MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Darla Vale, Ph.D., RN; Dean of Health Sciences
Susan MacPherson, DNP, RN, PNP-BC; MSN-MAGELIN Program Director
Kristin Clephane, DNP, RN, CPN;  Assistant Dean of Nursing
Melanie Quilla-Deza, DNP, RN, CNE; MSN/DNP Program Director

The Department of Nursing offers two graduate programs, the Master of Science in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Within these programs specialized pathways and tracks are offered:

  • Master of Science in Nursing
    • MSN-MAGELIN: Master’s Graduate Entry-Level into Nursing (pre-licensure)
    • Master of Science in Nursing: Administration (post-licensure)
    • Master of Science in Nursing: Education (post-licensure)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice: Health Systems Leadership

Each program has unique admission and program requirements.

MSN-MAGELIN – Master’s Graduate Entry-Level into Nursing Program

The MSN-MAGELIN program is a graduate entry-level degree into the profession of nursing for individuals who already hold a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. The program is designed to prepare the student at a higher level than a traditional BSN program, by offering courses that emphasize research, evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and theoretical perspectives in nursing. Students complete the program in four consecutive semesters. Fifteen to seventeen credit hours are taken in each of the four semesters, which include classroom and clinical learning activities.

Upon completion of the MSN-MAGELIN program, students apply and take the National Council for Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed to practice as a registered nurse.  Two of the MSN-MAGELIN courses fulfill requirements in the MSN administration, clinical nurse leader and education tracks if students earn a grade of “B” or higher and enroll in the post licensure MSN program within five years of taking the courses.

The Department of Nursing’s mission is to prepare students to become professional nurses who integrate the liberal arts and sciences with the knowledge and skills essential for patient-centered nursing practice. Graduates are caring, ethical health care providers who support the dignity of others and promote holistic, evidence-based practice in a variety of settings. [The Nursing program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, Phone (202) 887-6791, Fax (202) 887-8476.] The program provides the learning environment for students' development of competencies in assessment, communication, critical thinking, decision-making, problem solving, and therapeutic nursing interventions across the lifespan. These concepts and principles are integrated throughout the students' educational program and form the basis for a value-centered approach to caring for individuals, families, aggregates, populations-at-risk, and communities.

Post Licensure Master of Science in Nursing: Administration Track and Education Track

The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates to enhance nursing practice through specialized roles in two tracks: nursing administration and nursing education. The program focuses on the development of advanced clinical competencies as well as expertise in the chosen area of practice. Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing program are prepared to provide evidence-based leadership to advance nursing practice and engage in interprofessional collaboration for the purpose of improving outcomes in today’s dynamic health care environment.

Students complete the program in six semesters. The program is offered in a blended format that includes a combination of synchronous and asynchronous class meetings. Synchronous meetings occur in real-time and are face-to-face or virtual. Asynchronous activities take place via an online learning management system.  Four of the required MSN courses also fulfill requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - Health Systems Leadership

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Health Systems Leadership program provides the terminal academic preparation for patient-focused advanced nursing practice.  The post-master's DNP is designed to prepare nurses for leadership positions where they can create transformative change to improve the health and health care outcomes of individuals, families, groups and populations.  The program focuses on development of advanced competencies for complex practice along with evidence-based practice utilization to meet the demands that impact the quality of patient care delivery, patient outcomes, and systems management. 

Students complete the program in six semesters. The program is offered in a blended format that includes a combination of synchronous and asynchronous class meetings.  Synchronous meetings occur in real-time and are face-to-face or virtual. Asynchronous activities take place via an online learning management system.