Master of Science (MS)

Earn Your Master of Science Degree

The CU College of Nursing master of science degree program is designed to prepare nurses for direct and indirect care roles.

Our graduates are prepared to formulate clinical, administrative, or policy decisions to promote health with clients experiencing wellness, and acute or chronic illness and to develop, manage, and evaluate the care within communities and healthcare systems.

This program is structured to provide a foundation for career paths for future leaders in indirect care roles in nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Available Specialty Programs

Students select from 12 different specialties. Past coursework to be applied toward the degree will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The specific courses required for each specialty option are on the specialty pages.

• Adult-Gerontology Programs
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Health Care Informatics (HCI)
• i-LEAD Nursing Leadership and Health Care Systems (i-LEAD)
• Midwifery (MW)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care (AC PNP)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (PNP-PC)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Veteran and Military Health Care (VMHC)
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Graduates of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) track in the master program (this includes all Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwife, and CNS tracks) are eligible to apply for national certification by examination. APRN certification is required for licensure in each state, including Colorado, and both national certification and state licensure are required for practice. You can learn more about the requirements for APRN licensure by visiting the Colorado Board of Nursing APRN application forms page https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/APNApplications. Certification options exist for other Master’s Program tracks; however, certification is not required for practice.