Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)

General Information

The School of Nursing offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The program is designed to allow nurses with a baccalaureate degree to prepare for advanced practice roles. MSN degree concentrations available include Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

Program Outcomes

1.  Integrate advanced nursing knowledge, theories, and evidence from nursing and related disciplines to form clinical judgment, promote innovation, and improve patient and system level outcomes.

2.  Formulate and implement individualized, evidence-based care plans that are developmentally appropriate and integrate shared decision-making.

3.  Apply population-level data to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions that address social determinants of health and  improve health outcomes for populations.

4.  Critically appraise, translate, and apply evidence into practice to improve care quality. 

5.  Apply principles of safety science, quality improvement, and systems thinking to minimize harm and enhance patient and population outcomes.

6.  Collaborate within interprofessional teams to coordinate care and optimize health outcomes.  

7.  Coordinate resources and apply evidence-based strategies to deliver safe, quality, cost-effective care to patients within a healthcare system.

8.  Integrate health informatics, data analytics, and emerging technologies to support clinical decision-making, manage care, and improve health outcomes.

9.  Demonstrate professionalism through ethical practice, accountability, and advocacy, reflecting the core values and responsibilities of the nursing profession.

10.  Demonstrate leadership behaviors that foster resilience, self-awareness, and lifelong learning.

Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive and limited to available space. In addition to meeting the requirements of the Graduate School, the minimum requirements for admission to the program include:

1. a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program,
2. an unencumbered RN license from an approved state.
3. an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) cumulative,
4. a three hour graduate or undergraduate course in statistics with a grade of “C” or higher.
5. one year of experience as an RN.

In addition to the above criteria, consideration is also given to the applicant's professional work experience, the applicant’s professional statement, and the three required professional references submitted with the Graduate School application.

Please refer to the School of Nursing website at https://www.eku.edu/chs/nursing for specific information on the application process for admission and progression plans for study. Contact (859) 622-2628 or (859) 622-1827 for additional information.

Progression Policy

Students must complete all required course work with a grade of “B” or higher and must complete any prerequisite courses before advancing to the next course. Students who fail to meet the requirements for progression must apply for readmission. Readmission to a nursing course is not guaranteed to any student. Please refer to the MSN Student Handbook for specific information on readmission procedures. The program reserves the right to alter the suggested plan of study as necessary to enhance a quality educational program.

Program Requirements

CIP Code: 51.3801 

¹

Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration: Concurrent enrollment in NSC 800 Advanced Practice Role enrollment with NSC 870 FNP I, NSC 872 FNP II, NSC 874 FNP III for a total of 8 hours.

²

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration: Concurrent NSC 800 Advanced Practice Role enrollment with NSC 880 PMHNP I, NSC 882 PMHNP II, NSC 884 PMHNP III for a total of 8 hours. 

 Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration

 Psychiatric Mental Health Concentration