Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Healthcare reform places a demand for nurse leaders in the area of population health in community and global settings. The program of study includes the science of public health, foundations of public health theory, and healthcare policy and politics. Nurses are prepared to synthesize nursing practice and public health theory to promote and preserve the health of families, aggregates, communities, and populations.  

Graduates assume roles in public health and community settings, including public health departments, community and global health agencies, home care, schools, and occupational health settings.

As the demand for nursing instructors and clinical educators continues, many nurses consider educator roles. They may be interested in teaching in a school of nursing, working in professional development, or focusing on the education of a specific patient/community population.

This curriculum prepares nurses to assume advanced roles as instructors in academic and service settings. Our program focuses on curriculum development and foundational knowledge in theories of teaching and learning, and provides flexible and practical experience in academic and healthcare settings. Graduates assume leadership roles in clinical nursing education, academic faculty appointments, and staff development.

In a rapidly changing healthcare environment, there is a compelling need for nurse leaders in all aspects of healthcare. The nursing management focus centers on principles of leadership and administration. We provide a theoretical and practical approach to prepare you for advanced positions as nurse leaders/managers in acute care, long-term care, and community settings.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. We offer three start terms (spring, summer, and fall).

Requirements:

• Completed online application 

• Non-refundable application fee of $50. Education Alliance applicants will receive an application fee waiver.

• Copy of current registered nurse (RN) license

• Current resume

• Letter of intent

• Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from an academic source and one from a professional source.

• Official transcripts for all college-level work

• Candidates for admission typically demonstrate:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (nurses who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and an associate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program are eligible to apply)

  • Minimum overall 3.0 GPA

University of Hartford Graduates

If you have graduated from the University of Hartford's RN to BSN program in the past three years and have a minimum 3.0 GPA, you may qualify for automatic admission to our master's program in nursing. Please contact Graduate Admission, Center for Adult and Academic Services, at gradstudy@hartford.edu.

Mission
To prepare future nurse leaders and advance the level of education of registered nurses while fostering their professional and personal development.
 
Philosophy
We emphasize quality teaching complemented by scholarly and creative expression, clinical expertise, dedicated community service, and service to the profession of nursing. We are dedicated to the preparation of persons who enrich the nursing profession by responding flexibly and creatively to both professional and societal issues.

We believe that students seek relevant learning experiences grounded in experiential learning and have a clear commitment to the identity of the professional nurse. We believe that the best learning takes place in an environment of support where students are respected, and their life experiences honored. The ideal education setting is a learning community that allows student to realize their full potential as reflective, active, and life-long learners. Because we are committed to the idea that active involvement is essential to effective learning, we foster an environment of interaction among students and faculty. We expect all students to participate in their own learning and to facilitate the learning of others by participating in collaborative learning groups and partnerships, respecting each other’s opinions and questions, and by establishing a commitment to learning and critical and creative thinking. We strive to create a global community of scholarly caring.

1. Translate and apply advanced nursing practice to generate and synthesize knowledge to improve health and transform health care.
2. Integrate principles of quality and safety within complex health systems to provide equitable care to diverse populations.
3. Develop a professional identity through ongoing participation in professional activities that foster nursing’s values and the acquisition of expertise and leadership.
4. Synthesize informatic processes and technologies to deliver holistic, coordinated, person-centered care.
5. Collaborate across professions and with patients, families, communities, and other stakeholders in traditional and non-traditional partnerships to deliver improved, equitable health outcomes for diverse populations.
6.  Create an evidence-based nursing practice change, which is then disseminated to academic and practice communities.