Master of Science in Nursing Degree

Program Mission Statement

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is based on Mount Saint Mary’s University mission of providing a superior education enhanced by an emphasis on building leadership skills and fostering a spirit to serve others. The purpose is to prepare nurses in advanced nursing theory and provide them with broad knowledge and depth in clinical expertise that builds and expands on baccalaureate or entry-level nursing practice. The master’s curriculum provides graduates with a fuller understanding of their selected nursing area of specialization in order to engage in higher level practice and leadership in a variety of settings and commit to lifelong learning. The curriculum incorporates the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice and the Essentials of Master’s Education, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist Competencies, Association for Nursing Professional Development Competencies, National League for Nursing Educator Competencies, and the American Organization of Nurse Executive Competencies.

The graduate program offers nurses an opportunity for professional development through tracks in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Educator, Leadership and Administration, and Post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist.

• The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
• Nursing courses cannot be waived or taken as independent study regardless of the student’s professional experiences. The student is encouraged to grow in her/his role as a professional nurse both in depth and breadth thus maximizing the benefits of receiving a graduate Nursing degree from Mount Saint Mary’s University.
• The MSN degree requires the completion of an approved Nursing Research Project.