Requirements
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration is an integrated dual degree program requiring students to complete a minimum of 53 semester hours to graduate. Registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing are eligible to apply for this dual degree. Graduates are prepared to apply both professional nursing and business theories in their administrative roles. The goal of this program is to prepare nurses for administrative roles that facilitate quality patient care in the increasingly complex health care industry.
Designated courses in the dual M.S.N.-M.B.A. program are integrated courses which incorporate concepts from both business and nursing. See course descriptions for further information. Integrated courses are intended only for this dual degree and will not substitute for courses in the individual M.B.A. or M.S.N. programs.
Graduate Outcomes
The graduate will be able to demonstrate the following M.S.N. outcomes:
The following graduate outcomes were adapted from the 2011 American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing.
- Integrate knowledge gained from nursing, bio-psychosocial fields, genetics/genomics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing education in diverse settings.
- Incorporate leadership, collaborative, and organizational skills into educational practice in order to emphasize ethical and critical decision-making, effective working relationships, and a system-perspective.
- Integrate the principles of quality improvement and evaluation into the advanced nurse practice role as well as the role of administrators in healthcare settings.
- Utilize evidence-based practice, research findings, and collaborative skills to affect accountable change in nursing practice, education, and health care policy.
- Analyze practice, legal, and ethical considerations of current and emerging health care technologies utilized in patient-care and nursing, and healthcare administration.
- Integrate ethical practices and policies which appropriately address the unique healthcare laws and regulations healthcare organizations must follow.
- Integrate the principles of patient-centered and culturally appropriate concepts of planning, delivering, and evaluating prevention and population care into nursing education, clinical practice care and healthcare administration.
- Analyze significant issues between clinical nursing practice and healthcare administration to offer effective conflict resolution and provide leadership for practical solutions.
The graduate will be able to demonstrate the following MBA outcomes:
- Recognize problems.
- Integrate theory and practice for the purpose of strategic analysis.
- Employ and apply quantitative techniques and methods in the analysis of real-world business situations.
- Communicate to relevant audiences.
- Work effectively with a team of colleagues on diverse projects.
- Identify and analyze the ethical obligations and responsibilities of business.
Admission Requirements for the M.S.N.–M.B.A. Program
In addition to the general admission requirements to the graduate school, each applicant must:
- hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school of nursing;
- submit a statement of professional goals and current resume;
- hold a current unencumbered RN license with no pending action in any state, and the unencumbered license must be maintained throughout enrollment in the program;
- have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0;
- earn an admission evaluation score of 1000, calculated according to the following:
GMAT score + [200 X undergraduate GPA] + [10 X number of years relevant work experience*]
*A maximum of 10 years relevant work experience may be used.
Admission/Progression/Graduation Requirements
Admission and progression through the M.S.N.-M.B.A. program involves an integrated process with major requirements from each individual program included. Graduates of the William Carey University M.S.N. program will be considered for admission for the M.S.N.-M.B.A. degree option provided all degree requirements are met within six years of admission to the M.S.N. program. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in both M.B.A. and M.S.N. course work throughout the program in order to progress and be eligible for the degree.
Admission Status
Each application for admission will be presented to the M.S.N.-M.B.A. admissions committee for approval. After review of the application packet, the M.S.N.-M.B.A. admissions committee may grant the applicant regular, probationary, or non-degree admission status. An applicant must be admitted to William Carey University prior to being considered for admission for the M.S.N.-M.B.A. degree.
- Regular Admission Status
Regular admission status is awarded to an applicant who has 1,000 or more points on either the regular admission formula or the alternate admission formula (described above).
- Probationary Admission Status
Applicants who fail to meet the designated criteria for regular admission status may be admitted on probation until evidence of successful work is established. Probationary admission may be granted by the M.S.N.-M.B.A. admissions committee to an applicant who does not meet the criteria for regular admission status but appears to be capable of satisfactory performance in the M.S.N.-M.B.A. program.A student will remain on probation until the completion of at least six hours of course work in the program. A student admitted on probationary status must maintain a 3.00 GPA or the student will be dismissed and cannot continue in the program. Probationary students who have a GPA of 3.00 or higher at the end of the probationary period will be upgraded to regular admission status. Probationary students who have a GPA below 3.00 at the end of the probationary period will be ineligible to continue in the M.S.N.-M.B.A. program. All courses taken to remove probationary status must be taken at William Carey University.
- Incomplete Admission Status
A student may be enrolled in the M.S.N.-M.B.A. program under the “Incomplete Admission Status” under the conditions that he or she presents a completed M.S.N.-M.B.A. application, a copy of his or her college transcript reflecting graduation from an accredited college institution, submission of the completed “Graduate Incomplete Admission” form, and the application fee. This incomplete status will allow the M.S.N.-M.B.A. student to complete one trimester in the M.S.N.-M.B.A. program, but the student will not be allowed to continue without further completion of all requirements under the terms and conditions stated on the previous page under “Admissions Process.” This shall include: official transcripts of all college work completed, two nominations, and completion of the GMAT. All the requirements of admission must be completed before the student will be allowed to continue following the trimester admitted under the “Incomplete Admission Status.” A student admitted under this status may take only nine hours of course credit. Upon completion of all the requirements as stated, the student will be further evaluated to determined his or her future status applying the standards of the “admission evaluation score” as specified under the previous section. Students on incomplete status, who would have been on probation once the incomplete is removed, will be considered on probation for that trimester.
- Nondegree Admission
A limited number of students who do not desire to complete the M.S.N.-M.B.A. degree may be admitted to M.S.N.-M.B.A. classes as nondegree students. Up to 9 hours may be taken within the M.S.N.-M.B.A. program as a nondegree student. Approval for such status is on a course by course basis by the M.S.N.-M.B.A. admissions committee chair or M.S.N.-M.B.A. director. Students seeking nondegree status must provide transcripts of all previous course work and a completed application form. Such enrolled nondegree students are prohibited from enrolling in the M.S.N.-M.B.A. program in the future under Incomplete Status. Students must have a 3.00 GPA on all M.S.N.-M.B.A. course work to be considered by the M.S.N.-M.B.A. admisisons committee for regular admission status.
- Early Admission to the M.S.N.–M.B.A. Program
In addition to the early admission requirements given in the “General Information” section of the catalog, a candidate for early admission to the M.S.N.-M.B.A. program must have an application for the undergraduate degree on file in the registrar’s office. The candidate must complete an application for admission and submit two nominations and GMAT scores. After review of the application materials, the M.S.N.-M.B.A. admissions committee may grant early admissions status.
If a student is not admitted because he or she does not meet these admissions criteria, the student may appeal the admission decision to the admissions committee for reconsideration. A student may be admitted by the admissions committee if the committee determines that the student has the potential for success in the M.S.N.-M.B.A. program. Recommendations from the student’s supervisors or other individuals will be taken into consideration by the committee.
Health Status Requirements
All students entering nursing courses are required to have a completed School of Nursing health examination form. All students must submit: documentation of receiving the hepatitis B immunization series, or positive titer; two varicella immunizations, or positive titer; a Dtap immunization; and the results of appropriate screening for TB annually. Failure to comply with all health requirements will result in the inability to attend the clinical portion of a course and failure of the course. All students must complete (re)certification of CPR for the Health Professional either annually or every two years, depending on the clinical facilities used. This will be done at an institution of the student’s choice. Students are responsible for submitting evidence of current certification to the nursing office for their file. Failure to do so will result in the inability to attend the clinical portion of a course and failure of the course. All immunizations must remain current as long as the student is enrolled.
Criminal Background Check
All students enrolled in nursing must have clearance of criminal background checks performed within the last two years by the MS State Department of Health or equivalent agency if licensure is in a state other than Mississippi prior to participating in nursing courses. This is a mandatory requirement as part of the Mississippi state law, Section 43-13-11 of Mississippi Code of 1972. All criminal background checks must remain current as long as the student is enrolled.
After initial enrollment, any subsequent disciplinary action, arrest, charge, addiction, or impairment shall also be reported immediately to the dean of nursing. Failure to report any and all subsequent disciplinary actions, arrests, or impairment will constitute falsification of records and may result in loss of licensure as a registered nurse.
Drug Testing
All students will be required to have drug screens upon admission or provide proof of a clear drug screen within the last year. These students can participate in the drug screening process at our new prelicensure student orientation or have it done individually. If done individually, students will be responsible for all sample collection, drug screening, and shipping fees. Random drug screening can be performed at the discretion of the School of Nursing. Refusal by a student to submit to testing will result in denial of admission for new students and immediate dismissal from the School of Nursing for continuing students. Any admitting student who tests positive for illegal drugs must withdraw from clinical nursing courses. The student may reapply for admission in six months and will be admitted based on admission criteria as any new student making application. All costs associated with drug testing and criminal background checks are the responsibility of the students.
Malpractice Insurance
The student is responsible for providing documentation of current malpractice insurance. Insurance can be acquired through William Carey University. Students with private insurance must provide documentation from the insurance carrier that coverage extends to the student role.
Computer Requirements
Technology is an essential and integral aspect of online courses. The student must have access to a computer and stable connection to the internet on a regular basis. A high-speed internet connection, such as a cable modem or DSL line, is preferred. The student will need access to a Word, PowerPoint, and an Excel software program, for example: Microsoft Office 2010 Professional. Students will also need access to audio through speakers and the capability to record through a microphone for selected web-enhanced assignments.
Attendance
Students are to verify coursework, participate and submit coursework on a weekly basis. Missing activities/classes will result in a reduction of the overall course grade. Any missed activities may be made up at the discretion of the course faculty.
Accreditation
The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC, 20036-1120 (202.887.6792); by Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning of the State of Mississippi, and approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. William Carey University is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools— Commission on Colleges.
Program Length
The student can complete the program of study in 18 months. However, it is recommended that each student develop a progression plan with an assigned advisor to ensure individual needs are met. The program is designed to allow students to progress through the program at an individual pace within six years of initial enrollment at William Carey University.
The MSN-MBA degree requires successful completion of 53 hours of course work.
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