Mar 03, 2025  
[DRAFT] 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
[DRAFT] 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Leadership in Nursing, MSN


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[linked graphic] Program Description [linked graphic] Program Student Learning Outcomes [linked graphic] Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria [linked graphic] Program Course Requirements [linked graphic] Have questions? Contact us!

Program Description

The Leadership in Nursing Graduate Program provides an MSN in two concentrations: 1) Nursing Education Leadership in a Digital World or 2) Nursing Administration and Transformational Leadership.  The advanced degree tracks build on the background of experienced registered nurses to prepare them to function in a variety of leadership roles in complex healthcare systems.  

Nursing Education Leadership in a Digital World concentration prepares the professional registered nurse to practice in a variety of leadership positions in the ever-changing world of nursing education whether in health care or academic environments. Grounded in nursing education practice and guided by healthcare and education theory and research, the graduate will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide leadership in a nursing education setting. The program emphasizes experiential learning in teaching through three practicum courses along with developing technology proficiencies, such as use of simulation, to maximize educational outcomes for students, patients, or nursing staff.  

Nursing Administration and Transformational Leadership concentration develops knowledge and skills in collaborative practice grounded in current evidence in leadership, healthcare economics, and policy development. Housed in the WellStar College of Health and Human Services, the Leadership in Nursing MSN programs maintain close community ties with a variety of health care agencies and providers. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: 

  1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing, related sciences, and humanities in the implementation of advanced nursing roles and specialties to improve healthcare outcomes in all healthcare settings or systems.
  2. Integrate social, economic, organizational, ethical, legal, and cultural influences in planning, delivering, managing, and evaluating potential and actual healthcare problems of individuals, families, and diverse populations.
  3. Employ strategies for evidence-based practice in the leadership, education, or administration of healthcare settings or systems.
  4. Apply collaborative, interprofessional communication skills to improve care delivery systems, safety, quality outcomes, and patient self-care, and to expedite coordination of services across all healthcare settings or systems.
  5. Employ informatics and healthcare technologies in the delivery, integration, and coordination of healthcare education, administration, or practice for individuals, families, and diverse populations.
  6. Employ leadership and advocacy skills in the implementation of ethical and collaborative policies to improve quality and safety outcomes for individuals, families, and diverse populations in a variety of healthcare settings and systems.
  7. Participate in the creation and translation of research and evidence-based knowledge in all healthcare settings to improve care, quality, and safety for patients, families, and diverse populations, as well as for self and the healthcare team.

[icon] This program is a part of the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services 

Accreditation Information

The baccalaureate degree and master’s degree in nursing at Kennesaw State University are accredited by:

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education,

655 K Street, NW,

Suite 750,

Washington, DC 20001,

202-887-6791. 

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Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

The following are program-specific criteriabeyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office:

  • Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited institution with a satisfactory GPA of at least 3.00. 
  • Statement of Personal Goals - This can be uploaded into the online application. It should not exceed one page.  
  • Current unencumbered RN licensure in the state of Georgia (Education Track) or state in which practice is planned for Nursing Administration Track (submit copy). 
  • Two Letters of Recommendation - These can be sent electronically through the online application. 
  • Undergraduate research course. 

Admission decisions are based on overall evaluation of all these elements.

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

Students classified as non-degree students are not permitted to enroll in the MSN Leadership in Nursing Education program.

Transfer Credit

Up to 15 quarter hours or 9 semester hours of graduate work from other accredited institutions may be transferred. This work must correspond to the MSN curriculum at Kennesaw State University. Decisions regarding potential transfer will be made by the Associate Program Director. The credit to be considered for transfer will not be more than five years old at the time the student enters. 

Enrollment Criteria

This program does not have specific enrollment requirements. 

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .

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Program Course Requirements

Research Core (6 Credit Hours)


This series of theory and research courses provides the foundation for advanced practice nursing scholarship.

Concentration (34 Credit Hours)


Select one concentration from the following:

Program Total (40 Credit Hours)


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