Master of Science in Nursing Program Goals

At the completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Integrate critical reasoning, theoretical and evidence-based knowledge, and nursing skills in information and healthcare technology to improve patient outcomes.
2. Employ skilled communication to develop and lead patient centered, interprofessional teams and advocate for patient centered and culturally responsive care among diverse patient populations.
3. Demonstrate transformative leadership by blending strong evidence and clinical expertise in the provision of safe high-quality advanced nursing practice.
4. Analyze the effect of policy across healthcare organizations and systems and act as a change agent to advocate for health policies focused on improving the wellbeing of the community.

Admission Standards for Degree Seeking Students

Individuals seeking admission to USC Upstate as a degree candidate will be considered for full admission when the USC Upstate Admissions Office receives all admissions materials. A baccalaureate (BSN) degree from a college or university and accredited by a regional accrediting agency is required. Nurses admitted to the RN-BSN program can receive direct admissions to the MSN program at USC Upstate.

Additional requirements include:

• An unencumbered RN license
• Nursing grade point average (NSG-GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Cumulative grade point average (CUM-GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework (official transcripts for all post-secondary school coursework are required),
• Undergraduate level statistics course

Application Requirements for Master of Science in Nursing Program

1. Application, application fee, residency form with all requested information and supporting documents.
2. Transcripts: Individuals seeking admission must provide official transcripts showing all post-secondary coursework attempted and the award of the BSN degree by an accredited college or university.  Official transcripts verifying all previous college-level course work are required for the University’s records.  To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to USC Upstate or delivered in a sealed envelope bearing a registrar’s stamp.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required.  Recommendations should be from a professional knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic and nursing leadership potential.
4. Validation of current RN license
5. Current CV or resume
6. Completion of agency requirements needed for clinical practice.
7. Personal statement: Applicants are required to submit a 1-2 page personal statement that describes career goals and how this degree will be utilized as a practicing CNL, a Nursing Educator and a Nursing Leader.

1.  

(Part-time study is also possible; students should seek guidance regarding required sequencing.)

Required Prerequisite

Completion of a BSN degree and licensure as a registered nurse

Required Courses

Plan of Study Grid

First Year		Hours
NURS U700	Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations for Nursing	3
NURS U701	Health Promotion and Advanced Health Assessment	3
NURS U702	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NURS U703	Cultural Perspectives in Healthcare	2
NURS U710	Advanced Evidence-Based Nursing Practice	3
NURS U711	Health Care Delivery Systems	2
NURS U712	Role of the Nurse as Leader	3
NURS U713	CNL Practicum I	1
	Hours	20
Summer
Optional Summer Term
NURS U715	Global Healthcare 1
	Hours	0
Second Year
NURS U720	Advanced Applied Pharmacology	3
NURS U721	Quality and Risk Management in Health Systems Leadership	2
NURS U722	Data Analysis in the Healthcare System	2
NURS U723	Evidence Based Practice Project I	1
NURS U724	CNL Practicum II	1
NURS U730	Outcomes Evaluation in Healthcare Systems Leadership	3
NURS U731	Evidence Based Practice Project II	2
NURS U732	CNL Practicum III	4
	Hours	18
	Total Hours	38

¹

Optional-instead of NURS U703 Cultural Perspectives in Healthcare.