Master of Science in Nursing
Program Description
The M.S.N. is an online degree offered cooperatively by Columbus State University
and Georgia Southwestern University, both fully accredited institutions in the University
System of Georgia. The 36-38 hour program prepares professional registered nurses
for advanced practice nursing roles.
Nursing education concentration prepares nurses to facilitate learning in various
environments through the application of knowledge in instructional design, curriculum
development, technology utilization, and evaluation of learning.
Leadership concentration prepares nursing leaders who are able to influence, design,
manage, transform, and evaluate the evolution of nursing services and care delivery.
Informatics concentration prepares graduates who are proficient in health information
technology and essential informatics competencies to function within health care environments.
Family nurse practitioner prepares graduates to provide primary care to individuals
across the life span.
Career Opportunities
Prepares professional nurses to assume entry-level teaching positions in collegiate
and hospital settings. Roles within Nurse Educator practice include:
• Educator in collegiate or post secondary setting
• Health educator
• Program planner
• Staff educator
• Patient educator
• Researcher
• Collaborator
• Consultant
• Case manager
• Practitioner
• Health care provider
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited university and a nationally accredited nursing program (NLNAC or CCNE)
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (regular admission) or 2.75 (provisional admission)
- Current unencumbered RN license in the state where clinical course requirements will be met
- Three (3) professional letters of reference
- Acceptance into the Graduate School at Columbus State University
Students who do not meet GPA and/or GRE minimal admission requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis. They must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their coursework once admitted into the program.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- Implement selected advanced nurse role-leader, educator, informaticist, or practitioner within health care
- Develop and nurture interprofessional collaborations by communicating and consulting with other health care professionals
- Evaluate influence of ethical principles on personal and organizational decision-making
- Utilize nursing research for promotion of quality nursing education, safe, client-centered health care, and evidence based practice
- Employ critical thinking in application of nursing and multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to foster optimal client health outcomes
- Exemplify cultural competence and sensitivity to diversity in academic and health care environments
- Demonstrate competence in leadership roles and a commitment to ongoing professional development for provision of quality, cost-effective client-centered health care and advancement of nursing practice
- Utilize informatics to improve client outcomes
Additional Program Requirements
The MSN degree is awarded on completion of course work with a 3.0 or better grade point average (GPA), fulfillment of candidacy requirements and successful completion of required course and program requirements.
Program of Study
Core Required Hours: 15
NURS 6104 Theory for Graduate Nursing Practice
NURS 6105 Research for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
NURS 6106 Advanced Pharmacology
NURS 6107 Advanced Pathophysiology
NURS 6108 Advanced Health Assessment
Complete one of the following tracks:
Leadership Required Hours: 18
NURS 6100 Principles of Leadership & Management within Health Care Organizations
NURS 6119 Information Technology in Heath Care
NURS 6210 Management of Human Resources in Health Care
NURS 6230 Health Care Delivery Systems
NURS 6240 Health Care Finance
NURS 6407 Practicum
Education Required Hours: 18
NURS 6110 Principles of Education in Nursing<
NURS 6119 Information Technology in Heath Care
NURS 6220 Effective Teaching/Learning Strategies
NURS 6330 Evaluation of Learning
NURS 6407 Practicum
NURS 6440 Curriculum Development
Informatics Required Hours: 18
NURS 6407 Practicum
NURS 6720 Applied Statistics and Data Mining
NURS 6730 Process Improvement for Health Care
NURS 6740 Health Information and Exchange Standards & Models
NURS 6750 Health Systems Project Management
NURS 6760 Clinical Decision Support Systems
Thesis/Project Required Hours: 3
NURS 6800 Independent Study (optional)
NURS 6999 Focused Project in Nursing
Total Hours Required: 36
