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The Program
The MSN program prepares leaders for advanced practice in
the roles of Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Clinical
Nurse Specialist, and Family Nurse Practitioner. Courses
are based on advanced knowledge and the critique and application
of theory and research as a scientific base for nursing.
What You Will Learn
Upon the completion of the Master of Science in Nursing
Program, the graduate will be able to:
• Integrate knowledge, theory, research and skills
in planning and evaluating comprehensive plans of care for
individuals, families and populations.
• Design culturally sensitive programs and systems
of care that meet the needs of diverse and vulnerable populations.
• Provide evidence-based, clinically proficient care
using critical thinking skills in advanced nursing
roles.
• Adapt oral, written and technological communication
skills to be effective and appropriate in clinical, educational,
and professional contexts and systems.
• Integrate ethical theory and principles into nursing
theory, research and practice in advanced nursing roles.
• Advocate for healthcare policies and financing that
promote, preserve and restore public health.
• Provide leadership in collaborative efforts with
other disciplines to influence improvement in
healthcare systems.
• Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning to enhance
the nursing profession.
Admission Requirements
• Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally
accredited institution with an upper
division major in nursing (BSN) and a NLNAC or CCNE accredited
nursing program or the equivalent as determined by the School
of Nursing Student Affairs Committee.
• Overall grade point average of 3.0 (on a four-point
scale) higher in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units
attempted. Students not meeting this requirement may be
admitted to Conditionally
Classified status on the recommendation of the faculty.
• Current RN licensure in the United States.
• Completion of statistics (descriptive and inferential)
and upper division research courses. Students who have not
taken these courses in the undergraduate program may enroll
in them concurrently with graduate coursework. They must
be completed prior to MSN 530.
• The Graduate Writing Examination (GWE) requirement
(or equivalent) must be met prior to admission OR during
the first semester of coursework with a score of 8 or better.
• Submission of a professional resume and 100-200
word essay describing the congruence of the applicant's
educational goals with the CSUDH MSN program.
Admissions criteria for the Clinical Nurse Leader Role
Option have a different set of requirements. Please see
the CSUDH course catalogue.
Other Program Requirements
• Undergraduate transcripts must reflect completion
of pathophysiology and health assessment courses. •
Students who have senior status in BSN programs may take
up to two graduate courses if the following conditions are
met. Undergraduate students who register for and complete
graduate coursework to satisfy requirements for the undergraduate
degree or without obtaining prior approval, will not receive
course credit for the graduate program.
• Student has applied for BSN graduation
• Student's grade point average is 3.0 or higher
• Student has completed the GWE (or equivalent) with
a score of 8 or better
• Student has submitted the “Graduate Course
Credit for Seniors” form prior to registering in graduate
coursework.
• A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better
and a grade of B or better in each course is required. Any
student receiving a grade of B- or lower during any term
must consult with their graduate advisor. The CSUDH catalog
outlines the policies concerning probation and disqualification.
Degree Requirements
The program requires 33-75 semester units of approved graduate
study that includes six role options. The curriculum consists
of core courses, role emphasis courses, role performance
(clinical/practicum) courses, electives, and the culminating
experience.
Role Options
The curriculum allows RN students to choose one of five
role options: Nurse Administrator, Nurse
Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Parent-Child Nursing
Clinical Nurse Specialist. Those seeking to become RNs may
only choose the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role option.
The CNL option has a fixed curriculum pattern which must
be followed as sequenced.
Graduate Course Prerequisites
Some MSN courses require the successful completion of prerequisites
not offered as part of the graduate program. However, the
prerequisite courses are available as undergraduate nursing
courses.
