Program Overview

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MSN: Community / Public Health Nursing

The Community and Public Health Nursing master's specialty prepares students to make a difference for patients and communities by addressing the roots of significant health care issues. This program focuses on population health, social justice, and evidence-based programs, equipping students with the advanced practice skills to develop, deliver, and evaluate public health efforts.

Program Overview

• The program can be completed in as little as 2 years.
• It is offered in a blended format, combining face-to-face and online instruction.
• The tuition fees are $926 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,643 per credit hour for out-of-state students.
• The program requires 38 credits to complete.
• It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Competency-Based Education

The program's curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, which focuses on competency-based education (CBE). CBE is a student-centered approach that provides multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate and use what they are learning.

Faculty and Community Connections

The faculty maintains strong connections with more than 50 community and public health programs at the federal, state, and local levels, including nonprofit and hospital organizations. As a University of Maryland, Baltimore student, you will also have interprofessional opportunities to work with students from other professions to promote better outcomes for vulnerable populations.

What You'll Learn

The Community/Public Health Nursing MSN specialty prepares you to make a difference for patients and communities by focusing on:

• Health promotion and disease prevention
• Health needs of select populations in community contexts
• Epidemiology, program planning, and evaluation
• Grant writing, organizational analysis, and social marketing

How the Program Works

• The program can be completed in as little as four semesters.
• Full-time and part-time options are available.
• Coursework includes:
  • Five online courses
  • Five face-to-face courses
  • Two practicum courses (315 total service-learning hours)
• You will work with an advisor to determine a practicum placement tailored to your interests and career goals.

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, you will be able to lead population health and public health efforts in a variety of roles and settings, including:

• Local and state health departments
• Federal and state agencies
• Nonprofit and research organizations
• Hospital-based community programs
• Nongovernmental agencies
• Schools and school systems
• Universities and colleges (as faculty)

Admission Information

Deadlines

• Fall 2026 Timeline:
  • Regular Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration: July 15, 2026
  • Final Deadline: August 1, 2026
• Spring 2027 Timeline:
  • Regular Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration: December 15, 2026
  • Final Deadline: January 5, 2027

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a major in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLN CNEA-accredited college or university
• An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0

Application Materials

• Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee
• One recommendation from a recent professional source
• Essay (500-1,000 words) addressing the specific specialty area, motivation, population of interest, and qualities essential to the advanced nursing profession
• Typed résumé or CV
• A copy of your valid, unrestricted (current) RN license in the United States
• Official transcripts from every institution previously attended or currently attending

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education, including:

• Federal Financial Aid
• Maryland Financial Aid
• Merit Scholarships ($1,500-$3,000 per semester)
• Donor-Funded Scholarships ($500-2,000 per semester)
• Conway Scholarship (50% of in-state tuition, fees, and books)
• Graduate Assistantships (stipend, tuition remission, in-state status, and paid student health insurance)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the Community/Public Health MSN program?

The program prepares nurses to address health disparities and improve health outcomes in communities through advanced public health nursing practice.

What are the admission requirements?

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution
• GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Current, active RN license
• Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement

What is the duration of the program?

The program can typically be completed in 2-3 years of full-time study. Part-time options may also be available.

What courses will I take?

Core courses include:

• Advanced Health Assessment
• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Health Policy and Advocacy
• Community/Public Health Nursing Theory and Practice
• Leadership in Public Health Nursing

Are there clinical requirements?

Yes, the program includes clinical practicum experiences in community and public health settings.

Can I work while completing the program?

Many students work part-time while completing the program. The part-time study option is designed to accommodate working professionals.

What career opportunities are available after graduation?

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

• Public Health Nurse
• Community Health Coordinator
• Health Educator
• Epidemiologist
• Program Manager in public health agencies, non-profits, and healthcare organizations

Is financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid options are available, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for more information.