Nursing, MScN

General information

The Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) program focuses on professional practice leadership and will prepare graduates to contribute to an increasingly complex health-care sector by providing an education that includes mentorship, interdisciplinary opportunities and experiential learning through research, projects and class assignments. Professional practice leaders are responsible for ensuring and implementing expert practice, the facilitation of professional development, research and providing leadership; they are often charged with quality assurance and safety as well and the program is designed to develop expertise in these areas.

There are two program options available to students as outlined below.

Project-based option

The project-based option prepares nurses for professional practice leadership. Given the additional coursework, students explore additional content in their particular areas of interest. Through engagement in a research project, students focus their scholarly inquiry on a project that may involve quality assurance, policy analysis or the investigation of a clinical issue.

Thesis-based option

The thesis option prepares nurses for professional practice leadership with an emphasis on simultaneously building advanced knowledge and understanding in research. Through engagement in a thesis, students will have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge and be prepared to work in research, health care or academic environments with an advanced understanding of research.

The experience and knowledge gained through required and elective course work as well as through completion of the research thesis or project will position graduates of MScN to:

• Practice with nursing core values incorporating both holism and social justice perspectives.
• Occupy and/or engage leadership positions in healthcare, government and other health-related settings.
• Provide nursing leadership in a variety of settings (academic, clinical and administration).
• Lead and support policy change at all levels.
• Lead health care delivery system redesign/design, implementation and evaluation of changes.
• Manage health systems that include information systems/technology, evidence-based practices, information and outcomes management.
• Provide expertise in management, legal and ethical issues, and strategic and organizational planning.
• Engage in and guide change at varying levels (e.g., unit change, organizational change).

A current list of graduate faculty is available on the Faculty of Health Sciences’ website.

Admissions requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies, MScN applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements.

Applicants with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree (or equivalent):

• Hold a four-year BScN (Hons) or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Minimum overall academic standing of a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 per cent), with a minimum B average in the last two full-time years (four semesters) of undergraduate work or equivalent.
• Registration as a Registered Nurse in good standing with the licensing body in the province in which they work (i.e., In Ontario this would be the College of Nurses of Ontario).

Applicants with RN designation and experience:

• Registered Nurse with 10 or more years of experience.
• Registration as a Registered Nurse in good standing with the licensing body in the province in which they work (i.e., In Ontario this would be the College of Nurses of Ontario).
• Candidates will be required to have completed the academic equivalent of the following university-level courses with a minimum weighted average of 80 per cent across the three courses: NURS 1420U or NURS 2420U, HLSC 3910U, and HLSC 1701U. Please see the Undergraduate Academic Calendar for more detailed information about these courses.

Note: Candidates may apply for course equivalency and/or recognition of experience through a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process. For more information on this process, please contact the Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Program office.

Part-time studies

To facilitate access to all potential students, part-time studies are permitted. These programs are particularly well suited for candidates holding part-time or full-time employment who wish to pursue studies in nursing at the graduate level on a part-time basis.

Degree requirements

To earn the MScN degree, students are required to complete a program of study worth 30 credits.

Required courses

Program learning outcomes

The following outcomes outline the knowledge and skills students will have achieved upon completion of the program.