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Earn your MSN degree at Mount Saint Mary's University

The Master of Science in Nursing program builds upon the Mount's proud nursing legacy and reputation as the first institution to offer the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in the state of California. Our flexible MSN program prepares registered nurses in advanced nursing theory, educational principles, and leadership practices, whilst instilling a spirit to serve others.

With a commitment to academic rigor and nursing excellence, our program provides nurses with the skills, knowledge, and practice opportunities they need to address health equity and issues concerning healthcare accessibility. Our MSN program is also designed for emerging nurse leaders seeking to advance from bedside assignments to administrative roles of increased responsibility, specialty areas, or a role as a nurse educator.

MSN's flexible online program delivery

Except for track-specific practicum experiences and any course-required simulations, our core didactic courses are offered online and asynchronously. In the online environment, students and faculty interact in discussion threads and complete assignments that examine multi-faceted issues and help stimulate thought. This flexible online format allows students to balance work, life, and classroom work while completing the MSN degree. 

One degree, two convenient formats

Students now have the option to complete the MSN program in an accelerated, 1-year format or in a non-accelerated, 2-year schedule.

Students in the accelerated format take 12 units per semester and is designed for working nurses who have availability in their professional and personal schedules to take on a larger course load per semester.

Need more time or wish to learn at a more gradual pace? Our 2-year, non-accelerated format offers working nurses additional flexibility by providing them the opportunity to take less courses per semester (3-6 units), allowing for a greater balance between work, school, and personal/familial responsibilities, if needed.   

Whatever your goals, our MSN program will provide you the flexibility, pace, and support you need to ensure you graduate with the master's degree — and specialty track — that is right for you.

Practicum experiences

Both MSN tracks require practicum experience. Our mentored practicum program and thesis project help you create an experience portfolio tailored to your career needs to empower you to champion effective health policies and programs where you work and live. These experiences may be located near your home and are negotiated between the student, our practicum faculty, and our clinical placement team. 

Your workplace, your lab

You are encouraged to bring your work experience to class, and to put what you learn in class to work in real-time. For example, you will explore concepts pertinent to your organization’s operation and look for opportunities to incorporate them.

Integration of the liberal arts

The Master of Science in Nursing program incorporates The Essentials of Master's Education in Nursing as identified by the . Essential I, Background for Practice from Science and Humanities, guides our curricular content and provides the master’s-prepared nurse with the knowledge to integrate findings from the humanities and biopsychosocial fields. Care management incorporates an understanding of the needs of a population and the concerns of family, significant others and communities through valuing and supporting the individual’s decisions about his or her healthcare and advocating for the client. Students are exposed to complex cultural issues and can respond to the needs of various groups.

In addition, the MSN curriculum presents various theories including ethical frameworks that support adherence to one’s ethical and moral values to ensure safety and quality for the clients. Knowledge and skills from information sciences, health communication and health literacy are utilized by master’s-prepared nurses in their practice.

MSN program objectives

The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares nurses in advanced nursing theory and provides them with experience in specialized nursing roles within the changing patterns of healthcare. Graduates can assume leadership roles in interprofessional health groups, participate in nursing research or lead clinical projects.

Our program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC).