The masters program leading to a Master of Science degree with a major in Nursing or a post-masters certification is targeted to prepare clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and nurse administrators. The focus of the masters nursing program is based on scientific knowledge of nursing practice and education through research.

Specializations are offered at the master's level in Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, and Nursing Education Students may enroll in full-time or part-time study within a selected area of specialization. In selecting an area of specialization, students follow either a thesis or non-thesis option in their program of study. The Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing specializations prepare students only in the functional role of clinical specialist. Post Master Certificates are available for Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing-CNS, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing-NP, and Nurse Education.

The program received a ten-year accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) granted through 2011. The Nurse Anesthesia Specialization is accredited by the Council of Accreditation (COA) for Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs through 2011.

ADMISSION CRITERIA:

The Master of Science degree specializations in nursing requires:

Baccalaureate degree in Nursing from an NLN or CCNE accredited program
Successful completion of a statistics course (graduate or undergraduate level)
Minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 (on 4.0 scale) for last 2 years of baccalaureate study
Current RN licensure in the U.S.
Resume
A minimum of one-year experience as a registered nurse

Additional admission criteria for Nurse Anesthesia also includes:

• an undergraduate course in College Algebra (UND math placement testing may be used to waive this requirement);
• an upper level division Biochemistry course (UND Biochemistry 301 or its approved equivalent);
• a minimum of one year full-time experience (two or more years preferred) as a registered nurse in a critical care setting (desired settings would include medical, surgical, cardiovascular, neurologic, or trauma intensive care units and primarily care for the adult population;
• a successful interview.

For further information:

Requests for information or application for admission to the Graduate Nursing programs may be found at the UND Graduate School website at http://www.und.edu/dept/grad/html/admissionshome.html.