Population Health Nursing Master of Science Degree Program

The Master of Science in Population Health Nursing is designed to prepare advanced population health nurses to address social determinants of health, with a particular focus on addressing the health needs of vulnerable populations and communities. Students acquire advanced competency in population and community needs assessment, epidemiology and biostatistics, systems thinking and planning, social and behavioral aspects of health, and multicultural competence. Students also gain specialized knowledge and skills in public health strategies for eliminating health disparities through a concentration in Health Disparities.

The 42-credit program includes 9 credits of core coursework in nursing theory and research, 9 credits of core coursework in population health, 15 credits of clinical experience, and 9 credits of coursework in the concentration. The program is designed to be a BS to Masters of Nursing program, providing an advanced degree to registered nurses with a BS. The program is delivered via distance learning with in-person clinical experiences.

Admissions Requirements

• Must have a BS in Nursing from an institution accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA)
• Grade point average of 3.00 or better 
• One college level course in statistics
• Current unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse in the intended state of practice

Program Requirements - 42 credits

1. Core Courses in Nursing: 9 credits -

• Nsg 500 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science (3)
• Nsg 512 Nursing Research Methods (3)
• Nsg 514 Health Care Policy & Systems Leadership (3)

2. Core Courses in Population Health: 9 credits -

• Epi 501 Principles and Methods of Epidemiology I (3)
• Epi 503 Principles of Public Health (3)
• Epi 552 Principles of Statistical Inference (3)

3. Concentration Courses in Health Disparities: Choose 3 courses from the following -

• Hpm 525 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health (3)
• Hpm 562 Health Communication and Health Disparities (3)
• Hpm 620 Health Disparities and Vulnerable Populations (3)
• Hpm 627 Program Development in Health Promotion (3)

4. Clinical Experience Courses: 15 credits (includes 120 hours of clinical experiences per course)

• Nsg 600 Public/Population Health Nursing I (5)
• Nsg 610 Public/Population Health Nursing II (5)
• Nsg 650 Public/Population Health Nursing III (5)

Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.