Nursing, M.S. Program
Program Description
The Cal State East Bay Master of Science in Nursing Program prepares nurses from diverse personal and professional backgrounds to be effective leaders in clinical and academic settings. The curriculum provides a multifaceted foundation in leadership, education, and organizational effectiveness. The program expands learners’ knowledge and skills to advance the nursing profession in various educational and health care settings. The program is designed for working professionals by offering a flexible online approach, opportunities to apply concepts in real-world settings, and support from nationally renowned faculty. Most course instruction is delivered online. Additionally, you will attend a two-day master course immersion event on campus at the start of each year. This provides a valuable opportunity to foster collegial work relationships with professors and class members. You can look forward to an in-person course overview while enjoying the flexibility of online learning. The MSN is designed to be completed in four semesters.
Additional information about the program and links to the application are found through the Continuing Education website at
https://ce.csueastbay.edu/ce/programs/nursing
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing program, graduates will be able to:
- Integrate theoretical, scientific, and nursing knowledge, ethical/legal principles, person-centered care, and clinical expertise in advanced professional practice.
- Demonstrate effective leadership in advancing health equity and improving quality outcomes of care.
- Engage in ethical evidence based scholarship to advance the quality and safety of nursing practice.
- Use healthcare informatics and technologies to facilitate interprofessional communication, collaboration, and coordination of safe, cost-effective care across the care continuum for individuals, families, and populations.
- Design inclusive, ethical, and innovative nursing care practices to optimize system effectiveness to improve population health outcomes.
- Cultivate interprofessional partnerships that promote workplace safety and foster a culture of mutual learning, respect, and professional development to advance nursing practice.
- Demonstrate a commitment to self reflection, leadership, and personal and professional role development.
Career Opportunities
In today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape, nurse educators are change agents and leaders, and nurse leaders utilize educational principles to effect change. Cal State East Bay’s innovative M.S. in Nursing curriculum prepares graduates for a variety of careers in clinical, organizational, and academic work settings. Graduates interested in becoming Nurse Educators are equipped to work as education leaders in clinical practice settings and academic nursing programs. Graduates interested in leadership positions are well-prepared for management and administration roles in clinical practice settings and healthcare systems. MSN program graduates are well positioned to apply for professional certifications such as the National League for Nursing’s Certified Nurse Educator, American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Nursing Professional Development Certification or Nurse Executive Certification, and Healthcare Quality Certification Commission’s Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, among other professional distinctions, if they chose to do so.
Admission Criteria
Admission to the M.S. in Nursing program is based on the Admission Committee’s overall assessment of the applicant’s qualifications and academic/career potential using the following criteria:
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited institution.
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Valid California RN license, or be eligible for CA RN Licensure.
- One year or more professional nursing experience is preferred.
- Two professional letters of recommendation (on letterhead), indicating the applicant’s potential for success in graduate education and a nursing leadership role.
- Goal Statement - A two-page essay indicating the applicant’s career interests and goals, their purpose for seeking this advanced degree, and how they are prepared to meet the demands and requirements of this program.
- Interview - To be arranged following receipt of the application.
- All undergraduate/graduate transcripts must be sent to University Admissions.
- STAT 100 Elements of Statistics and Probability, or its equivalent, with a grade of “C” or better prior to starting the MSN program and within the past ten (10) years. Please note: To request a waiver of this recency requirement, contact the Nursing Department.
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Program, learners must complete two separate application forms:
- University Application Cal State Apply, and
- Nursing Supplemental Application (NursingCAS)
Please review the detailed application instructions on the MSN Program website.
Major Requirements
The M.S. in Nursing program requires completion of 30 semester units. In the last semester of the program, learners choose one of two final course offerings that lead to a deeper understanding of curriculum design or healthcare resource management. Within each M.S.N. course learners engage in active assignments designed for practicing and applying new concepts and skills. By the end of the M.S.N. program, learners will have completed 500 hours of direct and indirect practice experiences, demonstrating a broad range of advanced professional nursing competencies.
Student Standing and Progress Toward the Degree
Learners must earn a B- or better in each course to progress in the program and must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher to remain in good standing. If a learner’s GPA falls below 3.0 they will be placed on academic probation, in accorance with University policies. Generally, all units must be taken at Cal State East Bay. A maximum of 9 transfer credits may be accepted upon course review. The M.S. in Nursing program follows all other applicable University Graduate Degree requirements and policies regarding student standing and progress toward degree.
Cause for Dismissal from Program
Learners may be dismissed from the program at any time “for cause.” “For cause” includes, but is not limited to, poor academic or fieldwork performance or academic dishonesty, as well as behavior that is destructive to students or faculty, and/or interferes with the educational environment, and/or represents a threat to potential clients. “For cause” also includes behaviors that are inconsistent with the legal, ethical, and/or personal responsibilities of professional nurses.
Master of Science in Nursing Degree Requirements (30 units)
Core Requirements (24 units)
The following 24 units of core coursework is required:
Emphasis Elective (3 units)
Students must choose one (1) of the two emphasis courses to complete their major degree:
Capstone Requirement (3 units)
The following capstone project is required to complete the program requirements:
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