The direct-entry master of science in nursing prepares adult learners who have a baccalaureate degree in another field as professional nurses. The program is completed in four consecutive semesters, during which time students are immersed in didactic and clinical education. The program is offered at the Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Virginia. Students put theory into practice through the school’s Simulation Learning and Innovation Center and clinical placements.

Students must hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline from an accredited institution of higher learning and have completed taken all prerequisite courses to qualify for the program.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses.

  • Bachelor's degree in a discipline other than nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Preferred scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Official transcripts (from all post-secondary schools)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Current resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Prerequisite Coursework with grades of B or better and a minimum course GPA of 3.0:
    • Ethics (3 semester hours)
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (6–8 semester hours; labs required; completed within 7 years of starting the program)
    • Microbiology (3–4 semester hours; lab required; completed within 7 years of starting the program)
    • Chemistry (3–4 semester hours; lab required; completed within 7 years of starting the program)
    • Nutrition (3 semester hours)
    • Statistics (3 semester hours)

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 64 credits in required courses and completion of 900 clinical hours.

Required
NURS 6418Introduction to Professional Nursing
NURS 6419Concepts of Pathophysiology
NURS 6420Applied Concepts of Pharmacology
NURS 6421Comprehensive Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making
NURS 6422Concepts of Mental Health Nursing
NURS 6423Adult Health I
NURS 6424Adult Health II
NURS 6425From Theory to Practice: Nursing History and Advancing Health Equity
NURS 6430Concepts of Pediatric Health
NURS 6431Family-Centered Care of the Expanding Family
NURS 6433Community Health Clinical
NURS 6434Transition to RN Practice
NURS 6522Concepts of Mental Health Nursing Clinical
NURS 6523Adult Health I Clinical
NURS 6524Adult Health II Clinical
NURS 6530Concepts of Pediatric Health Clinical
NURS 6531Family-Centered Care of the Expanding Family Clinical
NURS 8350Dynamics of Leadership and Management for Healthcare Quality
NURS 8351Healthcare Informatics
NURS 8352Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Care
NURS 8353Policy and Advocacy in Nursing
NURS 8354Epidemiology and Population Health