Ohio University

What you'll study

The Master of Science in Nursing pathway at Ohio University covers advanced nursing theory, research methods and leadership, with distinct streams for Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Core coursework typically includes advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, nursing research and evidence-based practice, healthcare policy and ethics, and quality improvement in clinical settings.

Depending on your chosen specialisation you will study modules such as:

• Nursing Administration: organisational leadership and management, financial and human resource management for health services, strategic planning, legal and regulatory issues in nursing and systems-based quality improvement.
• Nursing Research: quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistics for health sciences, applied research design, grant writing and translating research into practice.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical decision-making, specialty practicum experiences, care coordination, interprofessional collaboration and advanced assessment and intervention skills relevant to the chosen clinical area.

All routes include supervised clinical practicum hours that are organised in partnership with healthcare providers so students gain hands-on experience in leadership, research projects or direct patient care. Delivery formats often include a mix of face-to-face, hybrid and online modules to accommodate working nurses, with opportunities for part-time or full-time study.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an equivalent nursing qualification and to be a licensed registered nurse in the United States. Candidates with an associate degree in nursing may be eligible for advanced-entry or bridge pathways if they meet additional academic requirements.

Typical application requirements include:

• Current, active RN licensure.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA from an accredited institution; the programme generally expects consistent academic performance in nursing coursework.
• Professional references, often including at least one clinical or managerial reference.
• A personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the master’s specialisation.
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae detailing clinical experience.

Some specialisations may request evidence of clinical experience in a relevant area and there may be background checks and health-immunisation requirements prior to clinical placements. Standardised tests such as the GRE are not routinely required for all applicants but check specific pathway requirements before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates from Ohio University’s master’s nursing pathways move into a range of advanced nursing roles. Common career outcomes include nurse manager, director of nursing, clinical nurse leader, research coordinator, nurse researcher, quality improvement specialist, clinical educator and advanced practice collaborator (in non-prescriptive roles unless further certification is obtained).

Other employment settings include acute care hospitals, community and public health agencies, long-term care organisations, research institutes, health systems administration and educational institutions. The research specialisation also prepares graduates to contribute to clinical trials, outcomes research and evidence‑based policy development.

Why study at Ohio University

Ohio University offers master's-level nursing education with experienced faculty who combine clinical expertise and research experience. The school emphasises interprofessional learning and partnerships with a broad network of healthcare providers across the region to support meaningful practicum placements.

The programmes are designed with flexibility for working nurses, offering online and hybrid course options alongside on-site learning and supervised clinical experiences. Students benefit from the university’s research resources, mentorship opportunities and a curriculum that focuses on leadership, quality improvement and translating evidence into practice. The nursing programmes are accredited by the national nursing accrediting body, ensuring that the curriculum meets recognised standards for graduate nursing education.