Nursing Education | Accelerated Online

Earn your post-master’s certificate in as few as 6 months

Our comprehensive online coursework includes educational foundations, instructional methods, program assessment and evaluation, and curriculum development. You’ll also gain real-world experience through a culminating in-person practicum.

Program requirements

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E-tuition & fees

Costs include tuition & fees. All students receive our e-tuition rate. See cost details

Credit hours

21 required credit hours. Each course equals 3 credit hours.
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Program duration

Finish in as few as 6 months.
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Admissions

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

Program highlights

Balance your schedule while completing your certificate: Complete coursework from wherever you are 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: Out-of-state students are eligible for reduced e-tuition.
Receive personalized support from our easily accessible staff and faculty.
Develop skills needed to educate current and future nurses in an academic setting.
Benefit from faculty expertise: We offer a diverse range of clinical and educational backgrounds to support your progress.
Qualify to sit for the National League of Nursing Certified Nurse Educator exam.

Students walk down the sidewalk by Wishcamper Center on the Portland campus on a sunny day.

Admission information: Nursing Education Certificate of Graduate Study | Online

Choose from six start dates per year

Session	Application deadline	Program start date
Fall 2026 term: Session 1	August 12, 2026	August 31, 2026
Fall 2026 term: Session 2	October 7, 2026	October 26, 2026
Spring 2027 term: Session 1	December 30, 2026	January 19, 2027
Spring 2027 term: Session 2	March 3, 2027	March 22, 2027
Summer 2027 term: Session 1	April 26, 2027	May 17, 2027
Summer 2027 term: Session 2	June 16, 2027	July 6, 2027

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

A masters degree in nursing from a degree program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing.
Minimum undergraduate or graduate 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 (external link)
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) (external link)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) (external link)
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. Get 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.

What are the English proficiency test score requirements?

Where do I send my application materials?

Learn more about our online Certificate of Graduate Study in Nursing Education

Future degree planning

The credits you earn through this certificate program can be applied to our Master’s in Nursing Education. Some restrictions may apply.

View program details

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Dedicated faculty

Our Phd and DNP 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.

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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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