Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program uses as its foundation the baccalaureate in nursing degree. The MSN curriculum is designed to prepare nurses for careers in administration and education. In addition, this degree establishes a foundation for future doctoral study in nursing. Emphasis is placed on preparing graduates with advanced competencies in nursing practice and advanced role knowledge to meet the demands of the changing health care environment. Students complete requirements for master's degree core courses, role core and/or support courses, and advanced nursing practice courses.

The number of credit hours for the master's program range from 37-39 credit hours. The degree requirements for graduation are commensurate with the student's track. The full and part-time plans of study are available for both tracks. 

MSN Program Outcomes

The MSN program is designed to prepare nurses who:

  1. Analyze theoretical concepts and knowledge from nursing and other disciplines relevant to advanced nursing practice in the provision and improvement of health care.
  2. Assume leadership in designing, managing and implementing quality, cost-effective and innovative services to clients in a variety of health care settings.
  3. Incorporate knowledge of population-based care and cultural influences in ensuring appropriate and sensitive health care.
  4. Influence health policy formulation and implementation to address socioeconomic and health care issues.
  5. Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing and utilizing research from nursing and other relevant disciplines to improve practice.
  6. Engage in a systematic process of moral reasoning and values-based dialogue to resolve/address ethical dilemmas/situations.
  7. Demonstrate competency in an advanced nursing role. 

MSN Tracks

  • Nursing Administration & Leadership - prepares nurses to assume ethical leadership roles in health care systems confronted by financial, political, and social changes.
  • Nursing Education - prepares nurses with advanced knowledge and skills to assume classroom and practicum teaching responsibilities in academic settings.

The master's degree in nursing program at Creighton University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccrediation.org).

MSN Admission Requirements

Admission into the MSN Program is based on academic acceptance by the College of Nursing. Academic acceptance is based on meeting the following requirements:

  1. A completed application form with a $50 non-refundable fee
  2. Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing from a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited college or university
  3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, or a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00
  4. An official transcript of all previous academic work at the collegiate level. Applicants must assume the responsibility of requesting the registrar of each institution previously attended to mail or e-mail an official transcript directly to Creighton University Enrollment Services Department.

  5. Three recommendations from persons able to evaluate the applicant’s current and potential competency in advanced level nursing, academic potential, leadership skills, and potential for leadership in the profession.

    1. One reference should come from a nursing employer or supervisor. If you have never been employed, a recommendation from a clinical instructor or preceptor in your nursing program is required.

    2. The other two references may be from an instructor, another supervisor, or professional colleague.

    3. If you have graduated within the past two years or your degree is in progress, a reference from an instructor or preceptor is required.

  6. A current unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the U.S
  7. A current resume/curriculum vitae that provides evidence of leadership or service experiences
  8. A personal essay
  9. Successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course
  10. Successful completion of an undergraduate physical assessment course and corresponding practicum (not required for NAL students)

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria will be considered on an individual basis.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT

English Language Proficiency is an important part of the application process for those whose first language is not English. The College of Nursing has the discretion to determine individual standards for how this requirement will be met using one or more of the following:

  • English Language exam scores. If English is not the applicant's native language and the applicant has not obtained a bachelor's degree or higher in the United States, the applicant must present evidence of a TOEFL score of at least 100, an IELTS score of at least 7, or a DuoLingo score of 120. Scores over 2 years old will not be accepted. Students must ask the ETS (the testing agency) to send original scores to Creighton University (Institutional Code 6121).
  • The College of Nursing reserves the right to require students to re-take the exam. It is also at the discretion of the College of Nursing as to whether a TOEFL score is required of applicants who have earned a college degree from a university in the United States or another approved country. 

Conditions of Enrollment

Upon acceptance into the College of Nursing MSN program, students must meet certain conditions of enrollment:

  1. Current immunizations consistent with Creighton University and/or clinical agency guidelines.

  2. Verification of a physical examination to provide evidence that the student is free from contagious disease and not a health hazard to patients in various settings.

  3. Background investigations and results consistent with Creighton University and/or clinical agency guidelines. 

  4. Drug screen and results consistent with Creighton University and/or clinical agency guidelines. 

  5. Completion of certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for the "Healthcare Professional" from the American Heart Association (AHA). This course includes instruction of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and content for care of adults, children, and infants.

  6. A current, active unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the U.S.

  7. Validation of ability to meet the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor requirements (Safety and Technical Standards)

  8. A minimum of 2000 hours of employment as a RN in a direct patient care setting prior to enrollment in the first practicum course (Nursing Education only)

MSN Degree Requirements

All graduate student programs of study include a sequence of courses in three (3) major areas: core courses, role core and/or support courses, and specialty role courses. Core courses include learning experiences in statistics, data analysis, research process and utilization, evidence-based practice, ethics, policy, and care management. Specialty and role courses provide students both classroom and practicum opportunities in the student’s specialized role option. Please note that the degree requirements in each area are commensurate with the track.

MSN Role Options