The Master of Science in Nursing is an online degree offered cooperatively by Columbus State University and Georgia Southwestern University, both fully accredited institutions in the University System of Georgia. This collaboration allows students to enjoy resources from both schools. The 36-38 hour program prepares professional registered nurses for advanced practice nursing roles as culturally competent educators and leaders.
The nursing education concentration will focus on preparing nurses to facilitate learning in various environments through the application of knowledge in instructional design, curriculum development, technology utilization, and evaluation of learning.
The leadership concentration will focus on developing nursing leaders who are able to influence, design, manage, transform, and evaluate the evolution of nursing services and care delivery.
The
informatics concentration
will focus on developing graduates who are proficient in health information technology and essential informatics competencies to function within health care environments.
The
family nurse practitioner
program will focus on developing graduates who are prepared to provide primary care to individuals across the life span and in a variety of healthcare settings.
MSN Program Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
MSN Mission Statement
1. To prepare safe and competent professional nurses, who in collaboration with others, provide or facilitate high quality patient-centered care in a global society and achieve academic excellence in nursing education through learner centered teaching, evidence based practice, creative inquiry and student engagement.
2. To prepare competent and caring individuals for a life of success and leadership in professional nursing through intellectual, personal and social growth and to contribute to the communities in which they live and work.
Steps for Admission to Columbus State University & School of Nursing
The MSN degree requirements are located in the academic catalog.
The MSN degree is awarded on completion of course work with a 3.0 or better grade point average (GPA), fulfillment of candidacy requirements and successful completion of required course and program requirements.
Prepares professional nurses to assume entry-level teaching positions in collegiate and hospital settings. Roles within Nurse Educator practice include:
Position: Professor
Office: Illges Hall 207
Phone: 706-507-8578
E-mail: smith_cheryl6@columbusstate.edu
Position: Assistant Director, Graduate Program/Director of FNP Program
Office: Illges Hall 314
Phone: 706-507-8543
E-mail: frander_elizabeth@columbusstate.edu
Bio
Position: Associate Professor
Office: Illges Hall 117
Phone: 706-507-8586
E-mail: vael_aimee@columbusstate.edu
Position: Interim Director
Office: Illges Hall 307
Phone: 706-507-8572
E-mail: santo_latonya@columbusstate.edu
Bio
Position: Associate Professor
Office: Illges Hall 315
Phone: 706-507-8542
E-mail: jones_gail2@columbusstate.edu
Bio
Position: Assistant Professor
Office: Illges Hall 213B
Phone: 706-507-8580
E-mail: hasbach_kim@columbusstate.edu
Position: Academic Advisor
Office: Illges Hall 104
Phone: 706-507-8563
E-mail: young_melissa@columbusstate.edu
The Georgia Intercollegiate Consortium for Graduate Nursing Education (GICGNE) - a partnership between Columbus State University and Georgia Southwestern University offering the master’s program in nursing- is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
One MSN Student's Story (youtube) >>
Is the program completely online?
All didactic portion of the program is 100% online. Each class will have at least one synchronous class meetings online via WIMBA. All the students enrolled in the class and the faculty member will be online at the same time for discussions and presentations. Faculty members can be contacted via SKYPE, email or office phone. Students will schedule precepted experiences in their own geographic area.
How long does the MSN program take to complete?
The MSN program can be completed in two academic years or four semesters of full-time study of 9 credit hours per term. While part-time and full-time progressions are available, students are expected to graduate within five years and must take a minimum of four classes per academic year.
Why choose the Columbus State University MSN program?
The MSN program at Columbus State allows you to focus on either Nursing Education or Leadership/Management in Nursing. For the Nurse Educator you can specialize in community education, staff development or the academic setting in both clinical and classroom. The Nursing Leadership track is for those interested in management at the institutional, clinical or corporate level.
The program at Columbus State allows for the flexibility of an online program, but the real-time contact with faculty and fellow students. You can study at home, but not alone. Advising can occur online, via telephone, or in person.
If I do not meet the GPA requirements, can I still be admitted?
Students who do not meet GPA minimal admission requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis. They must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their coursework once admitted into the program.
Is a background check required?
Yes, a background check will be required once the student has been accepted into the program.
Financial Assistance
For additional information about the program and admission at Columbus State University, contact Ms. Mary-Margaret Fox at 706-507-8581 or fox_mary@columbusstate.edu