Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education Emphasis (MSN)
College of Health and Human Services
The MSN program is dedicated to preparing graduates to lead the nursing profession while meeting the challenges of an ever-changing, complex healthcare system.
MSN students embrace the culture of the nursing profession while engaging in experiences that promote personal and professional development. MSN students engage in analysis and synthesis of research, policy, systems and practice using critical inquiry allowing them to implement appropriate evidence based nursing interventions. Whether employed in the community or an acute care setting, nurses will acquire the knowledge and skills related to health promotion, disease prevention, population based nursing practice, education, management and leadership to lead, teach, advocate and practice at an advanced level with individuals, families and communities.
The MSN program has three areas of emphasis:
- Health Advocacy
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Administration
Students in the MSN program take one class at a time and have the option to develop additional knowledge and skills in specific areas of interest. A full-time student may complete the MSN program in 16 months. This non-thesis program includes a professional practicum project that integrates emphasis competencies.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NU-500 | Research I: Theory & Critique | 3 |
| NU-501 | Health Care: Systems Thinking and Organization | 3 |
| NU-503 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 |
| NU-504 | Professional Role and Skill Development | 3 |
| NU-511 | Advanced Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology | 3 |
| NU-621 | Nurse Educator: Roles and Responsibilities | 3 |
| NU-622 | Nurse Educator: Curriculum and Instructional Design | 3 |
| NU-623 | Nurse Educator: Teaching/Learning Strategies | 3 |
| NU-624 | Nurse Educator: Assessment and Evaluation | 3 |
| NU-625 | Nurse Educator: Clinical Specialty I | 3 |
| NU-626 | Nurse Educator: Clinical Specialty II | 3 |
| NU-660 | Professional Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Admission Requirements
- Current and valid registered nurse (RN) license. NOTE: Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person: a) Who has been denied license by the Board; b) Whose license is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in any U.S. jurisdiction; c) Whose license or registration is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action. International students without current RN license may be admitted based on review by Program Director.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program, other undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside of the United States. Undergraduate record should reflect ability to be successful in graduate studies. If undergraduate degree is not a BSN, students may be admitted with a BA or BS, and an associates degree in nursing.
- An undergraduate statistics course with a minimum grade of C (C- not acceptable). A student may be admitted to the MSN program at the discretion of the Program Director prior to completing this prerequisite.
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing professionalism, clinical skills, critical thinking, and communication skills.
- All Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students must meet administrative requirements including criminal background check, health insurance coverage, immunization status compliance, CPR, and malpractice liability insurance prior to completion of the first MSN course.
- All non-native English speakers are required to take TOEFL or equivalent English language proficiency assessment and complete interview with Program Director.
Academic Standing
Only two “C” grades (C+, C or C-) are permitted in the program. A third grade of “C+” or below will result in academic dismissal from the program. No course with a grade of “C-“ or below will count toward a graduate degree. Any grade of “F” may be cause for dismissal from the program. A second “C+” or below in a repeated course may be cause for dismissal from the program. Dismissals may be appealed through the appeal process.
Departments can identify courses in which a “B” is the minimum grade required.
Repeating Courses
A student receiving a “C+”, “C” or “C-“ may repeat a graduate course once. For the MSN and DNP programs, a maximum of one course may be repeated.
Transfer Policy
Upon admission to the program, students may transfer in graduate courses with the approval of the Program Director. The maximum number of transferable credit hours is 12. Credit allowance for graduate courses is considered on an individual basis; however, students must have earned a “B” or higher for the course to be considered. Course syllabi, college catalog, and a sample of previous course work may be requested for consideration of a class.
The master's degree program in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791).
The master’s program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing (400 S.W. 8th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309).