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Master of Science in Nursing
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Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing program at MUSC prepares experienced nurses to lead with confidence, influence health care delivery and improve patient outcomes. Designed for working professionals, the program offers a flexible online format that allows students to build advanced clinical knowledge while developing skills in leadership, policy and evidence-based practice. Faculty are recognized experts who connect academic learning with the realities of modern health care. Through interactive coursework, mentorship and immersive practice experiences, students engage with innovative solutions to complex health care challenges. Graduates leave ready to excel in advanced roles and make a meaningful impact across care settings.
Application Timeline
Fall 2026
August 15 - May 1
Learning Experience
Engage in interactive coursework enriched by virtual simulations, real-world case studies and occasional in-person immersions that reinforce practical nursing competencies.
Inside the Program
When you pursue your Master of Science in Nursing at MUSC, you engage in a rigorous and dynamic curriculum designed to deepen your clinical expertise, strengthen your leadership capabilities, and expand your ability to influence health systems and patient care. You join a learning environment that prepares you to think critically, lead confidently, and innovate within the evolving landscape of health care.
Advanced nursing knowledge built for your practice
Your coursework immerses you in advanced nursing sciences that extend beyond foundational practice. You explore complex health concepts such as advanced pathophysiology, clinical assessment and reasoning, and advanced pharmacotherapeutics through engaging online and hybrid learning experiences. These core courses are structured so you can apply new knowledge directly to your clinical reasoning and decision-making.
Flexible learning designed around your life
This program is structured with your professional and personal commitments in mind. Through a mix of online coursework and select on-campus experiences, you navigate your studies with flexibility and connection to faculty and peers. You will interact with a community of learners who bring diverse clinical perspectives, enhancing both your network and your understanding of nursing’s role across settings.
Professional growth within an academic health system
As you advance in the MSN, you benefit from MUSC’s position as an integrated academic health sciences center. Faculty bring active clinical, research, and leadership experience into your learning, bridging theory with the real world of patient care and health leadership. Simulation, case discussion, and reflective practice are woven throughout the curriculum, ensuring your learning is both evidence-informed and grounded in practice.
This program is designed to be transformative for you as a nurse, enhancing both your knowledge and your confidence to contribute meaningfully to today’s health care challenges.
Areas of Study
You'll choose one area of study to guide your advanced practice journey. Each prepares you to meet today's health care challenges with clinical expertise, compassion and purpose.
As an Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (ACPNP), you'll care for the most vulnerable patients—children and young adults with complex, critical and often life-threatening health conditions. This advanced practice role is grounded in fast-paced environments such as pediatric intensive care units, emergency departments and specialized hospital settings.
At MUSC, students in this area of study develop advanced diagnostic reasoning, procedural skills and interprofessional leadership needed to stabilize acute pediatric conditions. You'll learn to manage multisystem illnesses, lead rapid response interventions and guide families through high-stakes decisions with empathy and clarity. This role is ideal for nurses who thrive in high-acuity settings and want to make a life-saving impact from day one.
An Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) is uniquely prepared to provide primary care to adults across the continuum of life, from early adulthood through advanced age. This area of study focuses on complex care management, disease prevention and wellness promotion in settings such as internal medicine practices, long-term care and specialty clinics.
You'll gain expertise in chronic disease treatment, geriatric syndromes, medication management and navigating age-related transitions. As an AGNP, your advanced training prepares you to serve as a primary provider and care coordinator, addressing the multifaceted needs of adults and older adults through an inclusive, evidence-based approach. You'll empower patients to maintain quality of life and independence while leading care teams that prioritize dignity and personalized support.
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are trusted primary care providers who deliver person-centered care to patients of all ages. This area of study is ideal for nurses who want to provide continuity of care through every stage of life, from pediatrics to geriatrics. FNPs build deep relationships with families and individuals, managing both routine and complex health needs.
Through MUSC's program, you'll develop advanced assessment, diagnostic and treatment planning skills within a holistic care model. This program prepares graduates to deliver accessible and responsive primary care in a variety of settings, including rural clinics, urban health centers and private practices. Whether addressing acute illness or chronic conditions, you'll play a vital role in supporting lifelong health and wellness.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) specialize in promoting and protecting the health of children from infancy through young adulthood. This area of study prepares you to deliver primary care with a focus on preventive health, developmental milestones, disease management and family-centered education.
MUSC's PNP curriculum emphasizes both the science and art of pediatric care. You'll gain clinical skills to diagnose and treat common pediatric illnesses, manage behavioral health challenges and support children with chronic conditions. Equally important, you'll develop the communication and advocacy tools needed to collaborate with families, educators and multidisciplinary teams. PNPs serve as a vital bridge between clinical excellence and compassionate care during a child's most formative years.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) play a critical role in addressing one of the most urgent health issues of our time: mental wellness. This area of study equips nurses to provide comprehensive psychiatric care for individuals across the lifespan, integrating psychotherapy, medication management and holistic support.
At MUSC, you'll develop skills in differential diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and care coordination for patients experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. You'll be prepared to work in outpatient clinics, telehealth, hospitals, correctional facilities and integrated primary care settings. As a PMHNP, you'll advocate for mental health parity and help reduce stigma while making compassionate, high-quality care more accessible for individuals, families and communities.
Curriculum
Full-Time
Year 1, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP838 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NRDNP856A | Advanced Clinical Assessment & Reasoning A | 3 |
| NRDNP860 | Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 4 |
| Semester Total | 10 | |
Year 1, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP856B | Advanced Clinical Assessment & Reasoning B | 3 |
| NRDNP842 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 4 |
| NRDNP846 | Frameworks for Leadership | 3 |
| Semester Total | 10 | |
Year 1, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP864 | Advanced Care Management I | 6 |
| NRDNP830 | Applied Health Care Economics & Finance | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
Year 2, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP865 | Advanced Care Management II | 6 |
| NRDNP873 | Scientific Underpinnings | 3 |
| NRDNP836 | Informatics in Health Care Delivery | 3 |
| Semester Total | 12 | |
Year 2, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP866 | Advanced Care Management III | 6 |
| NRDNP858 | Evidence-Based Practice, Quality & Safety | 3 |
| NRPHD708 | Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
| Semester Total | 12 | |
Year 2, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP848B | Role Practicum | 7 |
| Semester Total | 7 | |
| Curriculum Total | 60 | |
Part-Time
Year 1, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP836 |
Informatics in Health Care Delivery | 3 |
| NRDNP830 | Applied Health Care Economics & Finance | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 1, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP846 |
Frameworks for Leadership | 3 |
| NRPHD708 | Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 1, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP860 | Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 4 |
| Semester Total | 4 | |
Year 2, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP838 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NRDNP856A | Advanced Clinical Assessment & Reasoning A | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 2, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP856B | Advanced Clinical Assessment & Reasoning B | 3 |
| NRDNP842 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 4 |
| Semester Total | 7 | |
Year 2, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP864 | Advanced Care Management I | 6 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 3, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP865 | Advanced Care Management II | 6 |
| NRDNP873 | Scientific Underpinnings | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
Year 3, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP866 | Advanced Care Management III | 6 |
| NRDNP858 | Evidence-Based Practice, Quality & Safety | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
Year 3, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP848B | Role Practicum | 7 |
| Semester Total | 7 | |
| Curriculum Total | 60 | |
Engage with our community
Join a connected network of students, faculty and alums through virtual events, mentorship opportunities and collaborative academic experiences.
Your path to admission
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must:
- Possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited program by the initial date of enrollment.
- Hold an unencumbered, active registered nursing (RN) licensure in the state where practicums will be conducted by the initial date of enrollment.
- Have completed undergraduate coursework in Statistics.
Minimum Abilities
At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice.
Application Process
The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
- Submit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) NursingCAS application as early as possible. After fee payment and official transcripts are received, it usually takes four to six weeks to process and verify the application. The application must be verified by the application deadline to be eligible for review.
- Review the MUSC admissions process.
- Complete the MUSC Supplemental Application.
- To apply to the full-time program, select the “Master of Science in Nursing” option.
- To apply to the part-time program, select the “Master of Science in Nursing Part-Time Flex” option.
- Once both applications are complete and the AACN NursingCAS application has been verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Application Requirements
- NursingCAS Application: All applicants must submit the NursingCAS application. You do not need to send any of the following information directly to MUSC.
- Letters of Recommendation: All applicants must provide three letters of recommendation, including one academic reference.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Personal essay: All applicants must submit a personal essay.
- Resume: Applicants must provide an updated resume detailing relevant academic and professional experiences. It is highly recommended that applicants have work or volunteer experience in a health care setting.
- MUSC Application: All applicants must submit the MUSC Application.
- Supplemental Materials: In addition to the application itself, the applicant must review supplemental materials specific to the program to which they are applying. These forms are sent via email once an application has been submitted.
- Immunization Records: Due to the clinical components of this program, official immunization records are required for all students upon admission and matriculation.
- Out-of-state Clinical Experiences: Out-of-state applicants and students are responsible for contacting their State Board of Nursing to determine any requirements needed to complete clinical rotations as a distance student. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides a quick search of Prelicensure Distance Education Requirements per state. Students should notify their Program Director upon entry if there are requirements that our school must complete for Board of Nursing approval. Currently, we cannot accept applications from students from Washington, Arizona, Louisiana, and Oregon.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores: The score report of the TOEFL is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. A TOEFL score of at least 80 is required. Visit ETS TOEFL for more information.
International Applicants
MUSC's College of Nursing degree programs are unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States.
Funding your path forward
Access resources and support to help you navigate tuition, apply for scholarships and make informed financial decisions about your education.
Tuition
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $50 |
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $485 |
| Clinical Course Fee (per course) | $250 |
| Online Program Fee (additional fee per credit hour) | $70 |
Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.
Full-time
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $8,116 | $8,116 | $8,116 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition | $10,858 | $10,858 | $10,858 | - |
| Program Fee | $560 | $560 | $560 | - |
Part-time
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $835 | $835 | $835 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $1,120 | $1,120 | $1,120 | - |
| Part-time Student Fee | $861 | $861 | $861 | - |
| Program Fee | $285 | $285 | $285 | - |
Cost of Attendance
Full-time
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Est. Total* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |||
| Tuition – In-state/Out-of-state | $24,348 / $32,574 | $24,348 / $32,574 | $48,696 / $65,148 |
| Health Insurance | $3,780 | $3,780 | $7,560 |
| Fees | $4,180 | $4,180 | $8,360 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $32,308 / $40,534 | $32,308 / $40,534 | $64,616 / $81,068 |
| Indirect Costs | |||
| Housing/Food | $24,882 | $24,882 | $49,764 |
| Personal | $2,640 | $2,640 | $5,280 |
| Transportation | $2,970 | $2,970 | $5,940 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $9,714 | $3,656 | $13,370 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $40,206 / $40,206 | $34,148 / $34,148 | $74,354 / $74,354 |
| Total – In-state/Out-of-state | $72,514 / $80,740 | $66,456 / $74,682 | $138,970 / $155,422 |
Part-time
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Est. Total* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | ||||
| Tuition – In-state/Out-of-state | $15,030 / $20,160 | $15,030 / $20,160 | $15,030 / $20,160 | $45,090 / $60,480 |
| Health Insurance | $3,780 | $3,780 | $3,780 | $11,340 |
| Fees | $5,448 | $5,448 | $5,448 | $16,344 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $24,258 / $29,388 | $24,258 / $29,388 | $24,258 / $29,388 | $72,774 / $88,164 |
| Indirect Costs | ||||
| Housing/Food | $24,882 | $24,882 | $24,882 | $74,646 |
| Personal | $2,640 | $2,640 | $2,640 | $7,920 |
| Transportation | $2,970 | $2,970 | $2,970 | $8,910 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $4,928 | $6,577 | $3,110 | $14,615 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $35,420 / $35,420 | $37,069 / $37,069 | $33,602 / $33,602 | $106,091 / $106,091 |
| Total – In-state/Out-of-state | $59,678 / $64,808 | $61,327 / $66,457 | $57,860 / $62,990 | $178,865 / $194,255 |
Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements, and annual changes in tuition, fees, and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees, and other charges at any time without prior notice.
Scholarships
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.
Program Faculty
Elizabeth Harmon, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Assistant Professor
Department of Nursing
Dr. Elizabeth Harmon is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. She received her BSN from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1978 and her MSN and DNP from The Medical University of South Carolina, in 2001 and 2013 respectively. She is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
Dr. Harmon is a first-generation college graduate from a western Pennsylvania milltown. As a registered nurse, Dr. Harmon worked in many nursing disciplines within a hospital setting including general duty, cardiac and surgical intensive cares and supervisory positions. After a lengthy career as a bedside nurse, she furthered her education with an interest in primary care throughout the lifespan. During her graduate program she received the Rural Health Fellowship allowing her to focus on healthcare disparities and barriers to primary health care. Her doctoral project addressed shared-decision making in the primary care setting to improve health care outcomes.
Dr. Harmon initially joined MUSC as clinical faculty in 2003 and as instructor in 2013. In 2018 Dr. Harmon was promoted to Assistant Professor. In addition, Dr. Harmon successfully earned her CNE certification. Her experience of clinical practice provides a strong foundation for her role in preparing the next generation of advanced practice registered nurses. Her passion for excellence in providing healthcare now extends to her care and guidance of the FNP student family with her role as FNP Lead Faculty.
Keywords: primary care practice, advanced practice nursing, shared decision-making, advanced health assessment, problem-based learning.
Carrie L. Cormack, DNP, APRN, CPNP-BC, FAAN, FPCN
Lead Faculty
Carrie Cormack is an Associate Professor and lead palliative care faculty in the College of Nursing (CON) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
Dr. Cormack focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals living with serious illness through palliative care education and practice. Under her leadership, the CON prioritized palliative care nursing education and aligned with national recommendations, by successfully embedding palliative care across all undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. In addition, she led the development and successful implementation of the nation’s first Post-Master of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Lifespan Palliative Care program. As faculty with the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC), Fellow with the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (FPCN), and a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), Dr. Cormack teaches palliative care to interprofessional healthcare clinicians and students locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Concurrent to her faculty work, Dr. Cormack practices as a pediatric nurse practitioner in perinatal palliative care honoring patient and family values as they navigate receiving difficult news during pregnancy.
Dr. Cormack received her BSN from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, and her MSN and Doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Natalia M Davila, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Instructor
Department of Nursing
mail
davilanm@musc.edu
call
(843) 792-3054
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Natalia Davila is an Instructor in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program at The Medical University of South Carolina. She received her BSN, MSN to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, and DNP from The Medical University of South Carolina. She is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner. She also received an MA in Clinical Psychology from The Citadel, focusing on the management and care of children with ADHD.
Dr. Davila has practiced pediatric nursing since 2009—first as a bedside nurse in a pediatric cardiology step-down unit, then as a nurse practitioner in pediatric orthopedics and pediatric primary care. Dr. Davila recently returned from Centralia, Washington, where she ran a solo pediatric practice within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). While in Centralia, she was recognized at the state level for having the clinic with the highest immunization record for 2017. She will be providing primary care for pediatric patients at Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton FQHC in Port Royal, South Carolina. The clinic serves a large Spanish-speaking population, and Dr. Davila speaks Spanish and French in her practice. She is passionate about improving healthcare access and outcomes. Dr. Davila is also committed to global health initiatives and has participated in two important global health missions: Indigenous Health International 2013 in Panama and the Madaktari Project 2011 in Tanzania.
Dr. Davila teaches in the DNP program and serves as the preceptor liaison within the HRSA ANEW grant, which focuses on recruiting, training, developing, supporting, and evaluating preceptors as program partners to enhance community-based clinical and didactic nursing education. In this role, she coaches students and preceptors, oversees the preceptor toolbox, and manages the implementation of preceptor online training.
Dr. Davila is certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Her research interests include pediatric obesity, ADHD, pediatric telehealth, global health, and the preceptor-student relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee review each application in its entirety. Undergraduate and BSN GPA, professional goals and references are used in the decision-making process. Another important aspect is what an applicant shares in their essay, as well as their leadership and volunteer experiences.
MUSC accepts applications to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program from students who live in all states except the following: Louisiana, Arizona, Oregon, Mississippi and Washington.
The College of Nursing is an integral part of the Medical University of South Carolina, which is the only academic health science center in the state. We are widely recognized for providing a supportive learning environment that has a low student to faculty ratio, expert faculty and preceptors as well as highly successful complex clinical settings.
Yes, scholarships are available to students who have completed a FAFSA with the Office of Financial Aid. They are awarded based on need, academic merit and scholarship criteria after a student has been admitted to the College of Nursing. To review scholarships offered through the College of Nursing, click here.
Guided by purpose & principles
Experience a program shaped by a commitment to excellence, service and leadership in advancing the health of individuals and communities.
Objectives
The MSN program aims to prepare graduates to:
- Advance professional practice by integrating rigorous clinical expertise with scholarly inquiry to address evolving health care needs across populations and care settings.
- Contribute to the design and transformation of health systems through evidence-based research, policy analysis, and interprofessional collaboration.
- Lead ethically grounded initiatives in clinical practice, education, or organizational settings that promote patient-centered care and population health.
- Pursue continued scholarly growth and influence, including academic dissemination, professional leadership, and lifelong learning.
Competencies
Upon completion of the MSN program, graduates should be able to:
- Critically evaluate and apply empirical research and evidence-based frameworks to inform advanced clinical decision-making and program development.
- Analyze and influence health policy and system design to improve care delivery, access, and outcomes in varied organizational and community contexts.
- Employ advanced clinical judgment and assessment skills across lifespan and specialty populations, grounded in ethical and responsive practice.
- Design, implement, and evaluate scholarly or quality-improvement initiatives using appropriate methodological rigor and data analysis.
- Collaborate effectively within interprofessional teams to lead, educate, and mentor peers or colleagues in clinical or academic environments.
- Uphold the professional and ethical standards of advanced nursing practice, including patient advocacy and research integrity.
Vision
To lead a bold new era in nursing.
Values
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy, and dignity.
- Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
- Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries, and practices.
- Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions, and use of resources.
- Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.
Mission
To transform health care through education, practice and research.
Stories worth sharing
Read how students and alums are driving impact through leadership, scholarship and service featured in news from the College of Nursing.
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Accreditation & Recognition
Study in a nationally accredited program recognized for preparing advanced practice nurses committed to quality, integrity and innovation.
The MSN program at MUSC is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the AACN. CCNE accreditation means that our program meets or exceeds established standards for a professional program leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.