Master of Science in Nursing

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. 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, Advanced Public Health Nurse, Gerontological Nursing, 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. 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 2012. The Nurse Anesthesia Specialization is accredited by the Council of Accreditation (COA) for Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs through 2012.

Program Objectives:

The Master’s Program in Nursing prepare nurses who are able to:

• Integrate theory, research, and experiential knowledge and evidence-based practice into advanced nursing practice.
• Demonstrate competence in advanced nursing practice consistent with applicable professional standards.
• Practice in the development of nursing science through evidenced based practice, research, and theory.
• Integrate relationships between social, cultural, political, and economic issues and health care delivery.

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
• Preferred 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.

A successful interview is also required for the Family Nurse Practitioner, advanced public health nurse, gerontological nursing, and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing tracks.

The admission deadlines for Fall 2013 are as follows:

• Family Nurse Practitioner - January 15th, 2013
• Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - January 15th, 2013
• Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner - January 15th, 2013
• Nurse Educator - May 1, 2013
• Advanced Public Health Nursing - May 1, 2013

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://graduateschool.und.edu/graduate-students/new/.