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 (MSN).
The online program prepares nurses for the role of nurse educator with competencies
in three educational areas: academic educator, staff educator, and patient educator.
The program admits twice per year. The application deadline for fall is April 1. The
application deadline for spring is October 1.
A Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Nursing Education is also available to students
who have earned an MSN 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
(see the Nurse Educator Professional Statement and Resume Guidelines for details)
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
curriculum
program costs
Visit the Graduate School’s tuition and fee rates page for current cost information. Admitted students are required to be computer
literate and either own or have regular access to a computer with a CD writer and
high-speed Internet. Nurse Educator students are required to purchase a microphone
and webcam for their computers. Additional expenses include textbooks at approximately
$800 per year.
Program Director and core faculty
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