Master's Programs
Overview
The master's programs offered by U-M's School of Nursing form the staging ground for nursing leaders in current and emerging health care systems. Critical study of theory, a cutting-edge curriculum relying on the most current findings, challenging clinical practice that starts semester one, authoring groundbreaking research that uses state-of-the art technology - our scholarly and specialized graduates live up to the title of "the leaders and best."
Within the learning process, we value and support the development of a multi-cultural perspective which we believe prepares our advanced degree nurses to practice in the care of diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities regardless of care setting. Additionally, we privilege proficient utilization of research findings; students complete coursework in inferential statistics and research methods, eventually creating, executing, and analyzing their own scientific study in a subject related to their particular interests in the field of nursing.
Objectives of the Master’s Degree Program
Consistent with the School's Philosophy of Nursing, the master's degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to:
- Expand knowledge and expertise in a specialty area of nursing
- Investigate various theories related to the practice of nursing
- Examine health issues and care delivery systems with regard to their implications for nursing
- Evaluate nursing roles and their articulation with other health care roles in the planning and delivery of health care
- Gain advanced knowledge in related physical, social and behavioral sciences and humanities
- Develop abilities in facilitating collegial relationships in the planning and delivery of health care and conduct of collaborative research
- Engage in directed scholarly study
- Develop knowledge and skills in planning and implementing data/evidence-based change in nursing practice and health care delivery systems
- Assume leadership roles in clinical nursing, teaching, or management, from a strong theory, evidence, and practice base
- Develop skills in analyzing the social, political, ethical, technological, economic, and professional issues and their implications for nurses, nursing, and health care
- Value the diversity of people of different genders, sexual orientation, ages, races, cultures, religions, nationalities, and beliefs and the ways in which these affect health and health care delivery
Find out more about the application requirements for Master's Programs and Dual Degree Programs.
Program Options
With the range of master's programs available, it is important to consider the different career tracks available. Download a CNS to NP Comparison Matrix to better understand Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) education and professional roles/responsibilities.
The University of Michigan School of Nursing offers advanced study programs through the University's Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies (commonly known as "Rackham"). Prior to applying, please take note of the program title of interest as this information will be required in the application. (Please Note - Applicants may only apply for one program of interest):
Acute, Critical & Long-Term Care Masters (MS) Program Options:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist programs focus on the care of patients with complex health problems including adults with acute/critical and chronic illness and provides clinical preparation of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialists with a strong foundation in pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-based management of complex patient problems, and leadership within the health care system.
Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs
The Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist programs focus on the care of infants, children and adolescents with complex health including acute/critical and chronic illness and provides clinical preparation of Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Acute Care Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists with a strong foundation in pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-based management of complex patient problems, and leadership within the health care system.
Health Promotion & Risk Reduction Masters (MS) Program Options:
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is based on an understanding of health sciences theory and clinical preparation that shapes knowledge, judgment, and skills deemed necessary to provide primary health care management, health promotion, and disease prevention to adolescents and adults.
Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Program
The Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner program provides students with the skills needed to deliver cutting edge, community-based primary health care to individuals and families across the lifespan, placing strong emphasis on health promotion as well as the development of positive health behaviors as they pertain to diverse groups at different developmental and age stages.
Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program
The Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program relies on framework of adolescent development within which students learn to implement relevant health promotion interventions in children, assess, diagnose and manage minor acute and chronic health conditions in children, and educate children and families about positive child health practices.
Nurse-Midwife Program
The Nurse-Midwife program is based on an understanding of health sciences theory and clinical preparation that shapes knowledge, judgment, and skills deemed necessary to provide primary health care management to women and newborns.
Nurse Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner Program
The Nurse Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner program combines the Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse-Midwife programs to trains nurses capable both of midwife care and primary care across the lifespan. Especially well-suited to nurses looking to practice in rural or international settings.
Nurse Midwife and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program
The Nurse Midwife and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program combines the Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Nurse-Midwife programs to trains nurses capable both of midwife care and primary pediatric care. Pediatric Nurse Midwives continue to care for the mother while also providing primary care for her child throughout adolescence.
Nursing Business & Health Systems Masters (MS) Program Options:
The Nursing Business & Health Systems program integrates knowledge from the disciplines of nursing and business with which students develop and apply innovative leadership concepts and techniques to address the pressing issues and challenges in contemporary and future complex health care systems. Sub-plans include:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Healthcare Policy
- Quality and Patient Safety
- Nursing Management/Executive Leadership
- Nursing Informatics
Post-Masters (MS) Certificate Options:
The Post-Masters Certificate programs prepare nurses who have previously earned a Master’s degree in nursing or are currently enrolled in a Master's in Nursing program with additional advanced practice skills in leading and managing health in a different focus area than the original Masters.
- Post-Masters Certificate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Masters Certificate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Post-Masters Certificate Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Masters Certificate Family Psych-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Post-Masters Certificate Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Masters Certificate Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Masters Certificate Nurse Midwife
- Post-Masters Certificate Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Dual-Degree Programs Offered Through the Nursing Business & Health Systems Master's Program
Note: Applicants must meet the admission requirements for the School of Nursing and the school of the selected dual program interest to be considered for admission to any of the below options)
- Nursing & Business Administration (MS/MBA) - Emphasizes superior nursing and management skills, preparing professional nurses to assume executive positions in a wide range of health care organizations as well as corporations and consulting firms.
- Nursing & Health Services Administration (MS/MHSA) - Opportunity for nurse leaders to gain interdisciplinary preparation in both nursing systems and health services administration and policy.
- Nursing & Information (MS/MSI) - Offers a valuable and unique opportunity for nurse leaders to gain interdisciplinary preparation for the information age in both nursing systems and information management.
Certificate Program
Certificate in Nursing Education
The Certificate in Nursing Education is designed for Masters or Doctoral prepared nurses or current University of Michigan School of Nursing Masters or Doctoral students who seek to enhance their teaching skills and techniques in relation to the field of nursing.