The Master of Science degree program in nursing builds on previous nursing education and clinical experience, prepares students for advanced practice in a variety of health care settings, and lays a foundation for doctoral education. One concentration, the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is admitting new students

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of high scholastic achievement. The School of Nursing uses the degree-granting institution Grade Point Average (GPA) as one measure of an applicant's academic potential.  A successful applicant will typically have a GPA of 3.00 or above (on a 4.00 scale). If the GPA is lower than 3.00, applicant may still apply and be considered for admission, but might wish to submit a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score if they feel that the GPA does not accurately reflect their abilities. The final admission decision is based upon the complete file. Other requirements include a baccalaureate degree from a nationally accredited school of nursing or be an RN with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree; official transcripts from all graduate and undergraduate programs attended; documentation of RN licensure; sample of scholarly writing; a written statement of professional goals; 2 letters of recommendation; TOEFL scores if needed; a course in elementary statistics and a course in health assessment if graduate plan of study includes advanced health assessment.

Clinical Nurse Leader Program (CNL). This innovative Master's Degree Program prepares advanced practice nurses for a new role at the point of care. The CNL role is focused on improving healthcare delivery at the bedside and has a strong patient safety focus. CNL are generalists who will coordinate care for groups of patients and use evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.

Clinical Nurse Leaders will practice in a variety of settings, including acute care and the community. The CNL job description will be modified based on the setting and population needs.

One example of a CNL role would be the coordination of care for a group of older patients undergoing joint replacement surgery. The CNL would work with patients, family, physicians and staff to ensure that patient needs are attended to throughout the perioperative period (e.g., patient teaching, pain management, and follow-up care after discharge). This would require the CNL implement and evaluate evidence-based practices for this patient population.

For current students who are admitted and enrolled, the following programs are described as:

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. This advanced practice nursing specialty program is now proposed as a track of the DNP for all newly admitted students. Please check the DNP website to determine the actual date of admission for the first entering class.

MS (Nursing)/MPH online dual degree program (for continue students only). This program is offered jointly by the School of Nursing and the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. This 60-credit program includes 30 credits in nursing and 30 credits in public health, and prepares graduates for leadership positions in public health. The program includes experiential learning through several clinical internships and one policy internship. Population-based practicums in rural and urban settings, with low-income or underserved populations and with a “Healthy People 2010” initiative are required. One or two on-campus workshop days may be scheduled annually. For new applicants interested in Pubic Health Nursing Leadership please see the track in the DNP.

Master's Degree FAQs

Master of Science Nursing Application (PDF)

1. The application deadline is February 1. To apply, first complete the UMass Amherst Graduate School Application. The graduate school will forward your application to the School of Nursing along with your transcripts, letters of reference, and GRE scores (you do not have to send double).
2. Then complete the School of Nursing application, above, and send that to Sarah Wolfgang via her e-mail: wolfgang@nursing.umass.edu

(revised 5/9/08 nkj)