The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree in nursing with two specialty emphases: Nursing Education and Clinical Care Management in Adult and Geriatrics. The MSN program is designed utilizing national accreditation standards in preparation for national certification in each emphasis.

The Nursing Education specialty emphasis prepares nurses to work as nurse educators in diverse settings such as colleges/universities, hospitals, long-term care, home health/public health, or philanthropic organizations. The program emphasizes faith and learning while integrating holistic teaching methods, instructional design, Christian principles, teaching/learning principles, staff development strategies, student/nurse assessment, and program evaluation. The graduate will be an innovative change agent while teaching within the academic or health care settings with experience in using best practices in teaching. Clinical practicum experiences are distributed over four courses for a total of 500 clinical hours.

The Clinical Care Management in Adult and Geriatrics specialty emphasis prepares nurses to work in diverse settings as a clinician, consultant and coordinator of health care for adult and geriatric populations emphasizing clinical prevention and improved health outcomes for patients with acute and chronic diseases. The program emphasizes the core foundations of the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Adult and Geriatrics, which is an advanced practice nurse specialty role. Students build expertise in health care requirements, regulatory requirements, and Christian principles as a leader and change agent for various adult populations. Clinical practicum experiences are distributed over four courses for a total of 500 clinical hours.

Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Degree Program

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program at Colorado Christian University is selective. Each applicant is carefully evaluated on previous academic performance, personal and professional accomplishments and strength of character. A strong desire to complete graduate level work in a Christ-Centered community of nurse leaders is required. Specific admission requirements include:

• Complete the graduate admission application online.
• Submit current resume, Curriculum Vitae, or portfolio with a resume through the online application process.
• A BSN from a regionally accredited higher education institution. The college or university must have national nursing program accreditation from either CCNE or NLNAC.
• A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.0 and 2.49 will be admitted on a conditional admit (CAD) basis for the first semester.  CAD students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their first nine (9) credits to remain in the program.
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Documentation of a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing must be present on one of the transcripts.
• Participate in an admission interview.
• Upon provisional acceptance into the program, applicant must complete a criminal background check online through Certified Background. Enter the student code OB74 (first two alpha, second two numeric). This must be completed before registering for your first class. See disqualifying offenses.

Transfer of Courses

In accordance with CCU’s Graduate Residency Policy, students transferring from a regionally accredited institution may transfer up to nine (9) semester hours of graduate credit from a regionally accredited master’s program toward the Master of Science in Nursing degree, and must complete the remaining hours at CCU.  The coursework must be comparable to that offered at CCU and fulfill the CCU degree requirements for the MSN. Specific courses which will not be accepted for transfer into the MSN program include specialty emphasis courses.  

Application Deadlines

Completed application deadlines are one month prior to the beginning of a course that is available for a new student in the program. There may be multiple start dates each year.

Time Limitation

All course work applied toward a master’s degree must be completed within a five-year period from the date of enrollment. If all courses are not completed after a five-year period, the student will be required to petition for an exception to the academic policy. Continuing study is not guaranteed and must be approved by the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences. 

Graduate Certificate Program in Nursing

Certificate programs challenge students to update and enhance their competency.  The nursing program provides opportunity for post baccalaureate nurses to complete four graduate courses and obtain a graduate certificate within two specialty areas.  Courses address evidence based practice and advanced nursing concepts within a biblical framework focusing on servant leadership within professional practice.  A total of 325 clinical practicum hours are included.  Courses can be completed within 12 months.  Students have the option to use graduate certificate courses completed at a B or higher grade within a degree emphasis if they apply and are accepted within five years into the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.  Students must have an unencumbered RN license and a BSN degree. For more information please see the Nursing Graduate Certificate Program  page.