As an MSN nursing education student, you will gain a strong foundation in education theory, principles, teaching strategies and modalities, learner diversity, and curriculum and program evaluation. Students will learn to integrate teaching strategies via the classroom, distance-learning, clinical settings, in the learning and simulation laboratories, and through precepted and service-learning opportunities.
The interactive, online course delivery, paired with practicums that expose students to academic and clinical educational settings, provides flexible, yet comprehensive preparation for a nurse educator role. Upon completion of program and with required experience, graduates are eligible to sit for the National League of Nursing’s certification for nurse educator (CNE) examination.
New RN-MSN entry
Applications opened November 1, 2024, for Fall 2025 admission into our new RN to MSN Nursing Education pathway. The college accepts all associate's RN degrees (ADN, AAS, ASN, AAN, AN). A current unrestricted RN license is required for admission consideration. Students will complete four university bridge courses before entering their MSN program of study.
MSN in nursing education requires 39 credit hours and can be completed in 5 semesters. All didactic work is online, distance format with complimentary practicums that may be completed in one’s geographic region. Courses are offered in a variation of 7 or 15-week semester courses, with an average of 6-9 credit hours per semester.
Students beginning the program in Fall 2023 would complete the program at the end of Spring semester 2025.
Required Courses
1st semester
- NURS 700 – Theoretical and Conceptual Foundation for Nursing A
- NURS 707 – Advanced Pathophysiology for Nurses
- NURS 710 – Role of the Nurse Educator B
2nd semester
- NURS 702 – Pharmacological Management of Pediatric, Adult and Gerontological Patients Across the Lifespan
- NURS 724 – Education in Nursing B
- NURS 789 – Statistical and Research Methods for Nursing A
3rd semester
- NURS 704 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning +
- NURS 725 – Nursing Education: Curriculum and Evaluation
4th semester
- NURS 739 – Online Instruction and Technology in Nursing Education
- NURS 743 – Advanced Nursing Practicum for the Educator *
5th semester
- NURS 720 – Clinical Application of Population Analysis A
- NURS 727 – Nurse Educator Practicum *
- NURS 791 – Seminar in Clinical Nursing Research B
Total 39 credits / 500 direct clinical hours
+on campus immersion
*course requires 250 direct clinical hours
Aindicates A term, B indicates B term. If not noted, full semester course.
Upon graduation and meeting experience criteria, you are eligible to sit for the National
League of Nursing – Certification as Nurse Educator Exam (CNE).
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from previous undergraduate and any graduate work
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended must be submitted whether you received a degree or not. Applicants who attended a BSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be consider a competitive applicant.
- Three professional references - The professional recommendation should come from individuals with a master’s or higher in a healthcare field who can evaluate your potential for success in a graduate program. (Letters of recommendation cannot be used in lieu of our recommendation form.) Recommendations from family members are not appropriate.
- A personal goal statement that reflects MSN program outcomes
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Current unencumbered RN License in the state of residence
- GRE not required
All application materials (except official transcripts) will be submitted via the
College of Nursing's graduate application portal.
Official transcripts must be sent to The Graduate School. Review the degree requirements before you apply.
The Nursing Education program accepts students for fall entry. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.
Admission cycle for fall entry:
- Application opens - November 1
- Final decision deadline - June 30
MSN program costs depend on several factors. For estimated costs, view Graduate Programs Cost Estimates 2023-2024. The Office of Financial Aid provides the full breakdown of the estimated cost to attend. For additional tuition and fee information, visit the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees website website.
Financial aid is available. To determine your eligibility, complete the FAFSA form on the university’s Financial Aid website. The College of Nursing also offers general scholarships. In addition, other scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available through The Graduate School and the university’s Financial Aid and Scholarships office.
View our video Information Session with graduate program faculty and staff.
Contact Us
Phone: 803-777-9173
Email: NURSGRAD@mailbox.sc.edu
Address:
Williams-Brice Building, Room 208
1601 Greene St.
Columbia, SC 29208
