The Master of Science, major in nursing, prepares students for positions that address complex health problems. There are two plan options for students, Plan A and Plan B.  Plan A is research based with completion of a thesis. A minimum of 30 credits is required for Plan A to include the following:

• A minimum of 14 credits in the major of nursing (3 disciplinary core master's level courses required in research, theory, and ethics.);
• Six credits in a minor or related field; and
• 10 thesis credits

Plan B is practice-oriented with completion of a focused research project. Students take required coursework for each area of study, completing a final paper or project.  There are 15 areas of study within Plan B.

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Children with Special Health Care Needs
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Children with Special Health Care Needs
• Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
• Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nursing and Health Care Systems Administration*
• Nurse Midwifery*
• Public Health Nursing*
• Public Health Nursing - Adolescent Nursing
• Women's Nurse Health Care Practitioner*
• Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist*

Five areas of study (*) are web-based programs, with sessions on campus a few times each semester.

In line with a new national trend, the School of Nursing is phasing out the Master of Science program and replacing it with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

More information about the DNP is located on the DNP section of this web site. If you currently have a Masters degree and you would like to advance your education to the practice doctorate level, please visit the Post-Master's DNP section of our web site.

For more information on all of our programs, please contact the School of Nursing Office of Student & Career Advancement Services.