The Master of Science in Nursing program through Spring Arbor University is offered online and presents three new programs designed to provide nurses with greater opportunities in today's healthcare environment. Graduate-level education opens doors in diverse fields including management/administration, nursing education, and advanced clinical practice. Provided within the framework of an interactive, online community, students come together with faculty and fellow nurses in a one-week, three-credit hour residency each academic year on the main campus in Spring Arbor, Michigan. To fill out an application, go to the MSN online application form.

Take some time to learn about our Master of Science in Nursing programs, which are two- or three-year programs. The dual programs empower graduates to advance in one of three areas: administration, education or as a nurse practitioner:

• Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Arts in Business Administration (MSN/MBA) - To advance in administration, nurses require business knowledge and administrative skills. This dual master's degree empowers graduates with both professional nursing and administrative competencies necessary to enhance a career in health care. This 63-credit, three-year program that leads to two separate degrees and includes a six-credit hour living case study: final thesis. View the MSN/MBA spreadsheet.
• Master of Science in Nursing: Concentration in education (MSN/Edu) - Even though demand for nurses is on the rise, the number of qualified faculty to teach nursing is decreasing. A degree in nursing and education opens up opportunities in academic and professional training venues. This 38-credit hour, two-year degree program includes a three-credit hour educational practicum in both traditional and distance learning methodologies, as well as a two-credit hour project thesis. View the MSN/Edu spreadsheet.
• Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner (MSN/NP) - For nurses who seek greater autonomy, the nurse practitioner track allows graduates to provide care to adult and gerontology populations. This 62-credit, three-year program is designed for working nurses that includes 8 credit hours of clinical practice (2 credits = 125 clinical hours for a total of 500 clinical hours) in a preceptored format wtih a capstone thesis or applied learning project. This concentration is designed to prepare graduates to be qualified to take the Adult and/or Gerontology Nurse Practitioner National Certification Examination (Note: Graduation does not guarantee certification). View the MSN/NP spreadsheet.

In addition to the online courses, students will participate in one week residencies at the start of every academic year. The residencies provide the opportunity to build a community of learners by meeting fellow students and faculty, while establishing a university presence. An on-campus residency affords an opportunity for face-to-face instruction, hands-on technology training sessions, and interaction with faculty and fellow students. The residency is designed to provide personalized learning opportunities that prepare students for successful online interaction and clinical or practicum experiences.

Students in the SAU online MSN programs are exposed to the most current online pedagogies and latest research methodologies. A research-based practicum, living case study, or preceptored clinical practice (minimum of 500 hours for NP) provides practical application within the students' respective communities. Online courses at SAU online allow students to juggle the demands of work and family, while participating in academically robust courses in their focus area.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036. The Master of Science in Nursing program is seeking accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036.