Western Carolina University’s graduate studies in nursing provide students with academic
and field-based experiences that lead to a Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing (MS).
The online program prepares nurses for the role of nurse educator with competencies
in three educational areas: academic educator, staff educator, and patient educator.
A Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Nursing Education also is available to students
who have earned a MS or master’s degree in a related discipline. All academic courses
are taught online. Practicum placements are available in a variety of settings in
or near the students' communities.
About the ms(n) Nurse educator program
Degree Requirements: The MS(N) Nurse Educator Program requires 38 to 39 semester hours of coursework,
depending on whether the thesis or project option is selected. New students are admitted
for the Fall or Spring semesters. The typical course load is six to nine credit hours
per semester (part time).
Certificate Requirements: The Post-Graduate Certificate Program requires 19 semester hours of study and can
be completed in five semesters. The number of nurse educator students admitted is
based on available faculty and clinical resources.
Admissions Requirements
In order to be eligible for admission MS(N) Nurse Educator Program, applicants must
meet the following criteria:
- BSN from a regionally accredited college or university and nationally accredited nursing
program
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of undergraduate
coursework
- Statistics course, undergraduate or graduate level
- Nursing Research course, undergraduate
- Registered nurse eligible for licensure to practice in the state in which the student
intends to practice
- Minimum of one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse within the last five
years
- Three professional references: one must be from current or recent immediate supervisor
- Submit a resume and professional statement with the online Graduate School application
- Click on the Nurse Educator Professional Statement and Resume Guidelines for details
The GRE or MAT is not required for Nurse Educator applicants.
Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate Program Option
Admission requirements are the same as for the applicants for the MS(N) Program except
for the following criteria:
- The candidate must have graduated from a nationally accredited master's program in
nursing (MSN) or a related discipline.
application process
Application to the MS(N) Program requires application to the Graduate School.
Only complete applications will be eligible for review.
As part of the online application, the applicant needs to prepare the following:
- Request official college transcript from all secondary schools attended—to be sent to the WCU Graduate School.
- As part of your online application, be prepared to submit:
- Names of (and contact info for) three professional references who can attest to the
applicant’s ability to pursue graduate study; one must be from a current or recent
employer.
- Professional Statement and Resume
- Application fee
The Nurse Educator Program admits students twice a year:
- Application deadline for Fall (August start) admission is April 1.
- Application deadline for Spring (January start) is October 1.
curriculum
program costs
Visit the Graduate School’s tuition and fee rates page or the Graduate Catalog for current cost information for graduate students.
Students accepted into the program are required to be computer literate and either
own or have regular access to a computer with a CD writer and high-speed Internet
access. Nurse Educator students are required to purchase a microphone and webcam for
their computers. Additional expenses include the purchase of textbooks at approximately $800.00 plus per year.
Post-master's nurse educator certificate program
Admission requirements are the same as for the applicants for the MS(N) Program except
for the following criteria:
- The candidate must have graduated from a nationally accredited master's program in
nursing (MSN) or a related discipline.
