Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

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MSN Program Curriculum Plan | Course Descriptions

Curriculum

The 32-credit Nursing Education MSN specialization can be completed in four (4) semesters of fulltime graduate study. Most classes are offered on-line or via distance learning. Part-time study is also available.

The following is the recommended full-time sequence of nursing graduate courses:

VM: 10/05

Level 1: Semester 1 (Total Credits: 8)

• NRED 611 Science and Research 4 credits
• NRED 612 Linking the Brain, Mind, Teaching and Learning 4 credits

Level 2: Semester 2 (Total Credits:6)

• NRED 622 Educational Technology in Higher Education 3 credits
• NRED 632 Curriculum Design and Instruction in Higher Education 3 credits

Level 3: Semester 3 (Total Credits: 9)

• NRED 634 Psychometrics: Test and Scale Construction 3 credits
• NRED 643 Program Evaluation 3 credits
• NRED:  approved elective 3 credits

Level 4: Semester 4 (Total Credits: 9)

• NRED 710 Role Practicum 6 credits
• NRED:  approved elective 3 credits

Post Masters' Certificate

• NRED 632 Curriculum Design and Instruction in Higher Education (3 credits)
• NRED 534 Psychometrics: Test and Scale Construction (3 credits)
• NRED 643 Program Evaluation (3 credits)
• NRED 710 Role Practicum and Role Seminar in Higher Education (6 credits)

Available Electives

• NRED 623 Evolution of Higher Ed (3 credits)
• NRED 625 Development of Grants and External Support (3 credits)
• NRED 615 Clinical Teaching in Nursing (3 credits)
• Other courses upon advisement

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Course Descriptions

NRED 611 Science and Research (4 credits)

Students explore the philosophy of science and the shifting paradigms and current conceptual frameworks for guiding professional practice. Cultural, social and ethical issues are explored as they impact their philosophy of science, health care practice and research. Students have opportunities to develop a research problem within their own philosophy and conceptual framework. Research proposal development includes application of research designs, instruments and methods of data analysis. Discussion focuses on critical analysis and evaluation of the merit and significance of scientific research to health care outcomes, philosophy of science and advanced practice nursing.

NRED 612 Linking the Brain, Mind, Teaching and Learning (4 credits)

Recent studies are beginning to reveal how various brain areas are working together to produce cognitive processes. Numerous seemingly unrelated areas of biology, neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, and computer simulation are attempting to understand mental processes. The educator has control over the creation of effective, efficient, and enjoyable learning environments; however, the bridge between the process of teaching and learning is limited to the five senses. In preparation for the changing needs of the learner and the workplace in the 21st Century educators must incorporate what this recent scientific research has provided into their teaching strategies.

NRED 615 Clinical Teaching in Nursing (3 credits)

This course will focus on the integration of theoretical knowledge and experiential learning. The student will learn to translate a formal curriculum into active engagement at the patient bedside. The diverse roles of faculty in the clinical setting will be explored. Specific content will include the development of a clinical teaching philosophy, teaching strategies and evaluation of learner outcomes.

NRED 622 Educational Technology in Higher Education (3 credits)

This course is designed to explore the knowledge and competencies needed to develop and apply innovative technologies in classroom and laboratory settings. Students will cover in more depth various teaching/learning strategies such as computer-based learning environments, the use of multimedia, and the use of distributed instructional strategies rotating through three core Centers covering content in the use of video, interactive learning, and WEB page development.

NRED 623 Evolution of Higher Education (3 credits) elective

This course is an overview of the evolution of higher education in the U.S. The early development of colleges in the U.S.and the effect of the Industrial revolution will be presented. The focus of the course, however, will be on the trends, events, and issues that have shaped the contemporary system of higher education in the U.S. Issues facing higher education in the new millennium including aging of the population and faculty, increasing pressure for proportional representation, the virtual university and web based education, distance learning, and multiculturalism will be discussed.

NRED 632 Curriculum Design and Instruction in Higher Education (3 credits)

This course explores the nature of curriculum development in higher education based on educational theories and principles. It focuses on the development of curricula for a variety of academic programs in higher education and the design of teaching and learning strategies for their implementation. It also addresses curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation. Factors influencing curriculum, student, faculty, and administrator roles are explored.

NRED 634 Psychometrics: Test and Scale Construction (3 credits)

This course focuses on knowledge and skills needed to design and evaluate tests and scales constructed to measure academic achievement. Key constructs essential to the science of effective test construction are explored, including reliability, validity, correlational analysis, error variance, and mastery learning. Practical components of test item construction, essay evaluation, and fieldwork/clinical performance evaluation is also incorporated. Students engage in relevant hands-on experiences in test and scale construction.

NRED 643 Program Evaluation (3 credits)

This course focuses on the essential components of academic program evaluation, including outcomes assessment, course and career portfolio construction, analysis of aggregated trended data, consumer satisfaction surveys, long term student and alumni databases, and accreditation processes and procedures. Students are encouraged to work with mentors specific to their individual disciplines.

NRED 625/MSET 611 Developing Grants and Extramural Support (4 credits) elective

The seeking of support through funding by private and government sources for worthwhile activities is a manifestation of the historical concept of philanthropy in American Society. The process of developing requests for funding has become a skilled and honorable profession that requires the understanding of: need, project design, organizational structure, institutional priorities, accountability, evaluation and reporting. This course examines the history and social context of giving. It traces the development of the philanthropic process found in the United States. The grant process from RFP to the award is examined. Government, foundation, corporate and individual funding is considered, and actual proposals will be submitted to funding sources. Attention is paid to the changing world of philanthropy due to changes in the priorities of public and private givers that reflect changes in societal priorities.

NRED 710 Role Practicum and Role Seminar in Higher Education (6 credits)

A guided experience for students, the practicum requires supervised field work in a higher education institution or clinical/continuing education agency and participation in a weekly role seminar. Program faculty oversees fieldwork. The seminar covers practice issues, professional skills development, and issues related to theory and research in higher education.

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