Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Program Mission Statement
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Mount Saint Mary’s University is founded on the institution's mission to provide exceptional education while emphasizing leadership development and a commitment to serving others. The program aims to equip nurses with advanced theoretical knowledge and a deeper level of clinical expertise that builds upon baccalaureate or entry-level nursing practice. Graduates benefit from a comprehensive understanding of their chosen nursing specialization, preparing them for advanced practice, leadership roles across various settings, and a dedication to lifelong learning. The curriculum incorporates guidelines and competencies from organizations such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist, Association for Nursing Professional Development, National League for Nursing, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives.
The program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), requires students to complete an approved Nursing Project or Thesis. MSN nursing courses are mandatory and cannot be waived or taken as independent study, regardless of the student's prior professional experience. Students are encouraged to develop and expand their professional nursing roles in both depth and breadth, ensuring they fully benefit from earning a graduate nursing degree from Mount Saint Mary's University.
Both the Nurse Educator and Nursing Leadership and Administration tracks are available in an accelerated format, enabling students to graduate within one year.
Note that the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certificate tracks are presently on hiatus.
Master of Science in Nursing Degree Information
This information is published to aid the student in making decisions leading to the accomplishment of academic goals. Each student is responsible for becoming acquainted with academic requirements. The content stated herein is for information only and in no way constitute a contract between the student and the nursing program.
The nursing program reserves the right to make program changes and policy revisions at any time and without prior notice.
Master of Science in Nursing Outcomes
The MSN program is built upon the 2021 AACN Essentials, providing the framework for fostering advanced-level nursing practice among its graduates. This competency-based approach to nursing education outlines specific domains, accompanied by the outcomes that all MSN graduates are expected to achieve at an advanced level. The domains and corresponding outcomes for MSN students include:
Domain 1: Knowledge for Nursing Practice -- Integration and application of nursing and interdisciplinary knowledge.
Domain 2: Person-Centered Care -- Delivering care that respects individual preferences, needs, and values.
Domain 3: Population Health -- Addressing health outcomes for groups and communities.
Domain 4: Scholarship for Nursing Practice -- Engaging in evidence-based practice and research.
Domain 5: Quality and Safety -- Ensuring high standards in healthcare delivery.
Domain 6: Interprofessional Partnerships -- Collaborating across disciplines to improve outcomes.
Domain 7: Systems-Based Practice -- Understanding and improving healthcare systems.
Domain 8: Informatics and Healthcare Technologies -- Leveraging technology for better care.
Domain 9: Professionalism -- Upholding ethical principles and professional standards.
Domain 10: Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development -- Fostering growth and leadership skills.Source:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The Essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Publications/Essentials-2021.pdf?form=MG0AV3
Program Admission Policy
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to the Graduate Division, acceptance is determined by the Admissions Committee of the Master of Science in Nursing program.
The following criteria pertain to admission into the Master of Science in Nursing program:
Students accepted into the MSN program:
- Must take all required nursing courses at MSMU.
- Are allowed to defer their admission for one year.
- Example: If a student is accepted in the fall, she/he may defer admission until the following fall. If accepted students do not enter within one year, they must reapply to the program.
Accelerated MSN Nurse Educator Track
The Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN) degree with a concentration in Education will provide the graduate with competencies specified by the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) in advanced nursing theory and experience as a nursing educator. Skills will be mastered to develop strategies for curricular design and for the use of technology in various university and clinical agencies within the changing patterns of healthcare.
The Nurse Educator concentration is a 33-unit program that can be completed in as few as 3 terms or 1 year with a fall start date.
Nurse Educator Track Requirements
Educator Track Courses
| NUR 200 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 202 | Current Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 205 | Intro to Grad Studies and Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 211 | Educational Theories and Principles in Nursing and the Nurse Educator Role | 3 |
| NUR 213 | Nursing Informatics and Healthcare Technologies | 3 |
| NUR 214 | Curriculum Develoment and Evaluation and Testing | 3 |
| NUR 255 | Advanced Pharmacology and Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 290 | Nursing Research and Methodologies | 3 |
| NUR 295 | Educator Practicum (Agency Setting) | 3 |
| NUR 296 | Nursing Thesis Project Seminar | 3 |
| NUR 297 | Nurse Educator Practicum (College Setting) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 33 |
Accelerated MSN Nursing Leadership-Administration Track
The Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN) degree with a concentration in Leadership and Administration will provide the graduate with the competencies specified by the American Organization of Nursing Leaders (AONL) to lead various organizations and institutions. The program encompasses both nursing and leadership/administration courses in order to develop the necessary skills to provide responsible organizational leadership to society. Inherent in the Leadership and Administration track is the personal/professional transformation essential to leaders.
The Nursing Leadership and Administration concentration is a 33-unit program that can be completed in as few as 3 terms or 1 year with a fall start date.
Nursing Leadership-Administration Track Requirements
Leadership-Administration Courses
| NUR 202 | Current Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 205 | Intro to Grad Studies and Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 212 | Policy, Organizational Change, and Strategic Planning for Healthcare | 3 |
| NUR 213 | Nursing Informatics and Healthcare Technologies | 3 |
| NUR 215 | Organizational and Marketing Management in Healthcare | 3 |
| NUR 247 | Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation | 3 |
| NUR 252A | Leadership/Administration Practicum I | 3 |
| NUR 252B | Leadership/Administration Practicum II | 3 |
| NUR 254 | Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| NUR 290 | Nursing Research and Methodologies | 3 |
| NUR 296 | Nursing Thesis Project Seminar | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 33 |
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Master of Science in Nursing (On hiatus)
The Master of Science degree in Nursing with a concentration as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist will provide the graduate with the competencies specified by the California Board of Registered Nursing and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Coursework provides graduates the expertise to promote the health and well-being of persons throughout the adult life span.
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track in the MSN program conforms to the California Board of Registered Nursing’s requirements for California Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification. For students who wish to practice in a state other than California, you may or may not have additional educational and/or non-educational requirements you must complete prior to applying for your license. Prior to enrollment, prospective students must review the lists below to determine whether this program meets the educational requirements in a specific state. MSMU would like to help applicants and students navigate the certification process. Contact Dr. Madeleine Bruning at mbruning@msmu.edu to discuss the process of obtaining CNS certification in a state outside of California.
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration is a 46 unit program that can be completed in as few as 7 terms or 28 months with a fall start date.
Track
Courses
| NUR 200 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 201 | Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 202 | Current Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 203 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| NUR 206 | Educational Theories, Principles and Methods in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 207A | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 207B | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 238 | Advanced Concepts in Gerontology | 3 |
| NUR 239 | Advanced Concepts in Adult Health | 3 |
| NUR 246 | Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 247 | Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation | 3 |
| NUR 248 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 249 | Clinical Nurse Specialist Role | 2 |
| NUR 250A | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 250B | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 250C | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 290 | Nursing Research and Methodologies | 3 |
| NUR 296 | Nursing Thesis Project Seminar | 3 |
Students must complete a minimum of 500 precepted hours to meet eligibility requirements for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Adult-Gerontolgy CNS certification exam. Required practicum hours are subject to change dependent on certification requirements.
Educator Track Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science degree in Nursing with a concentration in Education will provide the graduate with competencies specified by the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) in advanced nursing theory and experience as a nursing educator. Skills will be mastered to develop strategies for curricular design and for the use of technology in various university and clinical agencies within the changing patterns of healthcare.
The Educator concentration is a 37 unit program that can be completed in as few as 6 terms or 2 year with a fall start date.
Track
Courses
| NUR 200 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 201 | Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 202 | Current Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 203 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| NUR 206 | Educational Theories, Principles and Methods in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 207A | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 207B | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 208 | Curriculum Development | 2 |
| NUR 246 | Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 248 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 290 | Nursing Research and Methodologies | 3 |
| NUR 294 | Evaluation and Testing | 2 |
| NUR 295 | Educator Practicum (Agency Setting) | 3 |
| NUR 296 | Nursing Thesis Project Seminar | 3 |
| NUR 297 | Nurse Educator Practicum (College Setting) | 3 |
Leadership and Administration Track Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science degree in Nursing with a concentration in Leadership and Administration will provide the graduate with the competencies specified by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) to lead various organizations and institutions. The program encompasses both nursing and leadership/administration courses in order to develop the necessary skills to provide responsible organizational leadership to society. Inherent in the Leadership and Administration track is the personal/professional transformation essential to leaders.
The Leadership and Administration concentration is a 39 unit program that can be completed in as few as 6 terms or 2 years with a fall start date.
Track
Courses
| NUR 201 | Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 202 | Current Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 203 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| NUR 204 | Healthcare Policy | 3 |
| NUR 207A | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 207B | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 241 | Marketing Management in Healthcare | 3 |
| NUR 247 | Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation | 3 |
| NUR 252A | Leadership/Administration Practicum I | 3 |
| NUR 252B | Leadership/Administration Practicum II | 3 |
| NUR 253 | Organizational Management in Healthcare | 3 |
| NUR 254 | Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| NUR 256 | Organizational Change and Strategic Planning for Healthcare | 3 |
| NUR 290 | Nursing Research and Methodologies | 3 |
| NUR 296 | Nursing Thesis Project Seminar | 3 |
Health Promotion Track Master of Science in Nursing (On Hiatus)
The Master’s degree in Nursing with a concentration in Health Promotion will provide the graduate with the competencies to meet the aims of the National Quality Strategy (NQS) led by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to provide better, more affordable care for individuals and the community. Coursework provides graduates the expertise to improve health outcomes and increase the effectiveness of care for individuals and groups through cross-sectors (individuals, family, payers, providers, employers, and communities) working together.
We are currently not accepting applications for this concentration.
The Health Promotion concentration is a 38 unit program that can be completed in as few as 6 terms or 2 years.
Track
Courses
| NUR 200 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 201 | Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 202 | Current Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 203 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| NUR 204 | Healthcare Policy | 3 |
| NUR 206 | Educational Theories, Principles and Methods in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 207A | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 207B | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 260 | Concepts of Healthy Living | 3 |
| NUR 261 | Promotion of Healthy Living | 3 |
| NUR 262 | Health Promotion Role | 2 |
| NUR 263A | Health Promotion Practicum I | 3 |
| NUR 263B | Health Promotion Practicum II | 3 |
| NUR 290 | Nursing Research and Methodologies | 3 |
| NUR 296 | Nursing Thesis Project Seminar | 3 |
Post MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate (On hiatus)
The Post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track will provide the graduate with the competencies specified by the California Board of Registered Nursing and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Coursework provides graduates the expertise to promote the health and well-being of persons throughout the adult life span.
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track in the MSN program conforms to the California Board of Registered Nursing’s requirements for California Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification. For students who wish to practice in a state other than California, you may or may not have additional educational and/or non-educational requirements you must complete prior to applying for your license. Prior to enrollment, prospective students must review the lists below to determine whether this program meets the educational requirements in a specific state. MSMU would like to help applicants and students navigate the certification process. Contact Dr. Madeleine Bruning at mbruning@msmu.edu to discuss the process of obtaining CNS certification in a state outside of California.
The Post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration is a 33 unit program that can be completed in as few as 7 terms or 48 months with a fall start date.
Track
Courses
| NUR 200 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 206 | Educational Theories, Principles and Methods in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 207A | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 207B | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 238 | Advanced Concepts in Gerontology | 3 |
| NUR 239 | Advanced Concepts in Adult Health | 3 |
| NUR 246 | Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 247 | Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation | 3 |
| NUR 248 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 249 | Clinical Nurse Specialist Role | 2 |
| NUR 250A | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 250B | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 250C | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
Students must complete a minimum of 500 precepted hours to meet eligibility requirements for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Adult-Gerontology CNS certification exam. Required practicum hours subject to change dependent on certification requirements.
For MSN Alumni from MSMU:
MSMU alumni from the MSN program who have earned their degree within 5 years of starting the post-MSN CNS Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist can use the following courses below to meet certificate requirements:
Courses
|
NUR 200
|
Advanced Health Assessment
|
3
|
|
NUR 206
|
Educational Theories Principles and Methods in Nursing
|
2
|
|
NUR 207A
|
Healthcare Informatics and Technology
|
1.5
|
|
NUR 207B
|
Healthcare Informatics and Technology
|
1.5
|
|
NUR 246
|
Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology
|
3
|
|
NUR 247
|
Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation
|
2
|
|
NUR 248
|
Advanced Pharmacology
|
3
|
Only the above courses taken for the MSN degree can be applied to meet the certificate requirements. All other courses specific to the certificate must be taken as a post-MSN CNS Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist student.
The courses below are specific to the certificate:
|
NUR 238
|
Advanced Concepts in Gerontology
|
3
|
|
NUR 239
|
Advanced Concepts in Adult Health
|
3
|
|
NUR 249
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist Role
|
2
|
|
NUR 250A
|
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum
|
3
|
|
NUR 250B
|
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum
|
3
|
|
NUR 250C
|
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum
|
3
|