MSN Online Courses of Study/Tracks
The online M.S.N. program is for nurses with a baccalaureate degree in any field that have an RN license. The program offers three tracks of study: education, public/community health nursing, and health systems leadership. While the core M.S.N. courses remain constant, courses for each track are specific to the area of interest and are provided by the appropriate schools. The program director is available for individualized program advisement. The practicum course allows the student to apply synthesized knowledge gained from all prior courses to an individualized practice experience in the chosen track.
MSN Tracks
M.S.N. Education
The M.S.N. education track prepares nurses for career paths in staff development, vocational-technical or community college education. This degree serves as a foundation for doctoral study for those interested in teaching in B.S.N. or higher programs. Fifteen semester hours of core foundational nursing courses are taken online with students in all M.S.N. tracks. An additional twenty-one semester hours of nursing education courses are required for this track including six semester hours of online nursing education practicum that provides a mentored educational experience. These courses are taught online by nursing department faculty members with advanced preparation and extensive experience in higher education. Thus, a total of 36 semester hours are required to complete the M.S.N. education track.
M.S.N. Public/Community Health Nursing
The M.S.N. Public/Community health nursing track prepares nurses for career paths in community and public health nursing. All students in M.S.N. tracks take 15 semester hours of core foundational nursing courses online. An additional 3-semester hour Public/Community health nursing course is taken online through the nursing department. Twelve semester hours of coursework in public health are completed online through the College of Osteopathic Medicines' Master of Public Health Program. Finally, 6 semester hours of nursing Public/Community health nursing practicum that provides a mentored public / community health experience. Thus, a total of 42 semester hours are required to complete the M.S.N. public/community health nursing track.
M.S.N. Health Systems Leadership
The M.S.N. Health Systems Leadership track is for a working registered nurse with at least two years full time nursing experience in a health care system and holds a bachelor's degree in any field. This track prepares nurses for career paths in health care leadership. All students in M.S.N. tracks take 15 semester hours of core foundational nursing courses online. An additional twenty-one semester hours of health systems leadership courses are required for this track including six semester hours of online nursing health systems leadership practicum that provides a mentored leadership experience. Thus, a total of 36 semester hours are required to complete the M.S.N. health systems leadership nursing track.