Admission Requirements

Admission to the master's program requires approval by the faculty in the department in which study is desired. Admission is based on the composite of qualifications (as evidenced by the application), official transcripts, and references. A personal interview may be requested by the department. Acceptance into the master's program is competitive.

The criteria that follow must be met for unconditional admission. An applicant who lacks one or more of the criteria may be considered for admission with probationary or conditional status.

1. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale from a program accredited by the National League of Nursing, or an equivalent program.
2. A score of 400 or better on two of the three sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (waived for applicants with a B.S.N. GPA of 3.0 or higher).
3. A current Indiana registered nurse license. International applicants must submit evidence of passing the Council of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) qualifying examination prior to coming to Indiana University. Indiana licensure must be achieved prior to enrollment in any clinical nursing course.
4. A test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL) score of 550 or above for those students whose native language is not English.
5. Completion within the past seven years of a 3 credit hour statistics course (undergraduate or graduate) with a minimum grade of B-.
6. Verification of ability to use computer technologies including accessing, retrieving, receiving, and communicating information.
7. Verification of physical assessment skills (nursing administration students are exempt).
8. Two years of relevant clinical nursing experience as a registered nurse required for applicants to the nurse practitioner majors.

Admission of Students on Academic Probation
Students with undergraduate GPAs lower than 3.0 may be admitted on academic probation upon the recommendation of the academic department in which they desire a major, and with the endorsement of the Graduate Admission, Progression, and Graduation (APG) Committee.

Maintaining Active Status of Admission
Admission is valid only for the enrollment period designated in the admission letter. Deferment may be granted upon written request, subject to adjustment of admission status to requirements of the new enrollment period. Applications and transcripts are kept on file for two years only; beyond that period, reapplication is required.

Part-Time Study
Part-time study is possible, provided that the program is completed within the six-year limitation period. Part-time students should consult with their academic faculty advisors each semester in order to maintain active status.

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Degree Requirements

Candidates must meet both the general requirements of the master's program in the School of Nursing and the specific requirements of the major. Students must be enrolled to graduate.

All candidates for the degree of Master of Science in Nursing must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of courses, depending on the major, and fulfill departmental requirements. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be taken at the undergraduate level. Courses meeting the requirement of advanced nursing practice must be taken in or through the School of Nursing.
2. Remove all conditions, deficiencies, probation, and Deferred or Incomplete grades.
3. Achieve a 3.0 GPA by the time the student has completed 42 credit hours of course work, as required by the major department. Credit hours toward the degree are not granted for courses with a grade below B-. All grades are included in computing the grade point average.
4. Complete all degree requirements within six years of the date the student begins course work that applies to the M.S.N. degree.
5. Apply for the degree at the time of program planning for the final semester of study. Reapplication must occur if the graduation date changes. Application forms may be obtained from and filed with the recorder for graduate programs.

Portfolio Review Process for M.S.N. Course Substitution
Portfolio Purpose: The portfolio review process is available to all M.S.N. students who believe that they can meet the learning objectives/ competencies required of a specific nursing course within their program of study. The portfolio is a mechanism used to validate the acquisition of knowledge and skills congruent with course expectations and student learning outcomes. The portfolio provides objective evidence that students have acquired the content and skills through prior learning and/or practice experiences. The decision to accept the documentation provided is based on determination of the equivalency of this prior knowledge and skills that the student would be expected to demonstrate at the completion of a specific course. The portfolio review option does not take the place of course equivalency reviews or transfer credit.

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Academic Standing of Students

Good Standing
A student is in good academic standing when his or her cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or better.

Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation is administered under the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct. The faculty reserve the right to request the withdrawal of a student when problems related to personal integrity, health, maturity, or safety in the practice of nursing demonstrate the student's unfitness to continue preparation for professional nursing.

Academic Probation
A student is placed on academic probation when the cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 or if he or she earns a C+ or lower in a required course. The probationary status is removed within one semester or its equivalent (8 credit hours). Students who do not regain good academic standing after three semesters of probation will be dismissed from the program.

Maintaining Status
Students who do not register for a period of three consecutive semesters will be dismissed from the program. Students admitted on probation that fail to remove the conditions of admission within the time frame specified are subject to dismissal. Students attaining an unsatisfactory grade (below B-) in any clinical course may repeat the course only once; non-clinical courses may be repeated more than once if approved by the Graduate Admission, Progression, and Graduation (APG) Committee. If a course must be repeated, the department may specify additional conditions relating to progression in the program until the course is successfully completed. Evidence of lack of progress toward the degree is described as failure to successfully attain a B- or better in a course in which an unsatisfactory grade has been previously received. Students who do not complete all degree requirements within a six-year period following initial registration will be dismissed.

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General Policies

In addition to policies described under the general statement of the School of Nursing, the following policies govern master's study in particular.

Correspondence Courses
Correspondence courses may not be counted toward the master's degree, but they may be used to make up deficiencies.

Transfer of Credits
Students must obtain the consent of the associate dean for graduate programs before credit earned at other institutions may be added to the official transcript. A maximum of 9 credit hours with a minimum grade of B in courses that fulfill the curriculum requirements may be transferred from an accredited college or university with the consent of the academic advisor. Credits used to meet requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing may not be used toward the Master of Science in Nursing.

Degree Programs
Students may earn only one Master of Science in Nursing degree from the Indiana University School of Nursing, although they may study in more than one major.

Study/Thesis Continuation
After completing R590 Nursing Study (3 cr.) or R699 Master's Thesis in Nursing (6 cr.), the student must enroll every semester in R900 Continuation in Study or Thesis (1 cr.), until the study or thesis is satisfactorily completed.

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Curriculum Design

Minimum completion time for the master's degree program is three semesters. The pattern and duration for the individual student is determined in consultation with the student's faculty advisor.

All majors include the following areas of study:

1. Core Courses
   One course each in research methodology, policy and practice perspectives in advanced nursing practice, ethical and legal perspectives in advanced nursing practice, advanced nursing practice roles, and nursing theory, for a total of 12 credit hours.
2. Courses in the Nursing Major
   Between 15 and 27 credit hours in specialty courses from the major department.
3. Nursing Study/Thesis Option
   Three (3) credit hours of nursing study or 6 credit hours of thesis work.
   Required by some Majors:
   Focus Area Courses
   Between 3 and 12 credit hours of electives chosen by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Post-Master's Options

A minimum of 12 credit hours, determined by the area of study. Post-master's options are available in all Master of Science in Nursing majors. The option varies from 12 to 29 credits, depending on previous course work.

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Program Descriptions

Students select a major area of study at the time they apply for admission. Post-master's options are available in all clinical areas and in nursing administration and teacher education. The majors are listed by their respective departments.

Nursing Administration

Clinical Specialists
Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Child/Adolescent Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Community Health

Nurse Practitioners
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Adult Nurse Practitioner (Geriatric and Oncology Tracks available)
Family Nurse Practitioner
OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

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Dual Degrees

About Dual Degree Programs
Dual M.H.A./M.S.N. Degree
Dual M.S.N./M.A. in Philanthropic Studies (PHST) Degree

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About Dual Degree Programs

The Indiana University School of Nursing offers dual-degree programs with the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) and the Center on Philanthropy.

Joint educational offerings with SPEA provide opportunities for students to achieve the degrees of Master of Science in Nursing/ Master of Public Affairs (M.S.N./M.P.A.) and Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Health Administration (M.S.N./M.H.A.).

The M.S.N./M.P.A. and M.S.N./M.H.A. programs enable students to take a sequence of courses leading to both degrees. The student must have a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an NLN-accredited school of nursing and must apply to both the School of Nursing and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. If the applicant is admitted to only one school, the applicant will be permitted to attend that school and will be required to meet the graduation requirements of that school.

Students should apply to both schools simultaneously for the M.S.N./M.P.A. and M.S.N./M.H.A. programs. Persons already enrolled in either the School of Nursing or the School of Public and Environmental Affairs may apply for admission to the other school, up to the time of completion of the second year of nursing study, or at the end of the first year of the M.P.A. or M.H.A. course of study.

Grade point averages in the School of Nursing and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs are computed separately. Continuation in a combined program requires the student to meet academic standards in each school. A student failing in one school but meeting academic standards in the other may complete work for the degree in the school in which academic standards are met. Such completion must be upon the same conditions (credit hours, residency, etc.) as required of non-combination degree candidates (i.e., 42 credit hours for the School of Nursing and 48-60 credit hours for SPEA). Students will be eligible for honors in each school, based on the criteria of each school.

Students enrolled in the combined programs will be assigned co-advisors, one each from the faculty of the School of Nursing and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. The co-advisors are responsible for reviewing the student's progress each semester to ensure attainment of educational objectives. Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding appropriate sequence and combination of courses.

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Dual M.H.A./M.S.N. Degree

Courses for the M.H.A./M.S.N. Program

Required Nursing Core Courses (12 credits)
NURS R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3)
NURS N502 Nursing Theory I (3)
NURS N530 Policy and Practice Perspectives (2)
NURS N532 Advanced Practice Roles (2)
NURS N534 Ethical/Legal Perspectives (2)

Required M.H.A. Courses (31.5 - 34.5 credits)
SPEA H501 U.S. Healthcare Systems (3)
SPEA A524 Accounting (3)
SPEA J501/H614 Strategy (3)
*SPEA H615 Health Outcomes (3)
SPEA H518 Biostatistics (3)
SPEA H510 Health Care Finance (3)
SPEA H514 Health Care Economics (3) (see Required Nursing Administration Courses below)
*SPEA H516 Law (3)
SPEA M540 Marketing (1.5)
*SPEA H623 Health Care Applications of Strategy (3)
SPEA H702 Internship in Health Services Management (3)
or
NURS L579 Practicum (see Required Nursing Administration Courses below)
SPEA H521 Management Science (3)
*SPEA H628 Health Information Systems (3)

Required Nursing Administration Courses (18-21 credits)
NURS L573 Organizational Behavior (3)
NURS L574 Administrative Management (3)
NURS L575 Corporate/Public Policy (3)
NURS L671 Financial Management (3)
NURS R590 Nursing Study (3)
NURS L579 Nursing Administration Practicum (3)
or
SPEA H702 Practicum (3) (see Required M.H.A. Courses above)
SPEA H514 Health Care Economics (3)
*Nursing Electives (9)

Total: 64.5 Credits (see Note)

* Nursing electives may be satisfied by any of these M.H.A. courses.

• Note: H518 Biostatistics may be used as the nursing prerequisite, and up to a combined 9 credits of mid-career credit may be available (see Course Waivers, Substitutions and Challenge Exams under SPEA or Portfolio Review Process under M.S.N. in Nursing - Degree Requirements).

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Dual M.S.N./M.A. in Philanthropic Studies (PHST) Degree

The Indiana University School of Nursing and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University have collaborated to offer the Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies and Master of Science in Nursing Administration. Requirements for this dual degree program are:

Required Nursing Core Courses (12 credits)
NURS N502 Nursing Theory I (3)
NURS N530 Policy and Practice Perspectives (2)
NURS N532 Advanced Practice Roles (2)
NURS N534 Ethical and Legal Perspectives (2)
NURS R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3)

Required Core Courses in Philanthropic Studies (9 - 12 credits)
HIST H509 History of Philanthropy in the West (3)
PHIL P542 Ethics and Values of Philanthropy (3)
PHST P512 Human and Financial Resources for Philanthropy (3)
PHST P590 Internship in Philanthropic Studies (3)
or
NURS L579 (see Required Nursing Administration Courses below)

Required Nursing Administration Courses (18 - 21 credits)
NURS L573 Organizational Behavior (3)
NURS L574 Administrative Management (3)
NURS L575 Corporate and Public Policy for Nurse Executives (3)
SPEA H514 Health Care Economics (3)
NURS L671 Financial Management: Nursing (3)
NURS R590 Nursing Study (3)
or
NURS R699 Master's Thesis in Nursing (6)
NURS L579 Nursing Administration Practicum (3)
or
PHST P590 (see Required Core Courses in Philanthropic Studies above)

Required Focus Area Concentration Options (6 credits)
ECON E514 Nonprofit Economy and Public Policy (3) (Required)
AMST P520 Philanthropy in American Culture (3)
or
ANTH A509 Cross-cultural Dimensions of Philanthropy (3)
Theoretical elective in Philanthropic Studies (3)
Credit for Thesis Option or other approved graduate-level courses (6)

One of the Following (3 credits)
EDUC C595 Legal Aspects of Philanthropy (3)
PHST P521 / SPEA V521 The Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (3)
Approved graduate course in fundraising, executive leadership, or grant writing (3)

Total: 51-54 Credit hours

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Ph.D. in Nursing Science

About the Ph.D. Program
Admission Requirements
Study and Research Focus Areas
Curriculum
Sample Course of Study¹

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About the Ph.D. Program

The Doctor of Philosophy program, which builds on baccalaureate nursing education, is based on the beliefs that professional nursing is a scientific discipline and that it has a unique role and body of knowledge. This body of knowledge can be expanded, applied, and validated through recognized methods of scholarly inquiry. As students progress through the program, they become socialized to the value of research and interdisciplinary inquiry, and acquire the skills necessary to conduct independent research.

The primary goal of the Doctor of Philosophy of Nursing Science program at the Indiana University School of Nursing is the preparation of scholars in the following fields of study: environments for health, acute and chronic health problems, health promotion, and family health adaptation. Graduates will create and disseminate to the public new knowledge related to these fields of study. Upon completion of the Ph.D. in Nursing Science program, graduates will be able to

1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing as well as from the biological and behavioral sciences to investigate health phenomena relevant to the discipline of nursing;
2. Utilize analytical and empirical methods to extend nursing knowledge and scholarship;
3. Independently conduct and communicate research that advances the body of scientific nursing knowledge;
4. Defend the social significance of the expanded knowledge base of nursing;
5. Interpret nursing science within an interdisciplinary context.

Admission Requirements

The following criteria must be met for admission consideration:

1. Successful completion of a baccalaureate in nursing or master of science in nursing from a program within a regionally accredited institution of higher education. (Indiana University School of Nursing faculty retain the right to determine acceptable accreditation status of nursing programs from which applicants have graduated.)
2. A baccalaureate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. For applicants holding a master's degree, a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher is required. (The master's degree GPA will supersede the baccalaureate GPA.)
3. Completion of a 3 credit hour statistics course with a grade of B (3.0) or higher within seven years before the date of proposed enrollment.
4. The ability to secure current registered nurse licensure in Indiana. International students may request a waiver of licensure as an admission requirement. If the waiver is granted, they must obtain a registered nurse license in Indiana within one year of admission to the Ph.D. program. Applicants whose program of study will not require contact with patients may be exempted from the licensure requirement by the IUSON's director of doctoral studies.
5. Competitive scores (600 or better) on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examination (taken in the last five years).
6. A score of 600 or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for students whose first language is not English. A test of written English is also required.
7. A two- to three-page essay summarizing immediate and long-range professional goals and a proposed area of research.
8. An example of original scholarship or research in nursing, as demonstrated by a report, published and unpublished papers, or a thesis.
9. Three references, including at least one from a nurse faculty member who has knowledge of the applicant's academic ability from undergraduate or master's work.
10. An interview with a member(s) of the Doctoral Studies Advisory Committee (arranged by the school).
11. A letter of support from an Indiana University School of Nursing faculty member with full graduate faculty status, who has agreed to be a research mentor.

Study and Research Focus Areas

Students will pursue study and related research in one of four focus areas: acute and chronic health problems, environments for health, family health adaptation, and health promotion. These focus areas were chosen on the basis of faculty research strengths and on the funding priorities of the National Institute of Nursing Research.

Acute and Chronic Health Problems
Individuals who have acute or chronic health problems often need intervention to facilitate management of the specific problem. Intervention may focus on influencing the behavior of the patient as well as the behavior of the caregiver. To that end, nurse researchers in this focus area examine human responses to acute and chronic health problems and the factors that influence these responses; individual and group factors that contribute to or influence the course of health problems; and the effectiveness of the nursing therapeutics used in the care of persons with health problems.

Environments for Health
Environments that influence health and the delivery of health care, both in traditional health care settings and in the community, are the topics in this area. Pertinent studies include factors in environments that influence the health of groups, as well as studies of the environments in which health care is delivered; the emphasis is on the system and how it affects individuals. Research in this area is particularly relevant at a time when more health care is being moved from acute care facilities to community-based settings, creating a demand for a better understanding of the evolving systems needed to deliver care effectively and efficiently.

Family Health Adaptation
Nursing's acknowledgment of the fact that no one lives in isolation, and of the importance of the person-environment fit, forms the philosophical base for this focus area. All individuals live within a social system of significant others. Although the term "family" has evolved through the years and sometimes seems to defy universal definition, the notion of nurturing relationships-regardless of specific life stage or lifestyle-is central to human existence and plays a critical role in health promotion, maintenance, and treatment. Research in this area explores the family dimensions of health and adaptation by focusing on "family" as the unit of care, rather than on individuals in the context of family. These dimensions include family development, family definition of health, family access to health care, family support to sick individuals, and the impact of health problems on the family.

Health Promotion
Nursing involves a commitment to health promotion, disease prevention, and health restoration with an emphasis on the "whole" person and the encouragement of self-help. This focus area emphasizes research that builds on those beliefs and examines the relationship between the physiological and behavioral aspects of health. The focus is on nursing's role in helping individuals to monitor and to improve their health and quality of life. Studies examine human behaviors related to health promotion, factors that influence health-seeking behaviors, and interventions that promote optimal health for individuals by influencing health behaviors.

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Curriculum

Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours. A maximum of 30 credit hours may be from Master of Science course work. The 90 credit hours include the following areas:

Theory, Research, and Statistics

Theory	6 cr.
N502 Nursing Theory I	3 cr.
D607 Nursing Theory II	3 cr.
Research Methods and Statistics	12 cr.
R500 Nursing Research Methods I	3 cr.
R600 Nursing Research Methods II	3 cr.
Two statistical methods courses	6 cr.
Advanced Methods Track	6 cr.
Quantitative Track
One advanced statistical methods course	3 cr.
One advanced quantitative methods course	3 cr.
OR
Qualitative Track
One survey of qualitative research methods seminar	3 cr.
One advanced qualitative research methods course	3 cr.
Total	24 cr.

Nursing Science and Research

Proseminars	6 cr.
D730 Proseminar: State of Nursing Science I (environments for health/family health adaptation)	3 cr.
D731 Proseminar: State of Nursing Science II (acute and chronic illness/health promotion)	3 cr.
Focus Area Course Work	24 cr.
Total	30 cr.
External Cognate Minor	12 cr.
Dissertation Dissertation seminar (3 cr.) Dissertation (21 cr.)
Total	24 cr.
TOTAL OVERALL	90 cr.

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Sample Course of Study¹

First Semester
Statistical methods course N502 Nursing Theory I Focus area course Total	3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 9 cr.
Second Semester
R500 Nursing Research Methods I Statistical methods course D607 Nursing Theory II Total	3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 9 cr.
Third Semester
R600 Nursing Research Methods II Focus area course D730 Proseminar: State of Nursing Science I Total	3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 9 cr.
Fourth Semester
Statistical Methods (multivariate) (Qualitative Track) Focus area course D731 Proseminar: State of Nursing Science II Total	3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 9 cr.
Fifth Semester
Focus area research External cognate minor course Total	6 cr. 3 cr. 9 cr.
Summer Session
External cognate minor course Total	3 cr. 3 cr.
Sixth Semester
Focus area research Focus area research External cognate minor course Total	3 cr. 3 cr. 3 cr. 9 cr.
Seventh Semester
Focus area research External cognate minor course Total	6 cr. 3 cr. 9 cr.
Eighth Semester
Dissertation seminar Dissertation Total	3 cr. 5 cr. 8 cr.
Ninth Semester
Dissertation Total	8 cr. 8 cr.
Tenth Semester
Dissertation Total	8 cr. 8 cr.
TOTAL OVERALL	90 cr.

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