School of Nursing

Nursing M.S.

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Emphasis

The Master of Science degree in Nursing with an emphasis in CNL prepares the post-baccalaureate nursing student for a leadership role in the management of clinical outcomes and patient care environments. The graduate is eligible to apply for national certification from the Commission on Nurse Certification, an autonomous arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Part-time study. Health policies, OSHA requirements, CPR and criminal background check are required. Completion of a master's thesis is an option.

This program prepares the graduate to function as a leader in collaborative, outcomes-based practice. The CNL is an advanced generalist who provides lateral integration at the point of care, complex patient care, evaluation and improvement of patient and process outcomes, assessment and management of risks, and coordination of care. Implementation will vary across settings; this is not an advanced practice role.  

For degree and program requirements, see:

Nursing M.S. — Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Emphasis  

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Emphasis

The Master of Science degree in Nursing with an emphasis in FNP prepares the post-baccalaureate nursing student for advanced clinical practice in primary care of families. The graduate is eligible to apply for national certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Part-time study only. Health policies, OSHA requirements, CPR, ACLS certification, and criminal background check are required. Completion of a master's thesis is an option.

The program provides the graduate with the expertise to function in an autonomous and collaborative role as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) who provides primary care in a variety of settings. The graduate is eligible to be recognized as an Advanced Practice Nurse from the State Board of Nursing with all the rights and privileges associated with this title.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Nursing M.S. — Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Emphasis   

Master’s student admission requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree from an NLN or CCNE accredited institution with an upper division major in nursing.
2. Eligibility for Colorado licensure as a registered nurse.
3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on the baccalaureate level.
4. Two letters of reference.
5. A statement of career goals.
6. One year of clinical experience is preferred.
7. A personal interview may be required.

Nursing D.N.P.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares expert clinicians for advanced practice roles in hospitals, primary care clinics, specialty settings such as long term care facilities, and virtually any area they wish to practice within the healthcare industry. These highly skilled practitioners will be the leaders in healthcare delivery and care management. The program has two entry options: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S./B.S.N.) to D.N.P. or the traditional Master’s to D.N.P. The speciality emphasis for the B.S./B.S.N. to D.N.P. is in family with a preparation to be a family nurse practitioner (F.N.P.).

Specific exceptions to the Graduate School requirements for doctoral degrees have been approved. Those exceptions relate to the dissertation proposal, dissertation, defense of dissertation, advancement to candidacy, doctoral committees, research course and credit hours. Because of the clinical focus of this degree, rigorous academic standards are maintained throughout the program rather than completion of a dissertation. Students will be required to complete a capstone project.

Admission Requirements

Post Bachelors in Nursing Pathway

1. A bachelor’s degree in nursing from NLN or CCNE accredited institutions.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0
3. Eligibility for Colorado licensure as a registered nurse.
4. One year minimum of clinical practice is preferred.
5. Three letters of reference from former faculty, supervisor, and/or professional colleagues.
6. Submission of a brief sample of professional writing (maximum of 10 pages). Examples:
   • Describe a scholarly evidence based case study that best exemplifies your practice.
   • Describe a current practice related concept including its scope and significance, the patient population and the clinical setting of interest. Discuss alternative approaches described in the literature and identify an approach that you might take in addressing the concept.
7. A resume or curriculum vitae.
8. Career goal statement articulating “why now" for your practice doctorate.
9. Description of practice experiences and settings.
10. A personal interview may be required.

Post Masters in Nursing Pathway

1. A master’s degree in nursing from NLN or CCNE accredited institutions.
2. Preparation as Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) with documentation of national certification as an APN.
3. Minimum of 500 clinical practicum hours in the APN master’s program.
4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
5. Eligibility for Colorado licensure as a registered nurse and APN.
6. Three letters of reference from former faculty, supervisor, and/or professional colleagues.
7. Submission of a brief sample of professional writing (maximum of 10 pages). Examples:
   • Describe a scholarly evidence based case study that best exemplifies your practice.
   • Describe a current practice related concept including its scope and significance, the patient population and the clinical setting of interest. Discuss alternative approaches described in the literature and identify an approach that you might take in addressing the concept.
8. A resume or curriculum vitae.
9. Career goal statement articulating “why now" for your practice doctorate.
10. Description of practice experiences and settings.
11. Graduate level inferential statistical methods course (SRM 602) or equivalent. Must be completed prior to beginning DNP coursework.
12. A personal interview may be required.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Nursing D.N.P.

Nursing Education Ph.D.

The Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing Education prepares nurses who provide professional leadership in nursing education, the scholarship of teaching, practice and research in the discipline. The program has two entry options: Bachelor’s in Nursing (BS) to Ph.D. or the traditional Master’s to Ph.D.

Admission requirements

1. Completion of a bachelors of science in nursing from an accredited school or completion of a bachelors in nursing and a master’s degree.
2. Admission to the Graduate Program of UNC:
   1. GRE scores must have been taken within 5 years of application date, i). Verbal and quantitative scores (800 possible on each) must add up to at least 1000 total, and no less than a 400 on either, ii.) Analytical writing skills (6.0 possible) must be at least 3.5.
   2. GPA 3.0 minimum (4.0 scale).
   3. Two copies of all transcripts from any academic work post high school (if previous coursework was from UNC, no copies are required).
3. Current RN licensure.
4. Three letters of recommendation:
   1. One addressing the applicant’s experience with/interest in/potential for nursing education, and professional leadership skills.
   2. One from a doctorally prepared nursing educator addressing the applicant’s academic potential.
   3. One letter from a reference of the student’s choice.
5. Personal statement of future goals/interest in nursing education.
6. Interview with nursing faculty (scheduled by telephone or in person).

For degree and program requirements, see:

Nursing Education Ph.D.