Indiana University

What you'll study

This master's programme combines advanced theory, research methods and practice-based learning. Core modules typically cover advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, pharmacology for advanced nursing practice, research methods and biostatistics, healthcare systems and policy, ethics and professional issues, and informatics. From those core studies you choose a pathway-focused programme of study:

• Nursing Administration: leadership and management in healthcare, human resource and financial management for nursing services, quality improvement and safety, organisational behaviour, strategic planning, and a leadership practicum or capstone project in a clinical or administrative setting.
• Nursing Research: advanced research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, grant writing and scholarship, data analysis, evidence synthesis, and a research thesis or major research project carried out under faculty supervision.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical assessment and decision-making, speciality clinical practicum hours, evidence-based clinical practice, interprofessional care, and a clinical capstone or portfolio demonstrating advanced competence in a chosen clinical area.

The programme combines seminars, small-group learning, simulation and supervised clinical hours. Students will normally complete a capstone, practicum or thesis in their chosen pathway that integrates scholarship and practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution and to be a licensed registered nurse (RN) in the United States or to hold an equivalent nursing registration for international applicants. A competitive undergraduate GPA is typically required; selection also considers clinical experience, professional references, a personal statement outlining career goals and fit with the chosen pathway, and an up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.

Some pathways may expect or prefer prior clinical experience in a relevant area (for example, management experience for Nursing Administration or research experience for the Nursing Research pathway). International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide credential evaluations where required. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to attend an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of leadership and advanced practice roles across health systems, community care, academia and research. Typical positions include:

• Nurse manager, director of nursing or other administrative and leadership roles overseeing units, departments or services.
• Clinical specialist or advanced clinical practitioner roles in acute care, community health or speciality areas where enhanced assessment and decision-making skills are required.
• Research associates, clinical research coordinators or independent investigators working on nursing-led research, quality improvement and evidence implementation.
• Educators and academic staff in hospitals and higher education, responsible for staff development and undergraduate/graduate teaching.
• Roles in policy, quality and safety, informatics, and population health where nursing expertise informs system-level change.

The master's provides preparation for continued doctoral study for those who wish to pursue academic or high-level research careers.

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University’s School of Nursing is recognised for its comprehensive nursing education across multiple campuses and strong clinical partnerships with health systems throughout the state. Students benefit from experienced faculty who blend clinical practice and research, structured clinical placements, and well-equipped simulation facilities that support skills development.

The School emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration with other health professions across Indiana University, enabling rich learning experiences in complex care, policy and population health. Flexible delivery models, including on-campus and hybrid options, allow working nurses to balance study with professional obligations while accessing mentoring and research supervision from a large faculty body with diverse clinical and scholarly expertise.