Master of Science in Nursing

Return to: Academic Schools/Departments

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program delivers an innovative academic endeavor that will assist in increasing the number of nurse professionals prepared to meet the healthcare needs locally, nationally and internationally. The MSN degree provides advanced theory and research skills into the competencies required to assume responsibility and accountability for the health promotion, assessment, diagnosis and management of the problems of culturally diverse clients.

The MSN program curriculum will prepare registered nurses who have earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited program. The Post- Master’s Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) Certificate option builds upon the prior graduate nursing education degree program. Both the MSN and the Post Master’s APRN Certificate option prepare advanced practice nurses who will provide advanced primary health care as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Consistent with the Helene Fuld School of Nursing (HFSON) mission, the program prepares the advanced practice nurses who are able to exceed the healthcare needs of vulnerable and underserved population in a variety of settings. The program defines the MSN graduate as an advanced practice nurse with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to function as experts who provide direct care in a specialized area of clinical practice.

As a MSN program student, a total of forty-eight to fifty-one (48-51) credits will be required to earn the degree. As a Post-Master’s student, a total of thirty-three (33) credits will be required to earn a certificate in the program.

Helene Fuld School of Nursing Mission

The Helene Fuld School of Nursing is committed to providing exemplary education that broadens empowered nursing student’s intellectual and scholarly pursuits while promoting healthy communities and strengthening relationships with local, national and global partners. Through its programs of study and outreach service, the School of Nursing fosters the University’s mission and legacy of excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.

Helene Fuld School of Nursing Philosophy

Faculty of the Helene Fuld School of Nursing believe that undergraduate and graduate education prepares the nurse with a strong theoretical foundation, and provides increased opportunities to utilize analytic methods to critically appraise existing literature and other evidence to determine and implement the best evidence for practice.

Faculty believe that baccalaureate education prepares the graduate for the emerging roles of the beginning nurse generalist and provides the foundation for graduate study.

Professional nursing education is built on theoretical foundations of the humanities, liberal arts and the basic and applied sciences. These are used in conjunction with nursing science in a creative and disciplined approach to provide nursing care.

Faculty recognize the worth and dignity of the individual as a holistic being incorporating the conservation principles of energy, structural, personal and social integrity. Faculty believe that there is a dynamic exchange and interdependence between the individual and his or her internal and external environments as it relates to the provision of culturally sensitive care.

Faculty believe the organization of individuals into families and communities is the foundation of society, and that society influences the definition of health and illness because of its normative value aspects. Health is an individual perception of one’s state of being which each person defines in relation to culture and values. Health is a state of wholeness, dynamic in quality and reflects the client’s ability to adapt to the environment.

Faculty believe one important component of the external environment is the health care delivery system and recognize it is impacted by societal trends, demographics, political influences and technological advances.

Faculty believe that the incorporation of emerging information systems and technology for the improvement and transformation of healthcare is essential to process, manage and evaluate healthcare outcomes and the healthcare delivery system.

Faculty believe that nursing is a scientific and clinical practice discipline, requiring clinical reasoning, which facilitates the health promotion, maintenance, and restoration of clients through therapeutic nursing interventions.

Faculty believe nursing, is an interactive process, based on an understanding of the individual’s relationship with the environment and adaptive processes, in which the client has a right to participate in their nursing care as a partner. The nurse empowers the client with skills needed to make decisions related to care. In the health care delivery system the role of the professional nurse includes provider of care, designer/manager and coordinator of care, and member of a profession (AACN, 2011). The professional nurse functions in a collaborative role.

Faculty believe that the learner is self-directed and is involved in active learning, acquisition of knowledge, scientific inquiry, translation of knowledge and personal assessment.

Faculty believe that students from diverse backgrounds bring a commitment to personal and professional growth in serving the urban and global communities adding to their learning experience.

Faculty believe education is a collaborative process in which the educator and student and/or client have shared responsibility.

Therefore, the faculty functions by serving as professional role models in the classroom and clinical settings and must maintain expertise by engaging in professional growth activities.

Faculty believe that continual evaluation of the curriculum, faculty and students are essential to sustain the integrity of the program.

Graduates address healthcare disparities among individuals, families and communities while respecting individual values, autonomy and promoting self-determination.

Master of Science in Nursing Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing Program the graduate will be able to:

1. Acquire advanced knowledge from the science and humanities to support advanced nursing practice and role development.
2. Expand personal knowledge of nursing theories and concepts to serve as a basis for advanced nursing practice.
3. Acquire the knowledge and skills related to a specific role in nursing.
4. Acquire advanced knowledge and skills in the research process.
5. Provide care for urban-based ethnically and culturally diverse clients, in health and illness, utilizing appropriate theoretical frameworks.
6. Plan, initiate, and evaluate change in the health care system.
7. Utilize computers and other technologies to manage, evaluate, and investigate health care issues.
8. Develop and implement leadership strategies for the improvement of health care.
9. Collaborate with inter-professional health care teams to foster continuity of care.
10. Advocate for health care consumer improvement, and for the advancement of nursing as a profession.
11. Participate in lifelong learning as a professional member of society.
12. Acquire a foundation for doctoral study.

Application, Admission and Recruitment Policies and Criteria

The Helene Fuld School of Nursing does not discriminate against students on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identify and/or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, creed, handicap, veteran status, or national origin.

Applications received after the official posted deadlines may be given consideration at the discretion of the Dean, Associate Dean, and the MSN Chairperson.

Applicants Information

The program involves instruction and clinical. The academic load varies depending on the selection of part-time or full time plan of study. Each individual student will be evaluated independently to develop their course of study using the gap analysis and where applicable, approved credits from other colleges and universities will be accepted. Other exceptions will be determined by the departmental Chairperson in collaboration with the Associate Dean and the Dean of the College of Health Professions.

Application for enrollment into the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University is a three-step admission process. Step 1: An application must be made first to the University. Applicants must meet all University requirements and be officially admitted to the University by the Graduate Admissions Office. Step 2: Applicants’ applications are transferred to the College of Health Professions Office of Student Affairs and Retention. Step 3: Applicants’ packets must be reviewed by the Helene Fuld School of Nursing MSN faculty. Eligible applicants receive an interview. Admission to the College of Health Professions and the Helene Fuld School of Nursing is based upon a thorough evaluation of all components of the application.

Applicants must be admitted to the university, have a competitive* cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) with a minimum GPA of 3.00; meet the competitive criteria for the admission to the Helene Fuld School of Nursing MSN or Post-Master’s APRN FNP Certificate program. Applicants must submit a completed application; official transcript from an accredited, degree granting institution, and all of the institutions attended; resume; and three (3) current letters of reference from current employer, instructors, or other persons who can attest to their character, integrity, and academic potential. In addition, the applicant shall submit an essay which addresses the student’s philosophy of nursing and overall professional goals.

All applicants who meet the admission requirements shall have an interview with the HFSON Graduate Faculty. In addition, official transcripts and three (3) letters of reference are required for admission. All MSN student applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license in Maryland or a compact state prior to enrolling or applying in the program. If a nurse practitioner, must hold an unencumbered Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license with documentation of national certification. Licensure must be maintained in good standing throughout enrollment in the School of Nursing. The Dean, Associate Dean, and Chairperson of MSN program must be notified immediately if the status of licensure changes for any reason.

The Dean of the College submits all reviewed packets with recommendations to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. No decision is made with respect to an application to a graduate program until all required documentation has been submitted. The HFSON Graduate Faculty, MSN Chairperson, HFSON Associate Dean and the CHP Dean make all decisions regarding admission to the MSN or Post-Master’s Program. These persons constitute the Graduate Admissions Committee.

All students admitted to the program will be required to sign the Honor Code, Confidentiality, Release of Information form, and complete the Health Clearance, Background Check and Drug Screen.

Applicants are advised that if they have been convicted of or have pled nolo contendere to a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, they may not be eligible for re-licensure as a professional nurse in Maryland.

Note for all applicants: Admission to Coppin State University is not considered automatic admission to the Helene Fuld School of Nursing.

*Note to all applicants: Admission to the Helene Fuld School of Nursing is highly competitive. The criteria contained here is the minimum criteria; however, does not guarantee admission.

Transfer Credits

Applicants applying to the Master of Science in Nursing program are able to request for transferable courses up to six credits. The request must be completed before beginning any coursework at CSU.

Registered Nurse Applicant Criteria

The applicant should be advised that additional requirements of the program include:

1. Maintenance of an unencumbered RN license prior to enrollment and while matriculating in the program.
2. Computer skills: proficiency is expected in word processing (preferably Microsoft Word), presentation software (preferably Microsoft PowerPoint), spreadsheets (preferably Microsoft Excel), Internet use (such as search/browse, access specific web sites), email (including the ability to attach and send documents via e-mail and to retrieve documents from incoming emails), uploading/downloading documents and or attaching files, use of the web enhanced courses management system (Blackboard), ability to access and navigate the official University web site, and the installation and maintenance of anti-virus and firewall software. If students are lacking in any of these skills, it is important that these skills be obtained through, for example, courses offered or via self-study through any of the free on-line tutorials that are available via web. Computer skills as suggested above by CSU CHP Helene Fuld School of Nursing are defined as a demonstrated ability to use technology to access, manipulate, evaluate, use, and present information.
3. Health clearance with statement by physician or care provider verifying student is in good health and capable of maintaining the rigors of a nursing program. To obtain the physical examination from your personal provider, students must utilize the Coppin State University Community Health Center’s Physical Examination form. The form must be stamped and dated by the health care provider.
4. Complete the health requirements including PPD testing, Immunizations and titers. Additional requirements may be identified by the CHP, HFSON or the agency to be in compliance with the agency’s stipulations.
5. Completion of background check and urine drug screening once admitted and must use the company selected by the HFSON.
6. CPR Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Professionals) and AED Training. Must be an American Heart Association Certification of CPR (adult, child and infant). This card must include date of expiration.
7. Completion of the HFSON online training for HIPAA, OSHA, Bloodborne Pathogens standard and Joint Commission requirements including Diversity and Restraints. Instructions will be provided on this requirement.
8. Signed Honor Code, Confidentiality, Release of this Information and Photo/Video Consent. An admitted student shall receive instructions on how to meet this requirement.

Academic Policies

Grading

Students must attain a final grade of “B” in all nursing courses required in the Nursing Program of Study. Student performance in the clinical practice components will be graded on a pass/fail basis; the criteria for determining acceptable performance are included in the syllabus of each clinical nursing course. Satisfactory clinical performance is required to earn a passing grade in a clinical nursing course. Students who are not performing at a satisfactory level will be so advised at mid-point in the course. Students must pass both clinical and didactic components to pass the course.

The grading scale for all Baccalaureate nursing courses is:

A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 69 - 74
F = 68 or below

Clinical Courses: PASS/FAIL

The grade of “A” designates work of superior quality, “B”–work of good quality, “C”–work of satisfactory quality, grade “D” or below not satisfactory quality, but allowable for credit. The grade of “D” or below indicates failure (a final grade of “D” is not acceptable in HFSON courses and major support courses).

Progression

Satisfactory progress in the Nursing Program promotes and enhances retention and expansion of knowledge and skills. Therefore, once nursing courses are begun students are expected to progress each semester in accordance with the Plan of Study.

* The student must complete each course prior to enrolling in the next course. A grade of “B” (80% in nursing courses or better must be achieved.

If the student does not successfully complete the failed course the next semester it is offered, the student may be dismissed from the Program.

Courses required in the Nursing Program may not be taken more than twice*. Students must adhere to the sequence of courses as outlined in the Plan of Study.

*Exception for medical withdrawal and extraordinary circumstances

Probation Policies: A student will be placed on probation in the School of Nursing for any of the following reasons:

1. A student who earns less than the required cumulative grade point average of 3.0 will be placed on probation.
2. A student will also be placed on probation for failure to achieve a grade of “B” or better in any nursing course.

Admission to Degree Candidacy

The following are requirements for acceptance to Degree Candidacy and completion of the MSN Program: The official Plan of Study is to be used when a student applies for Admission to Degree Candidacy. It must include the following:

3. A list of the courses the student plans to take to complete the program.

The student with the Advisor’s or Department Chair consultation and assistance will prepare the plan. It must be approved by the Chairperson of the Department and submitted to the Dean. Upon submission of the student’s application for Admission to Candidacy to the Graduate Council, the Plan of Study will be included the student shall:

1. Follow all policies and procedures that apply to Degree Candidacy requirements from Coppin State University, Graduate Division and the Helene Fuld School of Nursing.
2. Successful completion of 12-21 credits of the MSN plan of study with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 with a “B” in all courses.
3. Admission to Candidacy Application is forwarded by the Chairperson of the MSN program with the Plan of Study, and transcript for approval by the Dean of the College of Health Professions. Then, forwarded to the Graduate Council.
4. After Admission to Candidacy, it is required that the student must complete the remaining course work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, and a grade of “B” in all courses.

Dismissal Policies

A student shall be dismissed from the Helene Fuld School of Nursing for any of the following reasons:

1. Failure to achieve a grade of “B” in nursing courses required as per the plan of study. This includes withdrawing from a course, or failing the course on the second attempt. A student may enroll in courses in the major only two (2) times.
2. Failure to maintain the cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 required in the Nursing Department for two (2) consecutive semesters.
3. Additional reasons for dismissal from the nursing department include but are not limited to:
   1. Has blatant breach of client or agency, University or HFSON and/or student- to- student confidentiality. An example of student-to-student confidentiality breach includes inappropriate release of student’s health information. 
   2. Action or lack of action that cause an adverse complication in the class or clinical setting. Failure to follow agency, University, CHP, or HFSON policies. 
   3. Academic dishonesty or a violation of the HFSON Honor Code. 
   4. Unprofessional conduct (Refer to Honor Code and Student Code of Conduct) 
   5. Failure to demonstrate in clinical practice setting the ability to be physically and mentally competent at all times to provide safe client care. 
   6. An encumbered license for any license student.
4. If matriculation extends beyond six (6) of the initial enrollment in the department

Process for Requesting Reinstatement

The applicant seeking reinstatement to the Helene Fuld School of Nursing must submit a reinstatement request packet to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Graduation Requirements

1. Successful completion of all courses taken with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0.
2. Successful completion of a written comprehensive examination, for students not completing a Thesis.
3. Recommendation of the faculty, MSN Chairperson and the Dean of the College.
4. Completion of a scholarly project (Non-Thesis Research Project) or completion of a Master’s Thesis.

Student Participation in Governance within the Helene Fuld School of Nursing

Students participate in program development and evaluation. At the end of each course, students have the opportunity to evaluate both the course and the instructor(s). Students are encouraged to participate on CHP or HFSON committees. Student representation shall ordinarily include: Faculty and Student Affairs Committee, Curriculum Committee, Evaluation Committee and the Program Committee.

Student Fees

In addition to annual University tuition and fees, students in the Helene Fuld School of Nursing should anticipate the additional fees throughout the nursing program which are subject to change based on vendor costs. These include and are not limited to (course management, health clearance, background and drug screen, books, uniforms, graduation and transportation costs to clinical settings).

Most clinical facilities are accessible by public transportation; otherwise, a personal automobile is needed. Clinical facilities may be located within a fifty (50) mile radius within the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan Area.

Information on fees for the Nursing Program is provided annually by the Helene Fuld School of Nursing.

Accreditation

The Nursing Program was initially approved by the Maryland State Board of Examiners of Nurses in 1974 (currently known as the Maryland Board of Nursing). Generic graduates are eligible to take the registered nurse licensure examination of the State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate program in nursing, the master’s degree and post master’s programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-6791.

Return to: Academic Schools/Departments