Program Overview

Master of Science in Nursing

The UMass Lowell School of Nursing offers a master's program in nursing that emphasizes depth of knowledge and excellence in nursing in two areas of specialization: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nursing and Family Health Nursing.

Description of Program

The objectives of the master's program curriculum are to provide advanced practice nursing education which focuses on:

1. Health promotion of individuals, families and groups from diverse populations;
2. Management of health problems in collaboration with client, families, and health professionals;
3. Leadership in the profession; and
4. Research utilization for evidence-based practice.

The graduate program is designed for a four-semester, two-calendar year schedule, although part-time study is possible. Within each major area of specialization all students are prepared with knowledge and skills necessary for leadership in a variety of settings. Methods of inquiry, research and scholarly techniques are integral parts of the curriculum.

Admission and Degree Requirements

Requirements for the master's program are:

• A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from an accredited program,
• An undergraduate scholastic average of 3.000 or better,
• Official transcripts, from all of your previous degree coursework (Associates and Bachelors in Nursing) as well as any completed or in progress graduate courses.
• An introductory course in statistics. Course grade must be on transcripts
• License to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Out of state RN licenses are accepted for application review, but all accepted students will need to obtain Massachusetts License prior to practicum courses.
• A resume, summarizing educational and professional nursing experience and any other related honors, special skills or certifications.
• Two letters of recommendation preferably from nursing faculty, supervisors or nurse leader in your organization.
• Written Statement: A goal statement that briefly highlights relevant work history and immediate and long-term professional goals as an advanced-practice nurse.
• Computer literacy with WORD, email, internet searches and electronic learning platforms and programs.
• Completed application and fees.
• GREs are not required for the MS program

A minimum of 45 credits of course work is required for graduation with an MS for all students. A research project or a thesis is an option but not required for graduation.

Degree Pathway

Students may be admitted for part-time study. Part-time students will meet with their assigned advisor and plan a schedule for their program of studies.

The maximum number of credits that can be transferred from non-UMass Lowell programs is 6 credits.

Those taken at another accredited institution may be transferred if appropriate to the MS degree program in nursing and after approval by the faculty of record for the UMass Lowell course and the petition signed by the Graduate Coordinator. To qualify for transfer, the course must have been taken within 5 years prior to the date of matriculation. Transfer of credits may not be granted for Advanced Health Assessment, Specialty Courses or Specialty Practicum courses.

Admission is competitive. Admission is competitive and only completed applications will be reviewed.

Areas of Specialization

Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nursing

This specialty focuses on promoting health of young adults age 13 and up, adults and older adults during the process of normal aging and identifying and treating common health problems. Students develop advanced skills in communicating with young adults, adults and older adults, health assessment, health teaching and nursing intervention and evaluation. Students are prepared as nurse practitioners and eligible to sit for the adult gerontological primary care nurse practitioner certification exam.

Family Health Nursing

This specialty focuses on facilitating the health practices of families during the process of normal development and identifying and treating common health problems across the life span. Students develop advanced skills in communicating with families, health assessment, health teaching and nursing intervention and evaluation. Students are prepared as nurse practitioners and are eligible to sit for the family nurse practitioner certification exam.