MSN Philosophy & Outcomes
Nursing consists of a unique and integrated body of knowledge that requires multiple ways of reasoning which address complex human responses that promote optimal health. The graduate nursing program recognizes that learning is a lifelong endeavor that results in perpetual evolution of thinking, insight, attitude, and behavior. Inquiry is a constant which is integral to the advancement of nursing practice. As an advanced practice nurse, the promotion of interprofessional collaboration is essential to ensure safe, equitable, and quality patient-centered care to diverse populations, which includes addressing social determinants of health.
The graduate nursing program promotes engagement in systematic inquiry using traditional research methods, available evidence, contemporary technology, and information systems which are essential components of nursing education, scholarship, and leadership. Knowledge, skills, and behaviors achieved through graduate nursing education provide the foundation to assume a variety of specialized roles in teaching and leadership in nursing. Through the graduate nursing program, one's professional identity is defined through the development of values, norms, and characteristics essential to practice in an advanced practice role.
Graduate nursing education is a shared venture between students and faculty in which both embrace learning as change. Students are responsible to uphold the highest level of integrity and practice standards and demonstrate commitment to self- direction, independence of thought, and creativity. Faculty craft an intellectually challenging environment in which they facilitate learning, support student learning goals, and role model excellence in education and nursing practice.
Nursing education is a specialty area of nursing practice that requires a unique blend of clinical and educational excellence through curriculum development, assessment and evaluation. Nurse educators use their expertise to facilitate learning in inclusive classroom environments and practice settings. Nurse educators assist students to correlate theoretical concepts to real time events to solve issues from an equity perspective.
Nursing leadership is a specialty area of nursing practice requiring a unique blend of professional expertise in nursing and the business of healthcare. As members of interprofessional teams, nurse leaders facilitate innovative solutions in the provision of care within healthcare systems. Nursing leaders shape safe, healthy, and fiscally sound systems through creative application of theoretical principles and available evidence.
These End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes apply to students whose start date was Spring 2026 or prior:
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing program, graduates will be able to:
- Initiate evidence-based solutions focused on addressing needs in professional practice
- Engage interprofessional teams to promote innovative solutions within healthcare
- Model principles of equity and inclusion into professional nursing practice
- Employ change theory in planning, implementing, evaluating and revising systems that meet contemporary and emerging needs
- Integrate legal and ethical considerations into the practice of nursing
- Demonstrate proficiency at analyzing and using evidence in nursing practice
- Assimilate the multiple roles of advanced nursing practice within the context of the practice setting
These End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes outlined below apply to all students who begin the program in Fall 2026 or later:
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing program, graduates will be able to:
- Initiate evidence-based solutions focused on addressing needs in professional practice.
- Engage interprofessional teams to promote innovative solutions within healthcare.
- Model principles of equity and inclusion into professional nursing practice.
- Employ change theory in planning, implementing, evaluating, and revising systems that meet contemporary and emerging needs.
- Integrate legal and ethical considerations into advanced practice nursing.
- Demonstrate information literacy when analyzing and using evidence in nursing practice.
- Execute professional role competencies within the context of the practice setting.
