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Master of Science in Nursing

Online MSN Program

The mission of the online MSN Program is to prepare safe and competent professional nurses, who in collaboration with others, provide or facilitate high quality person-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. Also, the mission is 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.

The Master of Science in Nursing degree consists of four tracks and two certificates - all online programs of study. The 36-44 hour programs prepare professional registered nurses for advanced practice nursing roles as culturally competent educators, leaders, informaticists, or family nurse practitioners.

Graduate Programs

Nursing Education

Nursing Leadership / Management

Nursing Informatics

Family Nurse Practitioner

The MSN tracks can be completed in two academic years, or four semesters of full-time study by taking 9 credit hours a semester.

Graduate Major

Master of Science in Nursing

Health & Human Science Complex
Carter I

229-931-2239
tiffany.aldridge@gsw.edu

Faculty & Staff


Course Delivery
goml-logo.jpg

All courses in the MSN program are offered fully online through the Georgia On My Line (GOML) learning management system. A separate sign-on is required for GOML from that of the email system used by the home institution.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of our Master of Science in Nursing program will be able to:

  • Implement the selected advanced nurse role-leader, educator, informaticist, or nurse practitioner within health care
  • Develop and nurture interprofessional collaborations by communicating and consulting with other health care professionals, including administrators, community leaders and regulators
  • Evaluate the influence of ethical principles on personal and organizational decision-making
  • Utilize nursing research for the promotion of quality nursing education, safe client-centered health care, and evidence based practice
  • Employ critical thinking in the application of nursing and multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to foster optimal client health outcomes
  • Exemplify cultural competence and sensitivity to diversity in dynamic academic and health care environments
  • Demonstrate competence in leadership roles and a commitment to ongoing professional development for the provision of quality, cost-effective client-centered health care and the advancement of nursing practice
  • Utilize informatics to improve client outcomes and to promote the health and safety of individuals, groups and communities

Course Delivery System

All courses in the MSN program are offered fully online through the Georgia On My Line (GOML) learning management system. A separate sign-on is required for GOML from that of the email system used by the home institution. The MSN program follows the GSW Academic Calendar.

All theory (didactic/lecture) courses are offered online via GoVIEW online platform. The clinical requirements (preceptorship, practicum internship) in the curriculum will not be online. Preceptors for these experiences will be arranged in the student's locale whenever feasible. The student and preceptor in a clinical course must hold licensure as a registered nurse in the state in which the clinical experience will be provided and will comply with the Board of Nursing's regulations regarding placement.

The MSN tracks can be completed in two academic years, or four semesters of full-time study (9 credit hours per semester). Students are expected to complete the program of study within a five (5) year period, but are encouraged to complete all courses in their selected track as quickly as their schedule allows. All requirements including transfer credit and transient credit course work, must be completed within 5 calendar years from the date of initial enrollment in course work without regard to the initial admission status. A grade of B is required to progress in the program. A student can petition one time during the program to retake a course with a grade of less than a B. If the student makes a second C in the repeated class or a C in another class, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Accreditation
Expected Completion
Student Resources

The master's degree program in nursing at Georgia Southwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This CCNE approval for the MSN program extends from February 1, 2021 to December 31, 2026.

 

The MSN tracks can be completed in two academic years, or four semesters of full-time study (9 credit hours per semester). Students are expected to complete the program of study within a seven (7) year period, but are encouraged to complete all courses in their selected track as quickly as their schedule allows. All requirements including transfer credit and transient credit course work, must be completed within 7 calendar years from the date of initial enrollment in course work without regard to the initial admission status and without regard to credit hours earned. To remain in good academic standing, degree candidates must maintain a "B" (3.0) average. Only two courses with a "C" or better will count toward the degree.

Admission Requirements

Graduate students can submit required documents through the document portal after completing the admissions application process. Students must complete the following items in order to be considered for the MSN program:

  • Graduate application for admission & $25 application fee
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Applicant must have their BSN at time of application
  • Three completed recommendation forms from professional or clinical associates
  • Current professional resume
  • Current active, unencumbered RN license
    (An unencumbered license means a license that is not currently on probation, monitoring, suspension, and/or does not have any other type of limitation including current participation in an alternative to discipline program.)
  • Immunization form - MSN students should check the exemption option for the online program

GSW Distance Education Programs

Each state has its own approval processes for out-of-state institutions offering distance education. While Georgia Southwestern State University endeavors to offer all of its programs to as wide an audience as possible, all Georgia Southwestern State University distance education programs may not be available in all states. 

Take your nursing career to the next level with an MSN!
Nursing Students