The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to address the health needs of communities as they currently exist and as they will evolve in the future. Students acquire advanced knowledge and skills in community needs assessment, analysis of aggregate data, health planning, as well as program development, implementation, and evaluation. 

Focusing on health promotion and prevention, the program allows students to identify a "population of interest" such as cardiology, infectious disease, woman's health, etc. Informatics concepts are integrated to emphasize the application of computer and information science in the management and processing of data/information to support nursing practice.    

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Application to JSU College of Graduate Studies with official transcripts from each institution attended, and official test scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) 
• Baccalaureate degree from a nationally accredited program 
• Current registered nurse license 
• Three professional recommendations and a personal phone interview 
• Written statement of professional goals, expectations, and interests in graduate study 

CURRICULUM

A total of 36 semester hours is required for this program; 30 required semester hours in nursing and six semester hours of electives by advisement.  

Through an innovative partnership with Troy University (TROY), JSU utilizes four existing online TROY courses (11 semester hours) as the core sequence of the program. The partnership with TROY represents a unique education model in Alabama.

All courses are delivered in an online format. Students may enter the program at the beginning of any semester-fall, spring, or summer. Full-time and part-time study options are available.

The clinical component (NU 540 & 545) is individualized and arranged in settings that provide experiences compatible with the student's practice and career goals.

Consistent with clinical experiences and population interest areas, students may select functional role electives in management or education to strengthen and support their practice, research, and career goals. Prepare for roles in advanced clinical practice, education, management, consultation, and research.

PLAN OF STUDY

In the following sample plan, students can complete coursework in four semesters of full-time study. All course credits are in semester hours.

Sample Plan of Study

Semester 1 (Fall, August - December) 

NU 504	Theories in Nursing	2 SH
NU 507	Health Assessment	3 SH
NU 514	Health Assessment Practicum	1 SH
NU 519	Issues in Community-Based Care	2 SH

Semester 2 (Spring, January - April) 

NU 513	Pathophysiology	3 SH
NU 527	Epidemiology	2 SH
NU 534	Statistics and Data Management	2 SH
	Elective (by advisement)	3 SH

Semester 3 (Summer, May - August) 

NU 522	Research Methodology	3 SH
NU 540	Community Health I	6 SH

Semester 4 (Fall, August - December) 

NU 545	Community Health II	6 SH
	Elective (by advisement)	3 SH

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

...RIGHT FOR YOU!

• Represents the present and future direction of health care 
• Develops skill in using the community as a client 
• Allows you to select a population interest area within your specialty 
• Enhances direct care skills while preparing broad community assessment and intervention skills 
• Integrates nursing informatics (using computers to manage nursing/patient data) 
• Prepares you within your selected functional role advanced clinical practice, education, management, consultation, or research.
• Graduates will be eligible to pursue national certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

JSU...RIGHT FOR YOU!

• Learn from the experts! The College of Nursing and Health Sciences has an esteemed reputation as a leader in community nursing. 
• Convenient online courses.
• JSU is committed to distance technology to meet the needs of working students. 

APPLICATIONS/INFORMATION

To request an application, please contact: 

For further information or questions, contact: