Program Overview

The School of Nursing has a graduate program offering an MSN with tracks in education, informatics and leadership. Registered Nurses with a BSN can obtain a graduate degree to practice in one of these areas and complete their degree in two academic years with full-time study. has been offered cooperatively by Columbus State University and Georgia Southwestern University. Each institution belongs to the University System of Georgia. The Georgia Intercollegiate Consortium for Graduate Nursing Education (GICGNE) and Columbus State University School of Nursing Graduate Program has a mission to prepare caring, professional nurses who provide safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care, for diverse populations in a variety of settings..

While the MSN/FNP program was established as part of the Georgia Intercollegiate Consortium for Graduate Nursing Education (GICGNE), CSU School of Nursing was approved to launch its own MSN/FNP program in the spring of 2020. The master's degree program in nursing at Columbus State University under GICGNE is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The master's degree program in nursing at Columbus State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

· No commuting to campus

· Complete the program in as little as 2 years if you attend full-time.

· Highly qualified faculty members with various nursing backgrounds who facilitate learning

· 100% Online Asynchronous courses

· Clinical hours completed in your own area (765 clinical hours are required

Columbus State University is ranked among the top regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report with special recognition of its online programs in the College of Education and Health Professions.

The 36-credit hour program prepares professional registered nurses for advanced nursing roles.

Dr. Stephanie Adams

Student Services Coordinator

Office: 706-507-8581

Email: msnfnp@columbusstate.edu

Career Opportunities

The nurse educator role prepares professional nurses to assume entry-level teaching positions in collegiate and hospital settings, as well as community settings with staff or patients. You will also have a clinical focus which will enable use of this degree in teaching positions with students, staff members, and patients.

The nurse informatics role prepares professional nurses to work in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings to provide systems preparation and development as well as training and continued support for users. You may also work in industries related to sales, systems design, and training those who will use technology.

The nurse leader role prepares professional nurses to work in management or administration settings such as hospitals, community agencies, long-term care facilities, governmental agencies and facilities, industries, and corporations.

MSN Admission Standards

Program of Study

Tracks

Leadership

Education

Informatics

Admission Requirements 

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited university and a nationally accredited nursing program (NLNAC or CCNE)
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (regular admission) or 2.75 (provisional admission)
• Current unencumbered RN license in the state where clinical course requirements will be met
• Three (3) professional letters of reference
• Acceptance into the Graduate School at Columbus State University

Students who do not meet GPA and/or GRE minimal admission requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis. They must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their coursework once admitted into the program.

Additional Program Requirements

The MSN degree is awarded on completion of course work with a 3.0 or better grade point average (GPA), fulfillment of candidacy requirements and successful completion of required course and program requirements.