Master of Science in Nursing Degree Program
The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares nurses for leadership positions in nursing practice, nursing education, and/or nursing management. The program requires completion of 36 credits of specialized professional course work, with courses organized in three components:
- a foundational core (theory, issues, research, foundations of practice)
- a role component specific to the selected role; and
- a role support component that provides a concentrated practicum experience in the selected role
The program is designed for part-time study, with courses offered in the evening. Part-time study requires approximately 4 years for completion of the degree, although students are granted up to 6 years to complete the requirements.
The program is accredited by the Collegiate Commission of Nursing Eduation (CCNE) One Dupont Circle, Washington, DC 20036 , phone 202-887-6791, fax 202-887-8476. . Web site: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation/index.htm
Students in the both the Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner options take a blend of clinical and role component courses. Students in each track complete a sequence of clinical and role component courses, including 540 hours of clinical practicum experiences under the guidance of a preceptor. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the national certification examinations.
Beginning in the 2005-2006 academic year, WCSU graduate nursing students may register for online courses in Nursing Education offered by Southern Connecticut State University. Contact Dr. Barbara Piscopo, Nursing Department Chair (piscopob@wcsu.edu, phone 203-837-8557) or Dr. Patricia Lund, Graduate Program Coordinator (lundp@wcsu,edu, phone 203-837-8567) for more information about this new program.
All graduate Nursing students take a concentrated practicum capstone course focusing on role development.
Admission
Applications for admission to the MS program are made through the Division of Graduate Studies, which must be provided with official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. Admission to the MS program is selective. Candidates must have earned a baccalaureate degree in Nursing from a NLNAC or CCNE accredited program, or equivalent undergraduate preparation; a satisfactory score on the Miller Analogies Test (required for those applicants with an undergraduate QPA of less than 3.30); and hold cur-rent RN licensure. At the time of application, candidates must provide one letter of recommendation from an employer and a resume. As part of the admission process, candidates must meet with the MS program Coordinator to develop a written plan of study.
