Master of Science in Nursing
Quick Links
The 51视频 Department of Nursing offers a master's program in nursing that emphasizes depth of knowledge and excellence in nursing in three areas of specialization: Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Adult/Gerontological Nursing and Family Health Nursing.
Program of Study
Program Outcomes
Admission and 51视频 Requirements
Curriculum
Areas of Specialization
The objectives of the master’s program curriculum are to provide advanced practice nursing education which focuses on:
1. Health promotion of individuals, families and groups from diverse populations;
2. Management of health problems in collaboration with client, families, and health professionals;
3. Leadership in the profession; and
4. Research utilization for evidence-based practice.
The graduate program is designed for a four-semester, two-calendar year schedule, although part-time study is possible. Within each major area of specialization all students are prepared with knowledge and skills necessary for leadership in a variety of settings. Methods of inquiry, research and scholarly techniques are integral parts of the curriculum.
The master’s degree program educates graduates who are prepared to:
1. Practice in the advanced nursing role of the specialty
2. Collaborate with clients, peers, and other health professionals
3. Demonstrate leadership in the profession of nursing.
Admission and 51视频 Requirements
Requirements for the master's program are:
-
A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from an accredited program,
-
An undergraduate scholastic average of 3.0 or better,
-
An introductory course in statistics,
-
Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (The GRE Exam can be waived for applicants with a 3.5 GPA in 51视频 graduate certificate program, or 3.3 GPA if a graduate of the 51视频 BS program in nursing within the past five years),
-
License to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and professional nursing experience,
-
A resume,
-
Three letters of recommendation pertaining to academic ability and professional competency with one preferably from a Baccalaureate faculty member. The others should be from professional supervisors. Professional supervisors titles must be included.
-
Written Statement: On one or two separate sheets of paper and in 750 words or less, please reflect on your past professional nursing experience and describe your immediate and and long-range goals, including your professional aspirations as an advanced-practice nurse,
-
Computer literacy,
-
Official transcripts, and
-
Completed application and fees.
A minimum of 42 credits of course work is required for graduation with an MS for all students. A research project or a thesis is required for graduation.
Students may be admitted for part-time study. Part-time students must meet the same admission requirements for graduate study as full-time students. Part-time students will meet with their assigned advisor and plan a schedule for their program of studies. All admitted students are advised to contact their assigned advisors for program of study recommendations and to register for courses during University advisement periods.
Transfer of credits for non-matriculated students: Non-matriculated students may take a maximum total of 12 graduate credits (4 courses) earned with a grade of B or better prior to matriculation which may be applied toward the MS degree. Those taken at another accredited institution may be transferred if appropriate to the MS degree program in nursing and after approval by the faculty of record for the 51视频 course and the petition signed by the Graduate Coordinator. To qualify as a transfer the course must have been taken within 5 years prior to the date of matriculation. Transfer of credits may not be granted for Advanced Health Assessment, Clinical courses or for clinical practica.
Admission is competitive. Priority deadlines are April 30 for fall admission and November 1 for Spring Admission. Applications received after these dates, if there are openings, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the admissions process within three weeks of the application deadline.
Additional Information
Students must carry CPR certification. Evidence of such must be provided. In addition, entering students are required to submit proof of immunizations, a PPD, and immunizations.
Semester I
33.600 Theoretical Foundations for Nursing (3 credits)
30.550 Human Development & Pathophysiology (3 credits)
33.552 Social, Cultural & Policy Issues in Health Care (3 credits)
33.651 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (3 credits)
TOTAL: 12 credits
Semester II
Specialty Theory I (4 credits)
Specialty Practicum I (3 credits)
33.559 Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
TOTAL: 10 credits
Semester III
Specialty Theory II (4 credits)
Specialty Practicum II (3 credits)
33.601 Research for Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
TOTAL: 10 credits
Semester IV
Specialty Theory and Practicum III (4 credits)
Elective (3 credits)
33.733 Project -or- 33.734 Thesis (3 credits)
TOTAL: 10 credits
This specialty focuses on promoting health of adults and older adults during the process of normal aging and identifying and treating common health problems. Students develop advanced skills in communicating with adults and older adults, health assessment, health teaching and nursing intervention and evaluation. Students are prepared as nurse practitioners and eligible to sit for the gerontological nurse practitioner certification exam.
Specialty courses:
33.610 Adult/Gerontological Nursing I
33.613 Adult/Gerontological Nursing Practicum I
33.611 Adult/Gerontological Nursing II
33.614 Adult/Gerontological Nursing Practicum II
33.612 Adult/Gerontological Nursing III
This specialty focuses on facilitating the health practices of families during the process of normal development and identifying and treating common health problems across the life span. Students develop advanced skills in communicating with families, health assessment, health teaching and nursing intervention and evaluation. Students are prepared as nurse practitioners and are eligible to sit for the family nurse practitioner certification exam.
Speciality Courses:
33.660 Family Health Nursing I
33.663 Family Health Nursing Practicum I
33.661 Family Health Nursing II
33.664 Family Health Nursing Practicum II
33.662 Family Health Nursing III
In a health promotion, risk-prevention framework, the NP/CS blended program is designed to prepare advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurses with the ability to perform comprehensive health assessments. The program prepares advanced practice nurses as competent therapists who care for individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings. Students are prepared to sit for the Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Specialist, and/or Nurse Practitioner certification exams.
Speciality Courses:
33.620 Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing I
33.623 Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Practicum I
33.621 Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing II
33.624 Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Practicum II
33.622 Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing III