Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2012-2013 
    
University Catalog 2012-2013 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nursing, M.S.


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The Master of Science degree in Nursing provides advanced study in selected areas. A total of 45-75 units in nursing is required depending on the option chosen. Students select from the following options:

Graduate Nursing Specialty Options

  • Nursing Administration Option (45 units)
  • Nursing Education Option (49-54 units)
  • School Health: Credential Preparation Option (48-53 units)             OPTION SUSPENDED UNTIL 2014 
  • School Health: Teaching Authorization Option (45 units)

Nurse Practitioner Options

  • Nurse Practitioner: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Option (Minimum 64 or 69 units)
  • Nurse Practitioner: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Option (65-70)
  • Nurse Practitioner: Family Option (minimum 75 units)
  • Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Option (minimum 64 units)        OPTION SUSPENDED UNTIL 2014
  • Nurse Practitioner: Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Option (minimum 74 units)

Every student is required to take 14 units of graduate core courses, 7-24 units of advanced nursing practice core courses (depending on option), and required specialty courses.

The Master of Science degree in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 530 Washington, DC 20036-2001

Students may gain admission to the MS in Nursing program in one of three ways: through the traditional master’s program, through the Entry Level Master’s in Nursing program (ELMN), or through the Blended Master’s Program. The admission requirements for each of these programs are specified below.

Admission to Master’s Program


Acceptance to the graduate program in Nursing occurs once each year in the Fall Quarter. Students first apply to the university and then separately, complete the school of Nursing MSN application. A personal interview and/or onsite written assignment may also be required as components of the application process.

Applicants must fulfill the following prerequisites and criteria:

• Equivalent of requirements for Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from an NLN or CCNE accredited program in effect at the time of admission as a graduate;
• Minimum B (3.0) grade point average in upper division nursing courses;
• 3.0 grade point average in the last 90 quarter units attempted;
• Completion of a second application to the School of Nursing including 3 references and an essay;
• Completion of a Upper Division statistics course which is four quarter units or more and includes inferential statistics content;
• NURS 490 or equivalent undergraduate nursing research course;
• For NP and CNS students: Completion of a recent basic physical assessment course;
• Current licensure to practice nursing as an RN in California and cleared background check.

Potential, applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully assess any personal criminal background before applying to the School of Nursing. Nursing students must have a cleared background check that is acceptable to clinical agencies after acceptance to the School of Nursing. Prior to entering the first clinical lab, students must have university liability insurance, current American Heart Association CPR card, a satisfactory annual physical examination, proof of immunity to specified infectious diseases, an initial 2 step Mantoux skin test and a chest x-ray if there is evidence of a positive TB skin test. Drug screening may be requested depending on agency requirements.

School Regulations

Per university policy MSN students are required to maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0. In addition, in the School of Nursing, students who on their graduate program of study receive, a C- or lower in the same course for the second time or receive a C- or lower in two separate courses will not be allowed to continue in the MSN program.

Admission and Classified Standing Requirements for the Entry Level Master’s in Nursing (ELMN) Program for Non-RNs with a Baccalaureate (or Higher) Degree in Another Field


Applicants who possess a baccalaureate (or higher) degree in another field but who do not possess an RN must meet the following admission requirements:

• Completion of bachelor’s (or higher) degree in any field
• Minimum GPA 3.0 in last 90 units
• Completion of prerequisite courses
• A selected test of basic academic skills administered by the School of Nursing will be required prior to consideration for admission into the program.

• Top ranking applicants will be invited for an interview and on-site writing sample. Admission decisions will be made after this process.

ELMN Program Nursing Pre-Licensure Requirements


 Successful completion of 76 units of basic nursing courses and passing the NCLEX examination for RN licensure is required prior to changing from conditionally classified to classified graduate student status in the ELM program. Students apply to MS specialty options they are interested in and once accepted are classified in that option. The following 76 units of basic nursing courses are required with a minimum 3.0 GPA and no less than a C in each course. These courses will be offered through special sessions via extended education.

Admission to Blended Master’s Program


BLENDED PROGRAM SUSPENDED UNTIL 2014

The Blended Master’s Program combines undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework and may lead to the awarding of a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing in addition to the M.S. Degree in Nursing, provided that all requirements for the B.S. in Nursing are met. The School of Nursing offers two tracks in the Blended Master’s program. After completion of undergraduate requirements the students select one of the options in the MS in Nursing program.

Track I. Admission Requirements to the Blended Master’s Program for RNs with a Non-Nursing Baccalaureate


• A baccalaureate from an accredited institution with a major other than nursing;
• An A.A. or A.S. degree in nursing from an accredited college or an NLN-accredited diploma program;
• Completion of current B.S. Degree in Nursing course prerequisites;
• Eligibility for university admission in conditionally classified graduate standing;
• A minimum 2.75 grade point average in the last 90 quarter units attempted; and
• Current licensure to practice nursing in California and university liability insurance.

To continue in the blended program, students must:

• Complete one year of clinical employment as an RN before they enroll in NURS 470/471 and
• Maintain a minimum B (3.0) grade point average in and complete required upper division nursing courses to qualify for classified graduate standing.

Requirements for Second Baccalaureate

A bachelor’s degree is conferred in this accelerated master’s degree program only to students who fulfill current general education requirements for a second bachelor’s degree in addition to the nursing major undergraduate requirements

Track II. Admission Requirements for the Blended Master’s Program for RNs without a Baccalaureate


• An A.A. or A.S. degree in nursing from an accredited college or an NLN-accredited diploma program with a minimum 2.75 grade point average
• Completion of current B.S. degree in nursing course prerequisites
• Current licensure to practice nursing in California and university liability insurance
• To qualify for classified graduate standing, students pursuing this accelerated program must:
• Complete one year of clinical employment as an RN
• Complete all required baccalaureate nursing courses
• Maintain a minimum B (3.0) grade point average in required upper division nursing courses

Undergraduate Requirements for Track I and Track II:

RNs with a Non-Nursing Baccalaureate and RNs without a Baccalaureate

A total of 180 units is required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, which is conferred concurrently with the Master of Science Degree in Nursing*.

*If after completion of all general education, university and nursing major requirements, additional units are required for graduation, it is recommended that students complete up to six units in nursing elective courses. See the Undergraduate Studies: General Information chapter for details about general education and other requirements that constitute the units outside the major.

Note:


**Students entering with 4 or more semester units (6 or more quarter units) of credit from an accredited college for a course including laboratory satisfy this requirement by transfer credit.

Required in Related Fields (12 units)


Required in Nursing (77 units)


Lower Division Required Courses (44 units)

Lower division required courses are met by 44 nursing units of transfer credit granted by the School of Nursing for RN transfer students only.

Requirements for the Master’s Degree (45–75 units)


A total of 45-75 units are required with at least half of the units in 500-level courses. The options consist of a required common core, an advanced practice courses, required option courses and electives.

Graduate Nursing Specialty Options


Nursing Administration Option (45 - 50 Units)


Common Core Courses Required for all Options (14 units)


Required Advanced Practice Courses (5 units)


Comprehensive Exam (0 units) or Thesis (5 units)


Nursing Education Option (49-54 units)


School Health: Credential Preparation Option (48-53 units)


OPTION SUSPENDED UNTIL 2014

This option offers a student preparation for a Master’s Degree in Nursing and eligibility for a Health Service Credential. This option is for students who have a baccalaureate degree in Nursing and Public. Health Certification but do not yet have the Health Service Credential, or a graduate degree in Nursing.

School Health: Teaching Authorization Option (45 units)


This option offers a student preparation for a Master’s Degree in Nursing and a Special Teaching Authorization in Health. This option is for students who already have a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, Public Health Certification and who also have the Health Service Credential.

Common Core Courses Required for all Options (14 units)


Required Advanced Practice Courses (4 units)


Directed Electives (15 units)


See selected electives under Health Services Credential program. Select appropriate 400 or 500 level courses as electives.

Students who complete a thesis use 5 units of NURS 597  or NURS 599  as elective units.

Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric Option (64 or 69 units)


  OPTION SUSPENDED UNTIL 2014 

Common Core Courses Required for all Options (14 units)


Nurse Practitioner Advanced Practice Core Courses (23 units)


Electives (2 units)


Select appropriate 400 or 500 level courses as electives.

Comprehensive Exam (0 units) or Thesis (Add 5 units)


Nurse Practitioner: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Option (65 - 70 units)


Common Core Courses (14 units)


Nurse Practitioner Advanced Practice Core Courses (23 units)


Electives (4 units)


Select appropriate 400 or 500 level courses as electives.

Comprehensive Exam (0 units) or Thesis (Add 5 units)


Nurse Practitioner: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Option (64 - 69 units)


Nurse Practitioner: Family Option (75-80 units)


Nurse Practitioner: Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Option (73 - 78 units)


Common Core Courses (14 units)


Nurse Practitioner Advanced Practice Core Courses (23 units)


Comprehensive Exam (0 units) or Thesis (5 units)


Students who select the comprehensive examination (NURS 596) must complete all required nursing courses prior to taking exam and must comply with college and School of Nursing requirements.

Students who elect the thesis project option (NURS 599) must complete 2 units of NURS 597 prior to the required 3 units of NURS 599 and must comply with University, college and school policies and procedures regarding theses.

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