Nursing people at hospital
MSN

Nursing: MSN

Advance your nursing career on your terms with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Designed for working registered nurses, this flexible program lets you balance work, life and education while taking the next bold step in your profession. With fully online coursework and in-person practicums, you can finish your degree in as little as 24 months — or set a pace that works for you with part-time options up to five years. Your future in advanced nursing leadership starts here!

Focus Areas

Clinical Prevention & Population Health, Nurse Educator, Post-Master’s Certificate

 

Application Deadline

Aug. 11, 2025

Classes Start

Aug. 18, 2025

MSN Specialties

Choose from one of our specialty concentrations. Or work with the director of Post-Licensure Programs to create a customized part-time plan of study based on your personal and departmental needs.

This specialty concentration prepares nurses to coordinate and implement case management services at the system and community levels to promote quality, cost-effective health outcomes for rural populations.  

Graduates of the program will be able to hold leadership roles and case manager positions across all health care settings and specialties. Graduates will be eligible to take a case management certification examination with the appropriate clinical expertise.

View Course Curriculum

This concentration is designed to prepare practicing nurses to assume roles as educators in baccalaureate and associate degree nursing programs, staff development programs, continuing education programs and community health education programs.  

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) nurse educator certification examination.

View Course Curriculum

The post-master’s certificate program provides registered nurses, who have a master’s degree in nursing, with an opportunity to build expertise in the nursing education specialty. The certificate requires a total of 9 semester hours of graduate-level coursework.  

Coursework is offered 100% online.

Learn More About the Certificate

Requirements

In addition to the application, fee, and transcripts, applicants need:

  • A personal statement describing 1) nursing experience 2) interest/objectives in undertaking graduate study in the chosen specialty area and 3) special circumstances that require further clarification
  • A copy of a current, valid North Carolina nursing license with multi-state practice privileges by the authority of the Nurse Licensure Compact
  • A current résumé or curriculum vitae of educational and work experience
  • The names of three people who will provide professional recommendations (through the application portal) from instructors, supervisors or professional colleagues, two of which must come from individuals with a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing
  • A Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited NLN or CCNE School of Nursing
  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale is preferred
  • Nursing practice experience (one year completed), and 
  • Completion of a course in Descriptive/Inferential Statistics with a minimum grade of “C” or higher.

Note: Applicants who graduated from their BSN programs over 5 years ago must demonstrate competency in basic health assessment, nursing research, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.

Admitted students must provide the following before starting the program:

  1. A copy of physical health examination and immunizations as required by the university and Department of Nursing;
  2. A copy of current BCLS certification by the American Heart Association
  3. A copy of professional liability insurance – all students must present evidence of coverage annually in the amounts of $1 million/ $6 million due to clinical practicum requirements of the graduate program

After UNCP

Haley Oxendine graduate
One of my favorite aspects of my time at UNCP is the professional, close-knit relationships I was able to form with my pre-nursing instructors. I am grateful for the career path that UNCP has led me to as a registered nurse.

Haley Oxendine

Nursing

Common Careers

  • Nurse Practitioner (NP)

  • Nurse Educator

  • Nurse Administrator/Executive

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

  • Nurse Informaticist

  • Public Health Nurse

  • Case Manager

  • Healthcare Policy Analyst

  • Research Nurse

 

male nursing student at UNCP working with faculty member and simulation infant

Connect with Career Services

Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:

  1. Synthesize evidence-based knowledge, theories and principles from nursing, the arts and humanities, bio-psycho-social and applied sciences which support advanced nursing practice and role development.
  2. Assume leadership role in coordinating, managing and improving health services for culturally diverse populations by using knowledge of political, economic organizational and regulatory systems.
  3. Direct organizational and systems leadership initiatives for the improvement of health outcomes and safety for diverse individuals, families, groups, populations and communities across the continuum of care.
  4. Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare providers and consumers in designing, implementing and evaluating health services for the attainment of shared health care goals that focus on clinical prevention and population health.
  5. Integrate information technology for evidence-based care management, education, collaboration and decision-making to improve health outcomes.
  6. Demonstrate beginning competence in applying research principles to clinical practice that will impact advanced nursing practice and education as well as health programs and services.
  7. Assume accountability for ethical values, principles and personal beliefs that acknowledge human diversity and influence professional practice decisions and nursing interventions.
  8. Adhere to ethical, legal and regulatory mandates and professional standards for advanced nursing practice.
  9. Engage in professional behaviors that reflect a commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in advanced nursing practice.

From Registered Nurse
to Master Nurse

For registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing, our RN-MSN Pathway offers a seamless, accelerated route to graduate-level nursing education. This flexible program is designed to help you bridge the gap between clinical experience and leadership opportunity — without starting over. You’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take on advanced roles in patient care, education, or healthcare administration.

Explore the Pathway

UNCP Nursing student

 

Have questions?

Our Admissions counselors are here to help!

or call us at 910.521.6271

 

 

Meet our Faculty

Jennifer Jones-Locklear, headshot

Jennifer Jones Locklear

Chair and Associate Professor of Nursing and Pre-Licensure Director


910.521.6747
All Nursing Faculty & Staff

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