Program structure

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) offers a fully online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program specializing in Nursing Leadership and Management. This program is designed to equip nurses with advanced leadership skills essential for navigating today's complex healthcare environment.

Program Structure:

• Duration: Approximately 3.5 years for part-time students.
• Format: 100% online, accommodating both full-time and part-time study.
• Credits Required: 38 credits.

Curriculum Components:

1. Master's Core Courses:

   • Health Promotion and Population Health.
   • Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement.
   • Application of Science for Evidence-based Practice.
   • Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice.

2. Nursing Leadership and Management Core Courses:

   • Managerial Health Finance.
   • Organizational Theories: Applications to Health Service Management.
   • Administration of Nursing and Health Care Services.
   • Practicum in Health Services, Leadership, and Management.
   • Technology Solutions for Generating Knowledge in Health Care.

3. Focus Areas:

   • Leadership and Management: Customize your study plan to hone leadership skills applicable across various healthcare settings.
   • Education: Prepare for roles as a nurse leader and educator, addressing the growing demand for nurse educators.
   • Business: Pursue a dual MSN/Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree to blend healthcare expertise with business acumen.

Practicum Experience:

UMSON arranges individual practicum placements aligned with students' career goals, providing opportunities to work with leaders in hospitals, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Upcoming Curriculum Update:

Starting in Spring 2025, the program will transition to a competency-based curriculum, increasing practicum hours from 135 to 500 to enhance practical experience.

For more detailed information, please visit the Nursing Leadership and Management MSN program page.

Fees and Funding

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) offers a fully online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program specializing in Nursing Leadership and Management. Below is an overview of the program's tuition, fees, and available funding opportunities.

Tuition and Fees:

• Total Program Cost:
  • Maryland Residents: $38,644.50
  • Non-Residents: $60,010.00
  • Program Length: Approximately 3 years

Note: Tuition and fees are based on 2024-25 figures and may vary depending on program length or course sequence.

Funding Opportunities:

• UMSON Scholarships:

  • UMSON offers a variety of scholarships funded by generous donors. These scholarships are awarded based on criteria such as academic excellence, financial need, and specific areas of interest. All UMSON applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships upon application submission.

• Conway Scholarship:

  • This scholarship covers a significant portion of in-state tuition and fees for qualifying students. Eligibility criteria include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, Maryland residency, and full-time enrollment. Applicants must have completed an application to UMSON prior to applying for the Conway Scholarship.

Application Process:

• Automatic Consideration: By submitting an application to UMSON, students are automatically considered for most donor-funded scholarships.

• Conway Scholarship Application: A separate application is required for the Conway Scholarship, with specific deadlines for each program. For example, the application deadline for MSN Entry-into-Nursing (entering students) is September 1.

Additional Funding Opportunities:

• External Scholarships: Students are encouraged to explore scholarships offered by external organizations, such as the Maryland Higher Education Commission and professional nursing associations.

• Financial Aid: UMSON's Office of Student and Academic Services provides guidance on federal and state financial aid options, including grants and loans.

Prospective students are encouraged to consult UMSON's admissions and financial aid offices to identify scholarship opportunities that align with their qualifications and financial needs.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) offers several scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, including those specializing in Nursing Leadership and Management.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• Donor-Funded Scholarships:

  • UMSON provides scholarships through the generosity of donors, awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and specific areas of interest. The application for these scholarships is typically available during specific periods; for instance, the Fall 2024 application cycle has concluded, with decisions communicated via email on September 24, 2024.

• Conway Scholarship:

  • This scholarship offers substantial financial support to eligible students, covering a significant portion of in-state tuition and fees. Eligibility criteria include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, Maryland residency, and full-time enrollment. Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial need.

Application Process:

• Automatic Consideration:

  • By submitting an application to UMSON, students are automatically considered for most donor-funded scholarships.

• Conway Scholarship Application:

  • A separate application is required for the Conway Scholarship, with specific deadlines for each program. For example, the application deadline for MSN Entry-into-Nursing (entering students) is September 1, 2024.

Additional Funding Opportunities:

• External Scholarships:

  • Students are encouraged to explore scholarships offered by external organizations, such as the Maryland Higher Education Commission and professional nursing associations.

• Financial Aid:

  • UMSON's Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships provides guidance on federal and state financial aid options, including grants and loans.

Prospective students are encouraged to consult UMSON's admissions and financial aid offices to identify scholarship opportunities that align with their qualifications and financial needs.

Admission Requirements

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialty in Nursing Leadership and Management. Admission to this program requires meeting specific academic and professional criteria.

Admission Requirements:

• Educational Background:

  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate coursework.

• Licensure:

  • An active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Maryland or a compact state.

• Prerequisite Coursework:

  • Completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and health assessment with a grade of 'C' or better.

• Professional Experience:

  • While not mandatory, prior nursing experience is recommended to enhance understanding of advanced practice concepts.

• Application Materials:

  • Official Transcripts: From all post-secondary institutions attended.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three professional or academic references attesting to the applicant's qualifications.
  • Statement of Goals and Objectives: A 1-2 page essay outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the MSN in Nursing Leadership and Management.
  • Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Detailing educational background, professional experience, and any certifications.

• English Proficiency:

  • Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores meeting UMSON's minimum requirements, unless they have earned a degree from an accredited U.S. institution.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Admission: February 1
• Spring Admission: September 1

Note: Deadlines are subject to change. Applicants are advised to verify current deadlines on the UMSON Admissions page.

Prospective students are encouraged to attend UMSON's information sessions or consult with admissions counselors for personalized guidance on the application process.

Application Procedure

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program specializing in Nursing Leadership and Management. The application process is designed to identify candidates prepared for advanced leadership roles in healthcare.

Application Process:

1. Online Application:

   • Access the UMSON Admissions Dashboard to submit your application.
   • A non-refundable application fee is required.

2. Transcripts:

   • Provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
   • Transcripts should be sent electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu.

3. Letters of Recommendation:

   • Submit three professional or academic references who can attest to your qualifications and readiness for graduate study.

4. Statement of Goals and Objectives:

   • Write a concise essay outlining your career goals and reasons for pursuing the MSN in Nursing Leadership and Management.

5. Resume or Curriculum Vitae:

   • Include detailed information on your educational background, professional experience, and any certifications.

6. English Proficiency:

   • Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores meeting UMSON's minimum requirements, unless they have earned a degree from an accredited U.S. institution.

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Admission: February 1
• Spring Admission: September 1

Note: Deadlines are subject to change. Applicants are advised to verify current deadlines on the UMSON Admissions page.

Prospective students are encouraged to attend UMSON's information sessions or consult with admissions counselors for personalized guidance on the application process.