The Master of Science graduate education builds upon the generalist foundation of baccalaureate education to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles. Graduate education provides the student with opportunities to develop expertise and specialized knowledge in the care of clients and populations. The graduate program is organized using core, supporting, and specialty content. Graduate nursing education incorporates evidence-based practice that enables nurses to participate in health policy development, research, health promotion, and management, with emphasis on diverse and vulnerable populations. Advanced practice nursing roles include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse administrators, and nurse educators. We believe that the advanced practice nursing roles are integral to meeting the current and future health needs of society.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The Master of Science in nursing prepares graduates with the ability to:

  1. Apply theoretical models to guide advanced nursing practice designed to promote health and wellness in clients across the lifespan.
  2. Utilize theory from the nursing sciences and related disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate advanced practice nursing interventions.
  3. Use the research process to promote the development of professional nursing and to facilitate client wellness.
  4. Explore strategies that may influence health policy development with an emphasis on underserved populations.
  5. Provide leadership to improve the quality of nursing care to clients.
  6. Apply legal and ethical principles to implement advanced practice nursing roles.

PROGRAM ROLES:

Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner

Graduates are prepared for advanced practice that involves individuals and families throughout the lifespan and across the health continuum. In the advanced practice role, FNPs demonstrate autonomous and collaborative decision-making (with physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team), and hold direct accountability for clinical judgment. Serving as the regular health care provider for children and adults during health and illness, FNPs emphasize health promotion and disease prevention, as well as diagnose and prescribe medications and other treatments to manage acute and chronic diseases. In addition, they serve as health care resources, interdisciplinary consultants and client advocates.

Nurse Educator

 

The Nurse Educator track in the Master of Science in Nursing program prepares the graduate for the role of nurse educator in the academic or health care setting. Learners gain insight and experience in curriculum design, course or program design and management, evaluation of learning, and current technologies used in education. The core and supporting courses for the program provide the foundation for the educator role in the areas of nursing research, theory, and evidence-based practice. Students will gain an understanding of nursing curriculum by designing a program of study at the associate, baccalaureate, or staff development levels.

 

ADMISSION

In order to be considered for admission to the Graduate Nursing Program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • All candidates must have previously earned an undergraduate nursing degree (No less than one year of professional activity in the field).
  • All candidates must have no less than a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
  • All candidates must possess a current RN licensure in the state of Maryland.
  • Applicants must be granted general admission through the Bowie State University (BSU) Graduate Studies Program.
  • All candidates must complete a Graduate Nursing application from the BSU Department of Nursing.

Below is a list of the documentation required with the Graduate Nursing application. This information below must be sent with the application as one packet and returned to the BSU Department of Nursing by April 1 (fall admission) or November 1 (spring admission) to facilitate timely matriculation to the program for the semester of interest.

  • Candidates must submit a copy of official undergraduate academic transcripts from each institution attended.
  • Professional recommendation: Form provided in application (A reference from your immediate supervisor and two from professional colleagues)
  • One copy of each of the following:

    • Current CPR certification
    • Current Maryland RN licensure
  • A personal statement of your goals and objectives pursuing graduate study (150-200 words, typed and double-spaced)
  • A completed physical examination/health history (Form provided in application)
  • Current professional resume
  • Student profile sheet (Form provided in application)

All candidates who are foreign-trained nurses are required to be licensed in the state of Maryland and have their international transcripts be evaluated by the World Evaluation Services (WES) or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nurse Schools (CGFNS). A copy of this evaluation must be submitted with your application to the program!

This program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)

3343 Peachtree Road, NE

Suite 500

Atlanta, Georgia 30326

(866) 747-9965

Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to send an email inquiry to our Nursing Academic Advisor: