The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Teaching-Learning Environments option requires a minimum of 32 credit hours for degree completion. The curriculum includes 15 credit hours of MSN core courses and 17 credit hours of specialized coursework in nursing education.

This program prepares graduates for the nurse educator role by focusing on advanced teaching methodologies and strategies to support learning across diverse settings. Emphasis is placed on the direct care role of nurse educators and the development of instructional skills necessary to educate nursing students, healthcare clients, and interprofessional team members.

Course content is delivered in a fully virtual format. A maximum of six credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution, subject to approval (See “Transfer Admission”).

https://www.una.edu/nursing/msn-online/

Admission to MSN Program

All applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program must meet the general admission requirements for graduate study at the University of North Alabama (see General Regulations and Procedures). All required application materials must be submitted by the published deadline.

In addition to UNA’s graduate admission requirements, applicants to the MSN program must meet the following criteria:

• A completed application to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions (ACONHP) graduate program (available online at https://www.una.edu/graduate/ 
• A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on the transcript from the BSN degree-granting institution transcript.
• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a professionally accredited nursing program in the United States.
• A written statement of professional goals, including how graduate education will support the achievement of those goals.
• A current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license. Applicants with restrictions, reprimands, or participation in any disciplinary alternative program are not eligible for admission.
• Clinical nursing experience is preferred but not required.
• Completion of a criminal background check and drug screen.

Track-Specific Requirements

Applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks must also submit a minimum of two completed recommendation forms.

Conditional Admission – Leadership and Teaching-Learning Tracks

Applicants to the Leadership and Teaching-Learning tracks may be considered for conditional admission if they partially meet the admission criteria. Conditionally admitted students must have at least one year of full-time clinical experience as a registered nurse. To continue in the program, conditionally admitted students must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher after the first nine credit hours. Students who fall below a 3.0 GPA after nine hours will not be permitted to continue in the program.

International Applicants

International students must meet all University and ACONHP graduate admission requirements. In addition, they must achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL.

Admission Review and Selection

All applications are reviewed by the graduate nursing administration and/or faculty. Admission decisions are made by the ACONHP graduate administration and/or faculty. Admission to the MSN program is competitive, and meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
MSN Core Courses		15
NU 502	Health Policy, Social Issues, and Theory
NU 508	Advanced Health Assessment
NU 509	Diversity, Ethics, Health Promotion and Informatics in Person-Centered Care
NU 607	Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology
NU 614	Advanced Pharmacology for Nurses
Teaching Learning Environments Option Discipline Specific Courses		17
NU 605	Curriculum Development in Collegiate Nursing Programs
NU 606	Evaluation in Collegiate Nursing Programs
NU 616	Teaching the Health Care Consumer and Provider
NU 680	Evidenced-based Practice and Teaching/Learning Practicum I
NU 681	Evidence-based Practice and Teaching/Learning Practicum II
Total Hours		32