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    Capital University
   
    May 30, 2026  
2026 - 2027 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2026 - 2027 Graduate Bulletin

Master of Science in Nursing Program Information


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Dean of Nursing: Janiszewski Goodin  

Professor: Janiszewski Goodin

Associate Professor: Taylor

Assistant Professors: Hoag, Segovia

Instructors: Anderson, Baker, Bodrick, Chovanec, Pierson, Stevens, Steele, Whitcraft 


Introduction and History 

The Nursing Program was established in 1950 as a department in the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1965, it became the School of Nursing, an integral academic unit of the university. The undergraduate nursing curriculum provides students the opportunity to blend a strong liberal arts foundation with professional studies. The Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate program was established in 1994 and provides the registered nurse the opportunity to advance through interdisciplinary education. The faculty members are skilled professionals as well as dedicated teachers. Student experiences in a wide variety of health care facilities throughout Columbus and Franklin County provide a broad base of knowledge and skill for professional practice. 

Innovation in Practice

Over the years, innovation, creativity, and service have characterized the School of Nursing. The School pioneered the incorporation of nursing research at the undergraduate level, was in the forefront of the wellness movement in nursing education and in precepted learning experiences for students. At the height of the national interest in the space program, the School, with the help of the United States Air Force, was the first in the free world to offer a number of its student’s short-term study in aerospace nursing. 

The School has long demonstrated a strong commitment to the transcultural aspects of nursing with increasing emphasis within the curriculum. Off campus study opportunities that include clinical experiences are offered in Mexico twice per year. Informatics education for nurses has been a cutting edge aspect of our Graduate Nursing program for several years. Faculty and students regularly respond to requests for participation in studies from master and doctoral students from other institutions and conduct institutional and professional research consistent with the mission of the University. 

Holistic Focus 

Since its inception, the School of Nursing has been committed to the practice of holistic nursing. Recognition of this commitment and excellence in the provision of holistic education is demonstrated through earning endorsement of all four nursing programs from the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation (AHNCC).   

Nursing Honorary 

A chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Theta Theta, was chartered at Capital University in 1986. Capital’s Theta Theta Chapter was subsequently recognized with a major award, the chapter Key Award, from the International Honor Society in 1991. This honor is impressive for so young a chapter since only 26 chapters in undergraduate nursing programs were selected from among the over 300 chapters worldwide.  

Eligible senior TUP, ABSN, and ABSN-H students, graduate students, and community nurse leaders are eligible by invitation for election to Theta Theta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing based on scholarship and leadership. The Chapter offers programs for the nursing community each year and coordinates with other local chapters for special events.

Facilities 

Faculty offices, classrooms, simulation labs, and nursing skills labs are located in Battelle Hall. The assessment rooms and laboratories are equipped to allow students to develop their skills in simulated clinical settings in preparation for actual practice in healthcare facilities. The Helene Fuld Health Trust Learning Resources Laboratory provides state-of-the-art simulation and flexible learning space. A student lounge area is available, as well as a small kitchen area for food storage and preparation.  

Accreditation 

The School of Nursing is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing to offer the pre-licensure BSN program. Both the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Capital University is a charter member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and is a member of the North American Consortium of Nursing and Allied Health for International Cooperation (NAC-NAHIC). All Nursing programs have been endorsed by the American Holistic Nursing Credentialing Center (AHNCC). 

School of Nursing Mission

The School of Nursing is dedicated to educating and empowering a diverse community of compassion-driven nurse leaders. With a focus on excellence, we prepare professionals to promote health, healing, and well-being across populations, offering innovative and holistic care.

School of Nursing Vision

The School of Nursing empowers the next generation of forward-thinking, holistic nursing professionals to provide transformative, quality care to complex and diverse populations in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Values

Compassion

We cultivate a culture of care where empathy, kindness, and advocacy are central to holistic nursing practice.

Excellence

We empower students to succeed in developing the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking required to provide holistic, evidence-informed, and exceptional patient-centered care.

Integrity

We lead with honesty, transparency, and ethical responsibility in all aspects of holistic nursing education and practice.

Inclusivity

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel a sense of belonging. 

Strategic Goals

  1. Cultivate Leadership, Integrity, and Professionalism in Nursing
  2. Nurture a Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment
  3. Ignite Innovation and Academic Excellence in Holistic Nursing Education
  4. Strengthen Community Engagement and Healthcare Partnerships

School of Nursing Philosophy

At Capital University, we are committed to educating and empowering future nurses in a supportive, inclusive environment, grounded in our Lutheran heritage. Our nursing program emphasizes the development of the whole person-intellectually, physically, emotionally, ethically, and spiritually-fostering a diverse and compassionate learning culture. We focus on holistic nursing, where care is centered on the interconnectedness of body, mind, spirit, and environment.

Nursing is both an art and a science, dedicated to promoting health, preventing illness, and alleviating suffering. Our nursing graduates are prepared to provide culturally sensitive, ethically grounded, and evidence-informed care across the lifespan. They engage in therapeutic partnerships with patients, families, and communities, providing excellent patient care as clinicians, educators, leaders, and advocates.

Our faculty values the importance of self-care, reflection, and personal growth, integrating these principles into nursing education. Students are encouraged to develop their professional identity, integrity, critical thinking skills, and commitment to lifelong learning. The nursing program integrates liberal arts education, including ethics, humanities, and global awareness, to prepare students to deliver compassionate, holistic care and contribute to improving healthcare worldwide.

Graduates of Capital University’s School of Nursing are ready to make a meaningful impact on society, embodying the core values of human dignity, social justice, and the transformative power of nursing.

Graduate Admission Policies 

MSN Graduate Program Admission 

Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Program is open to nurses who are licensed in the state of Ohio (or in the state they plan to complete clinical hours) and have graduated from a program of nursing academically accredited by two sources: 1) the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); and 2) a higher learning commission Regional Accrediting body. Admission will not be denied on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or political affiliation. Applicants are required to provide information pertaining to their academic, intellectual, and professional abilities through college transcripts, personal references, and a writing sample. 

MSN Graduate Program Admission Criteria 

  • All official transcripts from previous undergraduate/graduate course work  
  • Current, unencumbered, unrestricted RN License in the State they complete field experiences 
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 
  • 3.0 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale 
  • Undergraduate prerequisites: statistics and research methods  
  • Submit a 1 to 2 page summary that addresses a specific vision for your future and how an advanced nursing degree will support your goals. Please incorporate 1) the strengths you currently bring to your practice, 2) a clinical situation you wish to improve, and 3) why you have chosen Capital University 
  • Current resume 
  • Two professional written references. Letters must speak to candidates’ readiness to take graduate level courses
  • TOEFL score of 550 or above (for international students) 

MSN Graduate Program Application Procedure 

Prospective students are encouraged to apply within 8 weeks of the beginning of the next term. The following activities are included in the application process: 

  • Complete the Application for Admission on the MSN website: www.capital.edu/msn/. Please contact the Admission office at 614-236-6996 with any questions regarding the application procedure 
  • Request official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities 
  • Give 2 references that will may be contacted by the Associate Dean of the Nursing Graduate Program 

MSN Graduate Program Acceptance of Admission 

Once an admission file is completed, it is reviewed by the Associate Dean of the Graduate Program and Dean of the Nursing School.  

Students will be notified in writing of their acceptance. 

  • Following notification, the student is required to complete and return the Acceptance of Admission Form to the Admissions office within 10 days
  • Once a student has accepted admission they can schedule classes through their assigned Academic Advisor  

At the time of admission, the student will be assigned a faculty adviser with whom they will meet with to establish a curriculum plan. 

MSN Graduate Program Provisional Acceptance 

Candidates may be admitted provisionally until all entrance requirements are completed. The letter of admission states the specific conditions that need to be completed and the time frame allowed. Upon completion of these conditions by the dates indicated, full admission is granted. Students are to return the acceptance of provisional admission form within 10 days. 

  • Students are to return the acceptance of provisional admission form within 10 days 
  • Upon receipt of this form, course registration is initiated by the Admission staff 

Non-degree 

There are four categories of non-degree status: 

  • Students enrolled in the traditional program junior level status, 3.5 GPA or higher, and approval of the Graduate Associate Dean 
  • BSN graduates who are interested in enriching their professional practice with Graduate courses. These students can take up to 6 credits, which will count toward the MSN if they choose to apply for graduate study 
  • Masters prepared nurses with an interest in a concentrate focus. These individuals complete one or more concentrates as post-masters study 
  • BSN or MSN nurses who are enrolled in a certificate program offered by the School of Nursing

Dual Degree 

Dual degree students must gain admission to and complete degree requirements for both programs. Since each school admits students separately, admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other program. 

A student choosing a dual degree option must complete the appropriate dual degree application as a notice of intention to seek the dual degree. For more information on the admission process, please contact the Admission Office. 

Audits 

Students may audit a course on a space available basis. This requires completion of the Audit Request Form found online at the Registrar’s web page. The form requires the appropriate instructor’s signature and the signature the Associate Dean of the Graduate Nursing Program. Candidates in the Nursing Program cannot audit any course required for degree credit. Normally, an auditor is not required to submit assignments or take examinations. The transcript does not reflect audited courses and no grade or credit is given. To audit a course at the Law School, please contact the Law School directly. 

The Graduate Program Focus 

The organizing theme of the graduate curriculum is “leadership at the multidisciplinary frontier of health care.” The MSN graduate program is designed to build on the strengths of the School of Nursing and university faculty, to offer students alternatives to practitioner programs, and to avoid duplication with the other graduate programs in Columbus. An initial needs assessment, faculty beliefs about knowledge and skills, literature reviews, and professional standards influenced curriculum design. Courses are reviewed annually and updated based upon on student need and feedback, community and national health care priorities, policy initiatives, and changes in accreditation standards. 

School of Nursing faculty members recognize that multidisciplinary nursing education and practice offer the potential for achieving the most efficient and effective health care outcomes if the strengths of each discipline can be integrated and implemented by individuals with a knowledge base in more than one discipline. Multidisciplinary education at the master’s level prepares students to assume leadership roles to effectively work with health care teams in acute and long-term health care settings, corporate settings and complex organizations, the community, and in independent practice. 

The School of Nursing faculty and the graduate curriculum emphasize the development of holistic practitioners who have the empiric and ethical-political knowledge and skills as well as the personal self-reflective ability and aesthetic appreciation to provide mindful leadership that empowers clients and co-workers. 

Goals of the Graduate Program 

Our nation is experiencing a crisis in health care-cost, access, and quality of care all demand urgent attention. America needs holistic practitioners who can think critically, reflect deeply and who can balance economic realities with the human need for compassion and service. Leadership in creating the health care system of the future necessitates commitment to holistic care and teamwork in order to solve human health problems in complex systems with declining resources. Self-responsibility and self-care are fundamental to the development of this leadership capacity and thus integral to program goals. Similarly, engagement in cultural and political advocacy is essential to holistic care. 

At Capital University, the academic disciplines of nursing, business, and law are uniquely positioned to provide leadership at the multidisciplinary frontier of health care in addressing the pressing health needs of the community in the 21st century. Thus, this unique graduate program will blend the holistic perspective of nursing with the legal, business, ethical, educational and spiritually grounded expertise already present within the university community. 

At the completion of MSN graduate program, the student will be prepared to accomplish the following behaviors and achieve the related outcomes: 

MSN Outcome 1: Analyze the theoretical foundations of nursing and related science relevant to advanced holistic nursing practice / education / administration

Outcomes: Design direct care/educational or other programming for individual and community populations based on social determinants of health, and sciences relevant to specific concentrate of study (caring, organizational, educational, other); and Apply appropriate theory and frameworks to guide practice. 

MSN Outcome 2: Demonstrate leadership of Interprofessional teams to plan, implement and evaluate system initiatives that improve clinical, educational or organizational outcomes

Outcomes: Identify problems relevant to area of practice/concentrate; Synthesize and communicate current research and practice evidence/knowledge related to identified problems; Use a team based approach to program development and implementation as appropriate; Apply leadership principles to implement changes that improve quality of clinical and educational outcomes; and Demonstrate behavior that is culturally responsive, safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient/student centered. 

MSN Outcome 3: Use the best available evidence to guide practice decisions

Outcomes: Actively and ethically participate in research to improve area of clinical/practice expertise; Address social determinants of health to plan and evaluate health care/educational interventions as appropriate; Evaluate ethical implications of evidence based practice decisions for individual clients/aggregate populations and recommended program changes; Identify specific databases and current research relevant to a defined clinical/educational/organizational problem; Perform rigorous critique of current research and disseminate meaningful evidence to improve practice outcomes; and Apply holistic framework when evaluating research and clinical evidence to implement practice changes within concentrate of study. 

MSN Outcome 4: Apply the concepts of information exchange, nursing informatics and systems theory to the advanced practice role

Outcomes: Analyze databases to answer clinical/educational/administrative questions; Identify ethical principles for health information management systems and practices; and Integrate and coordinate current and emerging technologies to improve patient care systems and health education as appropriate to concentrate.   

MSN Outcome 5: Integrate health policy processes to promote safety and quality of health delivery systems and advocate for social issues of health disparity and equality

Outcomes: Participate in policy development at the institutional, local, state and/or federal levels to improve health/educational outcomes related to discipline/practice of nursing and healthcare; Develop advocacy strategies to influence health care; Analyze how policies influence the structure and financing of health care practice and health outcomes; and Examine legal and regulatory processes related to individual and system practice that reflect ethics of caring. 

MSN Outcome 6: Apply holistic philosophy to enact advanced practice role

Outcomes: Value unitary science as foundational to development of advanced practice role; Identify the ethics of caring and its contribution to unity of self, others, nature and life forces as central to holistic nursing; Integrate ethical, aesthetic, empiric and personal ways of knowing into practice and educational decision-making; Explore and adopt holistic self-care practices to achieve balance in personal well-being and professional life; Participate in reflective practice to improve clinical practice, clinical leadership, learning and personal well-being; and Use selected integrative therapies in current practice/educational settings. 

Learning Outcomes by Concentrate 

Each concentrate has specific anticipated outcomes beyond the general outcomes for graduate study.  By concentrate, these include: 

Nursing Administration Concentrate Outcomes                

The graduate will: 

  • ADM Outcome 1: Demonstrate basic knowledge of the business functions of marketing, accounting, finance, operations and human resources 
  • ADM Outcome 2: Recognize the importance of organizational behavior in impacting the delivery of nursing care in health care systems
  • ADM Outcome 3: Stimulate and effectively cope with change in health care systems 
  • ADM Outcome 4: Utilize analytical and critical thinking to address workforce issues 

Nursing Legal Concentrate Outcomes          

The graduate will: 

  • LEGAL Outcome 1: Understand the basic concepts of the legal system in the United States 
  • LEGAL Outcome 2: Analyze the impact and influence of the legal system on health care and nursing policy and practice in the United States 
  • LEGAL Outcome 3: Influence the development and implementation of health care policy and health care law 
  • LEGAL Outcome 4: Facilitate an understanding of the law and health policy for individuals and organizations 

Nursing Education Concentrate Outcomes

The graduate will: 

  • ED Outcome 1: Assume the role of professional nurse educator for academic settings, continuing education, or staff development 
  • ED Outcome 2: Apply selected teaching-learning theories for the preparation and continuing development of nurses 
  • ED Outcome 3: Implement a variety of teaching-learning strategies in diverse learning experiences
  • ED Outcome 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching-learning process
  • ED Outcome 5: Critically examine trends and issues in nursing education 

Nursing Quality and Safety Concentrate Outcomes

The graduate will:

  • Q&S Outcome 1: Lead the strategic integration of quality and safety into the structure, processes, and culture of the organization to achieve system level outcome objectives
  • Q&S Outcome 2: Participate in surveillance, improvement, evaluation, and reporting activities aimed at performance enhancement and compliance with internal and external policy, regulatory, and accreditation requirements
  • Q&S Outcome 3: Utilize data and advance the organization’s analytical environment to inform quality improvement decision-making, initiatives, and evaluation
  • Q&S Outcome 4: Collaborate and facilitate team effectiveness in the development, implementation, and evaluation of performance and process initiatives, methods, education and training directed towards quality and safety improvement across various settings and populations
  • Q&S Outcome 5: Cultivate a safe healthcare environment using risk management assessments and best practice strategies to detect, mitigate, or prevent harm
  • Q&S Outcome 6: Advance equitable health policies and regulations that reduce health risk, promote patient advocacy, and assure financial stewardship

Organization of the Graduate Curriculum 

The curriculum content is arranged into four areas quadrants: the MSN core, the advanced nursing core, the concentrate core, and synthesis work. The specific credit hour requirement varies depending upon the concentrate. Specialization comes through the courses and clinical work students select in the concentrate and in the student’s use of the acquired skills and knowledge in the application/synthesis work (See Figure 1). Students’ progress through the MSN core and the advanced nursing core before beginning coursework in the area of concentration. The concentrate core should be completed before the synthesis and application work is begun. Full-time students may enroll in concentrate and synthesis courses concurrently. 

Basic Curriculum Plan for the MSN

Total Hours: 44

  MSN Core (18 credit hours)  

  Advanced Nursing Core (9 credit hours)  

  Concentrate Core (10 credit hours)  

  Synthesis (7 credit hours)  

MSN Core (18 credit hours)

Courses in the MSN core are designed to provide students the content and skills required for leadership in an advanced practice role and to engage the student in active learning to develop their critical thinking. The courses are conducted with an interdisciplinary focus to help students appreciate more fully the complexity of health care leadership. NURS 500  examines statistical applications for health care research and evidence based practice, NURS 505  examines philosophical and theoretical foundations of nursing, NURS 520  studies advanced research and evidence based practice, NURS 530  examines healthcare technology and informatics, MBA 613  focuses on organization behavior, and NURS 650  looks at ethical and policy issues in contemporary nursing.

Advanced Nursing Core (9 credit hours)

The advanced nursing core comprises of the advanced nursing practice concepts of the MSN Program: NURS 525 - Advanced Health Assessment , NURS 601 - Advanced Pathophysiology , and NURS 610 - Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses . These courses were designed such that they can be taken with either MSN Core courses or Concentrate core courses. NURS 601  is a pre-requisite to NURS 525 . NURS 525  currently has 50 clinical hours integrated into the course and has an added clinical fee.

Concentrate Core (10 credit hours)

The concentrate provides students with the opportunity to study in an area of their selected interest. The number of credit hours required in the concentrates varies, as do the degree of elective versus required courses and prerequisites. Students whose concentrate courses are provided by another unit outside of the School of Nursing register with their academic adviser in the School of Nursing and with guidance from their adviser in the respective concentrate area. The student is billed at the rate of the unit offering the course. 

Synthesis (7 credit hours)

Synthesis courses are completed at the end of the MSN curriculum and NURS 722 - Capstone Practicum  is completed in the final semester prior to graduation. All synthesis courses have a minimum of 150 clinical hours each. 

The School of Nursing faculty encourages students from the School of Management and Leadership, and the Law School who wish to focus on health care applications to cross-enroll in the graduate nursing core courses. The holistic perspective of nursing as a care-giving discipline enhances today’s business, law, and seminary curricula. The learning experience and competency of graduate students with diverse backgrounds, expertise, interests, and goals is enriched through such interdisciplinary interaction.

Learning Focus in Concentrates 

The four MSN concentrates address students’ diverse career needs. A student may complete more than one concentrate. 

MSN with a Concentrate in Administration

Offered in cooperation with the School of Management & Leadership, this concentrate prepares the student for a first or middle-management position in nursing administration. Concentrate courses support knowledge and skills in the areas of finance and accounting (management of $2-3 million budgets), personnel (hiring, staff development, salary administration), ethical, legal and policy concerns (e.g., living wills, discharge against medical advice, controversial procedures) and organizational life (the policies of institutional life, interdisciplinary service, strategic planning). Upon completion of this concentrate, the student will have completed the requisite course work to take the certification examination for advanced nursing administration through the America Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL).

The following courses are required in the Administration concentration: MBA 500 - Foundations MBA 612 - Managerial Economics  or MBA 614 - Managerial Accounting , and NURS 640 - Evidence Based Nursing Administration Part 1  and NURS 641 - Evidence Based Nursing Administration Part 2 . Both NURS 640  and NURS 641  require 150 hours of field experience.

Required additional MBA courses for students enrolled in the MSN/MBA dual degree option include: MBA 612 - Managerial Economics MBA 614 - Managerial Accounting , MBA 710 - Marketing Management , and MBA 720 - Financial Management . NURS 641 - Evidence Based Nursing Administration Part 2  is a required synthesis course and also has 150 clinical hours. All students take NURS 722 - Capstone Practicum  during their last enrolled semester.  

Students must meet the prerequisites for each MBA course in the concentration as identified in the “Prerequisites” section of this handbook, as well as in the MBA Student Handbook. Students interested in the MSN/MBA must apply to the MBA Program while enrolled in MBA 500. More information about the admission process can be found on the MBA website.

MSN with a Concentrate in Legal Studies 

The concentrate in legal studies, offered in cooperation with the Law School, emphasizes the legal aspects of health care. Students may direct their career development toward work in quality assurance programs, risk management, peer review, and outcomes assessment. Preparation in advanced nursing science, which includes legal studies, enhances the graduate’s ability to contribute to interdisciplinary problem-solving teams in health care.  

The legal studies concentrate consists of 10 semester credit hours of course work. NURS 670 - Legal Concepts in Healthcare , a three-hour foundation course covering torts, contracts, and constitutional law; NURS 640 - Evidence Based Nursing Administration Part 1  or NURS 641 - Evidence Based Nursing Administration Part 2 ; and LAW 822 - Health Law ; are required courses. Students may choose 1 law elective to supplement their concentrate.

MSN with a Concentrate in Nursing Education

This concentrate prepares the nurse for the role of educator in either the academic or clinical setting. Concentrate course work gives the student the necessary knowledge and skills to teach and develop curricular materials. In the synthesis core, students identify their preferred setting for teaching and have field placements accordingly. 

The nursing education concentrate consists of NURS 607 - Education Foundations ; NURS 608 - Teaching Strategies ; and NURS 609 - Evaluation: Individual to Program . NURS 720 - Clinical and Laboratory Teaching  is a synthesis course in the Education concentrate. Both NURS 608  and NURS 720  require 150 clinical hours each. 

MSN with a Concentrate in Quality and Safety

Becoming an expert in Quality and Safety is essential in all areas of the nursing profession. This MSN concentration gives you the critical knowledge and hands-on experience to use data to examine trends in global health to lead change initiatives that will impact patient care and enhance healthcare. Our program gives you the opportunity to work with interdisciplinary experts in performance and process improvement (PPI) projects and gain advanced experience in healthcare Quality and Safety.

The following courses are required in the Quality and Safety concentrate: NURS 655 - Health Data Analytics , NURS 661 - Performance Enhancement in Healthcare , and NURS 690 - Leadership in Healthcare Quality . Synthesis courses include both Healthcare NURS 711 - Healthcare Quality & Safety Practicum  and NURS 722 - Capstone Practicum . Courses with clinical hours include: NURS 690 , NURS 711 , and NURS 722 .

Multiple Concentrates of Study 

A student establishes competencies in a selected concentration through the completion of a number of learning opportunities. Graduation with a dual concentrate of study requires: 

  • Completion of the designated courses in the secondary concentration 
  • Completion of NURS 722 - Capstone Practicum  or a course equivalent with field experience in the practice area relevant to each concentration. NURS 722  must be taken in the last semester of the MSN curriculum 

Students are permitted to take courses in a concentration other than the designated concentration if prerequisites for each course are met. This will be considered elective credit. If a student wishes to complete more than one concentrate, in addition to the coursework in the additional concentrate, one hour of independent study must be taken with a faculty person from the School of Nursing. This independent study should reflect a 50 hour field experience that provides opportunity for application of concentrate coursework and role development. 

Dual Degree Programs 

Students have the opportunity to pursue dual degrees in the School of Nursing and Capital University Law School or the Capital University School of Management and Leadership. In each case, the course work selected for the concentration is applied toward the course work required in the second degree. For example, an MSN student who completes the legal studies concentrate is able to apply that course work as elective credit toward the Juris Doctorate degree in the Law School. Students pursuing a dual degree must complete a minimum of 53 semester hours for the MSN/MBA and 102 semester hours for the MSN/JD.  

Descriptions of graduate courses offered by the School of Nursing are listed in this handbook. Dual degree students should consult the MBA Student Handbook or the Law School Bulletin for complete descriptions of non-nursing courses identified in the dual degree curriculum plans. 

Basic Curriculum Plan for the Dual Degree 

Total Hours: 59-118 hours (Minimum)

  MSN Core (18 credit hours)

  Advanced Nursing Core (9 credit hours)

  Concentrate & Synthesis (minimum 17 credit hours) 

  Second Degree:

    MBA (12-21 additional credit hours)

    JD (74 additional credit hours)

To pursue a dual degree, students must meet prerequisites and gain admission to each program. Each dual degree option provides students with the opportunity to complete both degrees with a substantial reduction in total credit hours. To obtain information about the application, admission, enrollment, the program of study, and definition and operation of a dual degree credit in each program, students should consult the Dual Degree Program Statements for the MSN/JD and MSN/MBA degrees. 

Certificate Program: Nursing Education

Contact the Associate Dean of the Nursing Graduate Program for more information on certification.

Research Review 

Any research, which involves human subjects, must be reviewed by the Capital University Research Review Committee prior to contact with subjects and/or data collection. The student, in consultation with faculty, submits a Research Review Proposal to the Chair of the Research Review Committee. The Application form is available through the University here. 

Student Academic Grievance Resolution 

Students have the right to appeal grades, involuntary withdrawal action or other academic issues by filing a written request within one semester of the occurrence. The written appeal must include supporting data and go first to the course professor, the Associate Dean of the Graduate Nursing Program, to the Dean of Nursing and then, if the student wishes, to the Provost of Capital University. In some cases, the Associate Dean of the Graduate Nursing Program may ask the Nursing Faculty to review the appeal. Graduate students will follow the same appeal process as undergraduates. 

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