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. Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation is required.  Recommendation 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. The student will integrate critical reasoning, theoretical and evidence-based knowledge, and nursing skills in information and healthcare technology to improve patient outcomes.
   
   
2. The student will employ skilled communication to develop and lead patient centered, inter-professional teams and advocate for patient centered and culturally responsive care among diverse patient populations. (MSN Essential II, VI, VIII, VIII, IX).
3. Demonstrate transformative leadership by blending strong evidence and clinical expertise in the provision of safe high-quality advanced nursing practice. (MSN Essential II, III, IV, IX).
   
   
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.

(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

Plan of Study Grid

First Year		Hours
Required Courses
NURS U700	Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations for Nursing	3
NURS U703	Cultural Perspectives in Healthcare	2
Elective 1		3
NURS U710	Advanced Evidence-Based Nursing Practice	3
NURS U711	Health Care Delivery Systems	2
	Hours	13
Second Year
Cognates
NURS U712	Role of the Nurse as Leader	3
NURS U714	Organizational Theory	3
NURS U716	Economic & Healthcare Outcomes	3
NURS U717	Healthcare Policy and Financing	3
NURS U721	Quality and Risk Management in Health Systems Leadership	2
NURS U722	Data Analysis in the Healthcare System	2
NURS U733	Nursing Leadership Immersion I	3
NURS U734	Nursing Leadership Immersion II	3
NURS U735	Nursing Leadership Practicum	3
	Hours	25
	Total Hours	38

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Students may choose any graduate level courses - 3 credit hours.