Location:

Austin, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Nurse Education

Program Overview

Program Description:

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers a 37-credit online graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Nursing, which produces a nursing leader in the area of nursing education.

The nursing education option is designed for BSN-prepared Registered Nurses who have a passion for mentoring and teaching traditional and non-traditional programs, and are interested in pursuing or advancing in a position in nursing education. Master of Science in Nursing Education graduates will be prepared to meet the needs of a diverse student population in a variety of roles in nursing education, including patient educator, as well as the educator role in clinical and academic settings. The program has been developed to meet professional standards and guidelines of the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners, the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Nurse Educator Specialty Outcomes
The student successfully completing the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Education will be able to:

1. Utilize evidence in educational design, implementation, and evaluation of strategies for classroom and clinical teaching
2. Synthesize knowledge from nursing science and learning theory to demonstrate leadership and innovation in teaching
3. Employ instructional strategies that recognize the diverse learner
4. Implement assessment and evaluation methods in a variety of learning environments
5. Analyze the teaching, scholarship and service roles of the nurse educator

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Apply to the UTRGV Graduate College:

1. Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.ApplyTexas.org. The university application fee of $50 ($100 for International Applicants) can be paid online by credit card or electronic check (in the online application). All application fees are nonrefundable.
2. Register on the UTRGV Recommenders and Document Upload Webpage. This is where you will request recommenders and upload program requirement documents, and where the graduate office will upload your transcripts. If you do not complete this step, we will not be able to process your application.
3. Request your transcripts and other supporting documentation to be mailed to:
   The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
   The Graduate College
   Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158
   1201 W. University Drive
   Edinburg, TX 78539-2999

 

Review and submit all Program Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or other baccalaureate degree plus the successful completion of NURS 5600 Transition to Graduate Nursing.
• Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
• Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
• Submission of a short essay including reason for seeking admission, anticipated personal gain, relevant preparation, and future professional plans.
• Successful completion of undergraduate statistics course.
• Holding an unencumbered license as a registered nurse in their state of residence.
• Criminal background check.
• Evidence of current immunizations required by the Texas Department of Health for students in health-related programs.

 

Additional requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign universities:

• TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years.
• English translation of educational records.
• Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA).

 

Additional requirements for international applicants:

• TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years.
• English translation of educational records.
• Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA).
• Financial Documentation showing sufficient funds (minimum of $25,000) to cover all expenses (living and academic) for the first year of study.
• Immigration documents, including a current copy of your valid passport. 

 

Application Deadlines

• Domestic
  • Fall - Jul 3
  • Spring - N/A
  • Summer I - N/A
  • Summer II - N/A
• International
  • Fall - Jun 1
  • Spring - N/A
  • Summer I - N/A
  • Summer II - N/A

 

COURSES

All courses are offered by UT Rio Grande Valley.

Required Courses (21 credits)

• NURS 6208 Nursing Informatics
• NURS 6301 Theoretical Foundations in Nursing
• NURS 6302 Research in Nursing
• NURS 6304 Advanced Pathophysiology in Nursing
• NURS 6305 Advanced Health Assessment
• NURS 6306 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing
• NURS 6474 Leadership, Policy and Population Health

 

Practice Courses (13 credits)

• NURS 6363 Curriculum in Nursing
• NURS 6365 Evaluation in Nursing Education
• NURS 6366 Instructional Design and Online Teaching in Nursing
• NURS 6464 Roles and Strategies in Nursing Education

 

Capstone Requirement Project (3 credits)

• NURS 7302 Practice Intervention Project

 

PARTICIPATING INSTITUTION AND ADVISOR

UT Rio Grande Valley

Ava Miller
Professor, Program Director
(956) 882-5086
ava.miller@utrgv.edu

Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

UT Rio Grande Valley is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). he Master of Science in Nursing Program is a member of the National League for Nursing Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs in Nursing.

Financial Aid:

Yes