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SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES
MARSTON HALL
206-281-2616
MSNINFO@SPU.EDU

OVERVIEW

At a time of unprecedented change and challenges in health care, it is increasingly important that nurses provide the vision, talent, and leadership necessary to serve individuals, groups, and communities. The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program, with emphasis in leadership and advanced practice pathways, prepares students to serve as leaders in nursing. The degree provides students with the opportunity to expand their career opportunities.

At SPU, several pathways may be incorporated into the master of science in nursing. Students who focus on roles in education, administration, clinical nurse specialties, the clinical nurse leader, or nurse informatics complete a 49- to 56-credit program designed to be completed in two to three years of study. Students who choose the adult/gerontological or family nurse practitioner pathway, complete a 56- to 59-credit program designed to be completed in two to three years of study.

The M.S.N. program integrates theory, research, and evidence to prepare graduates of the highest quality within a Christian worldview. Two certificate programs are also available:

• Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate program. Available to individuals who have obtained a master's degree in nursing. This program is 38–41 credits and is designed to take four quarters to complete.
• Post-Baccalaureate Nurse Education Preparation Certificate program. For students who have obtained their bachelor's degree in nursing and plan to teach in clinical or academic settings. The nurse-educator courses may be applied to coursework for the M.S.N. program.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. and $50 application fee.
2. Personal statement of professional and leadership goals as related to the specific mission statement of the School of Health Sciences and a statement of the applicant's expectations of graduate education. This includes a description of the applicant's potential for success in a master's level, leadership-focused program of study for advanced practice.
3. Official college/university transcripts.
4. Undergraduate nursing degree with GPA 3.0 or better in the last 45 quarter nursing credits.
5. Proof of undergraduate statistics course with 2.0 or better.
6. Recommendation forms: one personal, two professional (one of which must be from a supervisor).
7. In-house writing requirement.
8. A Washington state R.N. license with no practice restrictions.
9. No convictions for crimes against persons (Washington or resident state background check).
10. Nurse practitioner applicants only: documentation of active nursing practice within the last two years.
11. Graduate admission interview.
12. Proof of R.N. liability insurance.
13. Professional résumé.

APPLICATION PROCESS
The School of Health Sciences admits students in the Autumn Quarter. Students may enroll in courses as a non-matriculated student. These students must have the approval of the director of the M.S.N. program and a current license. It is recommended, however, that students complete application materials before February in order to be eligible for (pdf).

ADMISSION PROCEDURE
Once all application materials are received, the administrative assistant for the graduate program schedules an admission’s interview for the applicant with the director of the M.S.N. program.

During this interview, the applicant is asked to address career objectives, the reasons for seeking a graduate degree, professional and personal strengths, practice experiences, personal values, and why the student is choosing ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ.

Additionally, because the graduate record exam (GRE) is optional for admission to the program, in lieu of the GRE, applicants will complete a brief writing exercise during the interview process, which is focused on a practical issue in nursing.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM COURSEWORK
Students admitted to the graduate program begin the sequence of core graduate nursing courses during Autumn Quarter. Students take core courses the first year and separate into specialty areas the second or third year of the program. Internship experiences begin after the core courses are completed and continue during the final year of the program of studies.

PROGRAM CONCENTRATIONS
Students choose to complete either a scholarly clinical project or a thesis. The scholarly clinical project is designed within the context of the three research courses. One or two public presentations of the scholarly project are conducted prior to graduation. Students selecting a thesis register for 3–5 additional thesis credits and work closely with a faculty member and a thesis committee. Click to see courses required for the master of science in nursing; the nurse educator certificate; and for post-master's nurse practitioner certificate preparation.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The general requirements for a master’s degree are consistent with those listed for the University. All courses must be completed within a six-year limit. Prior to completion of the nurse-practitioner pathway, students must achieve a passing grade on the comprehensive exam. The exam is scheduled as part of the final nurse practitioner course.

CONTACT INFORMATION
To request application materials, contact The Graduate Center at gradadmissions@spu.edu, or at 206-281-2888 or 800-601-0603 (toll free). are also available.

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