Nursing, M.S.N.
Program Director: Jennifer Cooper, D.N.P., R.N., cooper@hood.edu; 301-696-3219
The Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for current BSN holders who are ready to take their career to the next level. We offer three unique tracks to meet professional goals.
The adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner track qualifies students to sit for the certification exam to become an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). Nurse practitioners are in high demand, and in Maryland, NPs are able to practice independently in their own practices. The nursing education track prepares you to sit for the National League for Nursing’s Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. Nurse educators are responsible for training the next generation of healthcare workers in higher education settings. This track also makes an excellent pathway for those who wish to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The healthcare leadership track provides an advanced framework for those seeking high-level positions in healthcare administration, such as nursing manager, nursing director or chief nursing officer.
The MSN program is available on a full- or part-time basis and can typically be completed within four to six semesters. Courses are delivered online for added flexibility and convenience. Students will also complete a practicum with a preceptor.
To be considered for admission to the M.S. in Nursing program, applicants must be practicing registered nurses with one to two years of work experience in nursing. At the discretion of the program director, an interview may be required to clarify professional background and training. Applicants are required to submit:
Program Requirements
Foundation Requirement
Students who have not previously completed a statistics class will be required to complete this foundation course before enrolling in
NUTR 502. This foundation course requirement is in addition to the total credits required for program completion. Students who have completed a statistics course will be waived from this requirement upon review of application materials.
| MATH 500 | Statistics | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3.0 |
Core Requirements (15 Credits)
Students in all three tracks must complete these core requirements.
| NUR 500 | Found of Advance Pract & Role Develop | 3.0 |
| NUR 501 | Healthcare Systems, Policy & Advocacy | 3.0 |
| NUR 502 | Evidence-Based Practice & Research Meth | 3.0 |
| NUR 503 | Leadership in Nursing Practice | 3.0 |
| NUR 504 | Healthcare Informatics | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15.0 |
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track
Required Courses
| NUR 530 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3.0 |
| NUR 531 | Advanced Concepts-Physiology & Pathophysiology | 3.0 |
| NUR 532 | Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology | 3.0 |
| NUR 533 | Adult Gerontology Common Health Prob I | 3.0 |
| NUR 534 | Adult Gerontology Common Health Prob II | 4.0 |
| NUR 535 | Adult Gero Common/Comorbid Prob III | 4.0 |
| NUR 536 | Adult Gero Common/Comorbid Prob IV | 4.0 |
| NUR 596A | Advanced Practice Nurs Clin Practicum I | 3.0 |
| NUR 596B | Advanced Practice Nurs Clin Practicum II | 3.0 |
| NUR 596C | Advanced Practice Nurs Clin Practicum III | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 33.0 |
Healthcare Leadership Track
Foundation Course
Students who have not previously completed an equivalent version of Management Theory must complete this foundation course, which is a prerequisite for the
MGMT 560 required course. This foundation requirement is in addition to the 31 credits for program completion.
| MGMT 551 | Management Theory | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 3.0 |
Required Courses
| MGMT 560 | Leadership & Organizational Behavior | 3.0 |
| NUR 510 | Healthcare Finance | 3.0 |
| NUR 511 | Leading in Nursing Practice | 3.0 |
| NUR 512 | Quality Improvement Science-Healthcare | 3.0 |
| NUR 513 | Leadership Seminar and Practicum | 4.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16.0 |
Nursing Education Track
Required Courses
| NUR 520 | Principles & Found of Adult Learning | 3.0 |
| NUR 521 | Curriculum Design and Evaluation | 3.0 |
| NUR 522 | Teaching in a Practice Discipline | 3.0 |
| NUR 523 | Teaching Strategies and Technology | 3.0 |
| NUR 524 | Nurse Educator Seminar & Practicum | 4.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16.0 |