Apr 25, 2024  
2010-2013 Graduate Catalog 
    
2010-2013 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Science in Nursing, M.S.N.


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The M.S. in Nursing Program offers a Leadership and Management concentration that prepares nurses for leadership positions in mid-level and upper-level management throughout the healthcare industry. Management and leadership skills are paramount in correcting problems affecting the healthcare industry. The program emphasizes knowledge of management and leadership skills necessary to promote innovation and change, to facilitate implementation of new technology, and to introduce new interventions for safe effective patient care. Courses supporting leadership skills include content in economics and finance, health policy, health economics, and program planning and evaluation.

In addition, an optional concentration is offered in Nursing Education. Graduates will be prepared to work as patient care managers in multiple healthcare settings. Graduates with a concentration in nursing education will also be prepared to teach in schools of nursing, hospital staff development departments, community health staff development departments, or to teach patients in any type of patient care area. While doctoral-prepared faculties are preferred in universities, the current nurse faculty shortage allows an MSN recipient to teach in an undergraduate program. The MSN program is designed to meet the Commission on Colleges of Nursing Education’s (CCNE) Essentials of Masters Degree Nursing Standards.

Objective

The MSU Nursing Program provides education and training leading to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The master’s degree is considered the entry level requirement for nurse educators and nursing management. The objectives of the program are to prepare nurses at an advanced practice level who demonstrate professional leadership and foster a research climate in the practice of nursing.

This 45-credit graduate program is offered as a weekend program designed specifically for adult learners with full-time jobs. The program entails taking two courses from 9 am until 4:30 pm for 10 consecutive Saturdays. Four of these 10-week sessions will be offered during the year with a three-to-four-week break between each term.

Graduates of Morgan State’s MSN program will be prepared to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legislative and socio-political issues that influence decision-making and to develop strategies to influence health outcomes and health policies;
  • Participate and provide leadership on interdisciplinary teams;
  • Apply legal/ethical principles to promote a values-based professional practice;
  • Affect healthcare outcomes through advanced practice roles of clinician, teacher, manager, researcher, and consultant;
  • Utilize theories from nursing and other disciplines for clinical decision-making;
  • Advocate for access to quality healthcare for diverse populations;
  • Collaborate with other disciplines to design, deliver and evaluate health promotion/ disease prevention programs for diverse populations.

Admission to the Program

For unconditional admission, applicants must have an active RN license, have earned either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on previous course work. Students with an undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 2.9 may be considered for conditional admission. Admission will be granted for either the Fall or Spring semester and is based upon the following requirements:

  • An application for Admission
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation from practicing health and/or other professionals and academicians.
  • A one-page essay describing the applicant’s academic and professional plans and the reasons for selecting Morgan State University.
  • A current curriculum vitae
  • Documentation of previous academic achievement, professional accomplishments, and earned degrees.
  • Official copies of transcripts from all graduate and undergraduate institutions attended.
  • An Interview with a member of the Nursing Program Admissions Committee.

Program of Study


The master’s degree is considered the entry level requirement for nurse educators and nursing management. The Maryland Nurse Practice Act requires possession of an M.S.N. degree in order to teach undergraduate nursing courses. The lack of master’s prepared nurses has been identified as the chief reason for lack of expansion of nursing programs. The master’s degree is also required for admission into doctoral programs. Morgan’s 45-credit graduate program is offered as a weekend program designed specifically for adult learners with full-time jobs. Students enroll in two courses on 10 consecutive Saturdays from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Four (4) of these ten (10)-week sessions will be offered during the year with a three to four-week break between each term. This program can be completed within seven or eight terms.

MSN Curriculum


Foundation/Core Summary: 33 Credits


MSN Management Concentration Summary: 12 Credits


Education Concentration Summary: 12 Credits


Total: 45 Credits


MSN Degree Requirements


  • Foundation/Core Courses 30 credits.
  • Management or Education Concentration 13 credits.

Total: 43 Credits


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