Nursing

Nursing

Chair: Colleen Manzetti, Department of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)


The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) programs prepare graduates for advanced nursing practice roles and build upon the foundational values of autonomy, leadership, and professionalism. The role of the M.S.N. graduate is to promote, restore, and maintain health and facilitate quality end-of-life care. Advanced nursing practice requires master’s preparation, specialty certification by a recognized nursing certification program for specific tracks, and a unique body of knowledge derived from scientific research and best practices. This knowledge base enhances the graduate’s ability to synthesize interrelating factors that influence the health of individuals and populations in their environment. The M.S.N. graduate is proficient in a defined body of knowledge in a selected area of advanced nursing practice and may work independently or in an interprofessional collaborative practice setting.


The M.S.N. program is composed of three major areas:

  1. A graduate nursing core that provides the theoretical and research foundation necessary for advanced nursing practice;
  2. An advanced nursing practice concentration that provides the student with the skills necessary to have a positive impact on healthcare;
  3. Detailed study and practice in the selected area of specialization.

Education for the nurse in advanced practice is a realistic, idealistic, future-oriented, teaching-learning process that promotes the development of the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities contributing to professional growth and ultimate personal responsibility for continued learning. This education helps the graduate
to develop justifiable confidence in the intellectual and clinical proficiency necessary for advanced practice through the development of critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills and a strengthened commitment to the attitudes and values of the nursing profession.
Graduate level education is essential to provide students with an expanded and enhanced knowledge of nursing science. Students further develop their personal philosophy for advanced nursing practice, gain a deeper understanding of the emerging roles of the professional nurse, and modify their roles
and responsibilities to function effectively in a complex, dynamic healthcare environment. Students may transfer a maximum of nine (9) credits to be applied toward the master’s degree, provided the courses were completed with a grade of “B” or better and are appropriate for the graduate track.

M.S.N. School Nursing for Non-Certified Nurses

School nurses who are emergency-certified through the New Jersey State Department of Education or who work full-time as a school nurse for a minimum of six months may have NU-587P Practicum: School Nurse I (2 cr.) waived if they provide a letter of verification from a school official. M.S.N in School Nursing students who show evidence of teaching health in a school system may have NU-588P Practicum: School Nurse II (2 cr.) waived if they provide a letter of verification from a school official. At the discretion of their advisor, students with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing may be required to take NU-312 Individual Health Assessment (3 cr.) or equivalent continuing education units in adult or pediatric physical assessment. At the discretion of their advisor, non- certified school nurse students with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing may be required to take three upper division undergraduate nursing bridge courses prior to starting M.S.N. courses.

M.S.N. School Nursing for Certified School Nurses

Students with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing may be required to take NU-312 Individual Health Assessment (3 cr.) or equivalent continuing education units in adult or pediatric physical assessment at the discretion of their advisors. Certified school nurse students with a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing may be required to take three upper division undergraduate nursing bridge courses prior to starting M.S.N. courses.

Post-Master’s Certificates

Monmouth’s post-master’s certificates are designed for nurses who have already completed a master’s degree in nursing. The Nurse Practitioner certificate program prepares advanced practice nurses in primary care or other relevant settings to work with persons in their environment through independent nursing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment or referral to another practitioner when necessary.

Students may transfer a maximum of six (6) credits (30% or less of the total credit requirements) toward the certificate, provided the courses were completed with a grade of “B” or better and the courses are appropriate for the certificate program. This restriction also applies to those credits that have been waived or were earned with Credit by  Exam.

Please refer to the Admission section of this catalog for additional admission requirements.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

The D.N.P. program is designed to address the complexity of healthcare systems by producing clinical leaders who can excel in highly complex and rapidly evolving healthcare environments. The D.N.P. is designed for M.S.N. graduate nurses, including nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse managers, and school nurses. The mission of the D.N.P. program at Monmouth University is to prepare nursing leaders with a doctoral degree that provides skills and competencies enabling graduates to contribute advanced nursing practice at its highest level and improve delivery of nursing care in complex healthcare environments through scholarly inquiry and scientific evidence translation.


The D.N.P. program is a 36-credit post-master’s degree program that prepares the M.S.N. graduate nurse with the skills necessary to influence and implement quality healthcare improvements.

The D.N.P. curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, organizational and systems leadership, information technology, interprofessional collaboration, emerging practice challenges, and implementing translational research and science into practice.

The use of advanced clinical skills and research is consistent with Monmouth University’s commitment to personalized education. A D.N.P. change project designed to integrate theoretical concepts and practical experiences is required for all students. Immersion into the leadership role is facilitated through several practicum courses.


Throughout the program, students gain knowledge and leadership skills necessary to influence access to healthcare, promote safety standards, and advocate for policy changes on a local, regional, and national level to improve delivery systems and outcomes. To enter the D.N.P. program, students must be graduates of an accredited master’s level nursing program and have a current RN license; certification in a specialty practice is preferred. Please refer to the Admission section of this catalog for additional admission requirements .


The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master's degree in nursing, doctor of nursing practice degree, and post-graduate APRN certificates at Monmouth University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)