Master (MS) in Nursing

Decker's Master of Science (MS) in nursing programs prepare post-baccalaureate nurses to become nurse administrators or nurse educators in adult-gerontological or community health nursing. 

General Information, Specializations and Roles

Decker's MS programs in nursing are organized into a four-semester sequence of courses requiring 46 or 48 credits, depending on area of specialization and functional role. If you already have a master's degree in nursing, your previous coursework will be evaluated to determine if you qualify for transfer credit and/or waivers.

Specialization Nurse educator Nurse administrator
Adult-gerontological nursing: provides an in-depth understanding of health and illness in adult and older adult populations Available Available
Community health nursing: provides an in-depth understanding of actual and potential health problems in the community; graduates work with individuals, families, groups and communities to improve and maintain health Available Available
  • Nurse administrator role

    Nurse administrators oversee and manage nursing staff and healthcare team members. Their roles include recruiting, training and scheduling nurses and conducting performance evaluations. Though not directly involved in patient care, nurse administrators’ work significantly influences patient experiences and outcomes. They are key in motivating staff, facilitating necessary training and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.

  • Nurse educator role

    Nurse educators are highly trained RNs who teach in academic settings and clinical practice. Through their experience and skills, they contribute significantly to their students’ education. Beyond classroom instruction, they are involved in curriculum development and guide students toward becoming successful RNs. Nurse educators possess excellent leadership and communication skills and have deep expertise in nursing.

Curriculum

The curriculum has five components:

  1. All students take core courses that address nursing theory, advanced physical health assessment, advanced pathophysiology across the lifespan, advanced pharmacology, nursing research, professional issues and the healthcare delivery system.
  2. Clinical specialization courses prepare nurses for adult-gerontological or community health nursing.
  3. Role development courses address the socialization and implementation of nurse administrator or nurse educator roles. 
  4. Supporting courses are tailored to degree requirements per MS specialization of study. The courses in the first semester of study for all MS curricula provide the foundation for courses in subsequent semesters. 
  5. Students may take elective courses in nursing or related areas of study. Electives may be taken in other ÂÌñÉç University schools. Students are encouraged to select electives that enhance their interests and career goals. Independent study is an option.

Program completion time

Estimated program completion time based on program planning:

  • Full-time study: 2 years
  • Part-time study: 3–4 years 
  • ÂÌñÉç Graduate School policy states that a master's degree curriculum must be completed within five years from date of matriculation to remain eligible for award of degree

Curriculum plans/worksheets

Visit our for printer-friendly curriculum plans and worksheets.

  • Adult-gerontological nurse educator MS, full-time curriculum plan

    Instructional method key:

    • TR = Traditional: Campus-based
    • OA = Online Asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time
    • OS = Online Synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times
    • OC = Online Combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction
    • OH = Online Hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions
    Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 2)
    Course Instructional
    method    		 Clinical
    hours    		 Credits
    NURS 600: Methods and Quantitative Analyses TR   3
    NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment TR 60 3
    NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery systems OA   3
    Elective varies   3
    Total for this semester   60 12
    Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 2)
    NURS 520: Patho/Pharm* TBD   4
    NURS 503: Scientific Inquiry: Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing TR   2
    NURS 556: Functional Role I, Educator TR 60 4
    NURS 511: Adult-Gerontological Nursing I TR 60 3
    Total for this semester   120 13
    Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1-2)
    NURS 535: Scientific Inquiry: Application of Research Methods TR   2
    NURS 557: Functional Role II, Educator TR 60 4
    NURS 512: Adult-Gerontological Nursing II TR 60 3
    Total for this semester   120 9
    Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1-2)
    NURS 570: Proseminar TR   2
    NURS 590: Functional Role III, Educator TR 120 4
    NURS 513: Adult-Gerontological Nursing III TR 120 3
    Elective varies   3
    Total for this semester   240 12
    TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION 540 46

    *NURS 520 is suitable for non-prescribing providers only.

    NOTE: Course scheduling changes that may impact the estimated days per week on campus can occur.

  • Adult-gerontological nurse administrator MS, full-time curriculum plan

    Instructional method key:

    • TR = Traditional: Campus-based
    • OA = Online Asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time
    • OS = Online Synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times
    • OC = Online Combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction
    • OH = Online Hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions
    Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 2)
    Course

    Instructional
    method

    		 Clinical
    hours    		 Credits
    NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses TR   3
    NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment TR 60 3
    NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems OA   3
    Elective varies   3
    Total for this semester   60 12
    Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 2)
    NURS 520: Patho/Pharm* TBD   4
    NURS 503: Scientific Inquiry: Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing TR   2
    Course TBD: Functional Role I, Administrator TR 60 4
    NURS 511: Adult-Gerontological Nursing I TR 60 3
    Total for this semester   120 13
    Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
    NURS 535: Scientific Inquiry: Application of Research Methods TR   2
    Course TBD: Functional Role II, Administrator TR 60 4
    NURS 512: Adult-Gerontological Nursing II TR 60 3
    Total for this semester   120 9
    Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
    NURS 570: Proseminar TR   2
    Course TBD: Functional Role III, Administrator TR 120 4
    NURS 513: Adult-Gerontological Nursing III TR 120 3
    Elective varies   3
    Total for this semester   240 12
    TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION 540 46

    *NURS 520 is suitable for non-prescribing providers only.

    NOTE: Course scheduling changes that may impact the estimated days per week on campus can occur.

  • Community health nurse educator MS, full-time curriculum plan

    Instructional method key:

    • TR = Traditional: Campus-based
    • OA = Online Asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time
    • OS = Online Synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times
    • OC = Online Combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction
    • OH = Online Hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions
    Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 2)
    Course Instructional
    method    		 Clinical
    hours    		 Credits
    NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses TR   3
    NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment TR 60 3
    NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems OA   3

    NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

    OR

    PH 520: Epidemiology I

    		 OA/TR   3
    Total for this semester   60 12
    Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 2)
    NURS 520: Patho/Pharm* TBD   4
    NURS 556: Functional Role I, Educator TR 60 4
    NURS 541: Community Health Nursing Practice I TR 60 3
    NURS 503: Scientific Inquiry: Theoretical Foundations and Advanced Nursing TR   2
    Total for this semester   120 13
    Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
    NURS 535: Scientific Inquiry: Application of Research Methods TR   2
    NURS 557: Functional Role II, Educator TR 60 4
    NURS 542: Community Health Nursing Practice II TR 60 3
    Total for this semester   120 9
    Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
    NURS 570: Proseminar TR   2
    NURS 590: Functional Role III, Educator TR 120 4
    NuRS 543: Community Health Nursing Practice III TR 60 3
    Elective varies   3
    Total for this semester   180 12
    TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION 480 46

    *NURS 520 is suitable for non-prescribing providers only.

    NOTE: Course scheduling changes that may impact the estimated days per week on campus can occur.

  • Community health nurse administrator MS, full-time curriculum plan

    Instructional method key:

    • TR = Traditional: Campus-based
    • OA = Online Asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time
    • OS = Online Synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times
    • OC = Online Combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction
    • OH = Online Hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions
    YEAR 1, FALL (estimated days per week on campus: 2)
    Course Instructional
    method    		 Clinical
    hours    		 Credits
    NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses TR   3
    NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment TR 60 3
    NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems OA   3

    NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

    OR

    PH 520: Epidemiology I

    		 OA/TR   3
    Total for this semester   60 12
    YEAR 1, SPRING (estimated days per week on campus: 2)
    NURS 520: Patho/Pharm* TBD   4
    Course TBD: Functional Role I, Administrator TR 60 4
    NURS 541: Community Health Nursing Practice I TR 60 3
    NURS 503: Scientific Inquiry: Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing TR   2
    Total for this semester   120 13
    YEAR 2, FALL (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
    NURS 535: Scientific Inquiry: Application of Research Methods TR   2
    Course TBD: Functional Role II, Administrator TR 60 4
    NURS 542: Community Health Nursing Practice II TR 60 3
    Total for this semester   120 9
    YEAR 2, SPRING (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
    NURS 570: Proseminar TR   2
    Course TBD: Functional Role III, Administrator TR 120 4
    NURS 543: Community Health Nursing Practice III TR 60 3
    Elective varies   3
    Total for this semester   180 12
    TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION 480 46

    *NURS 520 is suitable for non-prescribing providers only.

    NOTE: Course scheduling changes that may impact the estimated days per week on campus can occur.

Application criteria

Applicants wishing to pursue a master's degree in nursing must satisfy the general conditions and procedures for graduate admission to ÂÌñÉç. Further, they must adhere to all policies outlined in the Graduate School Manual.

In addition, the following are required and will be evaluated for admission:

For information about application criteria, clinical practice requirements and additional requirements, applicants should review the (formerly, the Bulletin). The rules and regulations posted in the Academic Guide at the time of a student's matriculation into the University are the ones to which that student is held.

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in nursing from an ACEN- , CCNE- OR CNEA-accredited program
  • Completion of the NCLEX-RN exam before the start of clinical courses
  • Current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the U.S.
    • Before beginning clinical experiences in a New York clinical facility, students must submit a copy of their New York RN license; this is required by the New York State Department of Education Office of the Professions
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Descriptive statistics course with a grade of C or better in the past five years
  • Submission of a 500-word personal statement that addresses: why the applicant is seeking advanced education in general and specifically at ÂÌñÉç; unique aspects of the applicant's background that will contribute to the Decker graduate community (for example, extracurricular, work or volunteer experiences); and goals the applicant hopes to achieve upon completion of the program
  • 2 letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment authoritatively on the applicant's academic achievements and/or work or internship experience related to the program; appropriate recommenders include academic references or individuals in supervisory positions — recommendations from coworkers or friends will not be accepted
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae

Additional criteria for international students:

In addition to the requirements above, international students must also provide:

  • Proof of English proficiency (official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic scores), International Student Financial Statement Form and supporting financial documentation (such as official bank statements or scholarship/sponsorship letters); details are on the Graduate Admissions International Students Requirements webpage

  • Proof of a current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in their home country
  • A course-by-course evaluation of their educational transcript from their home country completed by World Education Services
  • Notes about admissions criteria above
    • A student may consider applying for non-degree/non-matriculated status in lieu of matriculation to complete up to a maximum of 12 graduate nursing credits as a non-degree student; after this time, the student, may apply to be considered for regular matriculated admission. The director of graduate nursing programs provides advisement regarding appropriate courses for enrollment by non-degree students attempting to prove their ability to be successful at the graduate nursing level, and in anticipation of students applying for future matriculated status.
    • Any U.S. student applicant may be admitted "regular admit-additional advising" (formerly known as "conditional admission") by the Decker School. By definition, this category of admission means the applicant lacks required application criteria. 
    • U.S. students who do not advance from a regular-additional advising ("conditional") to regular admission status promptly (i.e., failure to meet the department's conditional admission requirements) will be block from registration and possibly risk program dismissal.
    • International student applicants cannot be admitted "conditionally."
    • International student applicants who have not met minimum TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic score requirements may be recommended for an offer of admission from the Decker School of Nursing, but will be granted only provisional admission by the Graduate School.
      • A provisional admission status related to these test scores requires the applicant provide sufficient proof of English proficiency.
      • Once sufficient proof has been provided by the applicant, the Graduate School will default the admissions decision back to that assigned by the department and the student will receive a regular letter of admission and an I-20.
      • In such an admissions case, the student will be required to take an English Language Institute Program (ESI) assessment exam. Exam results assist the department in determining which ESL courses will be completed by the student preliminary to or concurrently with core graduate nursing course requirements in the first and/or subsequent semesters, and at the discretion of the graduate nursing program director.
    • U.S. students enrolling immediately after graduation from a Bachelor of Science program in nursing must pass the national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN) before beginning any clinical coursework. Students who are granted full-time admission in a fall semester are scheduled to take NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment in the first semester of study. NURS 502 has a clinical component requiring those students to pass the NCLEX-RN examination and provide proof of passing the exam by August 1 of the first fall semester of admission.
    • Students who have already completed a master's degree in nursing from an accredited program, but wish to pursue a different clinical specialty or functional role role may be admitted to the post-graduate program. (GREs are not required for the post-graduate program.)
    • Students admitted to a graduate nursing program must be computer literate before beginning their studies. They must possess: the ability to use various software applications, use email, conduct web searches, download and upload files and communicate through instant messaging and chatting.

Application Procedures

Instructions for applying to ÂÌñÉç are available on the Graduate Admission How to Apply webpage. If you have questions about submitting your application, call 607–777–2151 or email gradadmission@binghamton.edu.

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If you have a felony or child abuse conviction
Students who have a felony or child abuse conviction are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of the Decker School of Nursing and/or to meet licensure requirements for nursing or advanced-practice licensure. If you have concerns about this, you are advised to contact the Decker Division of Advising and Academic Excellence, the graduate nursing program director or the Decker College Dean's Office. You must report felony convictions while enrolled in the Decker School of Nursing as it may change your progression and ability to be placed in a clinical agency. To learn if felony/child abuse convictions will negatively impact your ability for licensure, check with the in the state where you plan to practice.

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Looking for nurse practitioner programs?

Decker's nurse practitioner programs are now offered only at the DNP level.

Why?

The Decker School of Nursing transitioned its advanced practice nursing specialty programs to the DNP degree following recommendations from national nursing organizations such as the American Association Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).