Nursing M.S.

Margaret L. Hodge, R.N., M.S.N., Ed.D., Chair

Carolyn Martin, R.N., Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator
Phone: (209) 664-6591
CMartin2@csustan.edu

Office:  Demergasso-Bava Hall — DBH 260
Phone:  (209) 667-3141

View information for the Department of Nursing .

The primary purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing is to develop skilled professionals able to assume positions of leadership, which contribute to the health, education, and social structure of the community, state, and nation.  The core curriculum provides students with knowledge essential to all nurses prepared at the master’s level.  Graduates will be able to critique and evaluate research findings and to apply research findings in order to provide high quality care, initiate change, and implement evidence-based nursing practice.  Students will have an understanding of health care policy, health care organizations, and financing of health care which will prepare them to assume leadership positions in an ever-evolving health care system.  In addition, knowledge of ethical decision making principles and health disparity issues will help to assure that appropriate and sensitive health care is provided.

Students electing the concentration in education will be prepared to assume roles in nursing education in either an academic or service setting.  The concentration in gerontological nursing will prepare nursing professionals to meet the growing demands of an aging population.  Furthermore, specialization in this area will provide graduates with essential content to function as managers, providers, and organizers of health care for geriatric patients/clients. 
 

Requirements for Admission to the Graduate Program in the Department of Nursing

1. Admission to the CSU Stanislaus Graduate School;
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution;
3. Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited nursing program;
4. A minimum score of 400 on the verbal and math sections of the GRE and a minimum score of  4 on the analytical writing portion or 400 on the Millers Analogy;
5. Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of California;
6. Successful completion (minimum grade of C) of an undergraduate statistics course;
7. Three professional references; and,
8. Résumé with cover letter indicating professional goals.

The Department of Nursing Admissions Committee takes into consideration each of the requirements related to rendering an admission decision.  Applicants who do not meet all of the requirements but whose credentials reveal potential ability for master’s study are reviewed on an individual basis.  Applicants may be required to fulfill specific prerequisites or other conditions of admission prior to an admission decision or may be admitted on a provisional basis.  Provisional admission status requires the student to meet specific requirements before full admission status is granted.  Master’s level courses are normally restricted to students admitted to the graduate program.  With approval of the nursing graduate director, a maximum of six semester credits of graduate core course work may be pursued prior to admission if the student has provisional admission status.  Enrollment in graduate course work does not guarantee admission to the nursing program.

The Master of Science degree requires completion of 36 units distributed as follows:

1. Fifteen units of core courses;
2. Eighteen units of graduate coursework in a concentration or specialization including 3 to 5 units of elective course work at the undergraduate 4000 level or graduate level;
3. Students in both concentrations may choose between Thesis, Project, or Comprehensive Examination.  This choice should be made early in the program.  Students should consult with the graduate adviser for current policies.  Students choosing the Thesis or Project will enroll in 3 units of culminating experience.  Students electing to complete the comprehensive examination will not receive units for the examination so they must enroll in an additional 3 units of elective coursework.

Requirements for Continuation in the Program

Students in the graduate nursing program must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the degree.  No grade lower than a “B-” will be accepted in courses taken to satisfy degree requirements.  Students who fail to maintain a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and will be notified of the conditions required for removal of probation.