Nursing Education, Master of Science
Master of Science in Nursing Program Goals
At the completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:
- Integrate critical reasoning, theoretical and evidence-based knowledge, and nursing skills in information and healthcare technology to improve patient outcomes.
- Employ skilled communication to develop and lead patient centered, interprofessional teams and advocate for patient centered and culturally responsive care among diverse patient populations.
- Demonstrate transformative leadership by blending strong evidence and clinical expertise in the provision of safe high-quality advanced nursing practice.
- 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
- Application, application fee, residency form with all requested information and supporting documents.
- 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.
- 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.
- Validation of current RN license
- Current CV or resume
- Completion of agency requirements needed for clinical practice.
- 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.
(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
| 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 U704 | Education in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS U706 | Curriculum and Program Development | 3 |
| NURS U707 | Instructional & Evaluation Strategies | 3 |
| NURS U710 | Advanced Evidence-Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| Hours | 23 | |
| Second Year | ||
| NURS U711 | Health Care Delivery Systems | 2 |
| NURS U720 | Advanced Applied Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS U725 | Role of the Nursing Educator | 3 |
| NURS U726 | Nursing Educator Practicum | 4 |
| NURS U739 | Advanced Management of Health | 1 |
| NURS U740 | Advanced Management of Health Practicum | 2 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 38 | |