Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Your application must include proof of an unencumbered, active California RN license, a statement of purpose, resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. Please review the application deadlines and requirements for additional details, including key information about the overall application process.

One year of RN experience is preferred, but not required.

Yes, both full-time and part-time study options are available.

Yes! The curriculum is designed with working nurses in mind, so many students successfully balance their jobs while enrolled in the MSN program.

The MSN program is campus-based, with classes held one to two days a week. The MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist program is offered in a HyFlex format, giving you the flexibility to attend in person (just one day per week for theory courses), join live sessions via Zoom, or watch recorded sessions asynchronously. Clinical hours are completed outside of that one day of theory.

The MSN program ranges from 33-45 units depending on the specialty selected.

Students are not responsible for securing their own clinical sites. At USD, a dedicated Clinical Placement Coordinator works directly with each MSN student to discuss placement preferences and arrange appropriate clinical experiences. Coordinators consider your past experience, specialty area, practice settings, and future goals to find the best placement fit. Many expert leaders in the community regularly serve as preceptors for our students.

Clinical placements are tailored to meet both the learning objectives of the program and the individual goals of each student. For example, CNS students gain experience alongside Clinical Nurse Specialists and Physicians, typically in hospital environments. Executive Nurse Leader students are paired with preceptors in healthcare administration roles within hospitals and community agencies.

Clinical placements for USD MSN students take place in a variety of settings, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, private practices, community health organizations, and specialized clinics.

Yes. Upon completing an MSN program, graduates are eligible to take national certification exams specific to their specialty. For example, Clinical Nurse Specialists can choose between certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Nurse Practitioner specialties typically pursue certification through the ANCC or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Our CNS program equips students with essential skills such as effective patient rounding, resource negotiation, and involvement in ethical decision-making processes. It prepares you to lead and manage change in today’s evolving healthcare environment. As a CNS, you will have a strong knowledge base in resource utilization, staff engagement, and leading interdisciplinary teams to improve patient care outcomes.

A clinical nurse specialist is uniquely qualified to take on a variety of roles, including Patient Safety Specialist, Patient Education Specialist, Quality Improvement Specialist, Academic Educator, Clinical Educator, Transitional Care Coordinator, Complex Case Manager, Consultant, and Nurse Entrepreneur.

Yes, there are many job opportunities across all MSN specialty areas, locally and nationally. Clinical Nurse Specialists are valued members of healthcare leadership teams and often work in hospitals, community health organizations, and other care settings. NPs are in high demand across primary care, specialty clinics, mental health, pediatrics, and more. RNs who pursue an MSN with a leadership focus are well prepared for roles in healthcare administration, quality improvement, and organizational leadership.

Yes, CNS students complete an evidence-based practice leadership project, guided by one-on-one mentoring from a PhD-prepared faculty member.

The FNP program prepares you to deliver comprehensive primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan, from infants to older adults. The dual PNP/FNP program includes that same full-spectrum of training with additional education in pediatric care.

Yes, our CNS and NP faculty are experienced professionals who hold research doctorates and advanced clinical certifications. They have worked — and continue to work — as Clinical Nurse Specialists and Nurse Practitioners in a variety of settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, clinics, private practices, and research centers. Their real-world expertise enhances the learning experience and ensures students are well prepared for advanced practice.

Our curriculum includes targeted certification review courses designed to thoroughly prepare students for their board exams. As a result, our MSN programs have consistently high certification pass rates across all specialty areas.

The academic environment at USD encourages students to expand their knowledge, explore their creativity, and grow professionally. Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by dedicated professors and faculty who are committed to your success as both a student and a future healthcare professional.

Early in the program, faculty review each student’s past experiences to identify future clinical priorities for their practicum placements. Semester-by-semester goals are then created to address any gaps. By aligning clinical rotations with students’ career goals from the start, the program ensures that each experience supports individual growth and prepares students for their professional journey.

Our programs provide a comprehensive educational experience rooted in clinical excellence, leadership development, and academic rigor. We employ distinguished faculty who are master’s- and doctorally-prepared nurse practitioners actively practicing in clinical settings. This real-world experience is integrated into both classroom and clinical learning, ensuring students gain current, evidence-based knowledge and strong clinical reasoning skills. Ongoing faculty engagement also enhances mentorship, supporting students as they transition into advanced practice roles with confidence.

Applicants who submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline of April 1 are automatically considered for all scholarships and grants for which they qualify, including merit-based awards.