Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Ranked #1 in Indiana and #28 nationally by U.S. News and World Report
• Nine tracks from which to choose
• Distance-accesssible options
• Two-year full-time or three-year part-time program plan
• Post-MSN certificates available in each CNS and NP track
• Teaching in Nursing graduate certificate option
• Courses taught by nationally-recognized faculty engaged in cutting-edge research in the field of nursing

One MSN Program - Nine Tracks

• Nursing Leadership in Health Systems
• Nursing Education
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Curriculum Delivery

• Courses follow a traditional 16-week semester format; summer courses run across both summer sessions for 12 weeks
• MSN Core Courses (22 credits) are primarily taught online, with the potential for some synchronous class sessions. Synchronous sessions are generally able to be attended either in-person or via videoconferencing technology. Y625 Advanced Physical Assessment includes five on-site lab days that must be attended in-person
• MSN Major Courses (20-21 credits) are hybrid courses that combine online coursework with synchronous class sessions. Students in distance-accessible tracks have the option of attending class in-person or via videoconferencing technology. The number of synchronous class sessions varies across courses, with some meeting weekly while others meet only a few times per semester

Program Learning Outcomes

1. LEAD: Lead nursing and healthcare teams to improve practice within complex systems, recognizing political institutional, social, and economic forces.
2. PRACTICE: Practice at the highest level of nursing, integrating ethical, legal, professional, and regulatory standards and guidelines.
3. SYNTHESIZE KNOWLEDGE: Synthesize knowledge from nursing and related sciences for application to selected domains of nursing practice.  
4. INQUIRY: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and scholarly inquiry in the pursuit of innovative approaches to improving health outcomes.  
5. PROBLEM SOLVING: Apply evidence to problem solving at the clinical and system-level to advance nursing practice and improve outcomes.  
6. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Use technology to deliver, measure, monitor, and improve clinical care delivery and enhance safe outcomes.  
7. APPLY EVIDENCE: Engage in policy analysis, development and advocacy to influence health at the individual, group, community and population level.   
8. COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE: Practice in interprofessional teams that communicate, collaborate, and consult in coordinating patient-centered care.  
9. CULTURE: Incorporate the influences of culture, diversity, values, and globalization in the design, deliver, and evaluation of nursing and healthcare services.
10. LEARNER: Be lifelong learners committed to personal professional growth, the development of the profession, and the health of the public.

Admission Criteria

• BSN degree from a CNEA, CCNE, or ACEN accredited program
• Active, unencumbered RN license from one of the 50 U.S. states
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Completion of an undergraduate statistics course from a four-year university with a B- (80%) or better (Note: You may apply without having met this prerequisite, but it must be completed prior to beginning the MSN program.)
• The GRE is not required

Admission Timeline

• Admission into the MSN (including Post-MSN) is offered one time per year for the fall semester
• Applications for the Fall 2018 cohort have closed
• Applications for the Fall 2019 cohort will open on August 15th, 2018
• The priority application deadline is January 15th, 2019 
• Applications will continue to be accepted after the priority application deadline if space remains in the track
• Admissions notifications are sent out via email in mid-March
• You can find detailed application instructions by clicking the Apply Now button at right

Tuition (2017-2018)

• In-state graduate nursing tuition: $534 per credit hour
• Out-of-state graduate nursing tuition: $1,478 per credit hour
• Tuition for students residing in states that participate in the Midwest Eexchage Program (IL, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, WI): $801 per credit hour

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• IUSON awards over $700,000 in scholarships annually to undergraduate and graduate students. Students are considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible via a single application (available following admission to the program)
• IUSON participates in the federal Nurse Faculty Loan Program, which provides up to 85% loan forgiveness for graduates who teach full-time in accredited schools of nursing for up to four years following graduation from the Nursing Education MSN track, or another MSN track plus the Teaching in Nursing certificate
• Degree-seeking graduate students enrolled in at least four credit hours per semester are eligible for federal direct student loans (up to $20,500 annually)

Please review the techology requirements for online and distance-accessible graduate study. They include hardware/network requirements & software and distance accessible videoconferencing.

Choose from the following tracks in the master’s program to learn more:

• DISTANCE-ACCESSIBLE Nursing Education

  The nursing education track prepares you to launch a career in teaching in schools of nursing or to serve as a nurse educator in a variety of healthcare contexts or settings. This distance-accessible track uses technology to bring learners, faculty, and content together. While most learning activities can be completed from a distance, there are five lab days in Advanced Physical Assessment that must be completed on-site. Additional optional on-site learning activities may be provided as well. Practicum hours may be completed in your local community; students select and arrange the practicum site to match their career interests and goals.

  As a graduate of this program, you are eligible for certification through the National League for Nursing as a Certified Nurse Educator

  Curriculum

  42 credit hours
  150 practicum hours

  MSN Core Courses (22 Credit Hours)

  • N502 Nursing Theory I (3 cr)
  • N504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
  • R500 Nursing Research Methods (3 cr)
  • R505 Measurement & Data Analysis (3 cr)
  • Y515 Advanced Pathophysiology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y612 Advanced Pharmacology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y625 Advanced Physical Assessment Lifespan (4 cr)

  Nursing Education Track Courses (20 Credit Hours)

  • T601 Advancing Nursing Education (4 cr)
  • T604 Curriculum in Nursing (3 cr)
  • T620 Computer Technologies for Nurse Educators (3 cr)
  • T618 Evaluation in Nursing (3 cr)
  • T680 Nursing Education Practicum (4 cr/150 practicum hours)
  • Elective (3 cr)
  
  

  Review the course descriptions. 

• DISTANCE-ACCESSIBLE Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

  The distance-accessible adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist track prepares you to serve as an advanced practice nurse. As an adult-gerontology CNS, you will be a clinical expert in nursing. Your practice focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of illness and the promotion of wellness. You use theory and research to guide and improve nursing care and to make important and unique contributions to health care.

  This distance-accessible track allows you to attend class without traveling to the Indianapolis campus; however, it is not a completely online program.  You will join the classroom in real time using videoconferencing technology.  Clinical hours must be completed in Indiana.
   
  As a graduate of this program, you are eligible for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Adult-Gerontology CNS upon completion of your degree. Additionally, as an advanced practice nurse, you qualify to apply for prescriptive authority from the Indiana Licensure Board.

  Curriculum

  42 credit hours 
  525 clinical hours

  MSN Core Courses (22 Credit Hours)

  • N502 Nursing Theory I (3 cr)
  • N504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
  • R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3 cr)
  • R505 Measurement & Data Analysis (3 cr)
  • Y515 Advanced Pathophysiology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y612 Advanced Pharmacology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y625 Advanced Physical Assessment Lifespan (4 cr)

  AGCNS Track Courses (20 Credit Hours)

  • M570 CNS I (4 cr)
  • M580 CNS II (5 cr)
  • M590 CNS III (5 cr)
  • Y512 Advanced Concepts in Gerontology (3 cr)
  • Elective (3 cr)

  Review the course descriptions.

• DISTANCE-ACCESSIBLE Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

  The pediatric clinical nurse specialist track is a distance-accessible program that will prepare you to provide expert care to children with complex health problems and to enhance pediatric nursing practice. As a pediatric clinical nurse specialist, you function in a variety of settings to plan and implement change and to enhance quality practice through the roles of clinician, educator, consultant, and researcher. Focus area courses enable you to tailor your studies to meet your career goals or emerging employment opportunities.

  This distance-accessible track allows you to attend class without traveling to the Indianapolis campus; however, it is not a completely online program.  You will join the classroom in real time using videoconferencing technology.  Clinical hours must be completed in Indiana.

  Upon graduation you are eligible requirements for American Nurses Credentialing Center certification as a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. Additionally, as an advanced practice nurse, you qualify to apply for prescriptive authority from the Indiana Licensing Board.

  CURRICULUM

  42 credit hours
  525 clinical hours

  MSN Core Courses (22 Credit Hours)

  • N502 Nursing Theory I (3 cr)
  • N504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
  • R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3 cr)
  • R505 Measurement & Data Analysis
  • Y515 Advanced Pathophysiology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y612  Advanced Pharmacology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y625 Advanced Physical Assessment Lifespan (4 cr)

  PCNS Track Courses (20 Credit Hours)

  • M570 CNS I (4 cr)
  • M580 CNS II (5 cr)
  • M590 CNS III (5 cr)
  • C550 Pediatric Health Assessment (3 cr)
  • C551 Pediatric Health Maintenance (3 cr)

  Review the course descriptions.

• DISTANCE-ACCESSIBLE Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Lifespan

  The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner–lifespan program uses a wide range of advanced practice learning experiences to prepare you in the assessment, diagnosis, clinical management, and prevention of mental illness across the lifespan. You will develop the skills necessary for work in case management, professional leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration across a wide range of health care settings.

  This distance-accessible track allows you to attend class without traveling to the Indianapolis campus; however, it is not a completely online program.  You will join the classroom in real time using videoconferencing technology.  Clinical hours must be completed in Indiana.

  As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, you will use theory and research to guide and improve nursing care. You will make important and unique contributions to health care by developing innovative, quality patient care that is more cost-efficient; collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate healthcare services in order to restore wellness; and managing research protocols and developing research utilization projects.

  As a graduate of this program, you are eligible to sit for American Nurses Credentialing Center certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan). Additionally, as an advanced practice nurse, you are qualified to apply for prescriptive authority from the Indiana Licensing Board.

  Curriculum

  45 credit hours
  525 clinical hours

  
  MSN Core Courses (24 Credit Hours)

  • N502 Nursing Theory I (3 cr)
  • N504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
  • R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3 cr)
  • R505 Measurement & Data Analysis (3 cr)
  • Y515 Advanced Pathophysiology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y612 Advanced Pharmacology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y625 Advanced Physical Assessment Lifespan (4 cr)

  PMHNP Track Courses (20 Credit Hours)

  • P510 Neuro-Psychopharmacology (3 cr)
  • P652 Substance Abuse and Co-occurring Disorders (3 cr)
  • Advanced Clinical Practice in PMHNP I (4 cr)
  • Advanced Clinical Practice in PMHNP II (5 cr)
  • Advanced Clinical Practice in PMHNP III (5 cr)

  Review the course descriptions.

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

  The adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner provides comprehensive health care to acutely ill adult clients who are cared for in a variety of acute care settings. As a nurse practitioner you are an advanced practice nurse using theory, research, and clinical expertise to improve the health of adults.
  
  As a graduate of this program, you are eligible for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner upon completion of your degree. Additionally, as an advanced practice nurse, you qualify to apply for prescriptive authority from the Indiana Licensure Board.
  
  Clinical coursework is on campus; however, your clinical hours may be completed in your local community within Indiana. 

  CURRICULUM

  42 credit hours
  525 clinical hours

  
  MSN Core Courses (22 Credit Hours)

  • N502 Nursing Theory I (3 cr)
  • N504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
  • R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3 cr)
  • R505 Measurement & Data Analysis (3 cr)
  • Y515 Advanced Pathophysiology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y612 Advanced Pharmacology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y625 Adv Physical Assessment Lifespan (4 cr)

  AGACNP Track Courses (20 Credit Hours)

  • Y512 Advanced Concepts in Gerontology (3 cr)
  • S674 Management of Acutely Ill I (5 cr)
  • S675 Management of Acutely Ill II (6 cr)
  • S676 Management of Acutely Ill III (6 cr)

  Review the course descriptions.

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

  The adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner provides comprehensive health care to well, at risk, and chronically ill adult clients who are cared for in ambulatory or extended care settings. As a nurse practitioner you are an advanced practice nurse using theory, research, and clinical expertise to improve the health of adults.
  
  As a graduate of this program, you are eligible for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner upon completion of your degree. Additionally, as an advanced practice nurse, you qualify to apply for prescriptive authority from the Indiana Licensure Board.
  
  Clinical coursework is on campus; however, your clinical hours may be completed in your local community.

  Curriculum

  42 credit hours
  525 clinical hours

  
  MSN Core Courses (22 Credit Hours)

  • N502 Nursing Theory I (3 cr)
  • N504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
  • R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3 cr)
  • R505 Measurement & Data Analysis (3 cr)
  • Y515 Advanced Pathophysiology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y612 Advanced Pharmacology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y625 Advanced Physical Assessment Lifespan (4 cr)

  
  AGPCNP Track Courses (20 Credit Hours)

  • Y512 Advanced Concepts in Gerontology (3 cr)
  • Y600 Clinical Reasoning & Diagnostic Processes in Adv Practice Nsg (3 cr)
  • Y552 Health Promotion in Adult Gerontology Primary Care (5 cr)
  • Y554 Advanced Practice Nursing in Adult Gerontology Primary Care (2 cr)
  • Y555 Collaborative Advanced Practice in Adult Gerontology Primary Care (4 cr)
  • Elective (3 cr)

  Review the course descriptions.

• Family Nurse Practitioner

  The family nurse practitioner track prepares you to address the health concerns of well, at-risk, and chronically ill individuals and their families by providing direct care in ambulatory settings, neighborhood clinics, extended-care agencies, and private clinical practice in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Our program embraces a unique narrative-centered curriculum. We believe the family is the identified unit of care, not merely the context for care provided to individuals of various ages.
  
  As a graduate of this program, you are eligible for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Family Nurse Practitioner upon completion of your degree. Additionally, as an advanced practice nurse, you qualify to apply for prescriptive authority from the Indiana Licensure Board.

  Curriculum

  43 credit hours
  600 clinical hours

  
  MSN Core Courses (22 Credit Hours)

  • N502 Nursing Theory I (3 cr)
  • N504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
  • R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3 cr)
  • R505 Measurement and Data Analysis (3 cr)
  • Y515  Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr)
  • Y612  Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr)
  • Y625 Advanced Physical Assessment (4 cr)

  
  FNP Track Courses (21 Credit Hours)

  • Y535 Dynamics of Family Health (3 cr)
  • F550 Clinical Concepts for the FNP (3 cr)
  • F571 Family Nurse Practitioner I (4 cr)
  • F573 Family Nurse Practitioner I Practicum (2 cr)
  • F575 Family Nurse Practitioner II (3 cr)
  • F577  Family Nurse Practitioner II Practicum (3 cr)
  • F 579 Family Nurse Pracitioner III (3 cr)

  Review the course descriptions.

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care

  As a pediatric nurse practitioner in primary care, you are prepared to provide  comprehensive primary health care to well, at risk, and chronically ill children in a variety of settings. You develop knowledge in collaborative practice, health maintenance, chronic illness management, health policy, and patient advocacy.
  
  As a graduate of this program, you are eligible for certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board upon completion of your degree.

  Curriculum

  42 credit hours
  525 clinical hours

  MSN Core Courses (22 Credit Hours)

  • N502 Nursing Theory I (3 cr)
  • N504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
  • R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3 cr)
  • R505 Measurement & Data Analysis (3 cr)
  • Y515 Advanced Pathophysiology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y612 Advanced Pharmacology Lifespan (3 cr)
  • Y625 Advanced Physical Assessment Lifespan (4 cr)

  
  PNP Track Courses (20 Credit Hours)

  • Y535 Dynamics of Family Health (3 cr)
  • C550 Child and Family Wellness (3 cr)
  • C551 Child Health Maintenance (3 cr)
  • C552 Advanced Practice in Ambulatory Care Nursing of Children I (4 cr)
  • C556 Advanced Nursing Management of the Pediatric Client (3 cr)
  • C666 Collaborative Clinical Practice in Pediatric Primary Health Care (4 cr)

  Review the course descriptions.

• DISTANCE-ACCESSIBLE Nursing Leadership in Health Systems

  The distance-accessible nursing leadership in health systems track prepares you for mid-level and senior nursing leadership. You take courses offering a wide range of administrative knowledge, from leadership and decision making to economics and organizational theory.

  This distance-accessible track allows you to attend most classes without traveling to the Indianapolis campus; however, it is not a completely online program.  You will join the classroom in real time using videoconferencing technology. 

  Your educational experience includes an administrative practicum and research experience that allows you to develop practical leadership skills in a real work setting. Also, you are encouraged to tailor your elective courses to meet your specific career goals and emerging employment opportunities.

  While the program is primarily online, you are required to attend classes on the IUPUI campus at the beginning and end of each semester when enrolled in problem-based learning (PBL) courses. Practicum hours may be completed in your local community.

  Curriculum

  42 credit hours
  525 practicum hours

  MSN Core Courses (12 Credit Hours)

  • N502 Nursing Theory I (3 cr)
  • N504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr)
  • R500 Nursing Research Methods I (3 cr)
  • R505 Measurement & Data Analysis (3 cr)

  
  NLHS Track Courses (30 Credit Hours)

  • I640 Informatics in Nursing Leadership (3 cr)
  • L581 Economic Analysis of Nursing & Health Systems (3 cr)
  • L577 Leadership & Organizational Behavior (3 cr)
  • L578 Financial, Legal, & Ethical Leadership  (3 cr)
  • L582 Nursing Leadership Practicum I (3 cr/150 practicum hours)
  • L592 Nursing Leadership Practicum II (3 cr/150 practicum hours)
  • L580 Nursing Leadership Practicum III (3 cr/225 practicum hours)
  • L580 Seminar in Health Systems Leadership (3 cr)
  • Elective Coursework (6 cr)

  Review the course descriptions.

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