University of San Diego

Nursing Programs Offered

Accelerated MSN Programs
Adult Health Nursing - Master's degree
Adult Health Nursing - Post-master's certificate
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Master's degree
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Post-master's certificate
DNP Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Family Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner - Master's degree
MSN Programs
Nursing Administration - Master's degree
Nursing Science - Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Pediatric Nursing - Master's degree
RN Programs
RN to MSN Programs

MSN Program Details

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is built upon the baccalaureate degree with an upper-division focus in nursing and emphasizes research, theory, and practice. The graduate program in nursing offers seven areas of emphasis:

Executive Nurse Leader, Health Care Informatics, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Dual Adult Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner, Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/ Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. All specialties share a common core of knowledge and each is designed to prepare a graduate nurse in the respective area. The purpose of the program is to provide leadership preparation that will enable the graduate to assume a significant role in nursing and health care delivery.

There are also several MSN options available. The options include a Nursing Education Option, a Latino Health Care Option, and a Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care Option.

Accelerated MSN Program Details

The Master's Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) is intended for individuals with a baccalaureate degree or higher in another discipline. The program is designed for the person seeking a new career in nursing.

Students will enroll annually in this 5 term (21 month) program beginning in September. The MEPN program is demanding, as it provides the student with a general foundation in nursing as well as Master's level courses that provide the skills necessary to serve in leadership positions. After successful completion of the program, the student receives a master's degree in clinical nursing and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nursing (RN) licensure. Graduates are prepared as Advanced Nurse Generalists are eligible to sit for the Clinical Nurse Leader certificate exam.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)* program is designed to prepare leaders for the nursing profession who have expertise in advanced nursing specialty practice with an individual focus. The DNP Program is consistent with the overall mission of the School of Nursing which is to prepare nursing leaders who can facilitate quality health care for our nation.

Advanced practice registered nurses who are Master’s prepared can enroll in the DNP completion program where they will gain additional knowledge and clinical expertise in a defined area of advanced nursing practice. Core knowledge in the scientific, philosophical, ethical, health policy, and business aspects of clinical practice will provide a foundation for the DNP residency and final project. The program is 34 units in length.

The Post-BSN DNP program is also offered for RNs who desire preparation in primary care as a Family, Dual Pediatric/Family, or Dual Adult/ Family Nurse Practitioner, in Psychiatric-Mental Health as a Nurse Practitioner or dual preparation as a Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist, and preparation in Adult-Gerontology as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Graduates of a Master's Entry Program in Nursing are also eligible to apply. The program requires 3 years of full-time study; part-time study is also available. The curriculum ranges from 78 - 91 semester credits depending upon the focus of study and prior preparation. Graduates of the program will be eligible for national board certification.