Our master of science degree program educates registered nurses with bachelor's degrees to work as nurse practitioners. The program also prepares nurses for roles in leadership, consulting, education and research.

About The Program

The master's program builds on your undergraduate nursing education and focuses on applying advanced theory and evidence-based data to clinical practice. The curriculum includes courses in the advanced practice role, nursing theory, family theory, informatics, quality and safety, leadership and health care policy, research and advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology. You may take practicum courses as electives to strengthen your advanced practice skills. You also may participate in faculty-sponsored research or individual research projects under faculty guidance, or practice teaching or nursing administration. 

Classes are taught in a hybrid format, both in person and online, across seven semesters.

Throughout the MS NP program, students will be thoroughly prepared for national board certification as Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP), Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (FPMHNP), Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioners (AGNP) and advanced roles in healthcare.

After earning the MS NP, students may choose to continue on with the College of Nursing’s seamless pathway to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program. This 100 percent online program is designed for nurses who aspire to reach the pinnacle of clinical practice, leadership, and patient care, the DNP. This option offers a timely and cost-effective pathway from the MS NP degree to the DNP, allowing students to build on their advanced clinical knowledge while deepening their expertise in areas such as evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and organizational leadership. The online DNP Program is part-time to allow flexibility, so Nurse Practitioners can continue to practice while completing the terminal degree.