It's not too late to start your nursing career in fall 2023!
For Spring 2024: UMSON will begin offering the Master of Science in Nursing Entry-into-Nursing program* as of spring 2024. We will no longer admit to the Clinical Nurse Leader master’s option after fall 2023.
Learn more about this new entry into nursing master’s curriculum.
Our Clinical Nurse Leader master's specialty was ranked No. 1 or 2 for the entire period that U.S. News & World Report ranked such programs.
Through our two-year, direct-entry Clinical Nurse Leader master's option, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to:
Our highly motivated students join us from a variety of fields. From fine art majors to public health graduates, former geologists to psychologists, this master's option attracts those with a common goal: the desire to become nurses and change health care for the better.
What is a Clinical Nurse Leader?
A Clinical Nurse Leader is a master's-educated registered nurse who collaborates with health care providers from other disciplines to ensure the most effective and efficient care possible.
The Clinical Nurse Leader role was developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in 2003 to address the critical need to improve the quality of patient care outcomes. This exciting and rewarding career is the first new nursing role in nearly 40 years.
Congratulations, graduates! In fall 2018, 100 percent of first-time test takers from UMSON passed the CNL Certification Exam.
Our graduates leverage their former life experience and nursing master's degree to pursue a variety of health care careers with roles that include:
Some have also gone on to start their own businesses.
If you wish to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UMSON, there is no need to repeat coursework you've already completed for your master's degree. You can save up to 12 credits over the traditional entry-into-practice path to the DNP. Your personalized plan of study will be determined at the time of admission to the DNP program.
Find out how your prerequisites transfer.
If you have taken coursework in Maryland, the Articulation System for Maryland Colleges and Universities (ARTSYS) is an online evaluation system that can help you determine how courses taken at any two-year college in Maryland transfer to UMSON.
Before you begin the admissions process, you can submit copies of your unofficial transcript(s) to us for review, and an admissions counselor will advise you on your requirements for admission.
Prerequisite Courses
The following lower-division, pre-professional courses may be completed at any accredited college or university.
| Prerequisite Course | Credits | Helpful Course Tips |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry* | 4 | • Must include lab • Must be general chemistry or higher (example: organic) • Preparatory or introductory chemistry is not accepted |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II* | 8 | • Must include lab |
| Microbiology* | 4 | • Must include lab |
| Human Growth and Development | 3 | • Must be a lifespan course covering conception through death • Child/adolescent psychology is not acceptable |
| Statistics | 3 | • Must be a 100-level or higher statistics course |
| Nutrition | 3 | • Must be a human nutrition course |
| English Composition I and II or Creative Writing/Literature | 6 | • Introductory-level English and one higher-level course fulfills this requirement • English as a second language is not accepted |
| Psychology | 3 | • Any course from the psychology department |
| Sociology | 3 | • Any courses from the sociology department |
| College Algebra | 3 | • College algebra or higher, such as pre-calculus or calculus • Intermediate/preparatory algebra is not accepted |
| Social Sciences | 3 | • Anthropology, behavioral science, criminal justice, economics, geography, history, international relations, legal studies, sociology, political science, psychology, social work, women's/cultural studies |
| Arts and Humanities | 9 |
• Courses must come from at least two of these disciplines: art history, classics, communications,dance, history, humanities, film and media studies, foreign language (to include American sign language), linguistics, literature, music studio/visual art, philosophy, religious studies, speech, theatre, women’s/cultural studies |
| General Electives | 7 | • Any additional courses, academic in nature, that are not below the 100 level • English as a second language, orientation, and nursing courses are not accepted |
* These courses must have been taken in the past 10 years.
General Notes:
For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.
Students admitted in the fall semester enroll in classes for four semesters and one summer session.
This plan of study is for students entering the CNL option in fall 2016 and subsequent fall semesters.
| Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
| Fall Year 1 | |
| NURS 501: Pathophysiological and Pharmacological Bases for Nursing Practice | 5 Credits |
| NURS 503: Health Assessment Across the Lifespan | 3 Credits |
| NURS 505: Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice (45 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 507: Introduction to Nursing and the Clinical Nursing Leadership Role | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 15 Credits |
| Spring Year 1 | |
| NURS 514: Adult Health Nursing (135 Clinical Hours) | 6 Credits |
| NURS 625: Introduction to Gerontological Nursing | 2 Credits |
| NURS 736: Technology Solutions for Generating Knowledge in Health Care | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 14 Credits |
| Summer Year 1 | |
| NURS 509: Maternal and Newborn Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NURS 517: Pediatric Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| Total: | 10 Credits |
| Fall Year 2 | |
| NURS 508: Community/Public Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 511: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 15 Credits |
| Spring Year 2 | |
| NURS 523: Clinical Nurse Leader Emphasis Practicum | 8 Credits |
| NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 11 Credits |
| TOTAL 65 CREDITS (4 Semesters/1 Summer Session) | |
View information on the Foundations of Interprofessional Education and Practice Course.
For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.
Students admitted in the spring semester may enroll in classes for:
Students choosing to enroll in both summer courses (509 and 517) in the first summer may have the opportunity to apply for a residency or certified nursing assistant position at a health care facility for their second summer in the program.
This plan of study is for students entering the CNL program in spring 2017 and subsequent spring semesters. This option is four semesters and one summer session.
| Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
| Spring Year 1 | |
| NURS 501: Pathophysiological and Pharmacological Bases for Nursing Practice | 5 Credits |
| NURS 503: Health Assessment Across the Lifespan | 3 Credits |
| NURS 505: Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice (45 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 507: Introduction to Nursing and the Clinical Nursing Leadership Role | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 15 Credits |
| Summer Year 1 | |
| NURS 517: Pediatric Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NURS 509: Maternal and Newborn Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| Total: | 10 Credits |
| Fall Year 1 | |
| NURS 514: Adult Health Nursing (135 Clinical Hours) | 6 Credits |
| NURS 625: Introduction to Gerontological Nursing | 2 Credits |
| NURS 736: Technology Solutions for Generating Knowledge in Health Care | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 14 Credits |
| Spring Year 2 | |
| NURS 508: Community/Public Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 4 Credits |
| NURS 511: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (90 Clinical Hours) | 5 Credits |
| NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 15 Credits |
| Summer Year 2 | |
| Residency or Course Work | |
| Fall Year 2 | |
| NURS 523: Clinical Nurse Leader Emphasis Practicum | 8 Credits |
| NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 11 Credits |
| TOTAL 65 CREDITS (4 Semesters/1 Summer Session) | |
UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.
| Type of Aid | Award |
|---|---|
| Federal Financial Aid | various award amounts |
| Merit Scholarships | $3,000 per semester, or $12,000 total (You are automatically considered for a merit scholarship upon submitting a completed application for enrollment in an UMSON academic program.) |
| Donor-Funded Scholarships | $500-2,000 per semester (offered during the fall and spring semesters) |
| Conway Scholarship | full scholarship: tuition and fees (for those who will have completed 9 credit hours of graduate study by the start of the semester for which the Conway Scholarship is awarded and who have at least half of their credit hours remaining) |
| Graduate Assistantships | competitive; includes stipend, tuition remission, in-state status, and paid student health insurance |
Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships
All students receiving funds through the University must:
The UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education is available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.
Contact Us:
UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office
410-706-0489 | nrsscholarships@umaryland.edu
UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office
410-706-7347 | aidtalk@umaryland.edu
We are no longer accepting applications for Spring 2023.
NOTE: New Curriculum Starting Spring 2024
UMSON will begin offering the Master of Science in Nursing Entry-into-Nursing program* as of spring 2024. We will no longer admit to the Clinical Nurse Leader master’s option after fall 2023.
This new entry master’s curriculum, which will apply to students entering in spring 2024 or later, provides more flexibility for students to tailor their education by selecting electives that build on previous experience or interests in nursing. These credits can be applied toward doctoral or certificate program as well as other career goals.
Learn more about the restructured curriculum and program outcomes for students entering in spring 2024 and beyond.
* pending approval by the Maryland Higher Education Commission
Competitive applicants will be offered admission first. Space is limited so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
| Fall 2023 Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Priority Deadline | Dec. 15, 2022 If your online application and all supplemental application materials are received by this date, your application will be reviewed immediately for priority consideration for admission decisions and scholarships. |
| Deadline | Feb. 1, 2023 Completed applications received after the deadline are reviewed solely on a space-available basis. Only those who apply by this deadline will be eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required). This deadline does not impact eligibility for federal financial aid. |
| Application Review | Rolling basis beginning in February |
| Admissions Decisions Announced | Rolling basis beginning in February |
* These courses must have been taken in the past 10 years.
Prior to applying, applicants must complete a minimum of:
* These courses must have been taken in the past 10 years.
See more information on CNL Prerequisite Requirements.
Accepted students must submit proof of enrollment for any outstanding prerequisite courses. Documentation must be received by June 1 for students admitted for Fall and Sept. 1 for students admitted for Spring. Acceptable documentation includes an official transcript, unofficial transcript or a letter from the registrar’s office stating that you are enrolled for those courses. Failure to provide documentation of coursework in progress may result in the cancellation of your admission. Proof of enrollment documentation can be uploaded on your student portal. All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to enrollment at UMSON. Applicants must submit final grades one week prior to classes starting.
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Materials |
Submission Guidelines |
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Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. |
Start your application now via the Admissions Dashboard. The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:
You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date. We recommend that you continue to log in for regular updates. |
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One recommendation. Your recommendation must come from a professor who can attest to your academic performance. Only the first recommendation received will be considered. |
Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard.
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Essay. Please submit a 500-1,000-word essay that addresses the following:
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Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. |
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Prerequisite Course List. Download and complete the Prerequisite Course List. Prerequisite courses must be taken at regionally or nationally accredited schools. ACE credits are not accepted. |
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Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Returning students are not required to submit UMSON transcripts; we will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application. Please note that UMSON is listed two ways in the Academics area. Please make sure you choose one of the following:
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Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu. |
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Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. |
Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission. |
If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.
For additional admissions-related questions, see our Admissions FAQs.
What is a typical CNL academic schedule like?
The first semester courses are delivered face-to-face, requiring you to be present four to five days each week with one day set aside to be a resource day where students benefit from time with advisors, working with the writing center, or attending open lab sessions. Class days begin between 8 and 9 a.m. and often run as late as 4 or 5 p.m. Additional learning activities are scheduled around formal class sessions, including guided study sessions and peer tutoring opportunities provided by UMSON’s Student Success Center. We find that CNL students need to reserve their weekends to review material covered the previous week and to prepare for the week ahead.
Can I be employed and be successful in the CNL program?
The key factor in academic success in the CNL program is how you balance your home/work/school obligations. While some students successfully balanced as many as 10 hours of work per week, most find that working while in the CNL program is challenging, especially in the first semester. This is true even if you worked during your undergraduate program and/or during a previous graduate program. Generally, nine credits per semester is considered full-time graduate study demanding full attention due to content complexity and program rigor. The CNL program includes 12-15 graduate credits each semester, with 15 credits in the first semester.
Can I apply to the program before I have finished completing all of the prerequisite courses?
Yes; however, prior to applying, you must complete a minimum of:
Do you require any exam scores like the GRE or TEAS?
No; however, if you are an applicant without a U.S. degree, please visit the international applicants webpage as you may be required to submit English language proficiency exam scores.
What happens once I am offered admission to the CNL program?
You have 14 calendar days to accept your admission offer and pay your deposit to hold your place in the class. Because the CNL program admits first by a priority deadline and then on a rolling admission basis until the class is filled, you should have funds available to pay your deposit to ensure your spot in the admitted class.
Once your deposit is paid, you will be directed to additional information about our student success program and orientation.
What if I am not offered admission to the CNL program?
We understand that this is disappointing. Our admission decisions are based on competition within the applicant pool in any given cycle. While the CNL program is always competitive, your application will be freshly evaluated with the next cycle of applicants if you choose to reapply.
Do you offer on-campus housing?
Yes. Please visit the UMB Housing page for more information.
Am I considered an in-state student or an out-of-state student for purposes of tuition?
This may seem like a straightforward question, but there are many factors that impact residency status. Please review the UMB's residency information to understand the comprehensive documentation required to qualify for in-state tuition.
How do I pay for my CNL education?
Loans and Scholarships
Graduate loans are generally offered per credit hour. There are minimum and maximum numbers of credits that can be taken each semester for loan eligibility. Please visit UMB’s University Student Financial Assistance webpages or visit the office in person at 601 W. Lombard St., Suite 221, Baltimore, MD 21201 for more information.
To be eligible for loans and scholarships, you must submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You should submit the FAFSA at the same time you apply to UMSON to ensure timely financial aid decisions.
There are also scholarships available to UMSON graduate students, including CNL students. These are available for first-semester students and for students applying for scholarship support after the first semester. Many of these scholarships are merit based. These scholarships are in addition to four competitive GPA-merit-based scholarships awarded to CNL students each admission cycle. In addition, there are many scholarships that are not UMSON-specific that are available to students based on specific criteria (minority, children and grandchildren of World War II veterans, and home state legislative scholarships, to name a few); we encourage you to do internet searches to learn more about these opportunities.
Selected Funding Opportunities
UMSON Conway Scholarship: This scholarship is available to current students who will have completed 12 credit hours of graduate study by the start of the semester for which the Conway Scholarship is awarded and have at least half of their credit hours remaining. Scholarship funding covers in-state tuition and fees, and it is awarded for the remainder of your academic program. Learn more.
Peace Corps Coverdale Fellowship: UMSON offers Returned Peace Corps Volunteers an outstanding opportunity to build a health care career in nursing. Through service-learning experiences, you will improve people’s lives in underserved communities, build upon the skills and expertise you developed during your Peace Corps service, and advance the Peace Corps’ third goal: bringing the world back home. As a Peace Corps Coverdell Fellow, you’ll receive a $10,000 scholarship to use toward tuition and fees for the duration of your nursing program. Learn more.
NURSE Corps Scholarship Program: Through the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration, you can receive funding for tuition, fees, and other educational costs. In exchange, you must work at an eligible facility with a critical shortage of nurses, a Critical Shortage Facility, upon graduation. Learn more.
Graduate Research Assistants: A limited number of graduate assistant positions are available by application each fiscal year. The selection process is competitive as appointments are given to students who have shown superior aptitude in their field of study and who appear likely to render a high quality of research service to the University. Graduate assistants function both as students and professionals, enhancing their education by playing this important dual role. While studying to meet academic requirements for advanced degrees, graduate assistants also complement their formal studies through research under the supervision or tutelage of UMSON faculty and staff. Employment in this type of position requires a commitment of 20 hours per week, which would require a CNL student to attend less than full time. Learn more and apply.
Work Study: Federal Work Study (FWS) is available to undergraduate and graduate students. FWS provides students the opportunity to earn funds ($10-$17/hour) as an alternative to loan debt while working on or off campus. After submitting the FAFSA, eligible students are offered FWS in the UMB financial aid package. Students must accept the FWS offer prior to seeking employment. Learn more.
Peer Tutors: Opportunities to serve as a peer tutor are available to students through the UMSON Student Success Center after your first semester, based on recommendations from faculty. Students who have demonstrated academic success in mastering content can work as a peer tutor for an hourly wage to assist fellow students in study strategies and content.
