Program Overview

Introduction to the Nursing and Public Health (MSN/MPH) Dual Degree Program

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership positions in health-related agencies and settings where a combined expertise in nursing and public health is beneficial. This program is available to students in the Community/Public Health Nursing specialty.

Program Overview

• The MSN degree requires 38 credits.
• The MPH degree requires 42 credits, including 24 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours in an area of concentration.
• Students must select a concentration in either Epidemiology, Community and Population Health, or Global Health.
• The program allows students to earn both degrees in less time — and at less cost — than if they pursued each degree separately.
• The School of Nursing will allow students to use 6 credits obtained in the MPH program to fulfill MSN elective requirements.
• The School of Medicine will allow students to use 6 credits earned in the MSN program as MPH electives.

Degree Awards and Admissions

• Each school awards its own degree and has its own admissions process.
• Students must meet all the requirements for the MSN and MPH programs to receive both degrees.

Scholarship Opportunities

• The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) offers multiple opportunities to help students afford their graduate education.
• Types of aid include:
  • Federal Financial Aid with various award amounts
  • Merit Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per semester
  • Donor-Funded Scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 per semester
  • Conway Scholarship, which is a full scholarship covering tuition and fees
  • Graduate Assistantships, which include a stipend, tuition remission, in-state status, and paid student health insurance

Eligibility for Financial Aid

• All students receiving funds through the University must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program.
• Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year by the University's award priority deadline.
• The FAFSA submission period is from October 1 of the previous year through February 28.

MSN Admission Information

Deadlines

• For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the respective deadlines.
• Deadlines for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 are as follows:
  • Fall 2026: Regular Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration is July 15, 2026, and Final Deadline is August 1, 2026.
  • Spring 2027: Regular Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration is December 15, 2026, and Final Deadline is January 5, 2027.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a major in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLN CNEA-accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution.
• An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 is required.

Application Materials

• Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee
• One recommendation from a recent professional source
• Essay addressing specific questions related to the specialty area, motivation, and career goals
• Typed résumé or CV
• A copy of a valid, unrestricted (current) RN license in the United States
• Official transcripts from every institution previously attended or currently attending

Additional Requirements

• Applicants without a high school diploma or college degree in the U.S. must demonstrate English proficiency and have their transcripts evaluated if they have completed coursework outside of the U.S.
• Certain master's specialties may not be eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship due to the amount of online courses.