A Leadership-Focused Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree

PLEASE NOTE: this program is not currently accepting applications for admission.

The Nursing MSN — Leadership, Quality & Safety Concentration program is delivered fully online (you will complete practicum hours at your facility or in a facility in your area) to fit the working schedules of post-baccalaureate nursing students. This master's degree prepares you to function as a leader in collaborative, interdisciplinary, evidence-based practice. The focus is on highly reliable systems and methods to deliver high quality, safe nursing care and education. You will learn to guide complex patient care and provide care coordination and education for groups of clients across the life span and the continuum of care.

The fully accredited UNC School of Nursing is widely recognized for preparing excellent nurses and teachers. This program is centered on quality and safety in nursing care.

Position Yourself for Leadership of Nursing Care & Assessment

You will gain the knowledge and skills for a leadership role in...

  • Assessment of client risk and management of outcomes
  • Promotion of client and family advocacy
  • Provision of client, family and staff education

Graduates of this Nursing MSN program are also eligible to pursue non-practice role doctoral degrees, such as our Nursing Education (PhD) program. Students considering doctoral programs among their career goals should consult with the UNC School of Nursing before choosing the their degree option.

Please note that this program concentration is not preparation for an advanced practice role as defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Many of our other graduate Nursing programs are focused on advanced practice.

Photo of nursing students discussing recent care outcomes

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Delivered Online

  • Courses are delivered year-round (Fall, Spring and Summer terms).
  • If you take two courses most terms, you will be able to complete the program in five terms (less than two years).
  • Successful completion of a comprehensive exam is required to complete the Master of Science in Nursing program.

Coursework (30 Credit Hours)

To see a typical list of courses by term, visit an example Current Students page for this program.

For full program requirement details, see the official program listing in the UNC Graduate Catalog.

Practicum Hours

There are 135 practicum hours completed (at your facility or in a facility in your area) via enrollment in the program courses.

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