Master of Science in Nursing
PhilosophyNursing is a scientifically and theoretically based service profession. By embracing the contextual nature of practice through integration of multiple ways of knowing including critical thinking, research, reflection, and intuition, MSN graduates become expert nurses who provide holistic, ethical, evidence-based care within an interdisciplinary environment. Through the educational process, students become visionary leaders who advance the profession of nursing and influence the future of healthcare.
PurposeThe IUSON MSN program educates nurses to become leaders within dynamic healthcare environments. As nurse leaders they are prepared to provide and improve care to patients, families, and/or communities and to lead educational and complex healthcare systems.
Program Learning OutcomesThe goal of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is to prepare graduates for leadership roles in advanced nursing practice, those of clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse leader. Students select one of nine track areas of study when they apply for admission. In addition, we offer post-graduate certificates in each clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner track, as well as graduate certificate in Teaching in Nursing. All degree requirements must be met within six years of initial enrollment. The pattern and duration of a program of study for individual students is determined in consultation with their faculty track coordinator. Degree requirements can be met through a combination of distance-accessible, online, and on-campus learning opportunities.
All graduates of the master’s degree program (including post-graduate and graduate certificate options) are expected to achieve the following program learning outcomes:
- Lead nursing and healthcare teams to improve practice within complex systems, recognizing political, institutional, social, and economic forces.
- Practice at the highest level of nursing, integrating ethical, legal, professional, and regulatory standards and guidelines.
- Synthesize knowledge from nursing and related sciences for application to selected domains of nursing practice.
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and scholarly inquiry in the pursuit of innovative approaches to improving health outcomes.
- Apply evidence to problem solving at the clinical and system level to advance nursing practice and improve outcomes.
- Use technology to deliver, measure, monitor, and improve clinical care delivery and enhance safe outcomes.
- Engage in policy analysis, development, and advocacy to influence health at the individual, group, community, and population level.
- Practice in interprofessional teams that communicate, collaborate, and consult in coordinating patient-centered care.
- Incorporate the influences of culture, diversity, values, and globalization in the design, delivery, and evaluation of nursing and healthcare services.
- Recognize the value of being a lifelong learner who is committed to personal professional growth, the development of the profession, and the health of the public.
Minimum time for completion of degree requirements is five semesters. All degree requirements must be met within six years of initial enrollment. The pattern and duration for the individual student is determined in consultation with the student's advisor and faculty track coordinator.
Selected master’s courses are distance accessible using a variety of technologies.
Last updated April 2023
