About the Program
Preparing the Next Generation of Nursing Leaders
Rooted in the Catholic intellectual traditions of the University of St. Thomas and the Peavy School of Nursing mission, philosophy, pillars, and framework, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares the next generation of nursing educators, leaders, healthcare simulation experts, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners who are committed to advancing the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
The Peavy School of Nursing is committed to diversity, inclusion, and student success by recognizing the unique strengths and experiences of every learner while providing flexible pathways to achieve academic and professional goals. The program emphasizes experiential learning, interprofessional collaboration, and the integration of evidence-based practice to support the recommendations outlined in The Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity (2021).
The UST Advantage
Learn to Heal Your Community
Grounded in nursing as a healing ministry, the program fosters the development of compassionate, ethical, and relationship-centered nurse leaders who are prepared to create healing environments and improve healthcare outcomes across diverse populations.
The MSN program welcomes both post-associate and post-baccalaureate licensed registered nurses. Students entering through the RN-MSN pathway complete 16 credit hours of BSN bridge coursework before progressing into graduate studies. Flexible full-time and part-time options allow students to personalize their educational experience while efficiently completing degree requirements.
Designed to meet the standards of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021), the MSN program also aligns with the National Academy of Medicine’s The Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity (2021). Graduates are prepared with the leadership, clinical expertise, and collaborative skills necessary to address evolving healthcare needs and improve health outcomes for the populations they serve.
Gain a New specialty
Master of Science in Nursing Concentrations
Ready to advance your nursing skills in a specific subject area? Check out the concentrations we offer as part of our MSN below.
MSN Leadership
Prepares nurses for leadership and management roles within healthcare organizations. Students develop skills in healthcare systems management, quality improvement, organizational leadership, policy development, financial management, and interprofessional collaboration to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery
MSN Education
Prepares nurses to become effective educators in academic and clinical settings. Students gain knowledge in curriculum design, teaching and learning strategies, assessment and evaluation methods, educational technology, and evidence-based teaching practices to support the development of future nurses and healthcare professionals.
MSN Simulation
Focuses on the use of simulation-based education and technology to enhance clinical training and patient safety. Students learn to design, implement, facilitate, and evaluate simulation experiences using high-fidelity simulation, debriefing techniques, scenario development, and emerging educational technologies to improve healthcare education and clinical competence.
holistic mental Health Care
Become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Master- PMHNP Track options are practice-focused and designed to educate advanced practice nurses to provide direct psychiatric mental health care to individual patients; manage care for individuals, families, groups, and populations across the lifespan.
Graduates will be able to utilize their full scope of practice and will be uniquely prepared to provide holistic mental health care (treatment and management) to psychiatric patients. PMHNPs practice advanced psychiatric skills, application of therapeutic modalities, psychiatric assessment, symptom management, clinical management (non – pharmacologic and pharmacologic), and prescribing authority through collaboration with other primary care providers. The program meets the educational standards for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner programs. PMHNP graduates are eligible to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner Across The Lifespan examination through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).