M.S., Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a ACEN or CCNE accredited program.
• One year medical-surgical clinical experience (or equivalent).
• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course with a grade of C or better.
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or above (on a 4.0 scale) from all colleges/universities attended. Applicants with GPAs below 3.25 in undergraduate studies may be admitted on a provisional basis if they submit evidence of the potential to be successful in graduate studies.GPAs below 3.25 in undergraduate studies may be admitted on a provisional basis if they submit evidence of the potential to be successful in graduate studies.
• Current registered professional nursing license.
• Current resume.
• Letters of intent or letters of recommendation may be submitted to strengthen application.
• Interview with the nursing faculty.

Graduate Nursing Research Core Requirements: 12 Credits

• NUR501 Nursing Informatics and Healthcare Technologies (1)
• NUR512 Theoretical Basis of Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
• NUR602 Qualitative Research (2)
• NUR603 Quantitative Nursing Research (2)
• NUR604S Thesis/Project Introductory Seminar(1/1)
• NUR604 Thesis/Project (3) 

Nursing Leadership Courses: 24 Credits

• NUR 522 Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, and Pharmacology (3)
• NUR 532 Nursing Leadership Finances (3)
• NUR 533 Nursing Leadership and Communication (3)
• NUR 534 Health Care Quality and Safety (3)
• NUR 535 Organizational Leadership and Role Transformation (3) 
• NUR 536 Healthcare Policy and Advocacy (3) 
• NUR 632 Nursing and Health Administration (3)
• NUR 633 Leadership Practicum (3) 

Graduate Merit Scholarship

30% off the graduate per credit hour tuition rate will be awarded to students upon acceptance. No application or additional information is required to receive this scholarship. For more information about the current per credit hour graduate tuition go to our Tuition and Fees page.

Program Completion:

• 66% based on 100% benchmark for program completion (6 semesters part-time)

Job Placement:

• 100%*

Program Satisfaction:

• 100% of graduating MS, NExL students believe the program has prepared them well to very well. *

  *Data are for students who completed the program during the 2021-2022 academic year.     

Upon completion of the Master's Program in Nursing Executive Leadership, the graduate will:

• Exhibit leadership skills in working with staff and colleagues to address the health and illness experiences of clients from a variety of familial-socio-cultural backgrounds that enhances each client’s dignity and acknowledges his/her strengths 
• Use applicable research and theory to lead staff and other colleagues to assist clients in changing modifiable risk factors. 
• Synthesize information from a variety of disciplines to develop strategies for change for colleagues and staff and to provide interventions and regimens that incorporate an understanding of the client’s needs and desires. 
• Work collaboratively with and lead other health care team members to promote effective care for clients with complex health care needs 
• Direct evidence based continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance care provided in a health care agency utilizing health care informatics 
• Incorporate professional, legal, moral, and ethical standards into practice 
• Critically analyze and synthesize research to determine applicability to practice 
• Develop a research project or thesis applicable to advanced executive nursing leadership 
• Contribute to professional nursing through advanced nursing leadership practice and professional involvement 
• Exhibits change in leadership behavior as evidenced by enhanced self-knowledge, cultural sensitivity, team dynamics and systems thinking 
• Demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills necessary to effect personal and organizational change