Program Overview

---

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing program provides a student-centered, world-class education to elevate your nursing career.

Faculty/School

Faculty of Health and Social Development, School of Nursing

Program Overview

The program offers two options: MSN course-based and MSN thesis-based.

• MSN course-based: 16 months (full-time), consisting of coursework and a capstone.
• MSN thesis-based: 24 months (full-time), consisting of coursework and a thesis.

Why Study MSN at UBC Okanagan?

Our program is designed for both experienced nurses and recent graduates. Choose from MSN course- or thesis-based options and specialize in Nursing Education, Leadership, Primary Care, or Indigenous-Focused Care.

MSN Course-Based

The MSN course-based program welcomes RNs from a broad range of interests and backgrounds who wish to pursue careers in health leadership and/or education.

Program Overview (30 credits)

• 9 credits in core courses (NRSG 500, NRSG 504, NRSG 505)
• 3 credits in a required course-based core research course (NRSG 502)
• 12 credits in focus courses
• 6 credits in a required capstone course (NRSG 597)

MSN Thesis-Based

In the MSN thesis-based program, students are required to do a research project under the supervision of a faculty member.

Program Overview (30 credits)

• 9 credits in core courses (NRSG 500, NRSG 504, NRSG 505)
• 6 credits in required research coursework (NRSG 506, NRSG 507)
• 3 credits in focus courses (to be selected by student)
• 12 credits in thesis

Program Learning Outcomes

The objectives of the MSN program are to prepare nurses who are innovative, creative, evidence-informed problem-solvers who can collaboratively lead interprofessional teams.

Areas of Concentration

Areas of Concentration

• Nursing Education: Prepares nurses to become effective educators in academic and clinical settings.
• Nursing Leadership: Prepares nurses for advanced roles in healthcare management, policy, and organizational leadership.
• Primary Care: Prepares nurses for leadership roles focused on delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care across the lifespan.
• Indigenous Health & Wellbeing: Offers advanced preparation in applying Indigenous knowledge systems and practices to nursing and healthcare.

Supervisors & Research

MSN thesis-based students can find available Graduate Supervisors below.

Research Labs

The School of Nursing is home to five areas of research excellence with labs that offer opportunities to grad students.

Careers and Outcomes

Explore a wide range of advanced career opportunities across clinical, academic, administrative, and policy settings.

MSN Career paths may include:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Focusing on expert clinical practice in a specialized area.
• Nurse Educator: Teaching in academic institutions or clinical settings.
• Nursing Leadership/Management: Serving as nurse managers, directors of nursing, or healthcare administrators.
• Public Health Nurse: Leading population health initiatives, health promotion programs, and disease prevention strategies.
• Primary Care/Family Practice Nurse: Working as a team with family physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals.
• Policy and Advocacy Roles: Working in government or non-profit organizations to influence health policy and improve healthcare systems.
• Research Nurse or Coordinator: Designing, implementing, and managing clinical research studies to advance nursing knowledge and practice.
• Indigenous Health Specialist: Collaborating with Indigenous communities to improve culturally safe and relevant healthcare delivery.

Tuition and Funding

Tuition

For official tuition and fee information, refer to the Academic Calendar page for Master’s programs.

Funding Opportunities

The School of Nursing has a number of graduate research assistantships (RA) and teaching assistantships (TA) available.

Admission and Applying

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must:

• Be a Registered Nurse with a baccalaureate degree, typically in nursing.
• Have a minimum overall average of B+ (76%) standing in third- and fourth-year levels of their baccalaureate with an A- (80%) in 12 credits of nursing courses.
• International applicants must demonstrate competence to pursue studies in the English language.

How to Apply

Applying takes time. We recommend you start your application two months in advance.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 3% university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful lakes, vineyards, orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.