Skip to Main Content

Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing

The UMass Lowell School of Nursing offers a master's program in nursing that emphasizes depth of knowledge and excellence in nursing in two areas of specialization: Adult-Gerontological Nursing and Family Health Nursing.

DESCRIPTIONDescription of Program

The objectives of the master’s program curriculum are to provide advanced practice nursing education which focuses on:

  1. Health promotion of individuals, families and groups from diverse populations;
  2. Management of health problems in collaboration with client, families, and health professionals;
  3. Leadership in the profession; and
  4. Research utilization for evidence-based practice.

The graduate program is designed for a four-semester, two-calendar year schedule, although part-time study is possible. Within each major area of specialization all students are prepared with knowledge and skills necessary for leadership in a variety of settings. Methods of inquiry, research and scholarly techniques are integral parts of the curriculum.

PROGRAMProgram Outcomes

The master’s degree program educates graduates who are prepared to:

  1. Practice in the advanced nursing role of the specialty
  2. Collaborate with clients, peers, and other health professionals
  3. Demonstrate leadership in the profession of nursing.

ADMISSIONAdmission and Degree Requirements

Requirements for the master's program are:

  • A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from an accredited program,
  • An undergraduate scholastic average of 3.000 or better,
  • Official transcripts, from all of your previous degree coursework (Associates and Bachelors in Nursing) as well as any completed or in progress graduate courses.
  • An introductory course in statistics. Course grade must be on transcripts
  • License to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Out of state RN licenses are accepted for application review, but all accepted students will need to obtain Massachusetts License prior to practicum courses.
  • Experience working as an RN prior to enrolling in Advanced Health Assessment and subsequent Specialty courses.
  • A resume, summarizing educational and professional nursing experience and any other related honors, special skills or certifications.
  • Two letters of recommendation preferably from nursing faculty, supervisors or nurse leader in your organization. All recommendations should be sent to graduate admissions using the link and if addendum documents are attached they should be on hospital/school/agency letterhead and signed by the author of the recommendation. Recommendation should address your academic ability and professional qualifications as well as your potential for success in a graduate NP program.  
  • Written Statement: A goal statement that briefly highlights relevant work history and immediate and long-term professional goals as an advanced-practice nurse. Goal statements should be congruent with the specialty tracks offered at UMass-Lowell (FNP or AGNP) and demonstrate an understanding of the scope of the advanced practice nurse in ambulatory, long-term care settings.
  • Computer literacy with WORD, email, internet searches and electronic learning platforms and programs.
  • Completed application and fees.
  • GREs are not required for the MS program

A minimum of 42 credits of course work is required for graduation with an MS for all students. A research project or a thesis is an option but not required for graduation.

Students may be admitted for part-time study. Part-time students must meet the same admission requirements for graduate study as full-time students. Part-time students will meet with their assigned advisor and plan a schedule for their program of studies. All admitted students are advised to contact their assigned advisors for program of study recommendations and to register for courses during University advisement periods (April and November).

Transfer of credits for non-matriculated students: The maximum number of credits that can be transferred from non-UMass Lowell programs is 6 credits. Prospective students can take up to an additional 6 credits from UMass Lowell prior to matriculation and can be applied to the MS degree.

Those taken at another accredited institution may be transferred if appropriate to the MS degree program in nursing and after approval by the faculty of record for the UMass Lowell course and the petition signed by the Graduate Coordinator. To qualify for transfer, the course must have been taken within 5 years prior to the date of matriculation. Transfer of credits may not be granted for Advanced Health Assessment, Specialty Courses or Specialty Practicum courses.

Admission is competitive. Admission is competitive and only completed applications will be reviewed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check their electronic admission file for completion of checklist items. Applications are accepted on a Rolling Admission basis for the Fall and Spring matriculation. Full-Time Students are generally admitted to the Fall Semester and can complete the degree in 2 years (4 semesters). Part-Time students can complete the degree in 3-5 years. Please seek advice from Lisa Marchand (Lisa_Marchand@uml.edu) Coordinator of the MS/NP program for appropriate courses to take as a non-matriculated student. Upon admission, these courses can be transferred via petition.

Additional Information

The following health and professional documentation is required upon admission: Current CPR certification, RN nursing license, required immunizations (or titers indicating immunity) influenza, Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, varicella, PPD; and recent health exam by health care provider. In addition, every student must be cleared by CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information). Students who cannot provide this information will be unable to complete required clinical practicum.

DEGREEDegree Pathway for Master of Science in Nursing Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (full time option*) 

AREASAreas of Specializations:

Adult-Gerontological Nursing

This specialty focuses on promoting health of young adults age 13 and up, adults and older adults during the process of normal aging and identifying and treating common health problems. Students develop advanced skills in communicating with young adults, adults and older adults, health assessment, health teaching and nursing intervention and evaluation. Students are prepared as nurse practitioners and eligible to sit for the adult gerontological primary care nurse practitioner certification exam.

Family Health Nursing

This specialty focuses on facilitating the health practices of families during the process of normal development and identifying and treating common health problems across the life span. Students develop advanced skills in communicating with families, health assessment, health teaching and nursing intervention and evaluation. Students are prepared as nurse practitioners and are eligible to sit for the family nurse practitioner certification exam.