Master of Science in Nursing

Program Overview

You entered the field of nursing to improve the lives of others and enjoy a fulfilling career. Maybe you even see your vocation as a spiritual calling. In Anderson University’s Master of Science in Nursing program, we want to help you apply your faith to your profession. As you earn your Master of Science in Nursing degree in one of our four concentrations, you will learn a holistic approach to patient care that will equip you to meet your patient’s physical needs with a Christian worldview in mind.  Our concentrations include; Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Executive Leadership.

Our instructors are all practicing nurses, who understand the healthcare climate and can share with you the latest developments in nursing practice. Whether you’ve recently completed a nursing degree or you’re returning to school after years of nursing, our Master of Science in Nursing program will prepare you for a rewarding career as an advanced practice nurse. You can change lives for the better.

Flexible Learning Experience

At AU, we offer a flexible program catered to you, the working nurse. If you are an RN with an associate degree, you can apply directly to the MSN program. However, you will need to complete a few general education and science requirements, along with two bridge courses: Nursing Research and Professional Role Development, each worth three credit hours. After taking the bridge courses, you will be ready begin work on your degree. If you are an RN with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, you can directly enter the program.

All classes are offered online, so you can learn anywhere. You will still meet your cohort and professors in person during a three-day session, held once per semester for four consecutive semesters.

In addition to coursework, you will complete hands-on clinical training. Your clinical and in-class experiences at AU will prepare you for the standardized national examinations you must take to become certified to practice in your field.

Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements:

• Associate degree in nursing or higher from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 from the most recent nursing degree program
• Active and unencumbered RN license
• CPR certification
• Current immunization record by start of program
• General education and science/professional prerequisites (ADN applicants only)

General Education Requirements (18 credits)

• ENG 101 - English Composition & Speech I (3 credits)
• ENG 102 - English Composition & Speech II (3 credits)
• MAT 108 - Probability & Stats (3 credits)
• PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 205 - Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
• Any 3 credit hours from Humanities or Fine Arts (3 credits)

Science and professional requirements (21 credits)

• BIO 201 - Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits)
• BIO 202 - Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits)
• BIO 215 - Microbiology (4 credits)
• CHE 107 - General, Organic & Biochemistry (3 credits)
• NUR 365 - Professional Role Transition (3 credits)*
• NUR 356 - Nursing Research in Practice (3 credits)*

*Student may be admitted under provisional acceptance (pre-MSN/DNP) as long as these classes are completed at AU with a grade of C or better prior to the start of the program.

Application Process

• Complete online application and pay 25 dollar application fee
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Official Transcripts from all former academic institutions

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track

Students in this mostly online track will be trained to function at the level of an Advanced Practice Nurse and be eligible to test with the American Nurses Credentialing Center to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).  Students complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours in all populations (pediatrics, adolescents, adults, older adults) and are well positioned to assume roles in a variety of settings that treat those with mental illness, addictions, or other emotional problems.  Students come to campus 2-3 days mid semester to meet faculty, interact with their classmates, and learn new skills to help them to be successful in their field.