The purposes of our post-MS (non-degree) options are to prepare nurses: with expertise in a specialized area of advanced nursing practice; with role preparation as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, administrator, information or policy specialist; for leadership in advanced nursing practice, professional organizations, health care agencies and policy-generating bodies; for entry into doctoral study. Both full-time and part-time study options are available.
After acceptance to a post-master’s (non-degree) option, students complete a “gap analysis” with the appropriate specialty director to determine what courses will comprise their plan of study. For students enrolled in advanced practice areas of post-master’s study, the goal is to identify courses needed to help those students become eligible to sit for national board certification in the respective specialty. When that plan of study is completed, the students’ transcripts reflect the courses taken and the grades earned. Other than the courses taken and grades earned, there will be no additional notations on the transcript and a diploma will not be granted. The specialty director will complete documentation of courses completed as needed for certifying agencies.