Chatham University

What you'll study

The master's in nursing at Chatham combines core graduate nursing education with focused pathways in Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Core topics emphasise advanced health assessment, healthcare policy and systems, evidence‑based practice, informatics, quality improvement and leadership. Students choose a specialism and complete targeted modules and a culminating experience appropriate to that track.

• Typical core modules: Advanced Health Assessment; Leadership and Organisational Management in Nursing; Healthcare Policy and Ethics; Research Methods and Biostatistics; Nursing Informatics and Quality Improvement.
• Nursing Administration electives: Strategic Financial Management for Healthcare, Human Resource Management in Nursing, Organisational Change and Governance, Healthcare Law and Risk Management, Project Management for Clinical Services.
• Nursing Research electives: Advanced Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Research in Health, Grant Writing and Research Dissemination, Implementation Science, Capstone Thesis or Research Project.
• Clinical Nursing electives: Advanced Clinical Decision Making, Evidence‑Based Clinical Practice, Care Coordination and Population Health, Clinical Practicum placements with direct patient care under faculty supervision.

The programme typically includes practicum hours or a supervised clinical/project capstone in each specialism: administrative internships for the administration track, a research project or thesis for research, and clinical placements or practicum hours for the clinical track. Delivery modes often include a blend of seminars, online coursework and in‑person simulation or practicum components to support working professionals.

Programme structure

Students follow a core curriculum before moving into concentration coursework. Full‑time and part‑time study options are commonly available; progression may include sequential clinical practicum or a final capstone project. Coursework emphasises interprofessional collaboration, ethical practice and translating evidence into practice.

Entry requirements

• Active, unencumbered RN licence in the relevant jurisdiction.
• A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is the standard entry route. Applicants with an associate degree or diploma in nursing may be considered for bridge options where available; contact admissions for specific pathway information.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA; many programmes expect a minimum GPA (for example around a mid‑2:1/3.0 on a 4.0 scale) though exact thresholds and holistic review apply.
• Clinical experience is recommended; some tracks favour candidates with at least one to two years of practice.
• Supporting documents: academic transcripts, current curriculum vitae or resume, personal statement outlining professional goals, and two professional or academic references. An interview may be part of the selection process.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or previous study in English, and provide equivalent academic credential evaluations where required.

Career prospects

Graduates of Chatham's master's nursing programme move into a range of advanced roles across healthcare settings. Career pathways include nurse manager or director roles overseeing units or services, clinical leadership positions focused on quality improvement and patient safety, roles as research coordinators or clinical investigators, and specialist clinical practitioner positions depending on prior experience and licensure.

The Nursing Administration pathway prepares graduates to lead teams, manage budgets and implement organisational strategy. The Nursing Research pathway equips nurses to design and conduct research, support evidence‑based initiatives, and pursue doctoral study. The Clinical Nursing pathway strengthens advanced clinical reasoning and care coordination skills for enhanced patient care delivery.

Alumni typically find opportunities in acute care hospitals, community and public health organisations, long‑term care, academic and research institutions, and healthcare administration in public and private sectors.

Why study at Chatham University

Chatham offers a learner‑centred environment with small class sizes and faculty who combine academic expertise with active clinical and leadership experience. The university emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical leadership and translating research into practice, preparing graduates to influence patient outcomes and organisational systems.

Students benefit from flexible course delivery designed for working nurses, access to clinical and practicum experiences through regional healthcare partnerships, and resources such as simulation facilities and research support. The curriculum is structured to support career advancement, lifelong learning and preparation for leadership or further graduate study.