Nursing (M.S.N.)
Admission Requirements
Beginning Fall 2024, admission to this program is through AACN supported universal application system, NursingCAS.
Applicants must satisfy the following criteria and submit the required documents for admission consideration:
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The applicant must have completed an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited baccalaureate program in nursing with a grade point average (g.p.a.) of 3.0.
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Possession of a current Michigan Registered Nurse Licensure. All applicants educated outside the U.S. must be certified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Contact CGFNS, 3600 Market St., Philadelphia PA 19104-2651 to request a certification application, or call: 215-222-8454. Verification of a student’s CGFNS certification must be forwarded to the State of Michigan Board of Nursing by the CGFNS in order to take the RN licensure examination.
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A personal goal statement.
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Two professional letters of recommendation.
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Resume.
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Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions. An official transcript/credit evaluation is required for all international transcripts.
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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) when required.
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All qualified applicants will be interviewed.
There may be additional requirements in each of the specialty clinical major areas. Please refer to the major program and consult with a clinical specialty coordinator for specific requirements.
Application
All new applicants must submit an application for graduate admission. Applications, including all supporting documentation, must be received by the posted deadline dates. Deadline dates for submission of application materials vary by semester (please refer to the College of Nursing website for more information). Informational meetings are held monthly, and applicants are encouraged to attend before completing the application. The schedule is listed on the College of Nursing website under the Admissions tab, then Information Meetings.
Admission Decisions
Admission decisions are based upon all materials submitted and reflect careful consideration of the applicant's professional goals, interview and the resources of the College of Nursing. Even if an applicant meets all minimum requirements, admission may not be granted because of
- unavailable program space and/or
- inadequate College resources relevant to the applicant's specific interest.
Deadlines
- Fall: August 1
- Winter: November 15
Readmission
The master’s student who withdraws from the program in good standing should contact the Office of Student Affairs one semester prior to the semester for which re-admission is desired. Following a review by the Director of Advanced Practice and Graduate Certificate Programs, the M.S.N. Committee and the Office of Academic and Clinical Affairs, the student will be informed of the steps required for readmission.
Revalidation of Credit: The M.S.N. committee reserves the right of revalidation of over-age (10 years) credits. Credits earned at other institutions may require revalidation at the time of Wayne State admission. In revalidation cases, the advisor and the student must set a terminal date for completion of all degree requirements, including such additional requirements as may be prescribed to revalidate the over-age credits.
Program Overview
Candidates for the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) must complete thirty-seven to fifty-two credits of study. All course work must be completed in accordance with the academic procedures of the College of Nursing and the Graduate School governing graduate scholarship and degrees. Credits must be normally distributed as follows:
Clinical or Practicum Nursing Sequence: Cr. 18-24
Supporting Courses: Cr. 7-12
Master’s Core Courses: Cr. 12 (for clinical specialties) Cr. 15 (for MSN in APHN)
All M.S.N. programs require the election of a particular major. Majors currently available to satisfy these requirements are detailed below. Supporting courses, which are clinically specific, are predetermined by selection of the clinical (or non-clinical) nursing sequence and will be found as part of the major areas of study. Students should inquire about possible additional offerings. All programs are subject to periodic revision.
All M.S.N. students must elect a series of courses that will prepare him/her to be competent in the utilization of research findings in practice. To develop these skills, the student completes courses in evidence-based nursing and/or biostatistics and epidemiology.
Plan of Work: With the approval of the advisor, the student and advisor develop and file a Plan of Work prior to completion of twelve graduate credits at Wayne State University. A student must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average to have a Plan of Work accepted by the Graduate Officer. Each Plan must include the course requirements for the clinical (and non-clinical) nursing sequence and intended degree. It is the responsibility of the student to meet with his/her advisor to file any changes in the Plan of Work.
Time Limitations: Students have six years to complete requirements. The six-year limit begins from the end of the semester during which the student has taken course work applicable toward meeting the requirements of the degree; this may occur before the student is regularly admitted to the major.
Required Clinical Experience Prior to APRN Clinical Courses: Several specialties require RN staff nurse experience in that specialty population prior to the start of the three sequential clinical courses after NUR 7030. Failure to complete this requirement may result in a delay in progression.
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NNP - the equivalent of two full-time years of RN experience in a Level III or higher NICU;
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PNP (Acute and Primary) - the equivalent of one full-time year of pediatric experience; in-hospital experience mandatory for PNP-Acute Care)
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PMH - the equivalent of one-year of experience in a psych-mental health setting
M.S.N. Major: Advanced Public Health Nursing
(Minimum of thirty-three credits required)
The Master of Science in Nursing degree in Advanced Public Health Nursing (APHN) prepares nurses for advanced care of populations and communities. The APHN promotes the health and well-being of populations and communities. Improving the health of populations and communities is addressed through community assessment, program planning and implementation, leadership strategies, health policy development, and program evaluation. Community partnerships and collaborations are emphasized throughout the curriculum. The goal of this program is to prepare nurses who meet the APHN core competencies in education, practice, leadership, and research. The program sees the APHN as the voice for public health nursing.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Courses | ||
| NUR 7000 | Statistics in Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 7105 | Theoretical Foundations for Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 7222 | Leadership in Health Policy, Ethics and Change | 3 |
| NUR 8625 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice: Theoretical and Methodological Issues | 3 |
| NUR 8895 | Population Health for Nursing | 3 |
| Practicum Course Sequence | ||
| NUR 7425 | Advanced Public Health Nursing: Community Based Participatory Research - Didactic | 2 |
| NUR 7426 | Advanced Public Health Nursing: Community Based Participatory Research - Clinical | 1 |
| NUR 7435 | Advanced Public Health Nursing: Comprehensive Community Assessment - Didactic | 2 |
| NUR 7436 | Advanced Public Health Nursing: Comprehensive Community Assessment - Clinical | 3 |
| NUR 7445 | Advanced Public Health Nursing: Health Promotion and Prevention with Diverse Populations - Didactic | 2 |
| NUR 7446 | Advanced Public Health Nursing: Health Promotion and Prevention with Diverse Populations - Clinical | 3 |
| NUR 7455 | Adv Public Health Nursing: Program Planning, Quality Improvement and Evaluation Residency - Didactic | 2 |
| NUR 7456 | Adv Public Health Nursing: Program Planning, Quality Improvement and Evaluation Residency - Clinical | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
M.S.N. Major: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
(Minimum of forty-seven credits required)
The Master of Science in Nursing degree with a major in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) prepares nurses for advanced practice in the care of high-risk neonates. The curriculum combines both broad foundational knowledge essential for the care of neonates as a vulnerable population, as well as specialty knowledge in high-risk neonatal care. Attention is given to health promotion, prevention of disease and disability, disease process, clinical management, and family-centered care. The goal of this innovative program is to prepare advanced practice nurses who will promote the health and development of neonates as individuals and as population groups encountering changing healthcare systems within urban and global environments. Two years of Level III NICU experience is required prior to the start of clinical courses. Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to take the NNP certification examination offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NUR 6510 | Health Economics, Policy, and Professional Issues for APNs | 3 |
| NUR 7000 | Statistics in Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 7105 | Theoretical Foundations for Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 8625 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice: Theoretical and Methodological Issues | 3 |
| Supporting Courses | ||
| NUR 7200 | Advanced Neonatal Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 7444 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan for APRNs | 4 |
| Clinical Course Sequence | ||
| NUR 7030 | Advanced Nursing Assessment | 4 |
| NUR 7950 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care, and Management I - Didactic | 4 |
| NUR 7955 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care, and Management I - Clinical | 4 |
| NUR 7960 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care, and Management II - Didactic | 3 |
| NUR 7965 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care, and Management II - Clinical | 5 |
| NUR 7970 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care, and Management III - Didactic | 2 |
| NUR 7975 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care, and Management III - Clincal | 6 |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
M.S.N. Major: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care
(Minimum of forty-seven credits required)
The Master of Science in Nursing with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner– Acute Care specialty prepares nurses for advanced practice in the care of acutely and critically ill children and adolescents. The goal of this innovative program is to prepare advanced practice nurses who will promote the health and development of children and adolescents as individuals and as population groups encountering changing healthcare systems within urban and global environments. Graduates of the PNP-AC program are prepared to provide expert clinical care to meet the specialized physiological and psychological needs of children and adolescents with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions and/or urgent, emergent, and life-threatening conditions. The curriculum combines both broad foundational knowledge essential for the care of children as a vulnerable population, as well as specialty knowledge in pediatrics. Attention is given to health promotion, prevention of disease and disability, disease process, treatment, clinical management, and family-centered care provided in a variety of acute and critical care settings including hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments, and clinics. Upon program completion, students are eligible to take a certification examination through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Courses | ||
| NUR 7000 | Statistics in Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 6510 | Health Economics, Policy, and Professional Issues for APNs | 3 |
| NUR 7105 | Theoretical Foundations for Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 8625 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice: Theoretical and Methodological Issues | 3 |
| Supporting Courses | ||
| NUR 7444 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan for APRNs | 4 |
| NUR 7207 | Advanced Pediatric Pharmacology | 3 |
| Clinical Course Sequence | ||
| NUR 7030 | Advanced Nursing Assessment | 4 |
| NUR 7920 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care and Management I - Didactic | 4 |
| NUR 7925 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care and Management I - Clinical | 4 |
| NUR 7930 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care, and Management II -Didactic | 3 |
| NUR 7935 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care and Management II -Clinical | 5 |
| NUR 7940 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care and Management III- Didactic | 2 |
| NUR 7945 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care and Management III -Clinical | 6 |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
M.S.N. Major: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care
(Minimum of forty-seven credits required)
The Master of Science in Nursing with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner– Primary Care specialty prepares nurses for advanced practice in the care of children and adolescents. The goal of this innovative program is to prepare advanced practice nurses who will promote the health and development of children and adolescents as individuals and as population groups encountering changing healthcare systems within urban and global environments. Graduates of the PNP-PC program are prepared to provide pediatric primary healthcare including health maintenance, anticipatory guidance, well-child examinations, developmental screening, and diagnosing and managing common and complex health/illness conditions. The curriculum combines both broad foundational knowledge essential for the care of children as a vulnerable population, as well as specialty knowledge in pediatrics. Attention is given to health promotion, prevention of disease and disability, treatment, clinical management, and family-centered care in a variety of settings including primary care clinics, specialty clinics, and community environments. Upon program completion, students are eligible to take a certification examination through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Courses | ||
| NUR 6510 | Health Economics, Policy, and Professional Issues for APNs | 3 |
| NUR 7000 | Statistics in Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 7105 | Theoretical Foundations for Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 8625 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice: Theoretical and Methodological Issues | 3 |
| Supporting Courses | ||
| NUR 7444 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan for APRNs | 4 |
| NUR 7207 | Advanced Pediatric Pharmacology | 3 |
| Clinical Course Sequence | ||
| NUR 7030 | Advanced Nursing Assessment | 4 |
| NUR 7670 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care & Management I - Didactic | 4 |
| NUR 7675 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care & Management I - Clinical | 4 |
| NUR 7680 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care & Management II - Didactic | 3 |
| NUR 7685 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care & Management II - Clinical | 5 |
| NUR 7690 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care & Management III -Didactic | 2 |
| NUR 7695 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care: Pathophysiology, Clinical Care & Management III -Clinical | 6 |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
M.S.N. Major: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
(Minimum of fifty-two credits required)
All students in the Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) major gain knowledge in biological, neurological, pharmacological, and physiological domains that prepare them to conduct comprehensive assessments and utilize a range of psycho-biological interventions. The PMHNP clinical nursing course sequence focuses on: Psychiatric assessment, triage, and crisis intervention; Biopsychological models of mental health and illness; theory and practice with individual interest (e.g., addictions, eating and sleep disorders, gender issues, HIV/AIDS, major psychiatric illnesses, violence) and with clinical populations of interest. Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to take the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Courses | ||
| NUR 6510 | Health Economics, Policy, and Professional Issues for APNs | 3 |
| NUR 7000 | Statistics in Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 7105 | Theoretical Foundations for Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 8625 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice: Theoretical and Methodological Issues | 3 |
| Supporting Courses | ||
| NUR 7444 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan for APRNs | 4 |
| NUR 7555 | Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice | 3 |
| NUR 7615 | Psychopathology and Therapeutic Frameworks Across the Lifespan for PMHMP | 2 |
| NUR 7625 | Psychopharmacology | 2 |
| NUR 7650 | Advanced Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning | 1 |
| Clinical Course Sequence | ||
| NUR 7030 | Advanced Nursing Assessment | 4 |
| NUR 7460 | Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP: Adv Practice Nursing with Individuals and Communities -Didactic | 3 |
| NUR 7465 | Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP: Adv Practice Nursing with Individuals and Communities -Clinical | 5 |
| NUR 7470 | Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Advanced Practice Nursing with Groups -Didactic | 3 |
| NUR 7475 | Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Advanced Practice Nursing With Groups -Clinical | 5 |
| NUR 7480 | Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP: Advanced Practice Nursing with Families - Didactic | 3 |
| NUR 7485 | Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP: Advanced Practice Nursing with Families - Clinical | 5 |
| Total Credits | 52 | |