Nursing
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Program Contact Information
Website: nursing.utah.edu
10 S. 2000 E.,
Salt Lake City, UT, 84112
Phone: 801-581-3414
External Program Accreditation
Program Description
Master of Science in Nursing (MS)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MS) program prepares experienced nurses for advanced roles that strengthen education, practice, and technology-enabled care environments. The program builds skills in critical inquiry, professional communication, and application of nursing science to support the evolving needs of health systems. Students complete one of two 34-credit plans of study, each with full- and part-time options. The full-time plan of study is completed in 16 months (4 semesters). The MS program is part of UOnline. Courses are asynchronous online, with practicum/residency experiences arranged to accommodate individual students' locations and goals.
Nursing Education Emphasis
This emphasis prepares nurses to teach and support learning in academic and clinical settings. Students also gain advanced graduate-level nursing competencies that strengthen critical thinking, evidence-informed practice, and professional leadership. Specialty coursework and residency experiences support NLN nurse educator competencies in curriculum design, assessment, and the facilitation of learning.
Nursing Informatics Emphasis
This emphasis prepares nurses to use data, information systems, and technology to improve care quality, workflows, and clinical decision‑making. Students also develop core graduate-level nursing competencies that support effective analysis, evidence-informed practice, and leadership in technology-enabled environments. Coursework includes artificial intelligence, health information systems, data analytics, and practice‑improvement strategies.
Graduates of both emphases are well-positioned to continue their education through the Post MS–DNP: Leadership in Health Systems and Practice.
Emphasis Options:
Nursing Education
Nursing Informatics
Program Admissions Requirements
Applicants are invited to attend a College of Nursing Graduate Information Session before submitting their application.
Students will follow the regular University of Utah Graduate School application processes.
Applicants to the Master of Science program must meet the following requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing: This program is designed for individuals who have earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally and nationally accredited institution.
Registered Nurse Licensure: Applicants must hold a current, unrestricted RN license. Students who have recently graduated and are awaiting NCLEX results may be admitted with the expectation that they will pass the RN boards during their first semester of enrollment.
Academic Performance: In accordance with University policy, applicants need a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from their undergraduate program.
Additional Requirements:
Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
A résumé or curriculum vitae
A statement of professional goals
Two professional or academic references
Application: Deadline: March 1
The College of Nursing offers many funding opportunities for Nursing graduate students. There is a separate application for scholarships. You must submit a scholarship application by the deadline in order to be considered for funding.
To apply for scholarships and other funding opportunities such as TA and RA positions, visit the College of Nursing Graduate Scholarships webpage.
International Applicants
International applicants must meet all University of Utah Graduate School requirements for admission.