"Valparaiso University College of Nursing is a unique institution in that it recognizes and believes in the potential that each one of us possesses.  Its faculty and staff are exceptional mentors who help us to grow and flourish, and become the best that we can be."

                                       -Valquiria Macedo-Potrzebowski, MSN/FNP

"The other students in the graduate program made me feel like I was a part of their family and the College of Nursing was our home.  The masters program and VU is wonderful and I am glad that I got to experience it."

                                                                 -Melanie Rogers, MSN/FNP

"The MSN program is very convenient, especially for those with families or jobs. The classes are designed to meet one day a week giving students the rest of the week to work, study, or spend time with their families. I was enrolled in the RN to MSN program and was able to obtain my BSN and MSN in two-and-a-half years."

 -Julie Pierce, MSN

Program Description
The Master of Science in Nursing degree prepares nurses to be educators for academic communities and/or health care organizations.  At the completion of the 30-credit program, the graduate will be able to:

• Synthesize the roles of the nurse educator for persons in academic communities or health care organizations.
• Facilitate, assess, and evaluate learning by developing, managing, and delivering instruction and curricula about nursing knowledge, skill, and attitude.
• Develop, manage, and implement strategies to address the environmental influences of culture, economics, ethics, law, policy, politics, society, and technology on teaching and learning.
• Engage in the processes of scholarship, critical thinking, communication, change, and lifelong learning.
• Serve the academy or organization, the profession, and the community.

Special Options with the MSN Program
Management Certificate for Nursing
The Management Certificate for Nursing is intended for current MSN students at Valparaiso University who want to add a management component to their graduate study. The program is also open to applicants who are not enrolled in a VU graduate nursing program but who have a BSN degree and wish to take a set of courses to increase their management education and abilities. For more information about this program, please visit the Management Certificate for Nursing webpage.

RN to MSN
Nurses without a BSN can complete their Bachelor’s degree and transition directly into the Master’s program. Both degrees can be completed in a little as six semesters. To learn more about the RN to MSN program, visit the College of Nursing website at http://www.valpo.edu/nursing/programs/rn-msn.php.

MSN Part-Time Study
Part-time graduate students can complete their Master’s degree in as little as six semesters. The shortage of qualified nursing faculty makes graduate education particularly appealing for those interested in teaching nursing.

MSN Full-Time Study
Full-time students can complete the MSN program in three semesters.

Criteria for Admission into the MSN Program
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:

• Evidence of having completed an undergraduate research course and statistics course;
• Evidence of an Indiana registered nursing license.

International applicants must also have:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550 (paper version), 230 (computer-based), or Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) score of at least 80; minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6; CET score of 6, or an INTERLINK Language Center Level 5, or the equivalent for non-native English speakers;
• Satisfactory completion of the Commission on Graduates of Foreigh Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination or evidence of a National Council Licensure examination (NCLEX) License.
  

As part of the application process, students must provide:

• Valparaiso University Graduate Application and MSN Application;
• Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework.  If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University,
• Evidence of Indiana Registered Nurse licensure;
• Evidence of having completed an undergraduate research course and statistics course.
• A reflective essay detailing why graduate study is important to your professional goals;
• Application Fee: $30 for U.S. citizens and $50 for international applicants.

For more information about the MSN program
To learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing Education program, visit the College of Nursing website at http://www.valpo.edu/nursing/programs/mos.php.

Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing Graduate.Studies@valpo.edu.