Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The healthcare environment is evolving, and there is a growing need for nurses equipped to lead within complex systems. Tiffin University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program supports professionals who are ready to move into leadership and administrative roles across healthcare settings.

The program offers three distinct pathways:

• A 36-credit hour standalone MSN with a track in Health Systems Administration
• A 48-credit hour dual degree program combining the MSN with an MBA concentration in Healthcare Administration
• A 56-credit hour dual degree program combining the MSN with an MBA concentration in Data Analytics

All students complete practicum experiences totaling 500 hours, culminating in an integrative leadership project. 

Graduates are prepared for positions such as nurse manager, nurse executive or clinical leader, and may also continue on to doctoral study or broader administrative roles in healthcare and business.

Students who complete a dual degree track will receive two diplomas at graduation – one for Master of Science in Nursing and one for Master of Business Administration.  

Professional Nursing Leadership Preparation

• Strengthen leadership and administrative skills grounded in nursing practice
• Develop a systems-based perspective of healthcare organizations
• Complete 500 hours of practicum experience with an integrative leadership project
• Learn to apply evidence-based strategies to real-world challenges
• Gain preparation for executive-level roles and doctoral education

The Master of Science in Nursing program at Tiffin University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Tiffin University is grounded in practical experience and real-world application. Students learn leadership principles and then apply them directly in healthcare environments. Across three practicum courses totaling 500 clock hours, students work alongside experienced preceptors to lead initiatives, solve complex problems and complete an integrative leadership project that demonstrates their ability to drive meaningful change.

Courses are designed and taught by faculty with firsthand experience in nursing leadership, administration, healthcare finance and policy. Their insight helps students understand how to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems and step into roles that require strategic thinking, collaboration and evidence-based decision-making.

Whether you are aiming to become a nurse manager, executive or educator, or planning for doctoral study, this program provides the tools, experience and confidence for RNs to take the next step in your career.

Format

Tiffin University’s MSN program is delivered fully online to meet the needs of working nurses. Courses begin in the fall. Students can choose from three options:

• A 36-credit hour program with a track in Health Systems Administration
• A 48-credit hour dual degree earning an MSN and an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration
• A 56-credit hour dual degree earning an MSN and an MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics

Each pathway includes a 15-credit-hour MSN core and three practicum courses totaling 500 clock hours. Practicum experiences are paired with an integrative leadership project, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world healthcare settings.

Most students can finish in 2 years by attending Fall, Spring, and Summer for two full cycles.

Sample Courses

NUR 520 Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice – This course focuses on mastering statistical methods essential for interpreting and applying nursing research. Students learn data analysis, hypothesis testing and the use of statistical software to support clinical decision-making. Emphasis is placed on applying biostatistics to real-world healthcare settings and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice.

NUR 540 Health Policy, Advocacy and Patient Safety – Students explore the relationship between health policy, advocacy and patient safety. The course prepares students to evaluate legislation, engage in advocacy strategies and implement safety initiatives that influence quality of care. Emphasis is placed on systems-level thinking and the nurse leader’s role in creating safe and equitable healthcare environments.

NUR 625 Leadership and Organizational Culture in Contemporary Healthcare – This course examines leadership theories and the influence of organizational culture on healthcare delivery. Students learn to assess and guide culture, manage change and apply strategies that support effective team performance and patient outcomes. Topics include systems thinking, innovation and interprofessional collaboration.

NUR 640 Financial Management and the Economics of Healthcare for Nurse Leaders – Students gain a foundation in financial planning, budgeting and economic principles relevant to healthcare settings. The course includes cost analysis, financial statement review and business planning. Students learn to make informed financial decisions and apply strategic management techniques to support operational success.

NUR 670, NUR 673, NUR 690 Healthcare Systems and Organizational Leadership Practicum I–III – These practicum courses provide 500 cumulative clock hours of leadership experience in healthcare organizations. Under the guidance of qualified preceptors, students apply leadership theory, develop organizational strategies and complete an integrative project to demonstrate their readiness for advanced nursing roles.

1. A Bachelor of Science in nursing from a regional accreditor or an entry-level master’s degree from a regional accreditor.
2. For individuals who hold an RN license and possess a non-nursing baccalaureate degree, admission to the MSN program may be granted upon completing the following courses:
   • Nursing research or evidence of a healthcare research course is required if the degree is in a health science-related field. A review of the course syllabus may be completed prior to course approval for entry into the MSN Program. Tiffin University is not eligible to offer an undergraduate nursing course; therefore, students will need to take a nursing research course at another college or university.
   • Nursing Leadership course or evidence of a Healthcare Leadership course if the degree is in a health science-related field. (A review of the course syllabus may be completed prior to course approval for entry into the MSN. Tiffin University is not eligible to offer an undergraduate nursing course, so students will have to take a Nursing Leadership course at another college or university.)
3. An undergraduate or entry-level master’s degree GPA of at least 2.75 for an undergraduate degree or 3.0 for an entry-level master’s degree.
4. An undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or higher.
5. At least six months of professional work experience in a nursing role.
6. An unencumbered RN license from one of the 50 US States.
7. NO GRE IS REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION into the MSN program.
8. A candidate may be admitted under conditional admission if one of the criteria for admission is not met. The missing admission item must be submitted by the end of the first semester of enrollment.
9. A candidate may be admitted under provisional admission if the GPA is below 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The student must have a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale after completing 9 credit hours of graduate coursework.

Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) opens the door to a wide range of leadership and administrative roles in healthcare. Graduates of Tiffin University’s MSN program are prepared to guide teams, shape systems and contribute to the improvement of patient care across diverse settings.

Master’s-prepared nurses are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare professionals with a master’s degree often earn a wage premium and have access to a broader range of career options. As the current generation of nurse leaders moves toward retirement, there is a growing need for new professionals ready to step into those roles.

Possible career paths include:

• Nurse manager
• Clinical director
• Nurse leader
• Healthcare administrator
• Nurse executive
• Director of Nursing
• Policy and advocacy consultant
• Nursing faculty or educator
• Candidate for doctoral study (PhD or DNP)

Developing the next generation of nurse leaders is a key priority in both practice and education. National conversations, from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to U.S. News & World Report, highlight the growing importance of master’s-level education for registered nurses (RNs) looking to advance their careers and shape the future of healthcare.

What is the MSN program at Tiffin University?

The MSN program prepares registered nurses for leadership and administrative roles in healthcare. The curriculum emphasizes systems thinking, organizational leadership, evidence-based practice and practical application through a 500-hour practicum.

Is the MSN program offered online?

Yes. All courses in the MSN program are delivered fully online, allowing flexibility for working nurses.

Is the MSN program Accredited by CCNE?

The Master of Science in Nursing program at Tiffin University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Can I combine the MSN with an MBA?

Yes. Students may choose to pursue a dual degree by combining the MSN with an MBA, selecting a concentration in either Healthcare Administration or Data Analytics.

What can I do with an MSN?

Graduates are prepared for roles such as nurse manager, nurse leader, nurse executive or healthcare administrator, and may also choose to pursue doctoral education.