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Nurse Leadership

A few nursing students at their pinning ceremony

Master of Science Degree in Nursing Leadership

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing Degree or Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Leadership, graduates will be prepared to:

  • Translate relevant research to promote evidence-based practice models, improve outcomes, and mitigate risk in patient care delivery systems and patient care.
  • Utilize current and emerging technologies in the strategic management of health care delivery systems and personnel
  • Implement leadership skills to manage change, improve outcomes, and facilitate effective and evidence-based nursing practice
  • Incorporate the concepts and theories of leadership, change, collaboration, and innovation into the role of a nurse leader/administrator

All Program applicants are required to have an active, unrestricted RN license in the State of Connecticut and hold a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in nursing prior to the time of application.
The MSN Nurse Leadership program is designed to prepare future nurse leaders with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to lead evidence-based clinical practice, improve healthcare outcomes, and drive organizational and system-level change across diverse healthcare settings.

  1. Part-time, 2-3 year program (click here for projected plan of study for fall and/or spring starts) – 35 credits
  2. Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Certificate program for candidates who already have a Master of Science in another area of nursing – 9 credits
     

October 1st for admission into the spring semester and February 15th for admission into the fall semester. Incomplete applications after October 15th (for Spring entry) or March 1st (for Fall entry) will not be considered, no exceptions. Please contact the program director if you require an extension due to special circumstances, as these will be reviewed case-by-case.

Admissions to the MSN Leadership and Administration program are offered on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed as they are received, allowing qualified students to begin the program at multiple points throughout the academic year. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time for application review, advising, and course planning.

Graduate School Application

Applicants are required to have a 3.0 GPA in their BSN degree and a total cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all post-high school education combined. Selected students who have a total GPA between 2.8 and 3.0 may be offered conditional acceptance at the discretion of the MSN committee. The MSN committee will determine if a conditional acceptance will be offered to students within this GPA range. Applicants must have an active, unrestricted RN license at the time of application, and must have completed a BSN by the end of the semester of the application cycle (i.e. if applying in spring application cycle for fall admission, candidate must complete BSN by end of the spring semester). Additional requirements include two letters of reference (one academic and one professional are preferred, though two professional references will be accepted) and an admission essay. Letters of reference should be requested to be completed on official letterhead, and recommenders will be emailed with a link to submit letters once the applicant fills out the graduate school application. 

The student must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average each semester to remain in the program. All other University policies with regard to retention and graduation are applicable to the Nursing program. A grade of "B" or above must be achieved in each nursing course or the course must be repeated. Only one course within the program of study may be repeated and a grade of "B" (3.0) or better must be achieved on the second attempt. A student cannot withdraw more than once from the same course. If a student withdraws from more than 2 courses in the program, the student must petition the MSN committee to request permission to continue in the program. All prerequisite requirements must be strictly adhered to for all courses. Each grade is included in the grade point average. Failure to receive a grade of "B" or 3.0 or higher when a course is repeated will result in dismissal from the program. If at any time the grade point average falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation.

For further information: NursingInfo@southernct.edu

For a complete list of tuition and fees for full and part time graduate study please click here