Nursing, MSN

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The master’s nursing program is comprised of four core courses that cover current issues in advanced practice nursing, research, health promotion, and systems leadership. These core courses provide the foundation for graduate nursing study and are taken by all MSN students. Additionally, students in the FNP and PMHNP specialization take advanced physiology and pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced clinical assessment. Each student is required to take the advanced practice specialty courses in their specialization. The specialty courses are listed under each specialization heading.

Admission Requirements

An applicant for the degree program must possess a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited program; have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 or other evidence of ability to complete successfully a graduate program such as grades in other post-baccalaureate courses, scores from national graduate school entrance examinations, or a record of progressively higher work experiences; and be licensed as a registered nurse in the state of Pennsylvania The applicant should have completed undergraduate or equivalent approved courses in basic physical assessment and statistics. The applicant must submit three professional references and a 300-word essay identifying career goals, demonstrating communication and writing skills. A personal interview with the program director or a faculty member to clarify goals and objectives is required. Applicants for the certificate program must possess proof of fully vaccinated Covid status and a master’s degree in nursing from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited program. A gap analysis will be conducted on an individual basis. Additionally, they must comply with the same admission requirements as for the degree program (except for the essay) as listed above.

A registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree who wishes to take graduate level courses without necessarily pursuing a graduate degree may make application for Non-Degree status (refer to Admission and Registration).

Thesis Option

Candidates for a Master of Science in Nursing degree may opt to do a thesis. Students who wish to pursue the thesis option should consult with the program director. Those who opt to do a thesis are governed by The University of Scranton Graduate Thesis Policy.

Curriculum

Total credits for program: 37 credits