Master of Science in Nursing

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About our MSN Program

The Master of Science in Nursing program is a hybrid program that has two concentrations, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. There are two one-week on campus intensive courses in the summer. All students attend the first on campus intensive before the beginning for their full semester of course work. Only Family Nurse Practitioner students take the second on campus intensive. All students in the MSN program students complete core courses that prepare the student to practice nursing at an advanced level with a focus on the theoretical foundations of nursing, evidence-based practice, policy development, advocacy, informatics, and advanced nursing roles. All graduate students will also compete coursework in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment. Family Nurse Practitioner students take specialty courses that prepare the graduate to provide primary care services to individuals across the life span. Nurse Educator students complete specialty courses that prepare the graduate to assume a nurse educator position either in an academic or clinical setting.

Program Description

MSN

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at California State University Channel Islands is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to provide primary and acute care services to diverse populations across the healthcare continuum and Nurse Educators to educate students in an academic and/or clinical setting. The program is designed based on the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing Standards (2011) and prepares the student for continued study at the Doctoral level.

Post-Master’s Nurse Educator

Are you interested in becoming a nurse educator? Our online program can now be completed in 2 full-time semesters. You will take three online classes and complete one practicum experience. For more information, please review the program roadmap or contact the Program Support Coordinator Jingle Mitchell jingle.mitchell@csuci.edu.

The Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Program is designed to prepare nurses who have already completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with the courses required to become a Nurse Educator in either a clinical or academic setting. Students enrolled in this program will complete coursework in curriculum development and evaluation; teaching and learning strategies including the use of technology in a learning environment; and 180 hours working with nurse educator preceptors in a care setting. The program is aimed at preparing the graduate for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential exam.

Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner

The Post-Master’s Nurse Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program is designed to prepare nurses who have already completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with the courses required to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Students enrolled in this program will complete FNP specialty coursework aimed at preparing the graduate to provide primary care health services to diverse populations. Students in this program are required to complete 540 practica hours in primary care. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) national FNP certification exams and for California FNP licensure.

Accreditation

The Master’s program and Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner certification degree programs at CSU Channel Islands are accredited by the CCNE:

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
202-887-6791

Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

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Programs Offered

  • MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN, Nurse Educator
  • Post-Master's Certificates in:
    • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Nurse Educator

*Each of our programs have full-time and part-time options with MSN completion in 2-3 years and Certificate options in 1-2 years.
**Required practica hours: FNP = 540, NE= 270.

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Roadmaps

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Requirements for Admission

Applicants must have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a university which has been regionally accredited by CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN. Foreign nurses will be considered for admission pending official evaluation of their transcripts. Additionally, applicants must meet the following:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or better and minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last sixty semester units.
  • Valid RN licensure.
  • Minimum of one-year relevant full-time clinical experience within the last 3 years.

Required Documentation:

  • Applicants must submit official transcripts of prior academic work.
  • Current RN license.
  • A minimum of two letters of recommendation dated within one-year of application (one academic and one professional).
  • Professional resume/curriculum vitae (CV).
  • A 500-word statement explaining academic and professional goals.

Virtual interviews will be required.

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Application Process

Important Notice About Licensing and Credentialing (PDF, 616 KB)  

Step 1: University Applications

You must apply to CSU Channel Islands' MSN program through Cal State Apply. Applications are only accepted between December 1st - March 15th.

For admissions questions, please contact Extended University: ext@csuci.edu

Step 2: Nursing Applications

CSUCI Nursing processes applications through NursingCAS, a centralized application service. Visit www.NursingCAS.org to start an application or log into your existing account. Click on the "apply now" button and complete the steps to fill out and submit your application. If you need help with NursingCAS, visit the applicant help center or contact applicant support with questions.

NursingCAS Apply Now

Please note the application windows for each program:

  • MSN Program
    • Applications are only accepted between December 1 - March 31.
  • Post-Master's FNP Applications
    • Applications are only accepted between August 1 - November 1 for Spring 2023 admission.
    • Applications are only accepted between December 1 - March 31 for Fall 2024 admission.
  • Post-Master's Nurse Educator Applications
    • Applications are only accepted between December 1 - March 31 for Fall 2024 admission.

Note: Applicants should not send any documents to CSUCI Nursing Department, Extended University, or Registrar Office during the application period. All application documents are to be uploaded to your electronic application into NursingCAS.

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Cost of Tuition

Please view details for program cost on the Extended University webpage.

Contact

For general questions: nursing@csuci.edu
For more information: Extended University

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