MSN - Masters of Science in Nursing

Administrative/Clinical/Education

Nurse Manager . This area has been designed to provide greater depth of knowledge in leadership, management, and systems administration. It is designed for the nurse preparing for a career in nursing administration and /or other areas of care or case management in health systems.

Child Health Nursing . Focus of this area is on the assessment and management of children with chronic health conditions and their families. Courses include content on physiology, health assessment, health promotion, pharmacology, family adaptation, and child psychosocial, developmental and physiological adjustment to chronic conditions. Clinical experiences occur in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. Although certification as a Clinical Specialist in Pediatrics is not yet established, this program provides clinical experience in anticipation of future certification.

Occupational Health Nursing . The focal area in Occupational Health Nursing (OHN) is a clinical specialty that focuses on providing nursing care in the work place. In cooperation with the College of Public Health , students will learn about industrial hygiene, safety policy and regulation, hazard and safety assessment, toxicology, ergonomics, and the clinical management of occupational illnesses. In addition, students can take specialized courses specific to case management, injury prevention, and agricultural health.

Community Health Nursing . This area prepares nurses for advanced practice with individuals, families, and groups in community settings with an emphasis on health promotion and responses to illness. Health promotion, health maintenance, health education, coordination and continuity of care are utilized in a holistic approach to the family, group and individual. Graduates are eligible to write the certification examination to qualify them as a Clinical Specialists in Community Health (ANCC).

Genetics Nursing . The Genetics Nursing area is a clinical specialty that focuses on providing nursing care to individuals, families, and communities with known genetic conditions and/or birth defects. Employment opportunities for genetic nursing include pediatric metabolic clinic, genetic counseling programs, familial cancer assessment and management teams, public health departments, private genetics testing labs, prenatal care programs, and specialty clinics.

Nursing Informatics. This area is designed for healthcare professionals who want more knowledge and skill in information management for their existing positions and for healthcare professionals who are seeking entry or advancement in information design and management positions.

Adult/Gerontological Health Nursing . This focal area provides the required course work for students who choose to be certified as clinical specialists or advanced practice nurses in the area of gerontological nursing. Care of the elderly and adult are combined and emphasis is placed on chronic illness. Graduates are eligible to write the examination for certification as a Clinical Specialist in Gerontological Nursing and /or Clinical Specialist in Medical-Surgical Nursing (ANCC).

Nurse Educator. Master's students who are interested in an education focus may combine their clinical focus interest with courses on the educational process. For example a student interested in teaching Gerontological Nursing would combine the Gerontological Nursing Core courses with the Nursing Education Core courses.

School Nursing. This area is designed for BSN prepared nurses who want a more active leadership role in school nursing. The curriculum examines the principles, theoretical frameworks and trends of school nursing leadership as well as the identification of issues and future directions; school health models, economics of school health and legislation affecting health services programs.