Program Description

The Master of Science in Nursing with the major in Nursing Education prepares graduates for the nurse educator and clinical nurse specialists roles. Courses provide theory to support the teaching and learning environment specifically focused on didactic and clinical instruction. Advanced clinical specialty courses prepare students for the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health. In addition to offering courses in the traditional face-to-face classroom setting, all courses will be developed in an online format.

The MSN degree with the Nursing Education major requires 44 credits hours with 500 clinical hours and 120 teaching practicum hours. During the teaching practicum, students will work with master teachers to become fully immersed in the role and responsibilities of a faculty member. The MSON is committed to flexibility in the program and therefore offers both full-time and part-time options for degree completion. Full-time study can be completed in two years with some courses offered during the summer. A program of part-time study can be completed in three years. In addition, the MSON offers a post-baccalaureate Nurse Educator Certificate.

The Master of Science degree in Nursing is conferred at the completion of the program requirements. Graduates are eligible to sit for the examination for Clinical Nurse Specialist certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. After two years full time in a faculty role, students will be eligible to sit for the examination to become certified as a nurse educator from the National League for Nursing. Students are urged to contact the specific board of nursing in the state in which they anticipate teaching and practicing in order to ensure their compliance with the education, practice and certification requirements.