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2026-27 Graduate Catalog
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
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 Return to: College of Health Sciences
Students should consult the General Regulations section of the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding Graduate School admission requirements, transfer credit, and other critical policies and procedures.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program is designed to provide graduates of baccalaureate programs the opportunity to develop the advanced knowledge and clinical skills required for leadership positions in nursing. The program also offers opportunities for graduates of master’s programs in nursing to pursue a different clinical specialization. The program prepares Family Nurse Practitioners, Nursing Informatics Specialists, and Nurse Leaders. There are various admission points to the MSN program. Fall admission is recommended for students who wish to pursue full-time study. Post MSN certificate options include Family Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Informatics and Nursing Leadership, and Nursing Education for graduates of MSN programs. The MSN program is offered online with faculty based on the Troy, Montgomery, and Dothan campuses in Alabama.
The Master of Science in Nursing Family Practitioner (FNP) track is designed to prepare students to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage the healthcare needs of individuals across the life span who are culturally diverse and live in rural and urban areas. The program is offered online; however, there are a limited number of mandatory on-campus requirements. Students complete clinical requirements in their locale.
The Master of Science in Nursing Healthcare Informatics and Nursing Leadership (HINL) track is designed to prepare students to meet the growing needs of a diverse and complex healthcare system. Students will select one area of focus: Nursing Informatics or Nursing Leadership. Students are prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as nurse informatics specialists or nurse administrators. Courses are offered fully online and there are no on-campus requirements for students in the HINL track.
The Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN) Program is designed to provide graduates of baccalaureate programs (non-nursing) the opportunity to develop the knowledge and clinical skills required for entering the nursing profession in an accelerated timeframe. The program prepares graduates to apply to the Board of Nursing to write the licensing examination to become a registered nurse (RN). Full-time study is required and due to the rigorous nature of the program employment is not recommended as it may lead to lack of program success. The AMSN program is offered in a blended format with both on-campus and online requirements.
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MSN Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the MSN degree the graduate will be able to achieve the following end-of-program student learning outcomes: - Incorporate advanced knowledge in nursing and related disciplines as the basis for decisions and innovation in advanced nursing practice.
- Integrate and apply leadership, management and education principles into advanced nursing care that utilizes ethical and critical decision making forming the basis for an innovative nursing practice framework.
- Integrate established and emerging principles of quality and safety for advanced nursing within diverse settings and populations.
- Appraise research outcomes and current evidence for integration into practice to improve professional nursing practice and healthcare.
- Manage informatics, communication, and healthcare technologies to enhance, integrate, and coordinate patient care to improve delivery of nursing care and outcomes in accordance with the best practice and standards.
- Develop inter-disciplinary advocacy strategies to impact healthcare policy within complex systems of healthcare.
- Communicate, collaborate, and consult as a leader and member of intraprofessional and interprofessional teams for improvement of healthcare outcomes while recognizing and supporting individual perspectives, characteristics, norms, and values.
- Translate clinical judgment interventions for the provision of person-centered care and population-centered care that is culturally responsive to promote positive health outcomes.
- Demonstrate role competencies in a specialized area of advanced nursing practice at the master’s level.
Accreditation
The master’s/post-master’s certificate nursing program at Troy University at the Dothan, Montgomery, and Troy Campuses located in Dothan, Montgomery, and Troy, AL, is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA, 30326. (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the master’s/post-master’s certificate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm. Prerequisite Requirements
Candidates for admission to the MSN FNP or HINL tracks must hold the baccalaureate degree in nursing. Candidates for admission to the AMSN track must hold a non-nursing baccalaureate degree and have completed Anatomy and Physiology I & II with Laboratory components, Human Growth & Development and/or Developmental Psychology, Microbiology with Laboratory component, Nutrition, and Statistics within the past 7 years. Admission Requirements
Note: Meeting minimal admission requirements does not assure admission. Documents required for application: Application Deadlines: FNP and HINL Tracks - Fall Semester- July 1
- Spring Semester- November 1
- Summer Semester- May 1
AMSN Track Unconditional Admission
Unconditional Admission to the FNP or HINL tracks - Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited university and a nationally accredited nursing program (ACEN, NLNAC, CCNE, CNEA). Students with a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution should see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission;
- Overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the nursing major;
- Current unencumbered RN licensure;
- Undergraduate health assessment course or the equivalent.
- Minimum of one year experience as a registered nurse is required for the Family Nurse Practitioner track.
Unconditional Admission to the AMSN track - Hold a baccalaureate degree outside of nursing from a regionally accredited university.
- Overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants must have completed Anatomy and Physiology I & II with Laboratory components, Human Growth & Development and/or Developmental Psychology, Microbiology with Laboratory component, Nutrition, and Statistics within the past 7 years.
- Written essay.
- Live or virtual interview.
- Be able to achieve certain core performance standards required by the duties of the nursing profession.
Conditional Admission
Conditional Admission to the MSN FNP or HINL tracks - Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited university and a nationally accredited nursing program (ACEN, NLNAC, CCNE, CNEA). Students with a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution should see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission.
- Overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in the nursing major.
- Current unencumbered RN licensure.
- Undergraduate health assessment course or the equivalent.
- Minimum of one year experience as a registered nurse is required for the Family Nurse Practitioner track.
A student admitted conditionally to the FNP or HINL tracks must clear conditional admission after nine semester hours. AMSN track students are not considered for conditional admission to the MSN program. All MSN students must attain an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students not satisfying conditional admission requirements will be dropped from the program for one calendar year, after which time the student may petition for readmission. Note: To facilitate success in the program, a student admitted under conditional status should pursue a part-time course of study. Temporary Admission
Temporary admission is not applicable for Nursing Licensure Programs; this includes the MSN and DNP degrees. Transfer Credit
In accordance with the University’s transfer policy a maximum of twelve semester hours taken at another regionally accredited institution of higher education with a “B” grade or better may be applied toward the degree. These courses must be comparable to Troy University courses and must be reviewed by the graduate nursing faculty who will make a recommendation to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and the Graduate Dean. For students completing the Master of Science in Nursing, all transfer credits used to satisfy degree requirements may not exceed five years at the time of the degree completion. Degree Requirements
A student completing the coursework with a 3.0 or better GPA, fulfilling candidacy requirements, and successfully completing the required comprehensive examination requirement will be awarded the degree. NOTE: 1. Requirements for the MSN degree must be satisfied within five years of the initial enrollment for that degree. NOTE 2. Grades below “C” are not acceptable for meeting requirements for a subsequent course. NOTE 3. Students must earn a grade of “B” or better in NSG 6693 Research and Statistical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice Requirements for Students in Clinical Courses
All students must maintain RN licensure (applies only to MSN FNP and MSN HINL tracks), current CPR certification, professional liability insurance, proof of annual physical examination, negative drug screen and a clear background check when enrolled in clinical nursing courses. Professional liability insurance is available through the School of Nursing. Students are responsible for their own medical care if needed in the clinical setting. Students are also responsible for personal transportation costs incurred during the program. Students must meet Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track
Minimum Total Hours: 47, 780 clinical clock hours Required Core Courses (12 sh)
Nursing Core Courses (6 sh)
Nursing Specialty Courses (27 sh)*
Healthcare Informatics and Nursing Leadership (HINL) Track
Minimum Total Hours: 37, 480 clinical hours Required Core Courses (12 sh)
Nursing Core Courses (6 sh)
Nursing Specialty Courses (25 sh)
Accelerated Master of Science (AMSN) Track
Minimum Total Hours: 63, 690 clinical clock hours Nursing Core Courses (24 sh)
Nursing Clinical Courses (30 sh)
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Return to: College of Health Sciences
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