Procedure for Admission to Master of Science in Nursing Programs
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The criteria to determine admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program include:
- Completion of the application for admission
- A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
- Provisional Admissions: South University College of Nursing and Public Health fosters diversity through a holistic provisional admission status for students with a GPA less than 3.0.
- Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 -2.99 must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first quarter to be fully admitted into the MSN program.
- Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.74 will be considered for provisional admission with submission of a current resume and a letter explaining challenges faced in previous academic experiences.
Students must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first quarter to be fully admitted into the MSN program.
Students who do not receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses will have the provisional admission rescinded. There is no appeal for rescinding provisional status.
- Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance).
- A valid and unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments and clinical rotations, for entry and maintenance of admission to the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet their state/territory requirement for nursing licensure).
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.
All applicants to the MSN program must hold a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program. Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.
The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. Program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.
Courses may be waived if the individual's master's transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
- Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
- Model a professional leadership role to formulate comprehensive plans of action for ongoing contributions to healthcare systems improvement.
- Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
- Demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with delivery of quality care associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.
Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Nurse Educator)
Offered at Online Programs and Tampa.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
Nurse educators combine clinical expertise and a passion for teaching into rich and rewarding careers. These professionals, who work in the classroom and the practice setting, are responsible for preparing and mentoring current and future generations of nurses. Nurse educators play a pivotal role in strengthening the nursing workforce, serving as role models and providing the leadership needed to implement evidence-based practice.
Nurse educators are responsible for designing, implementing, evaluating and revising academic and continuing education programs for nurses. These include formal academic programs that lead to a degree or certificate, or more informal continuing education programs designed to meet individual learning needs. Students will complete 300 practicum hours during progression through the program.
Specialization Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Contribute too all phases of the curriculum development for a variety of educational and healthcare settings.
- Develop quality healthcare contributions through the development of evidence-based policies for creating change and advancing the profession.
- Develop educational quality improvement plans which contribute to the creation of evidence that underlies best practices in teaching and learning.
Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Nurse Educator): 54 Credits
MSN Core 20 Credits
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
Specialization in Nurse Educator: 34 Credits
Students in this course will examine learning theories, learning styles, and factors which influence motivation and learning in students, while applying evidenced-based teaching practices to create learning environments and teaching plans for both didactic and clinical settings to optimize student outcomes. Methods of evaluation will be examined and utilized to determine student outcomes. The emphasis is on innovative teaching strategies, utilizing technology, and collaboration of nurse educators in the in the didactic, simulation, and clinical settings. A minimum grade of B is required to pass this course.
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
This course is designed to apply holistic health concepts by performing culturally sensitive comprehensive history taking, physical and psychological assessment of client’s signs and symptoms, pathophysiologic changes, and psychosocial variations of the client including the individual, family, and community. The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is for the student to develop a thorough understanding of the client’s health status in order to determine appropriate and effective health care strategies that include health promotion and illness prevention across the life span. Taking into consideration client’s diverse needs, a major focus is on symptom/health problem assessment, client teaching using a culturally appropriate approach and the selection and interpretation of screening and diagnostic tests in order to formulate and effectively communicate differential diagnoses. A minimum grade of B is required to successfully complete this course. Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.
Credits : 6
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
In this course, the student participates in the direct care role, under the supervision of a clinical preceptor, to integrate direct care knowledge. The practicum area should be in an area where the student gains new, advanced knowledge to enhance their professional role.
A minimum grade of B is required to successfully complete this course. Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.
Credits : 4
Under the supervision of a local mentor, the student will apply knowledge of learning theories, learning styles, and evidenced based teaching practices to design lessons for didactic and clinical settings. The student will engage in evaluation of educational outcomes for both didactic and clinical performance, ensuring the safe practice of patient care. The student will further engage in various roles of the nurse educator, such as facilitator of learning, scholarship, and service.
A minimum grade of B is required to successfully complete this course. Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
Note(s):
Minnesota residents are not eligible to enroll in the online programs for the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Post Graduate Certificates in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing or the RN to Master of Science in Nursing.