MS in Nursing Hybrid Degree Plan

A Hybrid MSN Pathway that Works for F1 Visa Students

The Hybrid MSN program at Minnesota State Moorhead offers a cohort-based pathway for bachelor’s-prepared RNs, including those living in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, to advance their nursing careers. Designed with international students in mind, this innovative 31-credit program blends online coursework with select in-person experiences that foster community, connection, and collaboration—while preparing you to earn your Master of Science in Nursing and gain the advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and global perspective needed to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

The MSN curriculum features graduate core courses and clinical practica designed around your professional interests. You’ll partner with your academic advisor to develop a customizable practica and may complete your practica right in the community where you live in the U.S.

If receiving financial aid, be sure to confirm term credit requirements for full-time funding. Many state Boards of Nursing also allow MSN coursework to count toward required continuing education (CEU) hours.

Complete the MSN in as little as 31 credits & 3 semesters!

Why Choose Moorhead’s Hybrid MSN Program?

  • Meets F1 visa requirements with scheduled in-person coursework
  • Fast-paced format: take classes in summer, fall, and spring to complete in three semesters
  • Affordable tuition from the top-ranked regional university in Minnesota
  • Personal support from faculty who know you by name
  • Face-to-face learning and connection with classmates

MSN Hybrid Degree Plans

The hybrid cohort plan follows a structured, three-semester progression designed to support your success while meeting federal and university requirements for F-1 visa status. Because courses are offered only in certain semesters, students in the hybrid pathway are expected to follow the prescribed plan to stay on track.

  • Program: Hybrid Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Total Credits: 31 credits total
  • Catalog: 2026-2027
Fall Start MSN Hybrid Degree Plan

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (1st Fall)
Core Requirement: NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (online) 3
Core Requirement: NURS 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (hybrid)
12 hours MN public policy onsite experience at the capital in St. Paul (2 days)		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 629 Educational Foundations & Teaching Strategies in Healthcare (hybrid)
12 hours in class on campus (2 days)		 3
Total Credits: 9
Spring (1st Spring)
Core Requirement: NURS 615 Research and Evidence-Based Practice (hybrid)
12 hours on campus (2 day)
-4 hours campus based class
-8 hours Student Academic Conference (on campus)		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 638 Health Information Systems (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 640P MSN Practicum Capstone (hybrid)
100 hours of practicum		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 662 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals (online) 3
Total Credits: 12
Summer (1st Summer)
Core Requirement: NURS 600 Nursing Science, Ethical, and Transcultural Theories (online) 3
Core Requirement: NURS 610 Holistic Health Promotion & Disease Prevention (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 695 Portfolio (Plan B) (hybrid)
Oral exam on campus (1 day)		 1
Total Credits: 10

Notes:

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available by completing the requirements and enrolling in NURS 669, offered every term. CPT is an essential component of the MSN curriculum, providing an opportunity to apply and advance your nursing skills—not to continue your current employment. Students must demonstrate that their CPT experience represents a transition or elevation of skills beyond their existing role, in alignment with the master’s program. CPT cannot be guaranteed on day one, as all required processes must be completed to obtain proper approval in accordance with federal and university regulations.
  • You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding.
    • MSN tuition and fees
    • Minnesota State Moorhead’s MSN credits may not be transferrable to other MSN programs outside of Moorhead.
Spring Start MSN Hybrid Degree Plan

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Spring (1st Spring)
Core Requirement: NURS 615 Research and Evidence-Based Practice (hybrid)
12 hours on campus (2 day)
-4 hours campus based class
-8 hours Student Academic Conference (on campus)		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 638 Health Information Systems (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 662 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals (online) 3
Total Credits: 9
Summer (1st Summer)
Core Requirement: NURS 600 Nursing Science, Ethical, and Transcultural Theories (online) 3
Core Requirement: NURS 610 Holistic Health Promotion & Disease Prevention (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 640P MSN Practicum Capstone (hybrid)
100 hours of practicum		 3
Total Credits: 12
Fall (1st Fall)
Core Requirement: NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (online) 3
Core Requirement: NURS 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (hybrid)
12 hours MN public policy onsite experience at the capital in St. Paul (2 days)		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 629 Educational Foundations & Teaching Strategies in Healthcare (hybrid)
12 hours in class on campus (2 days)		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 695 Portfolio (Plan B) (hybrid)
Oral exam on campus (1 day)		 1
Total Credits: 10

Notes:

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available by completing the requirements and enrolling in NURS 669, offered every term. CPT is an essential component of the MSN curriculum, providing an opportunity to apply and advance your nursing skills—not to continue your current employment. Students must demonstrate that their CPT experience represents a transition or elevation of skills beyond their existing role, in alignment with the master’s program. CPT cannot be guaranteed on day one, as all required processes must be completed to obtain proper approval in accordance with federal and university regulations.
  • You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding.
    • MSN tuition and fees
    • Minnesota State Moorhead’s MSN credits may not be transferrable to other MSN programs outside of Moorhead.
Summer Start MSN Hybrid Degree Plan

First Year

Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Summer (1st Summer)
Core Requirement: NURS 600 Nursing Science, Ethical, and Transcultural Theories (online) 3
Core Requirement: NURS 610 Holistic Health Promotion & Disease Prevention (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
Total Credits: 9
Fall (1st Fall)
Core Requirement: NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (online) 3
Core Requirement: NURS 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (hybrid)
12 hours MN public policy onsite experience at the capital in St. Paul (2 days)		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 629 Educational Foundations & Teaching Strategies in Healthcare (hybrid)
12 hours in class on campus (2 days)		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 640P MSN Practicum Capstone (hybrid)
100 hours of practicum		 3
Total Credits: 12
Spring (1st Spring)
Core Requirement: NURS 615 Research and Evidence-Based Practice (hybrid)
12 hours on campus (2 day)
-4 hours campus based class
-8 hours Student Academic Conference (on campus)		 3
Core Requirement: NURS 638 Health Information Systems (hybrid)
12 hours of experiential learning		 3
       
Core Requirement: NURS 662 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals (online) 3
Core Requirement: NURS 695 Portfolio (Plan B) (hybrid)
Oral exam on campus (1 day)		 1
Total Credits: 10

Notes:

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available by completing the requirements and enrolling in NURS 669, offered every term. CPT is an essential component of the MSN curriculum, providing an opportunity to apply and advance your nursing skills—not to continue your current employment. Students must demonstrate that their CPT experience represents a transition or elevation of skills beyond their existing role, in alignment with the master’s program. CPT cannot be guaranteed on day one, as all required processes must be completed to obtain proper approval in accordance with federal and university regulations.
  • You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding.
    • MSN tuition and fees
    • Minnesota State Moorhead’s MSN credits may not be transferrable to other MSN programs outside of Moorhead.

Apply Today!

Take the next step in your nursing journey and apply to the MSN Program at Moorhead. This program is designed to help you succeed in advancing your career.

Your future as an advanced nursing professional starts here!

Questions? Contact Us

If you want more information or have questions, please contact the program coordinator below.

Alicia Swanson, EdD, MSN, RN, PHN, HNB-BC
Professor of Nursing | Graduate Nursing Program Coordinator | Chief Academic Nursing Administrator
School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Send Email | Phone: 218.477.2418218.477.2418
HA 213G
Kerri Spiering
Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment
Admissions

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