The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is designed to enhance learners’ ability to provide more advanced theoretical and evidenced based nursing care in an ethical manner to socioeconomic and culturally diverse patient populations in various healthcare settings utilizing industry-relevant evidence, technology and information systems. The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is also essential and learners will be required to analyze, synthesize, and utilize knowledge during their program of study. A culminating capstone project allows learners to integrate prior and current learning in a meaningful capstone experience. Learners may select a concentration as a nurse executive leader, nurse educator, healthcare administration.

CalSouthern’s MSN program meets the California Board of Registered Nursing requirements to apply for Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification in California. Registered Nurses from other states, please check your home state’s specific requirements.

Quick Facts:

  • Credits required: 36
  • Cost per credit: $545
  • Program length: 2 years (full-time status)
  • Max transfer credits: 6 credits

First Responders can save 15% on tuition. Required documentation and restrictions apply. See details.

University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.

Time to degree completion can be shortened by accelerating completion of courses and through credits accepted in transfer.

Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

What you’ll study

Utilize advanced oral and written communication strategies to develop and lead interprofessional teams to optimize healthcare outcomes across diverse populations.

Synthesize empirical evidence and evidence-based frameworks/models/theories and research to promote critical thinking and reasoning in systems-based, advanced nursing practice to inform and initiate change.

Integrate contemporary concepts of culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion to lead social justice in the delivery and coordination of care.

Evaluate evidence-based strategies to promote professional practice when managing and leading systems-based specialty care.

Appraise legal, ethical, professional, accreditation, and regulatory requirements to elevate caring and social justice to reduce risks and achieve optimal outcomes.

Integrate advances in technology to communicate, mitigate error, and utilize knowledge to manage complex healthcare organizations.

Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:

Ambulatory Health Care Services

Hospitals

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

Social Assistance

Hospitality

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.

Master of Science in Nursing Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements Credits
Required Core Courses 21
Concentration Courses 15
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR THE MSN 36

Courses + Credits

Below, you’ll find the courses comprise the requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program at CalSouthern. Tailor your degree by focusing on one of three areas of concentration: Nurse Executive Leader, Healthcare Administration, or Nurse Educator.

Required Core Courses

NUR 6500 Theoretical Foundations and Current Trends in Advanced Nursing Practice — 3-credits
NUR 6502 Advanced Pathopharmacology — 3-credits
NUR 6504 Advanced Health Assessment — 3-credits
NUR 6506 Population Health and Health Promotion across Cultures — 3-credits
NUR 6508 Ethics, Policy, and Finance in the Healthcare System — 3-credits
NUR 6510 Research and Analytic Approaches to Advanced Evidence-Based Practice — 3-credits
CAP 6902 MSN Capstone Project I — 2-credits
CAP 6903 MSN Capstone Project II — 1-credit

MSN Concentration Courses

Nurse Executive Leader Concentration

  • NUR 6520 Advanced Nursing Leadership — 3-credits
  • NUR 6525 Management of Issues in Healthcare — 3-credits
  • NUR 6530 Healthcare Policy — 3-credits
  • NUR 6535 Healthcare Finance and Financial Management — 3-credits
  • NUR 6536 Organizational Behavior in Healthcare — 3-credits

Nurse Educator Concentration

  • NUR 6540 Roles and Responsibilities of the Nursing Educator — 3-credits
  • NUR 6542 Innovative Teaching and Learning Strategies in Nursing — 3-credits
  • NUR 6544 Foundations of Nursing Education — 3-credits
  • NUR 6548 Curriculum Theory, Framework, & Design in Nursing Education — 3-credits
  • NUR 6550 Evaluation Strategies and Methods for Nursing Education — 3-credits
  • NUR 6570 Eating Disorders Assessment and Management — 3-credits

Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program?

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is designed to help candidates develop advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities to elevate the professional practice of the graduate. The degree program focuses on an evidence-based approach to nursing across diverse populations. Candidates have the opportunity to prepare to function in either the specialty role of a nurse educator or a nurse executive

What will I study in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program?

In the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, candidates will
have the opportunity to elevate their skills to analyze and solve problems
promoting improved care and communication with clients/patients,
aggregates, and populations. Candidates will explore theoretical and
evidence-based models and frameworks that guide professional decisionmaking. Ethical, legal, and leadership principles necessary to promote
advocacy, collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusion as an advanced
practice nurse will also be explored.

When and where can I begin my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program?

You can begin your education at CalSouthern now. Classes at CalSouthern
begin monthly and are delivered asynchronously online with practicum
requirements completed in your local community. Completion of the
admissions processes will depend on how quickly you begin. Speak to an
Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-800-477-2554 X4246) or request
information online. Once you have completed the online request, you may
hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward
starting your degree program.

How many credits are required to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree?

CalSouthern’s Master of Nursing (MSN) degree program requires a total of 36
semester credit hours to graduate. You may be eligible to transfer up to nine (9)
semester credits of core course credit*. An admissions advisor can provide more
information. The MSN program accepts 6 qualifying hours of transfer credit toward
your degree.
* Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to
transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Why should I pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program?

If you have an interest in expanding your knowledge, skills, and abilities to
become a nurse educator or nurse executive (leader), then the Master of
Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program could be right for you! In addition,
the MSN program at CalSouthern is developed for working adults. You can
pursue the MSN degree program online with the flexibility for weekly study
designed to fit a busy schedule.

Are the Nursing programs at CalSouthern accredited?

Yes! The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs at CalSouthern are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

The higher education I received at CalSouthern allows me to be more marketable to the workforce and be able to address evolving and changing needs in nursing.

– Ron D., MSN Program, 2020

Ready to pursue your educational goals? We can help!

Contact us to learn more about our online MSN degree program.

Accreditation

CCNE Accredited Logo

California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs at CalSouthern are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.

Your Education Starts Here
Please complete the form below to learn more about our programs.

*All fields are required

    Are you Affiliated with the Military? *
    YesNo
    By clicking the button below you consent to California Southern University using automated technology and/or prerecorded means to call, text and email you at the information above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding educational services. You also agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This consent is not required as a condition to purchase a good or service. Msg & data rates may apply.”

  • Your Education Starts Here

    Please complete the form below to learn more about our programs.

    *All fields are required

      Are you Affiliated with the Military? *
      YesNo
      By clicking the button below you consent to California Southern University using automated technology and/or prerecorded means to call, text and email you at the information above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding educational services. You also agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This consent is not required as a condition to purchase a good or service. Msg & data rates may apply.”

    • Back to Top