Nursing The master of science in nursing presents a vibrant, challenging, future-oriented program of study that prepares graduates for practice in diverse health care settings. The program is designed to prepare nurses as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. Coursework builds on the baccalaureate degree in nursing and is based on theory and research in nursing and related disciplines. The program provides the foundation for continued professional development and for doctoral study. Students are prepared to provide leadership and initiate collaborative relationships with others for the purposes of improving nursing and health care and influencing health policy.
Special emphasis is given to working with underserved and vulnerable populations.
Master's students in nursing gain skills and knowledge that build on their clinical experience and on their generalist undergraduate preparation. Graduate students extend their clinical expertise in working with individuals and high risk populations. Master's students and nurse practitioner students gain skills in clinical decision making and differential diagnosis, in case management and consultation, in client teaching, in community assessments and interventions, and in program design, implementation, and evaluation. Upon graduation, adult and family nurse practitioner students may choose to sit for certification as a family or adult nurse practitioner or to become certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in community health nursing with completion of requisite post-master's hours. With requisite clinical experience, graduates are prepared to sit for certification as clinical nurse specialists in adult psychiatric mental health nursing.