Nursing

Earn your master’s degree in as few as 12 months

Gain advanced skills in nursing practice, leadership, and business management. Our online curriculum focuses on information technology and quality improvement, nursing theory and leadership, organizational behavior, evidence-based practice, and financial management. You’ll gain leadership experience while exploring management strategies and administrative roles through two hands-on practicums.

Program requirements

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Tuition per credit hour

$443 for both in-state & out-of-state residents. See details and other costs

Credit hours

36 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Financial aid

Over 150 graduate assistantships available with stipend & tuition assistance, plus scholarship & fellowship opportunities. Explore aid

Admissions

6 entry terms per year. No GRE required. View application process & deadlines

Program Highlights

Earn your degree in as few as 12 months with our accelerated online program.
Begin as soon as you’re ready: Choose from 6 start dates throughout the year.
Save money with affordable tuition: All accelerated online students are eligible for our low alternative tuition rate.
Become eligible to sit for national certification through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL).
Receive personalized support from our easily accessible staff and faculty.
Study in a program that is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

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Admission information: Nursing — Nursing Administration and Leadership (MS) | Online

Application deadlines & program start dates

Choose from 6 start dates per year.

Session	Application deadline	Program start date
Fall term: Session 2	October 4, 2023	October 23, 2023
Spring term: Session 1	December 27, 2023	January 16, 2024
Spring term: Session 2	February 28, 2024	March 18, 2024
Summer term: Session 1	April 24, 2024	May 13, 2024
Summer term: Session 2	June 12, 2024	July 1, 2024
Fall term: Session 1	August 15, 2024	September 3, 2024
Fall term: Session 2	October 9, 2024	October 28, 2024

Each student’s application for admission will be evaluated based on a composite of the following recommended standards:

A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from a degree program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing.
Minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or a B average.
RN licensure — unencumbered and current licensure in the state in which practicum will be completed.
Undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of C or better.
Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may submit GRE or MAT scores to be considered.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

Application: Online application
Application fee:
- In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
- International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
- International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, we require an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by one of the following transcript analysis agencies
  - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

Essay/Personal Statement addressing the following:
- Demonstrate your understanding of the nurse administrator/educator role and reasons for becoming a nurse leader.
- Explain your professional goals that will be supported by the Master of Science degree.
- Outline the experiences, capacity, and abilities brought to a master’s program.
- Document your reasons for choosing the University of Southern Maine for this program.
Evidence (photocopy or PDF) of an unencumbered registered nurse license.

International student instructions

View additional application requirements

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address

Learn more about our online Master’s in Nursing Administration and Leadership

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Hands-on learning

Practicum offers a two-part exploration of nurse leadership roles within diverse healthcare systems. You’ll engage in activities and self-reflection to develop your advanced nursing professional identity and competence in personal, professional, and leadership practice.

Explore practicum

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National certification

Prepare for a leadership role as a nurse manager or supervisor, director of nursing, clinical manager, chief nursing officer, or clinical nurse manager. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for national certification through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL).

View program details

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Dedicated faculty

Our faculty are active in research and policy issues at the state and national level, are board members of state and national nursing associations, and frequently publish in leading nursing journals.

Meet our faculty

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Graduate student support

Our Office of Graduate Studies connects you with opportunities for professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster our graduate student community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board.

Browse resources

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Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. We encourage students in graduate degree programs to apply for scholarship opportunities.

Explore scholarships

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

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Connect with us

Our monthly Graduate Information Sessions are an excellent way to learn more about the benefits of our program, as well as our admissions and financial process.

Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Nursing — Nursing Education | Online

Master’s Program (Online)

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