Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Master’s Related Information:

• Admissions Instructions and Requirements
  
• Admissions Deadlines
  
• Applicant Letter of Reference Form
  
• Applicant Resources
  
• Information Sessions
  
• Catalog (pdf)
  
• Apply Now (pdf)
  

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Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing Program is designed to provide an opportunity for the student to become a leader. The graduate makes significant contributions to the improvement of health care and influences health care policy through advanced clinical practice and research in order to meet the current needs of society.

Graduates are given the opportunity to:

• Synthesize theories from natural, behavioral, and social sciences to support advanced clinical nursing and functional role development.
  
• Evaluate the use of nursing theory as a base for advanced nursing practice.
  
• Demonstrate expertise in a specialized area of clinical nursing practice.
  
• Function effectively in a beginning functional role as an administrator, teacher, clinical specialist, nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthetist.
  
• Contribute to the development of a body of nursing knowledge through research, theory testing, and use of findings.
  
• Collaborate with other disciplines to systematically improve healthcare.
  
• Demonstrate a sufficient knowledge base for entry into doctoral study.
  

The program of study leading to the MSN degree combines online courses with face-to-face courses and clinical experiences offering flexibility to students. The curriculum depends on the clinical concentration the student selects. Students have the following clinical concentrations from which to choose from:

In addition, the School of Nursing in conjunction with The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston offers a dual degree: MSN-Master of Public Health (MPH).

Many of the clinical concentrations offer students the opportunity to choose a functional role. Prospective students should review clinical concentrations of interest to determine the availability of role options. Available options may include:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist
  This role prepares advanced practice nurses to function in the areas of direct clinical practice, coaching and guidance, consultation, research, leadership, and collaboration.
  
  
• Nurse Practitioner
  This role prepares advanced practice nurses to care for patients across the continuum of health care. The focus is on health promotion, risk reduction, prevention, and providing interdisciplinary collaborative practice.
  
  
• Education
  This role prepares nursing students for faculty positions in programs of basic professional education, staff development or consumer education. The role focuses on curriculum and instructional design, principles of teacher-learner communication, learner assessment, and evaluation.