Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Overview

The MSN program at UCF prepares nurses for advanced practice, education, or leadership roles. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and policy influence. Graduates are eligible for national certification examinations and can pursue careers in various healthcare settings, including Chief Nursing Officer, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Manager. The program is offered in full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks, with both on-campus and online options available.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, and nursing leaders and managers. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Program Objectives:

The MSN program aims to prepare students to:

• Analyze social, economic, ethical, cultural, legal, and political issues influencing nursing practice and healthcare in a global context.
• Develop and implement leadership, management, and teaching strategies for the improvement of health and healthcare quality and safety.
• Develop practice models of evidence-based nursing practice incorporating nursing research.
• Influence health and public policy in collaboration with other disciplines to improve systems of care and health of communities.
• Participate in research and disseminate research findings through presentation and publication.
• Synthesize advanced knowledge from the sciences, humanities, and theory to support advanced nursing practice.
• Plan, evaluate, and implement the delivery of healthcare using critical thinking skills in an advanced nursing role.

Careers:

Graduates of the MSN program are eligible to sit for national certification examinations in their respective specialties. Potential career paths include:

• Chief Nursing Officer
• Director of Nursing
• Health Care Administrator
• Nurse Administrator
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Simulation
• Nursing Manager

Other:

• The MSN program is offered in full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks.
• The program can be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online.
• Newly admitted students choosing to complete the program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.
• International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters.
Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format.
• Students must be physically located in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state for the duration of their education.
• UCF College of Nursing faculty are authorized to teach in NLC states.
• UCF is unable to offer courses, clinicals, or other educational services in non-NLC states.