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MSN Online Program Option

The MSN program at Denver College of Nursing is designed for registered nurses who wish to further their knowledge and mastery of the art and science of nursing in order to become nurse leaders and educators. The core curriculum consists of advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology concepts, and a deeper exploration of pharmacology. Students will also learn leadership and educational theories, teaching strategies, curricular development, curricular planning, and programmatic evaluation, with an emphasis on culturally appropriate, evidence-based nursing practices.

This is an online, distance-learning program consisting of six quarters of study, which may be completed within 15-18 months. Nurses who apply to the MSN program at Denver College of Nursing are typically working RNs who have previously obtained their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students must achieve and maintain at least a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to graduate and be awarded their MSN degree.

Tests may not be repeated to improve a grade. A minimum of a “C” is required to pass all courses. 

  • Apply research methods to evaluate current knowledge from nursing theory, nursing science and related disciplines to inform and/or initiate change in practice.
  • Demonstrate the use of scholarship inquiry to inform ethical practice decisions.
  • Synthesize relevant education theories; evidence-based research of teaching and learning; and instructive and evaluative methodologies to facilitate learning by individuals and groups.
  • Analyze the effect of health policy, finance, technology, and organizational context on the development and implementation of quality programs.
  • Utilize inter-professional communication to improve practice outcomes.
  • Integrate advances in technology into practice.  
  • Evaluate the use of adaptive curriculum design and teaching strategies to meet the education needs of diverse populations.

Course No. Course Name Quarter Credits
Quarter 1    
NUR 600 Advanced Health Assessment 5
NUR 610 Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology 5
    10 credits
Quarter 2    
NUR 620 Global Healthcare 5
NUR 630 Pharmacology 5
    10 credits
Quarter 3    
NUR 640 Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice for Nursing 5
NUR 650 Advanced Theory, Leadership, and Management 5
    10 credits
Quarter 4    
NUR 660 Student Centered Learning 5
NUR 670 Teaching Strategies and Technology for the Nurse Educator 5
    10 credits
Quarter 5    
NUR 680 Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Evaluation 5
NUR 690 The Nurse Educator: Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships 5
    10 credits
Quarter 6    
NUR 695 Capstone 6
    6 credits
  Core Courses 30
  Specialty Courses for Nursing Education Credits 26
  Total Quarter Credits for the MSN Degree 56

To be accepted, an applicant must hold an unencumbered state license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in their home state. The applicant must also have worked as a registered nurse for at least one year. Applicants must submit an official transcript to the Dean of Nursing Education Programs (or the Dean’s designee) indicating graduation from a nationally accredited Baccalaureate Nursing Program. Transcripts will not be accepted after the first term.