Nursing: Community/Public Health Nursing, M.S.N. – Online

This specialty requires completion of 38 credit hours in approved courses including:

Core Courses: (9 credit hours)

• NURS 6101: Theoretical Basis for Nursing Practice (3)
• NURS 6160: Research in Nursing and Health Professions (3)
• NURS 6115: Health Policy and Planning in the U.S. (3)

Cognate Courses: (9 credit hours)

• HLTH 6202: Community Epidemiology (3)
• STAT 6127: Introduction to Biostatistics (3)

Elective Course: Select one of the following

• NURS 6185: Theory and Application in the Organizational Behavior to Nursing Systems (3)
• NURS 6187: Health Informatics and Financial Management for Nurses (3)
• NURS 6188: Strategic Planning and Decision Making in Nursing (3)
• NURS 6275: Health Promotion, Nutrition, and Wellness for Older Adults (3)
• NURS 6301: Curriculum and Instruction in Nursing Education (3)
• NURS 6302: Trends and Issues in Nursing Education (3)
• NURS 6303: Instructional Technology in Nursing Education (3)
• ELDT 5100: Technology Integration in Education (3)
• ELDT 6000: Topics in Instructional Systems Technology (1-6)
• ELDT 6100: Foundations of Instructional Systems Technology (3)
• ELDT 6101: Learning Principles in Instructional Systems Technology (3)
• ELDT 6110: Instructional Design (3)
• ELDT 6135: Learning Media, Resources, and Technology (3)

System Core Courses: (6 credit hours)

• NURS 6211: Health Disparities and Nursing (3) or
• NURS 6090: Selected Topics in Nursing (1-3) (Study Abroad)
• NURS 6212: Program Improvement and Evaluation (3)

Specialty Courses: (11 credit hours)

• NURS 6180: Community/Public Health Nursing Theory and Practice (3)
• NURS 6480: Community/Public Health Nursing Internship I (3)
• NURS 6481: Community/Public Health Nursing Internship II (3)
• NURS 6210: Family Health in Advanced Practice Nursing (2)
• Courses in the C/PHN specialty area are offered alternate years.

Capstone Courses: (3 credit hours)

• NURS 6603: Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice (3)

Additional Degree Requirements:

• Community/Public Health Nursing courses are only offered online through Distance Education. Core and Selected Core courses can be taken on campus or online as published in the Schedule of Courses.
• A total of 360 clinical hours is required to complete the program.
• Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 (“B”) GPA in their graduate courses, and may not accumulate more than two “C” grades.
• Faculty Advising is required.

General requirements for Master’s students at UNC Charlotte can be found on the Graduate Admissions website.

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following are required for admission to the M.S.N. Systems/Population: Community Public Health Nursing specialty:

• Current unrestricted licensure as a Registered Nurse. Current license in North Carolina or a compact state or the state identified by faculty for clinical practice before enrollment.
• Baccalaureate degree from regionally accredited university. A BSN degree is preferred. If the baccalaureate is not in nursing, other prerequisite courses may be required as part of the plan of study.
• Overall GPA of 3.0 in the last degree earned is preferred.
• Completion of a statistics course with a grade of C or better.
• A statement of purpose, describing the applicant’s experience and objective in undertaking graduate study in the chosen specialty.
• Three letters of recommendation from professional colleagues.
• One year of professional nursing practice is recommended.
• GRE is not required

• August 1 (fall)
• November 1 (spring)
• April 1 (summer)

The Community/Public Health Nursing program at UNC Charlotte equips students with the skills necessary to excel in diverse settings. You’ll learn to:

• Conduct comprehensive community assessments.
• Develop and implement targeted health interventions.
• Work effectively within community organizations, health departments, and more.

Career Opportunities Awaiting Our Graduates

Our graduates are prepared for a wide range of positions within the Community/Public Health Nursing field. Career paths include, but are not limited to:

• Leadership roles in Public Health Departments
• Community-based positions in Home Health Agencies and Hospice
• Wellness Coordinator in Wellness Centers
• School Nurses within School Systems
• Health Advocates in Faith Communities and Community Organizations
• Nursing positions in various settings, including rural and urban environments, industry, and more.

• Expertise in Public Health: Learn to assess community health needs, identify high-risk groups, and collaborate with various stakeholders to develop effective, culturally-sensitive interventions.
• Leadership Skills: Our graduates gain the competencies set by the Quad Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations, empowering them to lead with confidence and skill.
• Flexible Online Learning: Our 100% online format is tailored for working professionals, ensuring you can advance your education without pausing your career. Courses follow a traditional college semester timeframe.

Resident: $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident: $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident: $1,098.21 per credit hour