MS
Program
MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
Purpose:
The purpose of the Master of Science program in the College of Nursing is to
provide an academic environment that fosters
scholarship, critical thinking,
creativity, and prepares nurses for leadership as advanced practice nurses. The
Master of Science
program offers advanced level courses that serve as a base
for doctoral study.
Objectives:
The Master of Science Program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses
who are qualified for the American Nurses
Credentialing Center examination. The graduate with a Master of Science
degree is prepared to:
1. Model nursing care practice that demonstrates
respect for human dignity, ethical responsibility, and interpersonal
connectedness.
2. Master communication strategies to address complex health issues in a variety of forums and formats.
3. Evaluate the aggregated outcomes of nursing care using accepted professional
standards and evidence-based benchmarks
to effect quality of care
within and across systems.
4. Implement evidence based nursing strategies that have been developed,
tailored, and evaluated with clients to maximize
health.
5. Synthesize specialized and diverse knowledge in advanced practice nursing.
6. Assume a leadership role in advancing, fostering, and maintaining nursing values and standards.
7. Influence nursing practices and health policy to shape care delivery to diverse and vulnerable populations.
8. Assume a leadership role in collaboration with interdisciplinary
team members and community partners to promote health,
guide clients through the
illness experiences, and to improve the health system.
MASTER OF SCIENCE CURRICULUM
The curriculum incorporates core courses, specialty courses (dependent on
student's chosen specialty option), practicum courses
supportive of advanced
practice nursing, and supporting elective courses.
Students may elect to pursue graduate study on a part-time (usually 6 credits
per semester) or full-time (9 credits per semester)
basis. However, all degree
requirements must be completed within five years of the date of matriculation
in the program.
Options:
There are three options in the Master of Science Program:
• Adult Health Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
• Adult Health Nurse Clinical Specialist
or Nurse Educator (AHN)
• Community Health Nurse Clinical Specialist (CHN)
Other Study Options:
• RN to BS to MS in Nursing Fast-Track Program
• Graduate Admission Program (GAP) for
RNs with Non-Nursing Baccalaureate Degrees
• Post MS Certificate: Adult Nurse Practitioner
Program Information:
Program Purpose and Objectives
MS Handbook
Admission Criteria
Application Form
Please attend one of our Information Sessions for more details!!
For more information about the MS Program, please contact:
Gail E. Russell, EdD, RN, NEA- BC
Director, Graduate Programs Director
Telephone: 508- 999-8251
E-mail: grussell@umassd.edu
Office: Textile-013
Francine Gilbert
Secretary, Nursing Graduate Programs
Telephone: 508-910-6487
Fax: 508-999-9127
E-mail: fgilbert@umassd.edu
Office: Textile-012 (1:00 pm - 4:30 pm)
