Nursing (MSN)

This program is offered by the College of Science and Health. It is available in the Live Virtual Modality, to students licensed as RNs in MO, NC, SC, and KS. Students complete online modules each week, which may include recorded lectures, videos, readings, case studies, podcasts and more to meet the lesson and course objectives/outcomes for the week. In addition, students meet weekly for two hours of live virtual (Zoom) classroom experience on their assigned night of the week, as well as completing other course related assignments. In many courses, students complete face-to-face practice experiences with clients and/or preceptors.    

Program Description

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MSN program, students will be able to:

• Evaluate organization and systems leadership skills necessary for quality health care.
• Examine quality and safety principles of a health care organization.
• Analyze evidence and research for improvement of practice.
• Implement the use of information and other technologies into practice.
• Apply knowledge of policy and advocacy strategies to influence health and health care.
• Examine the impact of inter professional collaboration on quality care.
• Apply prevention and population health concepts to implement culturally relevant care.
• Integrate advanced knowledge and skills in a Nurse Leader or Educator role.

Program Curriculum

The following core courses must be completed for the MSN:

In addition, students must complete one of the following tracks:

Educator Track

Students selecting this option must complete the following courses:

Leader Track

Students selecting this option must complete the following courses:

Requirements

The student in this graduate program is subject to the policies and procedures for graduate studies and the MSN program.

Continuous Enrollment

Students in the MSN program must maintain continuous and consecutive enrollment in this program at Webster University. Students who do not enroll for three or more consecutive eight-week terms will be withdrawn from the program. The student may request a waiver of this requirement.

Practicum Evaluation

In courses with a clinical/practicum/practice experience component, students must receive a grade of “Satisfactory” in the clinical/practicum/practice experience portion to pass the course. Unsatisfactory completion of the clinical/practicum/practice experience component of the course results in automatic failure of the course.

Admission

See the Admission section of this catalog for general admission requirements. Students interested in applying must submit their application online at www.webster.edu/apply. Transcripts should be sent from your institution electronically to transcripts@webster.edu. If this service is not available, send transcripts to:

Office of Admission
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119 

Additional Requirements

Requirements for admission to the master of science in nursing (MSN) program include:

• A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program (ACEN, CCNE).
• Progression through the program is contingent on maintenance of an unencumbered Nursing license.
• A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• A minimum of one year of nursing practice as an RN within the last three years.
• Completion of the online graduate application.
• Official transcripts reflecting Bachelor of Science in Nursing attainment.
• Three recommendations using the MSN recommendation form (one from an educator, one from a current supervisor, and one other professional recommendation).
• A curriculum vitae or résumé* describing the scope, responsibilities and function of all work experience.
• A 300 - 500-word essay* describing the educational and professional objectives for graduate study.
• An interview (upon request) with a nursing faculty member.
• Successful and satisfactory completion of a drug screen and criminal background check, plus submission of other required documents including, but not limited to, a health history; a complete vaccination/immunization profile (influenza, HepB, TDap/Td, MMR, Covid-19 and varicella); annual TB test/screen; evidence of American Heart Association CPR certification; a copy of current personal health insurance card; and signed student contract are required for full admission.

*These required materials must be electronically uploaded to the application account. A screenshot of the licensure report from the Nursys QuickConfirm website must be uploaded to the application file.

Admission to the MSN program is based on intellectual capacity, academic record, professional performance, clarity of goals, initiative and other qualities appropriate to graduate study in nursing. These qualities are difficult to measure in absolute terms, and the decision to offer admission is based on appraisal of the total application record. Special consideration may be given to applicants who excel in some criteria but do not meet all minimum requirements.

Admission to the MSN program does not guarantee eligibility for employment in all areas of nursing. 

Note to prospective students - the MO State Board of Nursing requires the following for appointment to a faculty position after graduation:

• Current active RN license.
• No disciplinary action currently on license.
• If there is past disciplinary action, it may have NO nexus to patient safety. 

Application Process

All applicants are invited to apply to begin the program in the Fall 1 (August) OR Spring 1 (January) terms each year.  

All documents must be received by the first Monday in August for Fall 1 term admission or by the second Monday in December for the Spring 1 (January) term. 

Advancement to Candidacy

Students are admitted to their graduate program upon completion of all admission requirements. Students are advanced to candidacy status after successfully completing 12 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. In specialized programs, courses required as prerequisites to the program do not count toward the 12 credit hours required for advancement.