M.S.N. Advanced Role Options

Two M.S.N. advanced role options are offered online through Penn State World Campus.

Nurse Administrator Option

The M.S.N. Nurse Administrator option enables the student to acquire advanced knowledge of organizational leadership, health policy, and evidence-based health care delivery. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership and administrative roles in a variety of health care settings.

A total of 37 credits is required. The role synthesis course includes 180 practicum hours with a preceptor in an administrative setting. The curriculum is designed to assist graduates in preparing for national certification as a nurse executive.

Degree Requirements

(A) Master's Program Core (9 credits)

  • NURS 501: Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3 credits)
  • NURS 510: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 credits)
  • NURS 512: Nursing Research (3 credits)

(B) Nurse Administrator Option Courses (13 credits)

  • NURS 845: Health Care Economics and Policy for Nurse Administrators (3 credits)
  • NURS 846: Leadership Concepts and Theories for Nurse Administrators (3 credits)
  • NURS 847: Human Resource and Workforce Issues for Nurse Administrators (3 credits)
  • NURS 848: Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Administrator Role (4 credits)

(C) Supporting Courses (12 credits)

  • Courses to be determined in consultation with academic adviser. Course content includes health policy, health care economics, data management, quality improvement, and risk management.

(D) M.S.N. Capstone Course (3 credits)

  • NURS 594: Scholarly Paper (3 credits)

Nurse Educator Option

The M.S.N. Nurse Educator option enables the student to acquire advanced knowledge of evidence-based teaching and learning principles, curriculum development, and evaluative techniques. The program is designed to prepare students for educator roles in a variety of academic and health care settings.

The total number of credits required ranges from 37 to 40 (dependent on the selection of a scholarly paper or thesis in the capstone course). The role synthesis course includes 180 practicum hours with a preceptor in an educational setting. The curriculum will assist graduates in preparing for national certification as a nurse educator.

Degree Requirements

(A) Master's Program Core (9 credits)

  • NURS 501: Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3 credits)
  • NURS 510: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 credits)
  • NURS 512: Nursing Research (3 credits)

(B) Advanced Practice Nursing Courses (9 credits)

  • NURS 502: Advanced Health Assessment of Adult Populations (3 credits)
    or
    NURS 522: Comprehensive Assessment of the Older Adult (3 credits)
  • NURS 503: Pathophysiology (3 credits)
  • NURS 504: Pharmacologic Therapy (3 credits)

(C) Nurse Educator Option Courses (13 credits)

  • NURS 840: Nursing Education Theories and Strategies (3 credits)
  • NURS 841: Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education (3 credits)
  • NURS 842: Curriculum and Program Development in Nursing Education (3 credits)
  • NURS 843: Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Educator Role (4 credits)

(D) Supporting Courses (3 credits)

(E) M.S.N. Capstone Course (3 credits)

NURS 594: Scholarly Paper (3 credits)

For More Information

Please contact Dr. Janet Fogg, Ph.D., CNE, professor-in-charge, Professional Graduate Programs, 717-531-4211 or jef13@psu.edu