Curriculum & Coursework

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies.

Graduate Bulletin: https://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-education-policies/

The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) requires a minimum of 30 credits at the 400, 500, or 800 level, with a minimum of 18 credits at the 500 or 800 level, and at least 6 credits at the 500 level, including:

• 9 credits of M.S.N. Program Core courses,

• 18 credits of electives, and

• at least 3 credits in a capstone course or project.

Required Courses

M.S.N. Program Core

• NURS 501 Issues in Nursing and Health Care 3 crs

• NURS 510 Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice 3 crs

• NURS 830 Evidence-Based Practice I: Inquiry and Research Methods 3 crs

Electives

Additional courses that will count as electives towards this degree can be chosen from a list of approved elective courses maintained by the graduate program office. 18 crs

Culminating Experience

Students in the M.S.N. degree program are required to complete a capstone course or project, which demonstrates the application of theory and research to a clinical problem based on review of the literature and research utilization for that problem. For M.S.N. students who do not choose to complete an option, a capstone project is completed while enrolled in NURS 596 (3 credits). 3 crs

Total Credits 30 

The two advanced role options offered in the M.S.N. degree program include nurse educator and nurse administrator. Students in these options complete the 9 credits of M.S.N. Program Courses as described above. The option-specific course requirements described below replace the requirement for 18 credits of electives.

Students must earn a minimum of 36 credits for the M.S.N. with the Nurse Administrator option.

Graduate Bulletin: https://bulletins.psu.edu/graduate/programs/majors/nursing/#degreerequirementstext

Required Courses

• NURS 501 Issues in Nursing and Health Care 3 crs

• NURS 510 Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice 3 crs

• NURS 830 Evidence-Based Practice I: Inquiry and Research Methods 3 crs

Nurse Administrator Option Required Courses

• NURS 808 Population Health Perspectives 3 crs

• NURS 813 Pharmacology, Pathology and Physical Assessment for Nurse Leaders 3 crs

• NURS 836 Healthcare Informatics 3

• NURS 845 Healthcare Economics and Policy for Nurse Administrators 3 crs

• NURS 846 Leadership Concepts and Theories for Nurse Administrators 3 crs

• NURS 847 Human Resource and Work Force Issues for Nurse Administrators 3 crs

Electives

Students in this option are required to take 3 additional elective credits chosen from a list of approved elective courses maintained by the graduate program office. 3

Culminating Experience

• NURS 848 Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Administrator Role (Capstone Course) 6 crs

Total Credits 36 crs

RECOMMENDED ACADEMIC PLAN FOR MSN NURSE ADMINISTRATOR

• Recommended Plan of Study Full-Time - Spring 2026 or later

• Recommended Plan of Study Part-Time - Spring 2026 or later

Students must earn a minimum of 36 credits for the M.S.N. with the Nurse Educator option.

Graduate Bulletin:  https://bulletins.psu.edu/graduate/programs/majors/nursing/#degreerequirementstext

Required Courses

• NURS 501 Issues in Nursing and Health Care 3 crs

• NURS 510 Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice 3 crs

• NURS 830 Evidence-Based Practice I: Inquiry and Research Methods 3 crs

Nurse Educator Option Required Courses

1. NURS 802B Physical Assessment Through The Lifespan 3 crs

2. NURS 803 Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse 3 crs

3. NURS 804 Pharmacologic Therapy for the Advanced Practice Nurse 3 crs

4. NURS 836 Healthcare Informatics 3 crs

5. NURS 840 Nursing Education Theories and Strategies 3 crs

6. NURS 841 Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education 3 crs

7. NURS 842 Curriculum and Program Development in Nursing Education 3 crs

Culminating Experience

• NURS 843 Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Educator Role (Capstone Course) 6 crs

Total Credits 36 crs

RECOMMENDED ACADEMIC PLAN FOR MSN NURSE EDUCATOR

• Recommended Plan of Study Full-Time - Spring 2026 or later

• Recommended Plan of Study Part-Time- Spring 2026 or later

NURS 501 Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3 Credits). Analysis and evaluation of the health care system with emphasis on health policy and economic issues affecting nursing practice. 

NURS 510 Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice (3 Credits). Examines the relationship of nursing theories to the development of nursing science, as well as current scientific advances that guide nursing practice and research  

NURS 830 Evidence-Based Practice I: Inquiry and Research Methods (3 credits). This course will provide foundational information regarding the concept of evidence-based research to achieve optimal patient care outcomes. Students will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of research designs, data collection, and data analysis. Students will compare and contrast research methods, critique qualitative and quantitative research, and analyze the use of quality improvement in nursing research.  

NURSE ADMINISTRATOR SPECIALTY COURSES 

NURS 836 Healthcare Informatics (3 credits). This course provides a foundation in information systems and technology for improvement of healthcare. 

NURS 845 Healthcare Economics and Policy for Nurse Administrators (3 Credits). Concepts of healthcare economics and policy for nurse administrators. 

NURS 846 Leadership Concepts and Theories for Nurse Administrators (3 Credits). Concepts and theories of leadership for nurse administrators.

NURS 847 Human Resources and Workforce Issues for Nurse Administrators (3 Credits). Human resource management and work force issues for nurse administrators.  

NURSE ADMINISTRATOR CAPSTONE COURSE 

NURS 848 Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Administrator Role (6 Credits). Practicum in the application of the nurse administrator role in health care settings. Includes 180 practicum hours with a preceptor. Prerequisite: NURS 845, 846, & 847. 

NURSE ADMINISTRATOR ELECTIVE COURSES 

HI ED 552 Administration and Higher Education (3 Credits). Philosophy of administration; principles of scientific management and their application in colleges and universities; case studies of administrative problems. Prerequisite: Courses or experience in higher education. 

HI ED 810 Planning and Resource Management in Higher Education (3 Credits). Strategic planning and resource management in higher education through institutional research.  

HRER 501 Labor and Employment Law (3 Credits). Legal context of employment in the United States.  

HRER 802 Organizations in the Workplace (3 Credits). This course provides students with an overview of selected managerial behavior and career topics in modern organizations.  

HRER 836 Diversity in the Workplace (3 Credits). This course examines workplace diversity, gender and race challenges facing employers and employees, and the skills for managing diversity.  

MANGT 510 Project Management (3 Credits). A problem-based, interdisciplinary course in project management skills and techniques needed to manage projects in a modern business environment. 

P ADM 500 Public Organization and Management (3 Credits). Development of basic concepts and issues in public administration; administrative theory and public policy processes. 

P ADM 502 Governmental Fiscal Decision Making (3 Credits). Nature, function, and technique of governmental budgeting viewed as mechanism for allocating resources among alternative public uses. 

P ADM 505 Human Resources in the Public and Nonprofit Sectors (3 Credits). Concepts and approaches contributing to effective use of human resources in public and non-profit organizations; legal issues and requirements. 

P ADM 506 Management Information Systems for Public and Health Administration (3 Credits). The design, implementation, and purpose of computerized management information systems in public and non-profit organizations. 

P ADM 507 Introduction to Public Policy Analysis (3 Credits). Introduction to the analysis of public policy within its organizational and political contexts, including an emphasis on an economic perspective. 

P ADM 510 Organizational Behavior (3 Credits). Examination of concepts of human behavior in formal organizations, systems analysis, conceptual models, and decision processes. 

P ADM 511 Organizational Change and Development (3 Credits). Theory of organizational change and development; case analysis of applications in actual situations. Prerequisite: H ADM 510 or P ADM 510 

P ADM 512 Issues in Human Resources (3 Credits). A survey of major human resource issues such as job stress, burnout, and the many forms of discrimination in organizations. Prerequisite: P ADM 505 or H ADM 510 or P ADM 510 

P ADM 522 Government Financial Management (3 Credits). Theories and techniques of financial planning and control, with emphasis on their application in government and nonprofit agencies. Prerequisite: P ADM 502 

P ADM 557 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations (3 Credits). Study of the impact of a federal system of government on the administration of public functions. National-state-local dimensions.  

PHP 527 Public Health Evaluation of Disasters and Bioterrorism (3 Credits). Introduces students to the design of exposure assessment and health effect studies applicable to disasters and terrorism.  

PHP 530 Critical Infrastructure Protection of Health Care Delivery Systems (3 Credits). Investigates the impact that terrorist incidents may have on health care facilities or their ability to deliver health care services. 

PSY 532 Psychological Foundations of Leadership (3 Credits). Students will examine the social and psychological processes underlying leadership in organizations. 

PSY 539 Foundations of Behavior, Motivation, and Attitudes at Work (3 Credits). Students will examine the psychological and social processes underlying behavior, motivation, and attitudes in work settings. 

WF ED 405 Project Management for Professionals (3 Credits). Covers the essential concepts and skills needed to make effective contributions on projects, on time and within budget. 

NURSE EDUCATOR SPECIALTY COURSES 

NURS 840 Nursing Education Theories and Strategies (3 Credits). Theoretical foundation and evidence-based strategies for nursing education. 

NURS 841 Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education (3 Credits). Methods for assessment, measurement, and evaluation of student learning in academic and clinical settings.  

NURS 842  Curriculum and Program Development in Nursing Education (3 Credits). Curriculum design and evaluation, educational program development, and accreditation.  

NURSE EDUCATOR CAPSTONE COURSE 

NURS 843  Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Educator Role (6 Credits). Practicum in the application of the nurse educator role in academic and healthcare settings. Includes 270 practicum hours with a preceptor. Prerequisites: NURS 840, 841, and 842 

NURS 802  Advanced Health Assessment of Adult Populations (3 Credits). Advanced nursing assessment and diagnosis of physical, psychosocial and developmental health for adults and families across the adult age spectrum. (Required for NP students; 2.5 didactic credits, 0.5 lab credits)

NURS 802A  Advanced Health Assessment of Pediatric Populations (1 Credit). Advanced nursing assessment and diagnosis of physical, psychosocial and developmental health for individuals and families across the pediatric age spectrum. (0.5 didactic credits, 0.5 lab credits)

NURS 802B  Physical Assessment Through the Lifespan (3 Credits). Advanced nursing assessment and diagnosis of physical, psychosocial and developmental health for adults and families across the adult age spectrum. (Online for nurse educator option)

NURS 803  Pathophysiology (3 Credits). Integration of advanced physiology, genetics, and pathophysiology as related to specific disease entities and alterations in functioning.

NURS 804  Pharmacologic Therapy (3 Credits). Use of pharmacologic therapies in advanced practice nursing.

NURSE PRACTITIONER SPECIALTY COURSES

NURS 860  Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Role I (3 Credits). Acute Care Nurse Practitioner role across the continuum of care with adults and older adults with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions to restore or maximize health. Prerequisites: NURS 802, NURS 803, NURS 804, NURS 865, NURS 866. Concurrent: NURS 862. 

NURS 861  Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Role II (3 Credits). Continuation of Acute Care Nurse Practitioner role across the continuum of care with adults and older adults with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions to restore or maximize health. Prerequisites: NURS 860, NURS 862. Concurrent: NURS 863.

NURS 862  Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (4 Credits). Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner practicum with patients across the continuum of care with adults and older adults with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions. Prerequisites: NURS 802, NURS 803, NURS 804, NURS 865, NURS 866. Concurrent: NURS 860.

NURS 863  Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum II (4 Credits). Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner practicum across the continuum of care with adults and older adults with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions. Prerequisites: NURS 860, NURS 862. Concurrent: NURS 861.

NURS 865  Advanced Pharmacology for Acute Care (1 Credit). Principles of clinical pharmacology as applied to management of complex acute, critical, and chronically ill adult and older adult patients.

NURS 866  Advanced Health Assessment of Adult Gerontology Populations in Acute Care (1 Credit). Physical assessment and diagnostics for physical and psychosocial health of adult and older adult individuals and families with acute and critical illness. (0.5 didactic credits, 0.5 lab credits)

NURS 870  Nurse Practitioner Role with Healthy Individuals & Families (3 Credits). Nurse Practitioner role to promote health, prevent illness, and manage common acute/episodic health problems across the adult-older adult age spectrum. Prerequisite: NURS 802, NURS 803, NURS 804, Concurrent: NURS 872 or NURS 872A.

NURS 871  Nurse Practitioner Role with Individuals and Families with Complex and/or Chronic Health Problems (3 Credits). Nurse Practitioner role with individuals and families to promote health, prevent illness, and manage complex/chronic health problems. Prerequisites: NURS 870, NURS 872. Concurrent: NURS 873 or NURS 873A.

NURS 872  Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (3 Credits). Family Nurse Practitioner practicum with individuals and families across the life span experiencing common acute/episodic health problems. Prerequisite: NURS 802, NURS 802A, NURS 803, NURS 804, Concurrent: NURS 870, NURS 875.

NURS 872A  Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (4 Credits). Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner practicum with individuals and families across the adult/older adult age spectrum experiencing common acute/episodic health problems. Prerequisite: NURS 802, NURS 803, NURS 804. Concurrent: NURS 870.

NURS 873  Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum II (4 Credits). Family Nurse Practitioner practicum with individuals and families across the life span experiencing complex and/or chronic health problems. Prerequisites: NURS 870, NURS 872. Concurrent: NURS 871.

NURS 873A  Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum II (4 Credits). Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner practicum with individuals/ families across the adult/older adult age spectrum experiencing complex and/or chronic health problems. Prerequisites: NURS 870, NURS 872A. Concurrent: NURS 871

NURS 875  Nurse Practitioner Role with Children and Families (2 Credits). Nurse Practitioner role with children and their families to promote health, prevent illness, and manage acute or chronic health problems. Prerequisite: NURS 802, NURS 802A, NURS 803, NURS 804; Concurrent NURS 876.

NURS 876  Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum with Pediatric Populations (2 Credits). Advanced nursing practicum with healthy children and children experiencing acute or chronic health problems. Prerequisite: NURS 802, NURS 802A, NURS 803, NURS 804; Concurrent NURS 875.

NURSE PRACTITIONER CAPSTONE COURSES

NURS 864  Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Integrative Practicum (6 Credits). Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner integrative practicum across the continuum of care with adults and older adults with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions. Prerequisites: NURS 862, NURS 863

NURS 874  Family Nurse Practitioner Integrative Practicum (6 Credits). Family Nurse Practitioner integrative practicum with communities and individuals/families across the life span experiencing health and illness. Prerequisites: NURS 871, NURS 873, NURS 875, NURS 876.

NURS 874A  Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Integrative Practicum (6 Credits). Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner integrative practicum with communities and individuals/ families experiencing health and illness. Prerequisite: NURS 871, NURS 873A

NURSE PRACTITIONER ELECTIVES (INCLUDE ANY OF THE ABOVE) NURSING COURSES

NURS 522   Comprehensive Assessment of the Older Adult (3 Credits). Provides an in-depth interdisciplinary assessment of the biological, physical, clinical, functional, cognitive, psychological, and social changes associated with aging.

NURS 523   Interventions for Common Health Issues in Older Adults (3 Credits). Course presents both common acute and chronic health issues experienced by older adults using a systems approach, interventions will be discussed specifically addressing an aging person.

NURS 580  Epistemology of Nursing Science (3 Credits). Examines the development and organization of nursing knowledge; nursing theories are critically analyzed in relationship to the substantive structure of nursing science. 

NURS 585  Qualitative Methods in Health Research (3 Credits). Provides an overview of advanced qualitative research methodologies useful in the conduct of social and behavioral health research.

NURS 586  Quantitative Methods in Health Research (3 Credits). An overview of methodological considerations specific to quantitative health research.

NURS 587  Ethics in Nursing Research (1 Credit). Provides the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to design and conduct ethically responsible social and behavioral health research. 

NURS 808  Perspectives in Population-Based Health (3 Credits). Theories and strategies for promoting health in community aggregates with emphasis on vulnerable and underserved populations of diverse backgrounds.

NURS 824   Primary Palliative Care: An Interdisciplinary Approach (3 Credits). Course examines the delivery of primary palliative care in diverse populations across health care settings. 

NURS 825   Primary Palliative Care: Interdisciplinary Management of Advanced Serious Illness (3 Credits). Course will focus on the delivery of high-quality, culturally sensitive, primary palliative care across the lifespan with diverse populations in various health care settings.

NURS 828  Person-Centered Care: Emerging Interdisciplinary Approaches for Older Adults (3 Credits). Course examines the delivery of person-centered care for older adults and their families across the health care continuum.

NURS 836  Healthcare Informatics (3 credits). This course provides a foundation in information systems and technology for improvement of healthcare.