Ranked Among the Best
MSN: Community/Public Health Nursing
Make a difference for patients and communities by addressing the roots of our most significant health care issues.
Community and public health nurses solve real-world health problems by merging their clinical knowledge with community involvement and outreach efforts. With a strong focus on population health, social justice, and evidence-based programs, our Community/Public Health Nursing master’s specialty will prepare you to assume a leadership role in addressing large-scale health challenges that impact entire communities.
Earning a Master of Science in Nursing degree in this specialization will equip you with the advanced practice skills to develop, deliver, and evaluate public health efforts that are realistic and culturally sensitive. The program’s coursework and your individualized practica will lay the groundwork for you to collaborate successfully with communities and stakeholders to become the best community and public health advocate that you can be.
Additionally, you can further increase your potential with:
- a dual Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health degree
- graduate-level certificates in Environmental Health, Global Health, or Teaching in Nursing and Health Professions.
The nursing profession is in need of community and public health nurse leaders who can positively impact the determinants of health in Baltimore and beyond.
Program Snapshot
Length
As little as 2 years
Format
Blended (face-to-face and online)
Tuition and Fees View overview
In State Tuition: $926/credit hour
Out of State Tuition: $1,643/credit hour
Out of State Tuition: $1,643/credit hour
Credits
38
Accreditation Read Details
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Competency-Based Education
This program’s curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, which focus on competency-based education (CBE). CBE is a student-centered approach that is built on the science of how we learn and provides multiple opportunities for you to demonstrate and use what you are learning as you learn it.
We are strongly committed to collaborating with and serving the needs of our neighbors.
Our faculty maintain strong connections with more than 50 community and public health programs at the federal, state, and local levels, including nonprofit and hospital organizations.
As a University of Maryland, Baltimore student, you’ll also have interprofessional opportunities that allow you to work with students from other professions to promote better outcomes for vulnerable populations.
What You’ll Learn
Our Community/Public Health Nursing MSN specialty prepares you to make a difference for patients and communities by focusing on:
- health promotion and disease prevention
- health needs of select populations in community contexts
- epidemiology, program planning, and evaluation
- grant writing, organizational analysis, and social marketing.
How the Program Works
- The program can be completed in as little as four semesters.
- Full-time and part-time options are available.
- Coursework includes:
- five online courses
- five face-to-face courses
- two practicum courses (315 total service-learning hours)
- You’ll work with an advisor to determine a practicum placement that is tailored to your interests and career goals.
Save Time and Money
If you're currently a registered nurse with an associate degree, you can save 6 credits (one full semester) when you enroll in UMSON's RN-to-MSN, an accelerated path to both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and this MSN specialty.
"The work that we do in the nurses clinic at Paul's Place with low-income neighbors and people experiencing homelessness is core to the care giving directive for nurses," says alumna and UMSON Assistant Professor Megan Doede, PhD, RN. "It's why I became a nurse. It's a privilege to share my work with students." Read more.
What You’ll Do
Upon graduation from this Master of Science in Nursing program, you’ll be able to lead population health and public health efforts in a variety of roles and settings. Our graduates are employed by:
- local and state health departments
- federal and state agencies
- nonprofit and research organizations
- hospital-based community programs
- nongovernmental agencies
- schools and school systems
- universities and colleges (as faculty).
More Information About the Community/Public Health Nursing Specialty:
Courses You'll Take
For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.
The Community/Public Health master's specialty requires:
- 38 credits
- 315 practicum hours
Sample Plans of Study:
- Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Fall Start
- Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Spring Start
- Part-Time Sample Plan of Study - Spring Start
- Part-Time Sample Plan of Study - Fall Start
Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Fall Start
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester (Fall) | ||
| NRSG 790 | Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NRSG 780 | Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 |
| NURS 761 | Populations at Risk in Community/Public Health | 3 |
| NURS 769 | Society, Health, and Social Justice | 3 |
| Total | 12 | |
| Second Semester (Spring) | ||
| NURS 671 | Epidemiological Assessment Strategies | 3 |
| NURS 732 | Program Planning and Evaluation in Community/Public Health | 3 |
| NURS 762 | Program Planning and Evaluation in Community/Public Health Practicum | 3 |
| NRSG 795 | Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| Total | 12 | |
| Third Semester (Summer) | ||
| NURS 730 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| Total | 3 | |
| Fourth Semester (Fall) | ||
| NURS 733 | Leadership in Community/Public Health | 4 |
| NURS 753 | Practicum in Leadership in Community/Public Health Nursing | 4 |
| NRSG 782 | Health Systems and Health Policy: Leadership and Quality Improvement | 3 |
| Total | 11 | |
| Total Credits | 38 |
Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Spring Start
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester (Spring) | ||
| NRSG 790 | Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NRSG 780 | Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 |
| NURS 671 | Epidemiological Assessment Strategies | 3 |
| NRSG 795 | Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| Total | 12 | |
| Second Semester (Fall) | ||
| NURS 761 | Populations at Risk | 3 |
| NURS 769 | Society Health and Social Justice | 3 |
| NRSG 782 | Health Systems and Health Policy | 3 |
| NURS 730 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| Total | 12 | |
| Third Semester (Spring) | ||
| NURS 732 | Program Planning | 3 |
| NURS 762 | Program Planning Practicum | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Fourth Semester (Fall) | ||
| NURS 733 | Leadership in Community/Public Health | 4 |
| NURS 753 | Practicum in Leadership in Community/Public Health Nursing | 4 |
| Total | 11 | |
| Total Credits | 38 |
Part-Time Sample Plan of Study - Spring Start
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester (Spring) | ||
| NRSG 790 | Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NRSG 780 | Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Second Semester (Fall) | ||
| NURS 761 | Populations at Risk in Community/Public Health | 3 |
| NURS 769 | Society, Health, and Social Justice | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Third Semester (Spring) | ||
| NRSG 795 | Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NURS 671 | Epidemiological Assessment Strategies | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Fourth Semester (Fall) | ||
| NRSG 782 | Health Systems and Health Policy: Leadership and Quality Improvement | 3 |
| NURS 730 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Fifth Semester (Spring) | ||
| NURS 732 | Program Planning and Evaluation in Community/Public Health | 3 |
| NURS 762 | Program Planning and Evaluation in Community/Public Health Practicum | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Sixth Semester (Fall) | ||
| NURS 733 | Leadership in Community/Public Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 753 | Practicum in Leadership in Community/Public Health Nursing | 4 |
| Total | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 38 |
Part-Time Sample Plan of Study - Fall Start
| Course | Title | Credits |
| First Semester (Fall) | ||
| NURS 761 | Populations at Risk | 3 |
| NRSG 780 | Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Second Semester (Spring) | ||
| NURS 671 | Epidemiological Assessment Strategies | 3 |
| NRSG 790 | Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Third Semester (Summer) | ||
| NURS 730 | Environmental Health | 3 |
| Total | 3 | |
| Fourth Semester (Fall) | ||
| NRSG 795 | Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NURS 769 | Society Health and Social Justice | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Fifth Semester (Spring) | ||
| NURS 732 | Program Planning | 3 |
| NURS 762 | Program Planning Practicum | 3 |
| Total | 6 | |
| Sixth Semester (Summer) | ||
| NRSG 782 | Health Systems and Health Policy | 3 |
| Total | 3 | |
| Seventh Semester (Fall) | ||
| NURS 733 | Leadership in Community/Public Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 753 | Practicum in Leadership in Community/Public Health Nursing | 4 |
| Total | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 38 |
Scholarship Opportunities
Your nursing education is an important investment. Financial aid and scholarships can help make your goals a reality.
UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.
| Type of Aid | Award |
|---|---|
| Federal Financial Aid | various award amounts |
| Maryland Financial Aid | various award amounts |
| Merit Scholarships | $1,500-$3,000 per semester (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 | 50%: in-state tuition, fees, and books (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 | 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:
- be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program
- complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year by UMB's award priority deadline
- FAFSA Submission period: Oct. 1 (of the previous year) through Feb. 28
- FAFSA School code: 002104
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
MSN Admission Information
In this section:
- Deadlines
- Qualifications
- Application Materials and Instructions
- Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S
Deadline:
For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the respective deadlines to ensure your application is considered for admission and scholarships.
| Spring 2026 Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Regular Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration | Nov. 1, 2025 Completed applications received after this deadline are reviewed solely on a space-available basis. Only applicants who apply by this deadline will be eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required). Federal financial aid eligibility is not impacted by this deadline. |
| Final Deadline | Jan. 1, 2026 All applications and supplemental documents must be received by this date. Incomplete applications after this deadline will be canceled. |
Should the deadline fall on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the subsequent business day.
- Effective Fall 2025, after the admissions committee file review, applicants interested in the community public health specialty may be invited to an on-campus interview.
- Applicants not selected for an interview will not be advanced to the next stage of applicant review.
Qualifications:
- bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing from:
- an ACEN- (formally known as NLNAC), CCNE- or NLN CNEA- accredited college or university
or - an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
- an ACEN- (formally known as NLNAC), CCNE- or NLN CNEA- accredited college or university
- an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0
Application Materials:
|
Materials |
Submission Guidelines |
| Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. |
Start your application now via the Admissions Dashboard. The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:
|
| One recommendation. Your recommendation must come from a recent professional source. Only the first recommendation received will be considered. | Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard. |
Essay. Please submit a 500-1,000-word essay that addresses the following:
|
|
| Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. | |
| A copy of your valid, unrestricted (current) RN license in the United States. For a current list of compact states, see the Maryland Board of Nursing website; if you hold an active Maryland RN license, send us a copy of your printable license verification, available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website. | |
|
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:
|
Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu.
|
| 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. |
Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S:
- If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
- If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.
The Health Service Leadership management and Nursing Informatics master's specialties are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore due to the amount of online courses.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the Community/Public Health MSN program?
The program prepares nurses to address health disparities and improve health outcomes in communities through advanced public health nursing practice. It emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and the management of chronic conditions in diverse populations.
What are the admission requirements?
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN): Applicants must have a BSN from an accredited institution.
- GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Licensure: Current, active RN license.
- Experience: Preferred but not required; relevant nursing experience can strengthen your application.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two to three letters from academic or professional references.
- Personal Statement: A statement outlining your career goals and reasons for pursuing the MSN in Community/Public Health.
What is the duration of the program?
The program can typically be completed in 2-3 years of full-time study. Part-time options may also be available, allowing for greater flexibility.
What courses will I take?
Core courses include:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Health Policy and Advocacy
- Community/Public Health Nursing Theory and Practice
- Leadership in Public Health Nursing
Are there clinical requirements?
Yes, the program includes clinical practicum experiences in community and public health settings. These experiences are designed to provide hands-on learning and practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Can I work while completing the program?
Many students work part-time while completing the program. The part-time study option is designed to accommodate working professionals.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Public Health Nurse
- Community Health Coordinator
- Health Educator
- Epidemiologist
- Program Manager in public health agencies, non-profits, and healthcare organizations
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid options are available, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for more information.
What certificates can I obtain while in the program?
UMSON offers opportunities to earn certificates in several specialized areas, including:
- Global Health: Focuses on health issues that transcend national boundaries and emphasizes collaborative solutions.
- Environmental Health: Addresses the impact of environmental factors on health and promotes sustainable practices.
- Substance Use and Addictions: Prepares students to understand and address issues related to substance use disorders and addiction treatment.
- Teaching in Nursing: Equips students with the skills necessary for effective teaching and curriculum development in nursing education.
These certificates can enhance your expertise and expand your career opportunities in specific areas of public health and nursing education.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the UMSON admissions portal. Be sure to check the application deadlines and ensure all required materials are submitted on time.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, you can contact the admissions office at UMSON or visit the program’s webpage on the UMSON website.
Interview Dates and Preparation
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing suggests that prospective students should be prepared to share the following information during their MSN interview:
- Life experiences that have influenced your interest in nursing.
- Personal strengths, skills, and aptitudes that will contribute to a continued career in nursing.
- Personal academic challenges and successes that have affected your nursing goals.
- Obstacles encountered while achieving career goals.
- Your personal and professional goals and how earning an MSN will help you achieve them.
Preparing for your Interview
- We recommend that you review the AACN Essentials: The Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals and the Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations to familiarize yourself with the core competencies and standards expected in the nursing and CPHN profession.
- Attend an MSN Online chat: Engaging with faculty and current students to gain insights and ask questions.
- Review our CPH FAQ’s: Ensure you understand the program details, requirements, and expectations.
Next Steps After Your Interview
- After you have attended your interview, the admissions committee will deliberate, and you will receive an email regarding your application decision.
Interview Dates
- Rolling
Upcoming Admissions Events
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