Purpose & Structure
of MSN

The MSN degree program has two advanced role options: Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator.. 

In the MSN Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator Options, courses are delivered in an asynchronous online format. Students in these options are admitted as Penn State World Campus students. On an individual basis, a World Campus student may enroll in a synchronous course using videoconferencing technology (specifically NURS 803), if space allows. 

The curriculum for Master of Science Nursing with a major in nursing consists of a Master’s Program Core, the Advanced Practice Courses, Specialty Courses, Elective Courses, and the Capstone Course as illustrated below. Credit/clock hours are designated in parentheses after each course. The credits for each course are followed by 2 sequential numbers: the first number indicates the didactic or classroom hours and the second number indicates the supervised practice hours. Didactic credit hours are computed on a 1:1 credit/contact hour ratio; supervised practice hours are computed on a 1:3 credit/contact hour ratio. Semester calculations are based on a standardized 15-week semester; therefore, everyone credit of supervised practice hours equals 45 hours per semester (1 credit x 1:3 ratio x 15-week semester).  

Both part-time and full-time plans of study are available. Plans of study must be followed. Each student is assigned a faculty academic adviser to oversee academic progression of the program. The graduate adviser will develop the initial plan of study and will also assist students with development/revision as needed during the program. Remember that the plan of study is designed to help you progress through the coursework in a timely manner. Any changes in your planned course of study must be agreed upon by your academic adviser. The graduate adviser will help you with this process if needed.  

All MSN students are assigned a faculty academic adviser on admission to the program. Specific questions regarding the program requirements may be directed to the graduate program staff assistant, your faculty academic adviser, the program director, or the Assistant Dean for Graduate Professional Programs as appropriate. All faculty and staff are ready to assist you in any way possible to make this program of study the richest experience possible, but it is your responsibility to maintain communication (i.e., Penn State e-mail, phone, or meeting) with your adviser. 

The MSN program outcomes are to prepare Master's prepared nurses. 

1. Lead change to improve quality outcomes

2. Advance a culture of excellence through lifelong learning

3. Build and lead collaborative interprofessional care teams

4. Navigate and integrate care services across the healthcare system

5. Design innovative nursing practices

6. Translate evidence into practice

7. Demonstrate option-specific competencies based on the national guidelines for the role

a. Nurse Educator: NLN program outcomes and competencies for graduate academic nurse educator preparation (2017). Novice nurse educator competencies NLN (2020).

b. Nurse Administrator: American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL), American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) (2022). Nurse Leader Competencies.

Evidence of the ability to synthesize complex concepts learned within the MSN Program course of study is met by completion of a clinical/practicum capstone course (NURS 843, or 848). This course has an emphasis on evidence-based practice for nurses in advanced roles including nurse administrator and nurse educator.  

The MSN Nurse Administrator option enables the student to acquire advanced knowledge of organizational leadership, health policy, and evidence-based health care delivery. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership and administrative roles in a variety of health care settings.

The minimum number of credits required is 36. The role synthesis course, NURS 848, includes 180 practicum hours with a preceptor in an administrative setting. The curriculum is designed to assist graduates in preparing for national certification as a nurse executive. To learn, please see the sample plans of study for each option below.

Sample Plan of Study
MSN NURSE ADMINISTRATOR OPTION
Part-time Fall

It is suggested that the coursework for the MSN degree be completed within 3 years of enrollment.

The MSN Nurse Educator option enables the student to acquire advanced knowledge of evidence-based teaching and learning principles, curriculum development, and evaluative techniques. The program is designed to prepare students for educator roles in a variety of academic and health care settings.

The minimum number of credits required is 37. The role synthesis course, NURS 843, includes 270 practicum hours with a preceptor in a clinical or academic educational setting. The curriculum will assist graduates in preparing for national certification as a nurse educator. To learn, please see the sample plans of study for each option below.

Sample Plan of Study

NURSE EDUCATOR OPTION

Part-Time Fall Start