic advisor. You'll receive an overview of the master's of science program, including the curriculum, clinical courses, and thesis requirements, and have an opportunity to ask questions.
You'll also get a copy of the Graduate Student Handbook for future reference on many issues related to graduate studies at MSUM. Please plan to attend this important start to your graduate education.
Admission Criteria
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited institution. Registered nurses with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree must demonstrate baccalaureate nursing competencies.
- A minimum of 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in baccalaureate nursing courses.
- Current Registered Nurse licensure in good standing.
Application Procedure
Complete the MSUM Graduate Studies application
Complete Master of Science Nursing Program Application that includes:
- Nursing Program Application Form
- Three references: two from professional colleagues (Reference Form) that address clinical competence and potential for graduate education and one personal reference.
- Written narrative of professional experience and future professional goals.
Submit all materials, except official transcripts, in one packet to:
Graduate Studies Office
Minnesota State University Moorhead
1104 South 7th Avenue
Moorhead, MN 56563
Application deadline for Summer sessions: April 15.
Application deadline for Fall semester: July 15.
Application deadline for Spring semester: November 15.
Earlier applications are recommended for all deadlines to ensure timely processing of application materials.
Degree Requirements
All students must complete the program within 7 years.
Students may progress either full or part-time, depending on the area of study. Full-time students may complete the MS degree in 2 years.
A maximum of 12 graduate semester credits, all of which must be related to the program, may be transferred from other appropriately accredited colleges or universities with the consent of the Chair of the Graduate Nursing Program. The transfer credits must be no older than seven years by the time of curriculum completion and carry a grade of B or better.
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.
A Thesis or classroom-based research project is required. An oral examination by the candidate's committee is conducted following completion of the thesis or classroom-based research and a majority of required coursework.
Curriculum for Master's of Science Degree
The curriculum includes graduate core courses, specialty track advanced practice courses, other nursing and support courses, clinical practica, and either a master's project or thesis. Students collaborate with their advisors to select practica that fit their particular areas or populations of interest. Clinical practica may take place in the students' home area if appropriate. The focus of the program is advanced nursing practice with a choice of two specialty tracks: