Program Overview

Master of Science in Nursing Program

The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.) program at Georgia State University provides a path to becoming an advanced practice nurse and prepares students for specialized care settings and leadership roles.

Program Overview

The program is designed to prepare students to implement and evaluate innovative nursing and healthcare information approaches, including interprofessional care coordination, patient quality teams, and safety teams at all levels. Students can choose from several nurse practitioner specialty areas, including:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Two letters of recommendation from individuals knowledgeable of the student's academic and/or professional abilities
• Resume including education, work experience, professional development, and community and volunteer activities
• Statement of purpose and goals
• Writing sample on a social or health issue
• Transcripts from each college or university attended
• Experience required: one to two years of clinical practice as a registered nurse
• International applicants must also submit official TOEFL scores and a certificate of immunization

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of a minimum of 48 semester hours of study, including 22 hours of core courses and 26 hours of specialty courses.

Tuition and Fees

The program is eligible for residency neutral rates for online students, with a tuition rate of $450 per credit hour and an online learning fee of $660 per semester.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates should be able to:

• Integrate knowledge of the humanities, evidence-based practice, and the distinct perspective of the nursing profession with clinical judgment and person-centered, compassionate care
• Collaborate and use effective communication strategies with patients, families, and interprofessional partners
• Apply scholarship to improve health-related outcomes of patients, families, and populations
• Utilize activities that maintain and enhance quality and safety while minimizing risk of harm to patients and providers
• Design collaborative treatment plans, recommendations, and referrals that provide equitable care and address social determinants of health for diverse populations

Careers

Master of Science in Nursing degree graduates work in a variety of healthcare areas, including ambulatory and primary care, hospital and specialty settings. After passing national certification exams, nurse practitioners deliver care in rural areas, urban community health centers, college campuses, employee health centers, and other locations.

Program Details

• The program is open to registered nurses who wish to continue their education by obtaining an advanced degree.
• There are two admission options: RNs with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and RNs prepared at the associate or diploma level.
• RNs without a baccalaureate degree in nursing must complete additional undergraduate coursework before taking master's courses.
• The program uses The Essentials of Master's Education in Nursing (AACN, 2021) as professional nursing standards and guidelines.