The program leading to the Master of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare graduates with expertise in theory, research, and advanced nursing practice. Through academic courses and clinical experiences, graduate students are prepared to meet the present nationwide demand for nurses in advanced practice, leadership and education as well as to pursue doctoral study. The master’s program in nursing is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Students in the program may specialize in a variety of roles. All specialties emphasize development of the nursing role through advanced theory and research. The program strives to instill in its graduates leadership responsibility, professional commitment, and a holistic approach to health and nursing care.

The number of credits required for the Master of Science in Nursing degree varies and reflects the number of hours in the core plus the hours required for certification in a specialty. The nurse anesthesia role option requires 82 credits. The family nurse practitioner role option requires 47 credit hours.There is a joint program with Shenandoah University in nurse midwifery that is 47 credits. Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator program is 45 credits.