Pace University

What you'll study

The MSN curriculum combines advanced theory, research methods and supervised clinical practice. Core subjects typically include advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, epidemiology and biostatistics, health systems and policy, leadership and quality improvement, nursing informatics, and evidence-based practice.

Students then follow a specialism pathway in Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing. Typical modules by pathway include:

• Nursing Administration: organisational leadership, finance and resource management in healthcare, human resource strategies, strategic planning and change management, quality and safety initiatives, and an administrative practicum.
• Nursing Research: research design and methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis, grant writing, translating research to practice, and a research practicum or thesis project under faculty supervision.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical decision-making, specialty-focused practicum experiences, advanced clinical reasoning, interprofessional care coordination, and clinical competence assessment.

The programme typically culminates in a capstone project, practicum hours in clinical settings, or a thesis depending on the chosen pathway and student goals. Many courses emphasise interprofessional collaboration, healthcare policy implications and application of evidence to improve patient outcomes.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually required to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an equivalent nursing qualification and to be a licensed registered nurse (RN) in their practising jurisdiction. Typical application materials include a completed application form, current RN licence documentation, a curriculum vitae or résumé, academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals, and professional references.

Some applicants with an associate degree in nursing or international qualifications may be considered for bridge or conditional entry pathways; such applicants should contact the admissions office for advice on eligibility and required prerequisite coursework. Relevant clinical experience is recommended for clinical and leadership tracks. Admission decisions may also consider prior academic performance and fit with the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MSN with concentrations in administration, research or clinical practice move into a range of advanced roles across hospitals, community health services, academic institutions, public health agencies and private sector organisations. Common career paths include:

• Nurse manager, clinical leader or director of nursing in acute and ambulatory settings
• Clinical nurse specialist or advanced practice roles in specialty areas (where additional certification or licensing may be required)
• Nurse researcher, research coordinator or roles in clinical trials and outcomes research
• Quality improvement and patient safety specialist
• Healthcare policy analyst, consultant or administrative leader in health systems
• Educator or faculty roles in nursing schools (often combined with further academic preparation)

The programme’s practicum and capstone projects are designed to help students develop the leadership, research literacy and clinical competencies organisations seek when promoting RNs into senior positions.

Why study at Pace University

Pace’s nursing programmes are delivered through its dedicated nursing school and leverage clinical partnerships across New York City and the Hudson Valley, providing access to diverse patient populations and a range of clinical placements. Students benefit from small class sizes, faculty with active clinical and research backgrounds, and an emphasis on translating evidence into practice.

Pace offers flexible delivery options including evening, hybrid and part-time pathways to accommodate working clinicians, while providing practicum coordination and career support tailored to healthcare professionals. The university’s location and professional networks also support opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, clinical internships and leadership development in both urban and suburban health systems.