Academic Programs Catalog

The Master of Science in Nursing degree prepares graduates for roles that reflect current, emerging and expanding roles of nurses as providers and educators. The curricula for these advanced practice roles are designed in the context of related challenges, needs and increasing complexities within the systems of health care delivery, higher education, and professional nursing. The Master of Science in Nursing degree has been fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program offers four concentrations: Nurse Practitioner-Family, Nurse Practitioner-Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Nurse Practitioner-Psychiatric Mental Health, and Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. The first three concentrations prepare advanced practice registered nurses, while the Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration focuses on preparing advanced practice registered nurses for specialized acute care in adult-gerontology.

Nurse practitioners are an advanced practice registered nurse who use specialty skills and knowledge to provide primary and specialty care to clients Nurse practitioners may diagnose and treat health conditions and focus on prevention for specific populations. The Family Nurse Practitioner provides primary care to clients across the lifespan. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner provides care from ages 13 years to older adults. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners diagnose and treat clients with mental health needs.  Our nurse practitioner curriculum prepares nurses to function interdependently in collaboration with other health care providers to provide primary care. They assess the physical, socio-emotional, and developmental states of individual clients and their families, analyze health behavior, apply clinical judgment, and intervene in a manner to improve the quality and effectiveness of health care delivery. Nurse practitioners provide health promotion therapeutics, as well as early recognition and prompt treatment and management of illness, prevention of complications, and needed rehabilitation. Client and family education, guidance, and advocacy are vital characteristics of the nurse practitioner's role. Graduates of the program will be eligible for certification as a nurse practitioner in their population focus area.

The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration is designed to prepare registered nurses to assume an advanced practice role as a clinical nurse specialist.  This graduate assumes a professional leadership role to inform nursing practice, education, and health care delivery systems in the design and implementation of strategies to improve organizational, educational, and individual client, student, and nurse provider outcomes. Advanced practice clinical expertise is reflected in the application of innovative evidence-based practice interventions and the development of collaborative relationships in order to address the health care needs of a diverse population. Graduates of the program will be eligible for certification as a Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Students must meet the requirements of the university as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog, in addition to the requirements of the College of Nursing specified below.

Students who are enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing degree program may elect a specialization in Infancy and Early Childhood. For additional information, refer to the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Specialization in Infancy and Early Childhood in the College of Social Science section of this catalog.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program, an applicant must have:

1. Submitted a university application for admission and a curriculum vita.
2. Completed a Bachelor of Nursing degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Current unrestricted RN license without probationary status in the applicant’s state or country. For those applicants practicing in Michigan, a current Registered Nurse Michigan license is required. Applicants who hold Registered Nurse licensure from other states or countries and who are in the Nurse Practitioner concentration may be admitted provisionally with the requirement that a United States and Michigan Registered Nurse license must be obtained prior to progression to clinical courses.
4. A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for total credits completed during the second-half of the four-year baccalaureate nursing program.
5. Completed a 3-credit undergraduate statistics course with a grade of 2.0 (4.0 scale) or better within the last five years or completed a 3-credit graduate statistics course with a grade of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or better within the last five years.
6. Submitted a written essay that addresses the applicant’s career goals and motivations for graduate study in the selected area of specialty nursing practice: nurse practitioner or adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist.
7. Submitted three letters of recommendations. The reference letters must be from a source that has direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and educational experience specifying the applicant’s ability to do graduate work.
8. Completed an admission interview with the College of Nursing faculty. Recommendations for admission are made by the faculty committee to the Dean of the College based on the requirements for admission and the personal interview.
9. If the applicant’s native language is not English, the applicant must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum average score of 550, no subscore below 52 on the paper-based test (PBT).  If the applicant completes the Internet-based test (iBT), no subscore below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking; no writing subscore below 22 and a minimum average score of 80. Applicants should have all test scores sent from the testing agency directly to Michigan State University Office of Admissions.

Provisional Status

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for regular admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program may be accepted provisionally.  Provisionally admitted students are required to satisfy deficiencies as specified in the letter of admission and will be formally removed from provisional status once the deficiencies are satisfied. Students on provisional status may not progress in the program if deficiencies are not satisfied in the specified time frame.

Requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing Degree in Nursing

A  total of 54 credits is required for the degree under Plan B (without thesis) depending on the student’s area of concentration. Students must meet the requirements specified below:

1.	All of the following courses (24 credits):
	NUR	902	Scientific Foundations for the Advanced Practice Nurse						3
	NUR	903	Healthcare Informatics						3
	NUR	904	Health Policy and Advocacy						3
	NUR	905	Patient Safety, Quality Improvement and Quality Management in Healthcare						3
	NUR	906	Leadership in Complex Health Systems						3
	NUR	907	Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practiced Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	908	Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practiced Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	909	Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practiced Registered Nurse						3
2.	Complete one of the following four concentrations:
	NURSE PRACTITIONER - FAMILY (30 credits)
	EPI	840	Clinical Epidemiology for Healthcare Practice						3
	NUR	912	Health Promotion - Family						3
	NUR	915	Clinical Diagnosis and Management I - Family						6
	NUR	916	Clinical Diagnosis and Management II - Family						6
	NUR	917	Clinical Diagnosis and Management III - Family						6
	NUR	918	Clinical Diagnosis and Management IV - Family						6
	NURSE PRACTITIONER - ADULT-GERONTOLOGICAL PRIMARY CARE (30 credits)
	EPI	840	Clinical Epidemiology for Healthcare Practice						3
	NUR	913	Health Promotion – Adult-Gerontology						3
	NUR	925	Clinical Diagnosis and Management I – Adult-Gerontology						6
	NUR	926	Clinical Diagnosis and Management II – Adult-Gerontology						6
	NUR	927	Clinical Diagnosis and Management III – Adult-Gerontology						6
	NUR	928	Clinical Diagnosis and Management IV – Adult-Gerontology						6
	NURSE PRACTITIONER - PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH (30 credits)
	EPI	840	Clinical Epidemiology for Healthcare Practice						3
	NUR	952	Psychopharmacology and Neuropathological Basis of Mental Illness						3
	NUR	953	Clinical Diagnosis and Management I - Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis						6
	NUR	954	Clinical Diagnosis and Management II - Evidence Based Therapeutic Interventions						6
	NUR	955	Clinical Diagnosis and Management III - Special Populations and Group						6
	NUR	956	Clinical Diagnosis and Management IV - Complex and Collaborative Mental Health Care						6
	ADULT-GERONTOLOGY - CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST (30 credits)
	EPI	840	Clinical Epidemiology for Healthcare Practice						3
	NUR	931	Wellness Promotion for Diverse Populations						3
	NUR	932	Clinical Decision Making and Management of Acute Chronic Complex Conditions						6
	NUR	933	Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice Role Development I						6
	NUR	934	Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice Role Development II						6
	NUR	935	Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice Role Development III						6

Part–time Students

Although many nursing students pursue the master's degree on a part–time basis, all degree candidates will be expected to maintain minimum degree progress standards established by the College and published in the College of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook. Students are also expected to complete at least one course per semester until the degree is earned.

Academic Standards

A cumulative grade–point average of 3.0 and a grade of 3.0 in each nursing course is required.

Transfer Credits

Up to 25% of graduate course work may be transferred into the Master of Science in Nursing program from other accredited programs upon approval of the College of Nursing, i.e., Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), and/or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Time Limit

The time limit for completing the degree is six years from the beginning of the first semester in which credit toward the degree was earned.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice, post B.S.N. entry, curriculum prepares advanced practice registered nurses to provide clinical, organizational and systems’ leadership at the highest level. The program develops practitioners who design, implement and evaluate high quality and cost-effective health care services for diverse populations including the disadvantaged and underserved. The graduate will champion healthcare policy and operational changes using evidence-based data and technology that enhances and guides nursing practice. The individual who has earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, actively collaborates across disciplines and organizations with providers and client groups to achieve sustainable healthcare outcomes.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice, post B.S.N. entry degree program consists of five concentrations. The Nurse Practitioner-Family, Nurse Practitioner-Adult Gerontology Primary Care,  Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations focus on the preparation of advanced practice registered nurses as nurse practitioners. The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist focuses on the preparation of advanced practice registered nurses specialized in acute care adult-gerontology practice. The Nurse Anesthesia concentration prepares advanced practice registered nurses who will use specialized skills and knowledge in the administration of anesthesia and pain management agents.

Nurse practitioners are in direct-care provider's role and use specialty skills and knowledge in providing care to clients of all ages and stages of development in primary care settings. The nurse practitioner curriculum prepares nurses to function interdependently with other healthcare providers to provide primary care. They assess the physical, socio-emotional, and developmental states of individual clients and their families, analyze health behavior, apply clinical judgment, and intervene in a manner to improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Nurse practitioners provide health promotion therapeutics, as well as early recognition and prompt treatment and management of illness, prevention of complications, and needed rehabilitation. Client and family education, guidance, and advocacy are vital characteristics of the nurse practitioner's role. Graduates of the program will be eligible for certification as a nurse practitioner in their population focus area.

The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration is designed to prepare registered nurses to assume an advanced practice role as a clinical nurse specialist.  This graduate assumes a professional leadership role to inform nursing practice, education, and healthcare delivery systems in the design and implementation of strategies to improve organizational, educational, and individual client, student, and nurse provider outcomes. Advanced practice clinical expertise is reflected in the application of innovative evidence-based practice interventions and the development of collaborative relationships in order to address the healthcare needs of a diverse population. Graduates of the program will be eligible for certification as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who use specialty skills and knowledge in the planning and administration of anesthesia and pain management agents. The Nurse Anesthesia Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906, Rosemont, IL  60018-5603. It is a rigorous, full-time program designed to educate registered nurses in academic knowledge, technical and clinical skills, and professional attitudes in nursing practice in preparation for safe administration of anesthesia. Graduates of the program will meet the requirements and be eligible for certification as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Students must meet the requirements of the university as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog, in addition to the requirements of the College of Nursing specified below.

Students who are enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice, post B.S.N. entry degree program, may elect a specialization in Infancy and Early Childhood. For additional information, refer to the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Specialization in Infancy and Early Childhood in the College of Social Science section of this catalog.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice, post B.S.N. entry program, an applicant must: 

1. Submit a university application for admission and a curriculum vita.
2. Complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Possess a current unrestricted license to practice nursing as a registered nurse in the applicant’s state or country. For those applicants practicing in Michigan, a current registered nurse Michigan license is required. Applicants who hold registered nurse licensure from other states or countries and who are in the Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia concentration may be admitted provisionally with the requirement that a United States and Michigan registered nurse license must be obtained prior to progression to clinical courses.
4. A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for total credits completed during the second-half of the four-year baccalaureate nursing program.
5. One year of current full-time clinical experience or equivalent as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit is required for the Nurse Anesthesia concentration.
6. Complete a 3-credit undergraduate statistics course with a grade of 2.0 (4.0 scale) or better within the last five years or complete a 3-credit graduate statistics course with a grade of 3.0 (4.0) or better within the last five years. A statistics course taken more than five years ago is acceptable with a passing grade on an Accredited Statistics Exam.
7. Submit a written essay that addresses the applicant’s career goals and motivations for graduate study in the selected area of specialty nursing practice: nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist.
8. submit three letters of recommendation. The reference letters must be from a source that has direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and educational experience specifying the applicant’s ability to do graduate work.
9. Complete an admission interview with the College of Nursing faculty. Recommendations for admission are made by the faculty committee to the Dean of the College based on the requirements for admission and the personal interview.
10. if the applicant’s native language is not English, the applicant must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum average score of 550, no subscore below 52 on the paper-based test (PBT).  If the applicant completes the Internet-based test (iBT), no subscore below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking; no writing subscore below 22 and a minimum average score of 80. Applicants should have all test scores sent from the testing agency directly to Michigan State University Office of Admissions.

Requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree in Nursing Practice

1.	All of the following courses (28 credits):
	NUR	902	Scientific Foundations for the Advanced Practice Nurse						3
	NUR	903	Healthcare Informatics						3
	EPI	840	Clinical Epidemiology for Healthcare Practice						3
	NUR	904	Health Policy and Advocacy						3
	NUR	905	Patient Safety, Quality Improvement and Quality Management in Healthcare						3
	NUR	906	Leadership in Complex Health Systems						3
	NUR	995	Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I						4
	NUR	996	Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II						3
	NUR	997	Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III						3
2.	Complete one of the following concentrations:
	NURSE PRACTITIONER-FAMILY (42 credits)
	NUR	907	Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	908	Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	909	Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	912	Health Promotion – Family						3
	NUR	915	Clinical Diagnosis and Management I - Family						6
	NUR	916	Clinical Diagnosis and Management II - Family						6
	NUR	917	Clinical Diagnosis and Management III - Family						6
	NUR	918	Clinical Diagnosis and Management IV – Family						6
	NUR	919	Clinical Diagnosis and Management V – Clinical Immersion- Family						6
	NURSE PRACTITIONER-ADULT-GERONTOLOGICAL PRIMARY CARE (42 credits)
	NUR	907	Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	908	Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	909	Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	913	Health Promotion – Adult-Gerontology						3
	NUR	925	Clinical Diagnosis and Management I - Adult-Gerontology						6
	NUR	926	Clinical Diagnosis and Management II - Adult-Gerontology						6
	NUR	927	Clinical Diagnosis and Management III - Adult-Gerontology						6
	NUR	928	Clinical Diagnosis and Management IV - Adult-Gerontology						6
	NUR	929	Clinical Diagnosis and Management V – Clinical Immersion - Adult-Gerontology						6
	NURSE PRACTITIONER-PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH (42 credits)
	NUR	907	Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	908	Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	909	Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	952	Psychopharmacology and Neuropathological Basis of Mental Illness						3
	NUR	953	Clinical Diagnosis and Management I - Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis						6
	NUR	954	Clinical Diagnosis and Management II - Evidence Based Therapeutic Interventions						6
	NUR	955	Clinical Diagnosis and Management III - Special Populations and Group						6
	NUR	956	Clinical Diagnosis and Management IV - Complex and Collaborative Mental Health Care						6
	NUR	957	Clinical Diagnosis and Management V - Clinical Immersion - Psychiatric Mental Health						6
	ADULT-GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST (CNS) (42 credits)
	NUR	907	Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	908	Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	909	Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	931	Wellness Promotion for Diverse Populations						3
	NUR	932	Clinical Decision Making and Management of Acute Chronic Complex Conditions						6
	NUR	933	Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice Role Development I						6
	NUR	934	Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice Role Development II						6
	NUR	935	Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice Role Development III						6
	NUR	936	Clinical Nurse Specialist Specialty Role Immersion I						3
	NUR	937	Clinical Nurse Specialist Specialty Role Immersion II						3
	NURSE ANESTHESIA (64 credits)
	ANTR	541	Gross Anatomy for Nurse Anesthetists						4
	NUR	908	Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	909	Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse						3
	NUR	966	Applied Chemical and Physical Principles of Anesthesia Practice						3
	NUR	967	Basic Principles of Anesthesia						4
	NUR	968	Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology for Anesthesia Practice I						4
	NUR	969	Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology for Anesthesia Practice II						4
	NUR	970	Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesia I						3
	NUR	971	Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesia II						3
	NUR	972	Advanced Principles of Anesthesia I						3
	NUR	973	Advanced Principles of Anesthesia II						3
	NUR	974	Introduction to Clinical Practicum						1
	NUR	975	Clinical Anesthesia Practicum I						3
	NUR	976	Clinical Anesthesia Practicum II						2
	NUR	977	Clinical Anesthesia Practicum III						3
	NUR	978	Clinical Anesthesia Practicum IV						4
	NUR	979	Clinical Anesthesia Practicum V						4
	NUR	980	Clinical Anesthesia Practicum VI						4
	NUR	981	Anesthesia Seminar I						3
	NUR	982	Anesthesia Seminar II						3
3.	Admission to the Post-Master's Degree
	To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice, post-master’s entry program, an applicant must:
	1.	Submit a university application for admission and a curriculum vita or resume.
	2.	Complete a Master of Science of Nursing degree from an accredited college or university.
	3.	Possess a current unrestricted license to practice nursing as a registered nurse in the applicant’s state or country. For those applicants practicing in Michigan, a current registered nurse Michigan license is required. Applicants who hold registered nurse licensure from other states or countries and who are in the Nurse Practitioner and Anesthesia concentrations may be admitted provisionally with the requirement that a United States and Michigan registered nurse license must be obtained prior to progression.
	4.	Possess current certification from a U.S. National Certifying Board as an NP, CRNA, CNS or CNM .
	5.	A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0) scale for total credits completed during the master’s program.
	6.	Complete a 3-credit undergraduate statistics course with a grade of 2.0 (4.0 scale) or better within the last five years or complete a 3-credit graduate statistics course with a grade of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or better in the last 5 years.
	7.	Submit a written essay that addresses the applicant’s career goals and motivations for doctoral study.
	8.	Submit three letters of recommendation. The reference letters must be from a source that has direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and educational experience specifying the applicant’s ability to do doctoral work.
	9.	Complete an admission interview with the College of Nursing faculty. Recommendations for admission are made by the faculty committee to the Dean of the College based on requirements for admission and the personal interview.
	10.	If the applicant’s native language is not English, the applicant must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum average score of 550, no subscore below 52 on the paper-based test (PBT). If the applicant completes the Internet-based test (iBT), no subscore below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking; no writing subscore below 22 and a minimum average score of 80. Applicants should have all test scores sent from the testing agency directly to Michigan State University Office of Admissions.
	Students will have an option to complete an additional APRN specialty if requested, and be admitted to a concentration.
	In addition to meeting the requirements of the College of Nursing, and the admission requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree, students must meet the requirements specified below.
	1.	All of the following courses:
		NUR	995	Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I					4
		NUR	996	Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II					3
		NUR	997	Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III					3
		Elective – or core courses as determined by review of previous APRN education
	2.	Completion of a minimum of 1000 supervised clinical hours between the master’s degree program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. Students will enroll in NUR 990 Special Problems to complete an individualized clinical learning plan that will achieve the remaining required hours.

Provisional Status
Applicants who do not meet the requirements for regular admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice, post B.S.N. in Nursing program may be accepted provisionally.  Provisionally admitted students are required to satisfy deficiencies as specified in the letter of admission and will be formally removed from provisional status once the deficiencies are satisfied. Students on provisional status may not progress in the program if deficiencies are not satisfied in the specified time frame. Provisional course work does not count towards fulfillment of degree requirements.   

Part-time Students
Although many nursing students pursue the Doctor of Nursing Practice, post B.S.N. on a part–time basis, all degree candidates will be expected to maintain minimum degree progress standards established by the College and published in the College of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook. Students are also expected to complete at least one course per semester until the degree is earned.

Guidance Committee
Students will receive advisement throughout the D.N.P. Project.

Academic Standards
A cumulative grade–point average of 3.0 and a grade of 3.0 in each nursing course is required.

Comprehensive Examinations
In lieu of a comprehensive examination, students will complete 10 credits in a synthesis project. Students will be assigned a guidance committee who provides regular written and verbal feedback on project components, assists the student in setting reasonable timelines, and leads the proposal defense and final project presentation session.

Transfer Credits
Up to 25% of graduate course work may be transferred into the Doctor of Nursing Practice program from other accredited programs upon approval of the College of Nursing, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLNCNEA), and/or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Time Limit
The time limit for completing the degree is six years from the beginning of the first semester in which credit toward the degree was earned.

 

The Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in Nursing is designed to prepare nurse scientists to successfully address emerging health challenges locally, nationally, and globally by applying and developing knowledge in nursing and related disciplines.

A major emphasis of this program is to prepare graduates for a career in intervention and translation science in the areas of wellness behaviors, risk reduction, and self-symptom management.

Graduates of the program will be well-positioned to conduct original research using appropriate designs, measures and methodologies; apply relevant concepts and theories and frameworks to develop the science related to wellness, risk reduction and chronic illness; to improve health outcomes through nursing interventions and translation of science; and lead interdisciplinary teams to advance team science in nursing.

Admission

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog, students must meet the requirements specified below.

1. A minimum cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 for all previous academic work.
2. Bachelor's or master’s degree in nursing. Admission to the program without a master's degree in nursing may require additional course work as specified by the College of Nursing.
3. Three letters of recommendation on official letterhead stationery from academic or employment sources that are knowledgeable about your potential for doctoral study and research in nursing.
4. Written statement that addresses your area of research interest, program goals and career goals, and how the Michigan State University College of Nursing program and faculty fit those research interest and goals.
5. Completion of an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B (3.0) or better within the past five years.
6. International applicants whose academic language in not English must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a condition for regular admission to Michigan State University. See the International Student Admission Minimum Requirement for Regular Admission section in the Graduate Education section of this catalog. All official transcripts must be translated into English by a certified translator.
7. Must possess a current, unrestricted professional nursing license in Michigan or home jurisdiction.

Applicants with completed materials are reviewed by a faculty committee. Applicants identified as well-matched with the College of Nursing academic standards and program focus will be contacted for a required personal interview and written evaluation with representatives from the doctoral program faculty. Recommendations for admission are made by the faculty committee to the Director of the Doctoral Program and the Dean of the College based on the requirements for admission and the personal interview.

Students who do not meet the requirements for regular admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nursing program may be accepted provisionally. Provisionally admitted students are required to satisfy deficiencies as specified in the letter of admission and will be formally removed from provisional status once the deficiencies are satisfied. Students on provisional status may not progress in the program if deficiencies are not satisfied in the specified time frame. Provisional course work does not count towards fulfillment of degree requirements.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Nursing

In addition to meeting the university requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree, students will complete required courses which guide the student in the principles and methods of research for the evaluation and testing of current and developing theories relevant to nursing. Courses in the selected area of focus offer opportunity for students to build upon their educational and experiential backgrounds to develop greater depth of knowledge in their research area. Students will be required to participate in a research team to gain experience in the conduct of nursing research.

The program of study is planned by the student in consultation with the major professor and guidance committee. Components will include core nursing and selected courses relevant to the student’s chosen research concentration.  Each student must:

1. complete a minimum of 65 credits of course work as defined below and approved by the guidance committee at time of admission.
2. earn a grade of 3.0 or higher in each NUR course and have an overall grade-point average of 3.0 at graduation.
3. satisfy Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship (RCR) requirements.
4. maintain University and College of Nursing compliance requirements.
5. submit one external grant.
6. submit a first-authored, peer-reviewed manuscript approved through the college process.
7. pass the written and oral defense of the comprehensive examination.
8. pass the written and oral defense of the dissertation

Course Requirements
1.	All of the following (52 to 54 credits):
	EPI	808	Biostatistics I				3
	EPI	809	Biostatistics II				3
	NUR	920	Translation of Research and Scientific Knowledge to a Practice Setting				3
	NUR	921	Scientific Foundations of Nursing Knowledge Development				3
	NUR	924	Designing Interventions for Improving Health Outcomes				3
	NUR	930	Methods in Clinical Research				3
	NUR	939	Improving Health Outcomes: Scientific Foundations				4
	NUR	940	Research Practicum				4 to 6
	NUR	950	Nursing Research Seminar I				1
	NUR	951	Nursing Research Seminar II				1
	NUR	999	Doctoral Dissertation Research				24
2.	A minimum of 6 credits in advanced research methodology and analysis, as approved by the student's guidance committee.						6
3.	A qualitative research course as approved by committee.						1 to 3
4.	At least two courses in area of focus, as approved by committee.						6

Part-time Students
 
Although some students (post-BSN or post-master’s in nursing; post-DNP) choose to enroll in the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Nursing on a part-time basis, all Ph.D. degree candidates will be expected to maintain minimum degree progress standards established by the College of Nursing and published in the College of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Nursing Student Handbook. Students are also expected to complete at least one course per semester until the degree is earned.

Transfer Credits

Up to 45% (22 semester credits) of graduate course work (excluding dissertation credits) may be transferred into the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program from other accredited institutions upon the approval of the College of Nursing.

Transfer of course credits from other accredited institutions must be completed through the following procedure:

1. Course credits for transfer must be part of the student’s program plan and must be approved by the student’s guidance committee and the director of the doctoral program. The student is responsible for requesting that an official transcript of the grade(s) for course work completed at another institution be sent to the Director of the Doctoral Program in the College of Nursing.
2. When requesting credit for transfer courses completed without prior approval, students must submit the course syllabi and an official transcript for review and approval by the student’s guidance committee and the director of the doctoral program.

The Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology - Clinical Nurse Specialist is for individuals with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification and license authority from the state who wish to extend their scope of practice to provide broader care for patients outside their original competency set from their graduate education verified by their national certification.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology - Clinical Nurse Specialist, an applicant must:

1. Submit a university application and a curriculum vita or resume.
2. Have completed a graduate degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university.
3. Possess a current unrestricted license to practice nursing as a registered nurse in the applicant’s state or country. For those applicants practicing in Michigan, a current registered nurse Michigan license is required. Applicants who hold registered nurse licensure from other states or countries and who are a Nurse Practitioner may be admitted provisionally with the requirement that a United States and Michigan registered nurse license must be obtained prior to progression.
4. Possess current certification from a U.S. National Certifying Board as an NP, CNS, CRNA or CNM.
5. Have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for total credits completed during the graduate nursing program.
6. Submit a written essay that addresses the applicant’s career goals and motivations for additional graduate study in the selected area of specialty nursing practice; nurse practitioner, or adult-gerontology clinical nurse.
7. Submit three letters of recommendation. The reference letters must be from a source that has direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and educational experience.
8. Complete an admission interview with the college of Nursing faculty. Recommendations for admission are made by the faculty committee to the Dean of the College based on the requirements for admission and the personal interview.
9. If the applicant’s native language is not English, the applicant must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum average score of 550, no subscore below 52 on the paper-based test (PBT). If the applicant completes the Internet-based test (iBT), no subscore below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking; no writing subscore below 22 and a minimum average score of 80. Applicants should have all test scores sent from the testing agency directly to the Michigan State University Office of Admissions.

A gap analysis will be conducted to assess competency and prior course work in the three core APRN clinical courses (3Ps).
NUR    907    Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
NUR    908    Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
NUR    909    Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Applicants may choose to take any of the above courses for refresher. Faculty will assess compatibility of previous courses in these areas and may require one or all before enrolling in the graduate certificate. The student must demonstrate pharmacology course work (credit and/or continuing education credit) within the past five years.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology - Clinical Nurse Specialist

The student must complete all of the following courses (27 credits):
NUR	931	Wellness Promotion for Diverse Populations							3
NUR	932	Clinical Decision Making and Management of Acute Chronic Complex Conditions							6
NUR	933	Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice Role Development I							6
NUR	934	Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice Role Development II							6
NUR	935	Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice Role Development III							6

 

The Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner - Adult-Gerontological Primary Care is for individuals with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification and license authority from the state who wish to extend their scope of practice to provide broader care for patients outside their original competency set from their graduate education verified by their national certification.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Family Practitioner - Adult-Gerontological Primary Care, an applicant must:

1. Submit a university application and a curriculum vita or resume.
2. Have completed a graduate degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university.
3. Possess a current unrestricted license to practice nursing as a registered nurse in the applicant’s state or country. For those applicants practicing in Michigan, a current registered nurse Michigan license is required. Applicants who hold registered nurse licensure from other states or countries and who are a Nurse Practitioner may be admitted provisionally with the requirement that a United States and Michigan registered nurse license must be obtained prior to progression.
4. Possess current certification from a U.S. National Certifying Board as an NP, CNS, CRNA or CNM.
5. Have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for total credits completed during the graduate nursing program.
6. Submit a written essay that addresses the applicant’s career goals and motivations for additional graduate study in the selected area of specialty nursing practice; nurse practitioner, or adult-gerontology clinical nurse.
7. Submit three letters of recommendation. The reference letters must be from a source that has direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and educational experience.
8. Complete an admission interview with the college of Nursing faculty. Recommendations for admission are made by the faculty committee to the Dean of the College based on the requirements for admission and the personal interview.
9. If the applicant’s native language is not English, the applicant must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum average score of 550, no subscore below 52 on the paper-based test (PBT). If the applicant completes the Internet-based test (iBT), no subscore below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking; no writing subscore below 22 and a minimum average score of 80. Applicants should have all test scores sent from the testing agency directly to the Michigan State University Office of Admissions.

A gap analysis will be conducted to assess competency and prior course work in the three core APRN clinical courses (3Ps).
NUR    907    Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
NUR    908    Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
NUR    909    Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Applicants may choose to take any of the above courses for refresher. Faculty will assess compatibility of previous courses in these areas and may require one or all before enrolling in the graduate certificate. The student must demonstrate pharmacology course work (credit and/or continuing education credit) within the past five years.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner - Adult-Gerontological Primary Care

The student must complete all of the following courses (27 credits):
NUR	913	Health Promotion – Adult-Gerontology							3
NUR	925	Clinical Diagnosis and Management I – Adult-Gerontology							6
NUR	926	Clinical Diagnosis and Management II – Adult-Gerontology							6
NUR	927	Clinical Diagnosis and Management III – Adult-Gerontology							6
NUR	928	Clinical Diagnosis and Management IV – Adult-Gerontology							6

 

The Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner - Family is for individuals with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification and license authority from the state who wish to extend their scope of practice to provide broader care for patients outside their original competency set from their graduate education verified by their national certification.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner - Family, an applicant must:

1. Submit a university application and a curriculum vita or resume.
2. Have completed a graduate degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university.
3. Possess a current unrestricted license to practice nursing as a registered nurse in the applicant’s state or country. For those applicants practicing in Michigan, a current registered nurse Michigan license is required. Applicants who hold registered nurse licensure from other states or countries and who are a Nurse Practitioner may be admitted provisionally with the requirement that a United States and Michigan registered nurse license must be obtained prior to progression.
4. Possess current certification from a U.S. National Certifying Board as an NP, CNS, CRNA or CNM.
5. Have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for total credits completed during the graduate nursing program.
6. Submit a written essay that addresses the applicant’s career goals and motivations for additional graduate study in the selected area of specialty nursing practice; nurse practitioner, or adult-gerontology clinical nurse.
7. Submit three letters of recommendation. The reference letters must be from a source that has direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and educational experience.
8. Complete an admission interview with the college of Nursing faculty. Recommendations for admission are made by the faculty committee to the Dean of the College based on the requirements for admission and the personal interview.
9. If the applicant’s native language is not English, the applicant must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum average score of 550, no subscore below 52 on the paper-based test (PBT). If the applicant completes the Internet-based test (iBT), no subscore below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking; no writing subscore below 22 and a minimum average score of 80. Applicants should have all test scores sent from the testing agency directly to the Michigan State University Office of Admissions.

A gap analysis will be conducted to assess competency and prior course work in the three core APRN clinical courses (3Ps).
NUR    907    Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
NUR    908    Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
NUR    909    Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Applicants may choose to take any of the above courses for refresher. Faculty will assess compatibility of previous courses in these areas and may require one or all before enrolling in the graduate certificate. The student must demonstrate pharmacology course work (credit and/or continuing education credit) within the past five years.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner - Family

The student must complete all of the following courses (27 credits):
NUR	912	Health Promotion - Family							3
NUR	915	Clinical Diagnosis and Management I - Family							6
NUR	916	Clinical Diagnosis and Management II - Family							6
NUR	917	Clinical Diagnosis and Management III - Family							6
NUR	918	Clinical Diagnosis and Management IV - Family							6

The Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner - Psychiatric Mental Health is for individuals with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification and license authority from the state who wish to extend their scope of practice to provide broader care for patients outside their original competency set from their graduate education verified by their national certification.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner - Psychiatric Mental Health , an applicant must:

1. Submit a university application and a curriculum vita or resume.
2. Have completed a graduate degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university.
3. Possess a current unrestricted license to practice nursing as a registered nurse in the applicant’s state or country. For those applicants practicing in Michigan, a current registered nurse Michigan license is required. Applicants who hold registered nurse licensure from other states or countries and who are a Nurse Practitioner may be admitted provisionally with the requirement that a United States and Michigan registered nurse license must be obtained prior to progression.
4. Possess current certification from a U.S. National Certifying Board as an NP, CNS, CRNA or CNM.
5. Have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for total credits completed during the graduate nursing program.
6. Submit a written essay that addresses the applicant’s career goals and motivations for additional graduate study in the selected area of specialty nursing practice; nurse practitioner, or adult-gerontology clinical nurse.
7. Submit three letters of recommendation. The reference letters must be from a source that has direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and educational experience.
8. Complete an admission interview with the college of Nursing faculty. Recommendations for admission are made by the faculty committee to the Dean of the College based on the requirements for admission and the personal interview.
9. If the applicant’s native language is not English, the applicant must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum average score of 550, no subscore below 52 on the paper-based test (PBT). If the applicant completes the Internet-based test (iBT), no subscore below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking; no writing subscore below 22 and a minimum average score of 80. Applicants should have all test scores sent from the testing agency directly to the Michigan State University Office of Admissions.

A gap analysis will be conducted to assess competency and prior course work in the three core APRN clinical courses (3Ps).
NUR    907    Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
NUR    908    Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
NUR    909    Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Applicants may choose to take any of the above courses for refresher. Faculty will assess compatibility of previous courses in these areas and may require one or all before enrolling in the graduate certificate. The student must demonstrate pharmacology course work (credit and/or continuing education credit) within the past five years.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner - Psychiatric Mental Health

The student must complete all of the following courses (27 credits):
NUR	952	Psychopharmacology and Neuropathological Basis of Mental Illness							3
NUR	953	Clinical Diagnosis and Management I - Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis							6
NUR	954	Clinical Diagnosis and Management II – Evidence- Based Therapeutic Interventions							6
NUR	955	Clinical Diagnosis and Management III - Special Populations and Group							6
NUR	956	Clinical Diagnosis and Management IV - Complex and Collaborative Mental Health Care							6

 

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching in Nursing program is designed to prepare graduate and post-graduate nurses with nurse educator competencies in preparation for teaching in clinical and academic settings. Students will develop skills in facilitating learning, curriculum development, educational technology, and assessment and evaluation strategies. The program includes a total of 90 hours of student teaching under the direct supervision of a College of Nursing preceptor. Graduates meet the requirements to sit for the National League for Nursing (NLN) Academic Nurse Educator certification exams. The Graduate Certificate in Teaching in Nursing is available only online.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Teaching in Nursing an applicant must:

1. Be enrolled in an MSU College of Nursing graduate program; an accredited graduate nursing program; or graduated from an accredited graduate program in nursing with a minimum 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale.
2. Have completed a bachelor’s in nursing degree from an accredited program with a minimum 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale.
3. Submit the university application form and fee if not currently enrolled at MSU.
4. Submit the admission application for the certificate program and CV/resume on the College of Nursing Web site.
5. Provide transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education.
6. Complete a test of English language proficiency if English is not the first language with a minimum average score of 550 with no subscore below 52 (paper version) or 79 with no subscore below 17 (internet based test). Equivalent scores on the MSU English Language Center Test may be submitted. If using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the minimum average score must be 6.5.
7. Hold an unrestricted RN license in the applicant’s state or country.
8. Complete an admission interview.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Teaching in Nursing

Students must complete the following courses (9 credits):

NUR	861	Curriculum Design in Nursing Education							3
NUR	866	Academic and Clinical Teaching Internship							3
NUR	868	Topics in Nursing Education							3