Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing leadership is not just about being a wholistic caretaker – it also means leading
and preparing the next generation of caregivers.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Tennessee Wesleyan University will prepare you with the knowledge and skills to be an effective leader in the nursing profession and bring about innovation in nursing education.
Online MSN Program Description
The fully online MSN program at Tennessee Wesleyan University-Fort Sanders School of Nursing’s (TWU-FSN) seeks to inspire and develop innovation, life-long learning, interprofessional collaboration, leadership in healthcare equality and promote the translation and integration of evidence-based research into professional nursing practice.
The MSN program contains two, 35 credit hour tracks:
Education
The education track prepares students to work as nurse educators and faculty who develop enriching and equitable curriculum.
Administration
The administration track gives students the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective leadership as a hospital administrator or executive.
For those already holding an MSN degree, TWU also offers each track as a post-master’s certification (13 credit hours).
Degree Requirements
Conferred Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (from an accredited institution of
higher education)
GPA Requirement
3.0 or better cumulative GPA
Letters of Recommendation
3 letters of recommendation must be submitted: 2 from prior university or college
instructors who can address the applicant’s abilities to complete graduate level studies,
and 1 reference from a current or past employer.
CV/Resume
Current curriculum vitae or resume detailing relevant experience.
RN Licensure
Proof of an active, good-standing RN licensure.
Experience Hours
Documentation proving experience of direct-patient care experience.
University Mission Statement
In keeping with the spirit of the liberal arts, Tennessee Wesleyan University seeks
within the framework of the Judeo-Christian tradition to provide for students the
highest quality education experience, to promote personal responsibility, integrity,
and purpose, and to prepare students for a life of leadership and service in an every-changing
global community.
Nursing Department Philosophy on Education
TWU-FSN department believes education is a dynamic, on-going process of growth and
development that involves acquisition and application of knowledge and skills culminating
in new patterns of behavior. The men and women who demonstrate an interest and commitment
to nursing are unique individuals with diverse backgrounds and learning styles. Education
must take place in a non-threatening, open environment that fosters creativity, self-motivation,
the spirit of scientific inquiry and effective communication. The responsibility for
learning is shared by both student and faculty; thus, the curriculum is planned, implemented,
and evaluated by the faculty with input from students and graduates to assist in meeting
educational goals.
Professional Learning Outcomes
1.) Utilize core curriculum to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate the
delivery of advanced nursing practice.
2.) Integrate advanced theory, organizational science, informatics, and health policy
into the delivery of nursing care for diverse populations and settings.
3.) Synthesize, translate, and integrate evidence-based research to promote the
health and wellness for diverse individuals, families, and communities.
4.) Create strategies that promote lifelong learning for self and peers, incorporating
professional nursing standards, and accountability for ethical practice.
5.) Assume responsibility for the role of educator, executive, or nurse leader to
maximize learning and innovation across settings.
Tuition (per credit hour): $650
Online Technology Fee (per credit hour): $10
Graduation Fee: $150
Total for 5 semesters = $23,100
Online MSN Curriculum and Course Description
NUR 501 Advanced Pathophysiology/Pharmacology
This course focuses on advanced concepts of nonpathological physiology by systems.
Variations from normal and pathophysiologic processes across the life span are presented.
In addition to the pathophysiology, classifications of pharmaceuticals are examined
in relation to indication for use and evidence of efficacy. Elements of health promotion,
quality/safety, evidence-based practice, and education are integrated throughout the
course. (4 s.h.)
NUR 503 Advanced Health Assessment
Advanced health assessment builds upon the professional nurse’s assessment and clinical
reasoning skills. Emphasis is placed on advanced health assessment skills, risk assessment,
integration of evidence-based practice guidelines, and patient education (health promotion)
across the life span and health care setting. Health Assessment Lab: Virtual Labs
will be conducted each week via an online learning platform. A systematic approach
will be used to aid knowledge acquisition. (3 s.h.)
NUR 505 Research for Evidence Based Practice
In this course students are introduced to evidence-based practice as it relates to
the science of nursing. Students gain practical knowledge of research principles/methodologies
through the initial development of a research-driven capstone project. At the completion
of this course students will have determined an area of interest (research agenda),
developed a clinical practice research question (PICOT question), and completed an
integrated literature review (project prospectus). (3 s.h.)
NUR 506 Nursing Theory
In this nursing theory course students will examine the development and utilization
of nursing theory, including its history, influencing factors, and future applications.
At the completion of this course students will be able to connect the utility of nursing
theory to clinical practice. (3 s.h.)
NUR 515 Health Policy & Leadership
The purpose of this course is to explore the connections between healthy policy and
patient care within a framework of nursing education and nursing leadership. (3 s.h.)
NUR 514 Health Informatics
Health informatics is focused on the optimal use of data, information, and knowledge,
to ensure delivery of quality healthcare across a variety of settings. Student will
develop informatic skills by formulating plans to address data or information issues
related to healthcare, research, and health education. (3 s.h.)
NUR 520 Principles of Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education
Principles of teaching and learning explores key aspects of the learning process,
educational theory, and its implementation throughout higher education and nursing
education. Students will gain confidence in developing educational interventions applied
in a variety of delivery settings within the context of nursing education (traditional
classroom, clinical, hospital-based education, and/or online). (3 s.h.)
NUR 522 Designing Nursing Curriculum
In this practicum course students explores the essential structures, components, and
factors of curriculum design within the framework of Nursing Education. Concentration
will be on the curriculum development processes and methods for evaluating program/
university outcomes. Students will use a systematic approach to curriculum design,
creating an evidence-based teaching practice that is applicable across learning environments.
(3 s.h.)*
NUR 524 Assessment & Evaluation of Learning for Nurse Educators
In this practicum course students will implement aspects of assessing and evaluating
student learning throughout a variety of academic and healthcare settings. A total
of 45 practicum hours are required for successful course completion. (3 s.h.) *
NUR 530 MSN Internship (Education or Administration)
This course serves to apply the strategies and knowledge developed throughout the
MSN curriculum. Students complete 180 practical hours working with a faculty-approved
preceptor. Focus is on bridging the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities
to apply program knowledge to common academic and/or healthcare issues. (4 s.h.)
NUR 531 MSN Capstone Project (Education or Administration)
In this course students will develop a timeline for project activities/completion,
select measurable objectives, communicate with key stakeholders, identify project
resources, develop a project budget, and implement proposed research-driven capstone
project. At the completion of this course each student will complete a project evaluation,
conduct a peer-critique session, and present an overview of the project via a professional
presentation. (3 s.h)
* For MSN practicum courses (NUR 522, 524, 521, & 523) one semester credit hour or
45 hours will be fulfilled by a clinical component.
NUR 501 Advanced Pathophysiology/Pharmacology
This course focuses on advanced concepts of nonpathological physiology by systems.
Variations from normal and pathophysiologic processes across the life span are presented.
In addition to the pathophysiology, classifications of pharmaceuticals are examined
in relation to indication for use and evidence of efficacy. Elements of health promotion,
quality/safety, evidence-based practice, and education are integrated throughout the
course. (4 s.h.)
NUR 503 Advanced Health Assessment
Advanced health assessment builds upon the professional nurse’s assessment and clinical
reasoning skills. Emphasis is placed on advanced health assessment skills, risk assessment,
integration of evidence-based practice guidelines, and patient education (health promotion)
across the life span and health care setting. Health Assessment Lab: Virtual Labs
will be conducted each week via an online learning platform. A systematic approach
will be used to aid knowledge acquisition. (3 s.h.)
NUR 505 Research for Evidence Based Practice
In this course students are introduced to evidence-based practice as it relates to
the science of nursing. Students gain practical knowledge of research principles/methodologies
through the initial development of a research-driven capstone project. At the completion
of this course students will have determined an area of interest (research agenda),
developed a clinical practice research question (PICOT question), and completed an
integrated literature review (project prospectus). (3 s.h.)
NUR 506 Nursing Theory
In this nursing theory course students will examine the development and utilization
of nursing theory, including its history, influencing factors, and future applications.
At the completion of this course students will be able to connect the utility of nursing
theory to clinical practice. (3 s.h.)
NUR 515 Health Policy & Leadership
The purpose of this course is to explore the connections between healthy policy and
patient care within a framework of nursing education and nursing leadership. (3 s.h.)
NUR 514 Health Informatics
Health informatics is focused on the optimal use of data, information, and knowledge,
to ensure delivery of quality healthcare across a variety of settings. Student will
develop informatic skills by formulating plans to address data or information issues
related to healthcare, research, and health education. (3 s.h.)
NUR 525 Human Resource Management for Nursing Leadership
Human resource management introduces students to the essential role of human resource
management within complex healthcare organizations. Through the lens of nursing administration,
students explore the dynamic interrelationships between organizational theories and
a variety of operational topics. Topics include staffing, orientation, performance
management, team dynamics, conflict resolution, talent retention, and professional
development. (3 s.h.)
NUR 521 Financial Management in Nursing Administration
In this practicum course students examine the economic and financial factors affecting
nursing leadership and the daily operations of complex healthcare organizations. Principles
of reimbursement, value-based purchasing, Budgeting, and quality outcomes indicators
are considered. Students apply new financial knowledge by creating, analyzing, and
establishing on-going evaluation needs of a budget. A total of 45 practicum hours
are required for successful course completion. (3 s.h.) *
NUR 523 Strategic Management for Nurses
In this practicum course students examine the importance of strategic nursing knowledge
and planning to facilitate change, manage collaborative projects, develop contingency
plans, and apply methods for sustaining innovation within complex healthcare organizations.
The application of knowledge will be through the development of a strategic plan and
steps for successful implementation. A total of 45 practicum hours are required for
successful course completion. (3 s.h.) *
NUR 530 MSN Internship (Education or Administration)
This course serves to apply the strategies and knowledge developed throughout the
MSN curriculum. Students complete 180 practical hours working with a faculty-approved
preceptor. Focus is on bridging the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities
to apply program knowledge to common academic and/or healthcare issues. (4 s.h.)
NUR 531 MSN Capstone Project (Education or Administration)
In this course students will develop a timeline for project activities/completion,
select measurable objectives, communicate with key stakeholders, identify project
resources, develop a project budget, and implement proposed research-driven capstone
project. At the completion of this course each student will complete a project evaluation,
conduct a peer-critique session, and present an overview of the project via a professional
presentation. (3 s.h)
* For MSN practicum courses (NUR 522, 524, 521, & 523) one semester credit hour or
45 hours will be fulfilled by a clinical component.
TWU's Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).