The U.S. Department of Labor projects registered nurses will enjoy the largest number of new jobs for any occupation through 2016.* While a bachelor's degree may qualify you for many nursing positions, some nursing career paths require a master's degree-especially for leadership positions that offer higher income potential. Kaplan University's Master of Science in Nursing allows you to study online and earn the necessiary credentials to pursue career advancement in administrative, faculty, or staff development roles.

 Program Highlights 

Our online program makes it easy for you to keep working while you study at your convenience, day or night, from anywhere you have access to the Internet.†   The Master of Science in Nursing program offers:

  • A balanced core curriculum and specialized courses in organizational theory, health care finance, human resources, and information and health care technologies
  • A requisite practicum experience designed to help you put your knowledge to work with a mentor in the health care organization or school of your choice
  • A required evidence-based project proposal that gives you an opportunity to document your learning experience
  • Up-to-date information and techniques taught by practicing professionals who have doctorate degrees in the fields they teach

 Areas of Specialization for the Master of Science in Nursing 

Specialization in a particular area of nursing is essential for building your niche in today's competitive health care field. Our specializations are designed for you to acquire specific knowledge and skills to help advance your nursing career.
    Focus on the principles of personnel management, policy development and implementation, budgeting,and the use of information technology in advanced nursing roles. Complete a residency program during which you will work closely with an administrator mentor in a selected health care setting. Study to prepare for administrative or managerial positions and leadership roles in hospitals, community centers, and long-term care facilities.
    Focus on developing courses and programs that integrate nursing philosophy. Examine the applications and ethical and legal issues related to the use of technology in teaching. Analyze assessment, measurement, and evaluation methods used in nursing education. Prepare for a faculty or educator role in colleges or schools of nursing, continuing education programs, staff development, clinical education, and patient and community education. Explore strategies for developing effective educational experiences.

 Curriculum for the Master of Science in Nursing 

    Courses Credits
    Advanced Nursing Roles 5
    Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing 5
    Advanced Statistics for the Health Sciences 5
    Inquiry and Evidence-Based Practice 5
    Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in a Diverse Community 5
    Ethical and Legal Perspectives of the Health Care System 5
    Health Policy, Financing, and Organization of Health Care Delivery Systems 5
    Evidence-Based Project Proposal 5
    Courses Credits
    Specialization Courses 23
    Total Program Requirements 63 credits
    Courses Credits
    Organizational Theory and Behavior 5
    Health Care Finance, Strategic Planning, and Budgeting 5
    Human Resources Management 5
    Information and Health Care Technologies 3
    Nurse Administrator Practicum 5
    Courses Credits
    Teaching and Learning Strategies 5
    Curriculum Design 5
    Instructional Technology Integration 3
    Assessment and Evaluation 5
    Nurse Educator Practicum 5

 Prepare for Certification 

Certification is often a condition for employment in nursing. Upon completion of this program with a Nurse Administrator emphasis, you may be eligible to take the Nursing Administration or Nursing Administration Advanced Certification examinations provided by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.‡ The Nurse Educator emphasis is designed to prepare you for the National League of Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) examination.‡

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

On average, full-time workers who attain a master's degree have significantly lower unemployment rates and earn nearly twenty percent more than those with a bachelor's degree.§ Registered nurses with a master's degree may find career opportunities in management or administration in various health care organizations, small businesses, nursing education programs, or as a nursing consultant. The Master of Science in Nursing is also a foundation for future doctoral studies.#

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$350.00
Total program requirements63 credits
Total cost of tuition$22,050.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective July 1, 2009, a minimum deposit of $70 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

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* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Registered Nurses, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm (Accessed May 2008).
† This program is not one hundred percent online; a practicum experience must be completed.
‡ Although the program is designed to prepare students for various certification and licensing examinations, the University cannot guarantee students will pass the exams.
§ Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, 2007 http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab7.htm, Accessed March 2008.
# While many of Kaplan University's degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued graduate- or doctorate-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any graduate or doctoral programs.