Master of Science Degree
Program Options:
Administration
Clinical Nurse Leader
Nursing Education
Clinical Specialist in Gerontology
Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric/Mental Health
Family Nurse Practitioner
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
The master's program in nursing prepares professional nurses to assume leadership roles in a variety of settings. The curriculum provides advanced preparation in primary health care nursing (family or gerontological nurse practitioner), psychiatric-mental health nursing adult or child/adolescent, gerontological nursing, nursing education, and nursing administration.
Graduates of the programs in nurse practitioner and the clinical nurse specialists are eligible to sit for certification exams.
The Master of Science program is designed to accommodate both full- and part-time graduate students. Students may begin their studies either in the fall or spring semester, although it is more desirable to begin in the fall because of the fixed nature of many course offerings each semester.
Individual students may choose to combine concentrations. For example, a student in the education concentration may elect one or both advanced gerontology theory courses (NUR 555 and NUR 557). Several concentration courses and electives are offered at the URI College of Continuing Education in Providence.
Curriculum
The curriculum is organized around three distinct groups of courses:
- The first consists of core courses in nursing theory, theories of practice, nursing research, and leadership in the health policy process.
- The second includes nursing courses that focus on the study of problems and nursing strategies in client and client-nurse systems. These are designed to provide knowledge and skills relevant to client care in the chosen area of concentration.
- The third group of courses is designed to provide knowledge specific to the student's concentration area. Students are required to take elective courses in the number required for the concentration, and a one-credit graduate seminar.
Program Requirements
- Forty-one credits are required for nursing administration, clinical nurse leader, nursing education, clinical nurse specialist in gerontological and psychiatric-mental health.
- Forty-two credits are required for primary health care (family nurse practitioner, gerontological nurse practitioner).
Note: The program includes 14 credits in core courses required of all students. See below.
Core Courses (14 Credits)
NUR 500 - Theoretical Study of Phenomena in Nursing (4 credits)
A study of major theories and concepts for description, explanation, and prediction of phenomena in nursing.
NUR 505 - Nursing Research (3 credits)
Overview of nursing research and study of the research process.
NUR 507 - Theories of Practice for Nursing (3 credits)
Analysis of general theories of practice for nursing and their applicability to various areas of clinical practice.
NUR 510 Advanced Leadership in the Health Policy Process (3 credits)
Study of nurses' participation in health policy. Focus on role and leadership theories for developing nursing leaders. Analysis and application of creative nursing strategies for enhancing health care.
NUR 520 Graduate Study Seminar (1 credit)
A seminar designed to facilitate the synthesis and examination of information learned in the master's program about nursing knowledge development, advancement of nursing practice, and leadership role development.
Click here for information on admission and application procedures to the College of Nursing
Community Partnerships
Community partnerships are agencies that serve as clinical sites for student learning. The College of Nursing has excellent placements available throughout the state of Rhode Island and the bordering states. For some perspective of the diversity of our partnerships and the scope of experiences available for our students at all levels, see our information on Community Partnerships.
