Master's Programs

Overview

The master's programs offered by U-M's School of Nursing form the staging ground for nursing leaders in current and emerging health care systems. Critical study of theory, a cutting-edge curriculum relying on the most current findings, challenging clinical practice that starts semester one, authoring groundbreaking research that uses state-of-the art technology - our scholarly and specialized graduates live up to the title of "the leaders and best."

Within the learning process, we value and support the development of a multi-cultural perspective which we believe prepares our advanced degree nurses to practice in the care of diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities regardless of care setting. Additionally, we privilege proficient utilization of research findings and so students complete coursework in inferential statistics and research methods, eventually creating, executing, and analyzing their own scientific study in a subject related to their particular interests in the field of nursing.

Objectives of the Master’s Degree Program

Consistent with the School's Philosophy of Nursing, the master's Degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to:

Expand knowledge and expertise in a specialty area of nursing
Investigate various theories related to the practice of nursing
Examine health issues and care delivery systems with regard to their implications for nursing
Evaluate nursing roles and their articulation with other health care roles in the planning and delivery of health care
Gain advanced knowledge in related physical, social and behavioral sciences and humanities
Develop abilities in facilitating collegial relationships in the planning and delivery of health care and conduct of collaborative research
Engage in directed scholarly study
Develop knowledge and skills in planning and implementing data/evidence-based change in nursing practice and health care delivery systems
Assume leadership roles in clinical nursing, teaching, or management, from a strong theory, evidence, and practice base
Develop skills in analyzing the social, political, ethical, technological, economic, and professional issues and their implications for nurses, nursing, and health care
Value the diversity of people of different genders, sexual orientation, ages, races, cultures, religions, nationalities, and beliefs and the ways in which these affect health and health care delivery

Find out more about the application requirements for Master's Programs and Dual Degree Programs.

Program Options

With the range of master's programs available, it is important to consider the different career tracks available. See a comparison of Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) education and profesional roles and responsabilities.

The University of Michigan School of Nursing offers advanced study programs through the University's Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies (commonly known as "Rackham"). Prior to applying, please take note of the program title and subplan of interest as this information will be required in the application:

Acute, Critical & Long-Term Care Programs

Acute Care Advanced Practice Program

The Acute Care Advanced Practice program focuses on the care of patients with complex health problems including adults with acute/critical and chronic illness and provides clinical preparation of Acute Care Nurse Practitioners and Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialists with a strong foundation in pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-based management of complex patient problems, and leadership within the health care system. Sub plans include:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice Program

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice program is designed to address the increasing complexity and fragmentation that currently defines the delivery of care to persons with acute or chronic psychiatric illness; clinical practice skills in advanced assessment; diagnostic reasoning and decision making; pharmacotherapy; and individual, family, and group psychotherapies are developed in a wide range of settings to encourage development of both depth and breadth in role appropriate competencies. Sub plans include:

Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Psych-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Health Promotion & Risk Reduction

Community Health Nursing Program

The following are all sub plans within the Community Health Nursing program:

Community/Public Health/Home Care Nursing - Provides broad, advanced preparation for community-oriented, population-focused, nursing practice where upon graduates will be able to plan, implement, and evaluate health programs and services and to help shape and manage health care systems.
Occupational Health Nursing - Fuses theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of nursing, public health, and business to provide essential training for those who will occupy professional positions in creating and maintaining a safe and healthful work environment
Adult Nurse Practitioner - Based on an understanding of health sciences theory and clinical preparation that shapes knowledge, judgment, and skills deemed necessary to provide primary health care management, health promotion, and disease prevention to adolescents and adults.
Family Nurse Practitioner - Provides students with the skills needed to deliver cutting edge, community-based primary health care to individuals and families across the lifespan, placing strong emphasis on health promotion as well as the development of positive health behaviors as they pertain to diverse groups at different developmental and age stages.

Parent-Child Nursing Program

The following are all sub plans within the Parent-Child Nursing program:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Relies on framework of adolescent development within which students learn to implement relevant health promotion interventions in children, assess, diagnose and manage minor acute and chronic health conditions in children, and educate children and families about positive child health practices.
Certified Nurse-Midwife - Based on an understanding of health sciences theory and clinical preparation that shapes knowledge, judgment, and skills deemed necessary to provide primary health care management to women and newborns.
Family Nurse Midwife - Combines the Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse-Midwife programs to trains nurses capable both of midwife care and primary care across the lifespan. Especially well-suited to nurses looking to practice in rural or international settings.
Pediatric Nurse Midwife - Combines the Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse-Midwife programs to trains nurses capable both of midwife care and primary pediatric care. Pediatric Nurse Midwives continue to care for the mother while also providing primary care for her child throughout adolescence.

Nursing Business & Health Systems

Nursing Business & Health Systems Program

The Nursing Business & Health Systems program integrates knowledge from the disciplines of nursing and business with which students develop and apply innovative leadership concepts and techniques to address the pressing issues and challenges in contemporary and future complex health care systems. Sub-plans include:

Nursing Education
Nursing Entrepreneurship
Nursing Healthcare Policy
Quality and Patient Safety
Nursing Management/Executive Leadership
Nursing Informatics

Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Business & Health Systems

ThePost-Master's Certificate in Nursing Business & Health Systems prepares nurses who have previously earned a Master’s degree in nursing or are currently enrolled in a Master's in Nursing program for advanced practice in leading and managing health

Dual-Degree Programs Offered Through the Nursing Business & Health Systems Master's Program

Nursing & Business Administration (MS/MBA) - Emphasizes superior nursing and management skills, preparing professional nurses to assume executive positions in a wide range of health care organizations as well as corporations and consulting firms.
Nursing & Health Services Administration (MS/MHSA) - Opportunity for nurse leaders to gain interdisciplinary preparation in both nursing systems and health services administration and policy.
Nursing & Information (MS/MSI) - Offers a valuable and unique opportunity for nurse leaders to gain interdisciplinary preparation for the information age in both nursing systems and information management.

Certificate Programs

Certificate in Nursing Education

The Certificate in Nursing Education is designed for individuals who seek to enhance their teaching skills and techniques in relation to the field of nursing.