Master of Science in Nursing

Advance your career and quality of care.

M.S.N. in Nursing Education

M.S.N. in Nursing Leadership

R.N. to M.S.N.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares nurse leaders who demonstrate high level critical thinking, professional role skills in nursing education and nursing leadership, and who make significant contributions to the local and global communities.

Graduates are leaders in diverse health care arenas who effect improvements in patient outcomes through education of health care workers and leadership in health care delivery systems. With specialty tracks in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership, graduates assume leadership roles in health care and/or educate the next generation of nurses.

Graduates of the M.S.N. program will be able to:

Integrate knowledge from the domains of nursing science, education, and leadership in the development and implementation of nursing leader and educator roles;
Apply knowledge of scholarly inquiry and investigation in nursing education and nursing leadership in order to design and utilize best practices;
Integrate theories and principles of leadership in order to improve health care outcomes in a variety of settings;
Assume leadership roles to influence and participate in health care policy in order to improve the quality and delivery of health care;
Apply leadership roles in the design of cost effective, continuous improvement in clinical and education microsystems;
Synthesize conscientious ethical leadership principles to guide and direct clinical decision making.

The Nurse Leadership track will prepare the graduate to:

Assume leadership roles in health care organizations;
Integrate leadership skills that facilitate collaborative relationships while functioning as a member of the interdisciplinary team;
Incorporate knowledge of evidence in clinical and organizational management to improve client outcomes;
Apply knowledge of health care payment systems to improve the utilization of clinical and fiscal resources;
Design and implement change projects in health care delivery systems and evaluate their impact.

The Nurse Educator track will prepare the graduate to:

Practice as a nurse educator in an academic or health care delivery setting, applying principles consistent with evidence-based practice;
Apply teaching and learning theories, current research findings, and knowledge of educational trends and professional standards to curriculum and instructional design;
Utilize knowledge of continuous quality improvement methodology to evaluate all components of instructional design and delivery;
Design and implement change projects in nursing education and evaluate their impact.
Develop a commitment to lifelong learning and scholarly work

The Master of Science in Nursing program is a candidate for accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, phone: 404.975.5000.

There are 3 M.S.N. tracks or entry points for nurses, as well as a Nursing Education Certificate option:

     Track I:   For the nurse with a baccalaureate degree in nursing

     Track II: For the nurse with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree

     Track III: For the nurse without a baccalaureate degree (R.N. to M.S.N.)

Nursing Education Certificate
A 15-credit certificate is also available to nurses who have earned an advanced degree and would like to acquire knowledge and practice in nursing education.

Designed for the working professional's convenience, courses are taught in a "hybrid" format - a combination of in-class and online learning. Students can expect to attend approximately six classes during each 12-week term, while simultaneously completing coursework online. Students may attend classes at the University's College of Graduate & Professional Studies centers in Concord, Portsmouth, or Lebanon, N.H. A Track 1 student can complete the M.S.N. in approximately 24 months of full-time study. Many working nurses opt for part-time study so they can continue to meet their current responsibilities and maintain family life.

Download the M.S.N. program sheet for more information on all program options, Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership specialty tracks, admission requirements, courses and how to apply.