Overview
Nationally accredited, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares students in advanced theory and practice in a specialized clinical area of nursing. Graduate students are prepared to assume functional, advanced practice roles as clinical nurse specialists, parish nurses, family nurse practitioners, adult nurse practitioners, pediatric nurse practitioners, or school nurses, and may elect a secondary specialty in administration or education. The combination of theory, research, and professional development also prepares graduates for doctoral study in nursing. Upon completion, students will meet all the requirements to be certified and will be nationally board eligible.
Students pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing must also complete coursework for a specialized clinical area of nursing, such as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Parish Nursing, or School Nurse Services Credential.
Students may also fulfill the specialty requirement through one of the School of Nursing’s unique combined programs.
Students who have earned a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field may enroll in an entry-level master's program. Nurses who already have an MSN from APU or another institution may enroll in a Post-Master’s Credential program.
Benefits and Distinctives
- The MSN Program meets Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requirements for licensure.
- Graduates are eligible for the California RN License and Public Health Nursing Certificate, and certification as Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and/or a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in California.
- The program is designed for the working professional, offering evening lectures and customized clinical experiences.
- Students may enroll part-time and take advantage of summer courses.
- Clinical experiences include hospital care services for diverse cultural/ethnic groups, the poor, the underserved, and the homeless.
- Students receive personalized attention in a supportive Christian environment from faculty who are experienced as clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners in a variety of settings.
- Students may receive traineeships (partial tuition reimbursement) when availalble through a federal grant.
- Financial aid is available through scholarships and loans.
Learn more about the program and our faculty.
School of Nursing Accreditation
Azusa Pacific University receives accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In addition, the School of Nursing's programs earn accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
University Reputation
Azusa Pacific University held its place for the second year in the most prestigious category of the U.S.News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2009, ranking in the third tier of the national category. Additionally, for the first time, APU ranked ninth among the best up-and-coming national universities. Previously, APU was ranked in the top 25 schools within the Western Universities-Master’s category, enjoying prominent placement and recognition for outstanding first-year and service-learning programs.
According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine, APU ranked number 6 in the nation in awarding the most master’s degrees to Hispanics. In addition, The Princeton Review included APU as 1 of 120 colleges in the 2009 Best in the West category.
