Hybrid Graduate Program for Nursing Leaders and Educators
The University of Mary Washington (UMW) is proud to share that its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has received approval from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and is moving forward for final review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The program is expected to launch in fall 2026, building on UMW’s established RN-to-BSN completion pathway and long-standing tradition of excellence in nursing education.
Program Overview
Designed for working registered nurses, this graduate program prepares professionals for advanced roles in clinical practice, education, and healthcare leadership. Coursework will be delivered fully online to provide flexibility for busy schedules, complemented by in-person clinical practicums developed in partnership with regional healthcare organizations.
With small cohorts, dedicated faculty mentors, and personalized advising, the MSN program offers a supportive and student-centered approach to graduate nursing education. It’s designed for nurses across Virginia—particularly in the greater Fredericksburg region—who are ready to take the next step as primary care providers or nurse educators shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Request Information
Join our interest list to receive updates on program approval, application timelines, and upcoming information sessions.
Choose Your Concentration
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Focus on advanced nursing practice and primary care.
Nursing Education: Prepare for faculty roles in clinical and academic settings.
Program Structure
Total Credits: 38–46 credit hours, depending on track
- Core Curriculum: 18 credit hours
- Track Specialization: 12–18 credit hours (Nursing Education or Family Nurse Practitioner)
- In-Person Clinical Practicums: 5-9 credit hours with practicum placements provided
- Capstone Course: 1 credit hour
Sample Plans of Study
- Full-Time: Complete in 2 years (including summer terms)
- Part-Time: Complete in 3 years (including summer terms)
Program Coursework
All Master of Science in Nursing students complete the following core courses.
- NURS 520: Professional Transitions and Health Care Advocacy (3 credits)
- NURS 530: Nurse as a Scholar: Evidenced Based Practice & Research (3 credits)
- NURS 550: Population Health in a Global Society (3 credits)
- NURS 560: Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
- NURS 580: Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
- NURS 590: Advanced Concepts of Health Assessment (3 credits)
Students selecting the Family Nurse Practitioner track would be required to complete 18 credit hours of coursework in advanced nursing practice and primary care and nine credit hours for a clinical practicum.
- NURS 540: Informatics and Healthcare Technologies (3 credits)
- NURS 605: Health Promotion and Maintenance in Advanced-Practice Family Nursing (2 credits)
- NURS 615: Family Assessment, Theory and Practice (1 credit)
- NURS 630: Advanced-Practice Family Nursing: Primary Care Approaches for Women (3 credits)
- NURS 640: Advanced-Practice Family Nursing: Management of Acute Illnesses (3 credits)
- NURS 650a: Advanced-Practice Family Nursing: Practicum I (2 credits)
- NURS 740: Advanced-Practice Family Nursing: Primary Care Approaches for Children (3 credits)
- NURS 750a: Advanced-Practice Family Nursing: Practicum II (3 credits)
- NURS 760: Advanced-Practice Family Nursing: Management of Chronic Illnesses (3 credits)
- NURS 770: Advanced-Practice Family Nursing: Practicum III (4 credits)
- NURS 790: M.S.N.-FNP Capstone (1 credit)
Students selecting the Nursing Education track would be required to complete 12 credit hours of coursework in curriculum development, assessment, and education technology, and five credit hours for a clinical practicum.
- NURS 612: Innovations in Teaching and Learning (3 credits)
- NURS 621: Curriculum Development and Analysis (3 credits)
- NURS 622: Assessment and Evaluation Strategies in Nursing Education (3 credits)
- NURS 632: Technology in Nursing Education (3 credits)
- NURS 650b: Nursing Educator: Practicum I (2 credits)
- NURS 750b: Seminar in Nursing Education (3 credits)
- NURS 790: Capstone (Nursing Education) (1 credit)
Admissions Requirements
Admissions Requirements for the MSN program at UMW include:
- A current U.S.-issued RN license is required and must be submitted to the program before beginning nursing coursework.
- Have an unencumbered RN license in the state in which the student intends to complete clinical placement;
- Have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a program nationally accredited in nursing, and regionally accredited college or university;
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate study;
- To ensure clinical agency requirements are met, proof of current immunizations or immunity, a criminal background check, and a current professional rescuer/BLS CPR card are required before the first clinical agency rotation;
Program Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
The MSN program follows UMW’s graduate tuition and fees schedule, available on the Student Accounts website. Nursing programs may require additional fees.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
As a public university, UMW provides an exceptional return on investment for graduate students. Our admissions and financial aid teams will help you navigate scholarships, payment plans, and available funding so you can focus on what matters most — your growth as a healthcare professional.
Review UMW’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Graduate Students
Career Outcomes and Employer Partnerships
Graduates of UMW’s MSN program will be prepared for:
- Family Nurse Practitioner Track: Primary care provider roles in hospitals, urgent care, long-term care, and community settings. Eligible to sit for FNP certification and to contribute to improve patient outcomes in their communities.
- Nursing Education Track: Faculty positions in colleges, universities, and clinical facilities. Eligible to sit for Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) certification and to teach at local programs including Germanna Community College or Northern Virginia Community College.
The close-knit network of professionals supporting students in UMW’s MSN program ensures that opportunities are available during the program through practicum placements and beyond the program, as students pursue their nursing careers through their lives after Mary Washington.
