Program structure

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) offers a dual-degree program combining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialty in Nursing Leadership and Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through the University of Baltimore's Robert G. Merrick School of Business. This program is designed to equip nurses with advanced leadership and business skills, preparing them for senior management roles within healthcare systems.

Program Structure:

• Credits Required: 66-72 credits
• Duration: Part-time study over up to seven years
• Format: Courses are available online, in-person, or in a hybrid format

Curriculum Components:

1. Nursing Leadership and Management Courses:

   • Health Promotion and Population Health
   • Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement
   • Organizational Theories: Applications to Health Service Management
   • Administration of Nursing and Health Care Services
   • Practicum in Health Services, Leadership, and Management

2. MBA Courses:

   • Managerial Health Finance
   • Technology Solutions for Generating Knowledge in Health Care
   • Electives in business disciplines

Practicum Experience:

The program includes a practicum component, providing hands-on leadership experience in healthcare settings. UMSON arranges individual practicum placements aligned with students' career goals, offering opportunities to work with leaders in hospitals, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Additional Opportunities:

• Flexible Learning: The program offers courses in various formats—online, in-person, or hybrid—to accommodate working professionals.
• Individual Advising: Students receive personalized guidance from advisors in both the nursing and business programs to support their academic and career objectives.

This dual-degree program enables nurses to effectively manage the business aspects of healthcare, positioning them for executive leadership positions within the industry.

For more information, visit the MSN/MBA program page.

Fees and Funding

he University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) offers a dual-degree program combining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialty in Nursing Leadership and Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through the University of Baltimore's Robert G. Merrick School of Business. Below is an overview of the program's tuition, fees, and available funding opportunities.

Tuition and Fees:

• Credits Required: 66-72 credits
• Duration: Part-time study over up to seven years
• Format: Courses are available online, in-person, or in a hybrid format

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 dual Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

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.

• 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.

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), in collaboration with the University of Baltimore's Robert G. Merrick School of Business, offers a dual-degree program leading to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialty in Nursing Leadership and Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Admission to this program requires meeting specific criteria for both institutions.

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.

• 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/MBA dual degree.
  • Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Detailing educational background, professional experience, and any certifications.

• Standardized Tests:

  • The GMAT is not required for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• 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 Process:

• Separate Applications: Applicants must apply and be admitted separately to UMSON for the MSN program and to the University of Baltimore's Merrick School of Business for the MBA program.

• Application Deadlines:

  • UMSON MSN Program:
    • Fall Admission: February 1
    • Spring Admission: September 1
  • University of Baltimore MBA Program:
    • Rolling admissions; applicants are encouraged to apply at least one month before the intended start term.

Note: Deadlines are subject to change. Applicants are advised to verify current deadlines on the respective admissions pages of UMSON and the University of Baltimore.

Prospective students are encouraged to attend information sessions or consult with admissions counselors from both institutions for personalized guidance on the application process.

Application Procedure

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), in collaboration with the University of Baltimore's Robert G. Merrick School of Business, offers a dual-degree program leading to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialty in Nursing Leadership and Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Prospective students must apply and gain admission to both institutions separately.

Application Process:

1. University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON):

   • Online Application: Submit through the UMSON Admissions Portal.
   • Application Fee: A non-refundable fee is required.
   • Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
   • Letters of Recommendation: Three professional or academic references.
   • Statement of Goals and Objectives: A 1-2 page essay outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the MSN/MBA dual degree.
   • Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Detailing educational background, professional experience, and 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.

2. University of Baltimore's Robert G. Merrick School of Business:

   • Online Application: Submit through the University of  Baltimore Graduate Admissions Portal.
   • Application Fee: A non-refundable fee is required.
   • Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
   • Letters of Recommendation: Two professional or academic references.
   • Personal Statement: An essay detailing career objectives and how the MBA aligns with these goals.
   • Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Highlighting professional experience and achievements.
   • GMAT Scores: The GMAT is not required for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
   • English Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores meeting the University of Baltimore's requirements, unless they have earned a degree from an accredited U.S. institution.

Application Deadlines:

• UMSON MSN Program:

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

• University of Baltimore MBA Program:

  • Rolling admissions; applicants are encouraged to apply at least one month before the intended start term.

Note: Deadlines are subject to change. Applicants should verify current deadlines on the respective admissions pages of UMSON and the University of Baltimore.

Prospective students are encouraged to attend information sessions or consult with admissions counselors from both institutions for personalized guidance on the application process.