Auburn University at Montgomery

What you'll study

The Master's in Registered Nursing at Auburn University at Montgomery combines core advanced nursing science with specialist coursework aligned to three pathways: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Core topics typically include advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, health assessment at an advanced level, healthcare policy and ethics, leadership in nursing, informatics and quality improvement.

Each pathway builds these foundations into a focused curriculum:

• Nursing Administration – courses emphasise organisational leadership, human resource management, financial and operational management in healthcare, strategic planning, and quality and safety systems. Coursework is reinforced by project-based assignments and leadership practicum experiences.
• Nursing Research – courses focus on research design and methods, biostatistics, evidence-based practice, data analysis, and dissemination of research. Students complete a research project or thesis that develops skills in critically appraising literature and producing original scholarship to inform practice.
• Clinical Nursing – courses develop advanced clinical reasoning and specialised assessment and intervention skills. Students undertake supervised clinical practica in relevant settings, study advanced topics in management of complex conditions and work on translating evidence into bedside practice.

Delivery is typically a mixture of face-to-face and online modules depending on the course, with supervised clinical placements or practicum requirements integrated into the specialist pathways.

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to hold an active, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) licence and a bachelor's degree. The programme normally expects a relevant undergraduate degree in nursing (BSN), although applicants with a non-nursing bachelor’s and an active RN licence may be considered through an established admission pathway. Typical supporting documentation includes official transcripts, a current CV, a personal statement describing professional goals, and professional references.

Selection commonly considers clinical experience and academic readiness for graduate study. Some applicants may be asked to meet additional requirements such as a faculty interview or submission of a writing sample. Check the university's graduate admissions guidance for any programme-specific prerequisites and for information about whether test scores or bridge coursework are required in particular cases.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSN pathways are prepared for a range of advanced roles across healthcare settings:

• Nursing Administration – roles such as nurse manager, clinical coordinator, director of nursing services, operations manager and other leadership positions in hospitals, clinics and community health organisations.
• Nursing Research – positions in clinical research teams, quality improvement departments, health services research, academic research assistantships and roles supporting evidence-based practice and policy development.
• Clinical Nursing – advanced clinical specialist roles within speciality units, enhanced practice positions in acute and community care, clinical educator roles and positions focused on implementing evidence-based care.

Across pathways, graduates also move into roles in healthcare consulting, policy, education and programme development. The master's provides a foundation for further doctoral study for those interested in research, higher education or advanced leadership roles.

Why study at Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery offers a focused graduate nursing programme with small cohort sizes that allow close interaction with faculty who have contemporary clinical and leadership experience. The School of Nursing maintains partnerships with regional hospitals, community agencies and health systems to support practicum placements and applied learning.

The programme is designed for working professionals, with flexible delivery modes that may include evening classes and online coursework to accommodate employed nurses. Students benefit from career support services, faculty mentorship on research and leadership projects, and opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary initiatives across the university. This combination of applied training, research experience and leadership development prepares graduates to step into advanced nursing roles across clinical, administrative and research settings.