* Degree is offered online. Academic advisers are available at these campuses.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing Program is designed to provide graduates of baccalaureate programs in nursing the opportunity to develop the advanced knowledge and clinical skills required for leadership positions in nursing. The program prepares clinical nurse specialists in Adult Health and Maternal-Infant
Health, Nursing Informatics Specialists, and Family Nurse Practitioners. Students are accepted for admission to the MSN clinical nurse specialist and nursing informatics specialist tracks every semester. Fall admission is recommended for students who wish to pursue full-time study.
Upon successful completion of the MSN program, the student will be able to:
- incorporate advanced knowledge and theories from nursing and related disciplines into practice as an advanced practice nurse;
- demonstrate advanced clinical expertise in advanced practice in a specialized area of nursing practice;
- evaluate research for the purpose of selectively integrating research findings in nursing practice;
- integrate leadership, management, and teaching strategies into advanced practice;
- analyze the impact of health policy on healthcare for identification of areas needing improvement and development of appropriate strategies; and
- assume responsibility for contributing to the advancement of nursing as a profession.
Accreditation
The School of Nursing Graduate Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway 33rd floor, New York, NY 10006.
Prerequisite Requirements
Candidates for admission must hold the baccalaureate degree in nursing.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing
Unconditional Admission
- Graduate of a BSN program from a regionally accredited institution. Students with a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution should see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission.
- Overall undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the nursing major.
- Score of 396 or higher on the Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT) or score of 850 on Graduate Record Exam (GRE-verbal and quantitative).
- Current RN licensure.
- Undergraduate health assessment course or the equivalent.
- Two letters of professional reference.
- Minimum of one year experience as a registered nurse is required for the Family Nurse Practitioner track.
Conditional Admission
- Graduate of a BSN program from a regionally accredited institution. Students with a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution should see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission.
- Overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in the nursing major or score of 380 on the Miller’s Analogy Test or score of 650 on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE - verbal and quantitative).
- One or more years of clinical experience as an RN; or graduate study without a graduate degree in nursing or another discipline, and a graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Current RN licensure.
- Undergraduate health assessment course or the equivalent.
- Two letters of professional reference.
- Minimum of one year experience as a registered nurse is required for the Family Nurse Practitioner track.
A student admitted conditionally to the graduate nursing program must clear conditional admission after nine semester hours. The student must attain an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students not satisfying conditional admission requirements will be dropped from the program for one calendar year, after which time the student may petition for readmission.
Admission Requirements for Post Masters Certificate Option
- Graduate of nationally accredited MSN Program (NLNAC or CCNE).
- Current RN licensure in the state in which the student plans to have clinical experiences.
- Two letters of professional reference.
- Minimum of one year experience as a registered nurse.
Curriculum
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Students may choose one of two clinical options (Clinical major):
- Adult Health Nursing
- Maternal Infant Health Nursing
Students may choose one of two role options (Functional minor):
- Educator
- Administrator
A minimum of 39 semester hours is required for completion of the program.
Required Core Courses (13 Semester Hours)
| Nursing Core Courses (6 hrs) |
| NSG 5504 |
2 |
Theories in Nursing |
| NSG 5505 |
2 |
Healthcare Economics |
| NSG 6660 |
2 |
Foundations of Advanced Practice |
| |
|
|
| Research Courses (7 hrs) |
| NSG 6691 |
3 |
Research Methodology |
| NSG 6692 |
2 |
Data Analysis Techniques in Research |
| NSG 6696 |
1 |
Scholarly Inquiry Practicum I |
| NSG 6697 |
1 |
Scholarly Inquiry Practicum II |
| |
|
Optional |
| NSG 6695 |
1-4 |
Thesis |
| |
|
|
| Nursing Specialty Courses (20 semester hrs) |
| NSG 5512 |
3 |
Advanced Health Assessment |
| NSG 5515 |
1 |
Advanced Health Assessment Practicum |
| NSG 6649 |
3 |
Advanced Pharmacology |
| NSG 6671 |
3 |
Advanced Pathophysiology |
| |
|
|
| (Select One of the following Series) |
| NSG 6620 |
2 |
Advanced Acute Care Nursing of
Adults |
| NSG 6621 |
3 |
Advanced Acute Care Nursing
Preceptorship |
| NSG 6622 |
2 |
Advanced Long-Term Nursing
Care of Adults |
| NSG 6623 |
3 |
Advanced Long-Term Nursing
Care of Adults Preceptorship |
| |
Or |
|
| NSG 6640 |
2 |
Advanced Maternal/Infant Health
Nursing |
| NSG 6641 |
3 |
Advanced Maternal/Infant Health
Nursing Preceptorship |
| NSG 6642 |
2 |
High-Risk Maternal/Infant Health
Nursing |
| NSG 6643 |
3 |
High Risk Maternal/Infant Health
Nursing Preceptorship |
| |
|
|
Nursing Role Courses (5 hrs)
(Select One of the Following Series) |
| NSG 6614 |
2 |
Role of the Nurse Educator |
| NSG 6615 |
3 |
Nursing Education Internship |
| |
Or |
|
| NSG 6616 |
2 |
Role of the Nurse Administrator |
| NSG 6617 |
3 |
Nursing Administration Internship |
| |
|
|
| Synthesis and Evaluation (1 hr) |
| NSG 6655 |
1 |
Synthesis and Evaluation of Advanced
Nursing Practice |
| |
|
|
| Minimum Total: 39 Semester Hours |
| |
|
|
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track |
| |
|
|
Required Core Courses (13 semester hrs)
Nursing Core Courses (6 semester hrs) |
| NSG 5504 |
2 |
Theories in Nursing |
| NSG 5505 |
2 |
Healthcare Economics |
| NSG 6660 |
2 |
Foundations of Advanced Practice |
| NSG 6659* |
1 |
Adaptation to the FNP Role (required
for FNP-PM certificate students only) |
| |
|
|
| Research Courses (7 hrs) |
| NSG 6691 |
3 |
Research Methodology |
| NSG 6692 |
2 |
Data Analysis Techniques in Research |
| NSG 6696 |
1 |
Scholarly Inquiry Practicum I |
| NSG 6697 |
1 |
Scholarly Inquiry Practicum II |
| |
|
|
| Optional |
| NSG 6695 |
1-4 |
Thesis |
| |
|
|
| Nursing Specialty Courses (27 hrs)* |
| NSG 5512 |
3 |
Advanced Health Assessment |
| NSG 5513 |
3 |
Advanced Health Assessment Preceptorship |
| NSG 6645 |
3 |
Family and Cultural Theories in
Advanced Nursing Practice |
| NSG 6649 |
3 |
Advanced Pharmacology |
| NSG 6665 |
3 |
Primary Care I |
| NSG 6666 |
3 |
Primary Care I Preceptorship |
| NSG 6667 |
3 |
Primary Care II |
| NSG 6668 |
3 |
Primary Care II Preceptorship |
| NSG 6671 |
3 |
Advanced Pathophysiology |
| |
|
|
| Role Courses (6 hrs)* |
| NSG 6670 |
1 |
Role Synthesis Seminar |
| NSG 6680 |
5 |
Family Nurse Practitioner Internship |
| |
|
|
| Synthesis and Evaluation (1hr) |
| NSG 6655 |
1 |
Synthesis and Evaluation of Advanced
Nursing Practice |
Minimum Total: 47 Semester Hours
*The FNP Certificate for nurses holding the MSN requires 34 hours and includes all FNP nursing specialty and role courses.
NOTE: 1. Requirements for the MSN degree must be satisfied within five years of the initial enrollment for that degree.
NOTE 2. A grade of "D" is not acceptable for meeting requirements for a subsequent course.
Nursing Informatics Specialist Track
| |
|
|
Required Core Courses (13 Semester hrs)
Nursing Core Courses (6 Semester hrs) |
| NSG 5504 |
2 |
Theories in Nursing |
| NSG 5505 |
2 |
Healthcare Economics |
| NSG 6660 |
2 |
Foundations of Advanced Practice |
| |
|
|
| Research Courses (7 hrs) |
| NSG 6691 |
3 |
Research Methodology |
| NSG 6692 |
2 |
Data Analysis Techniques in Research |
| NSG 6696 |
1 |
Scholarly Inquiry Practicum I |
| NSG 6697 |
1 |
Scholarly Inquiry Practicum II |
| |
|
|
| Optional |
|
|
| NSG 6695 |
1-4 |
Thesis |
| |
|
|
| Nursing Specialty Courses (11 hrs) |
| NSG 6631 |
3 |
Computer-Based Communication |
| NSG 6632 |
2 |
Theoretical Foundations of Nursing |
| NSG 6633 |
3 |
Systems Analysis and Design |
| NSG 6635 |
3 |
Integration of Technology in Information
Exchange |
| |
|
|
| Nursing Role Courses (6 hrs) |
| NSG 6634 |
2 |
Role of the Nursing Informatics Specialist |
| NSG 6636 |
4 |
Nursing Informatics Internship |
| |
|
|
| Elective (3 hrs) |
| Any 5000/6000 Approved Elective |
| |
|
|
| Synthesis and Evaluation (1 hr) |
| NSG 6655 |
1 |
Synthesis and Evaluation of Advanced
Nursing Practice |
| |
|
|
| Minimum Total: 34 Semester Hours |
| |
|
|
| NSG 6695 |
1-4 |
Thesis |
| |
|
|
Requirements for Students in Clinical Courses
All students must maintain RN licensure, current CPR certification, professional liability insurance, proof of annual physical examination and negative drug screen when enrolled in clinical nursing courses. Professional liability insurance is available through the School of Nursing. Students are responsible for their own medical care if needed in the clinical setting. Students are also responsible for personal transportation costs incurred during the program.
Students must meet Communicable Disease Center (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
| Laboratory Fees for the MSN Program: |
| NSG 5515, 6696, 6697 |
$ 37.50 |
| NSG 5513, 6621, 6623, 6641, 6643, 6666, 6668 |
$ 67.50 |
| NSG 6615, 6617 |
$105.00 |
| NSG 6636, 6680 |
$180.00 |
| Note: Fees subject to change annually |
Requirements for Admission to Candidacy
To be admitted to candidacy, students must have a 3.0 GPA on all work attempted. Unconditionally admitted graduate students must apply for admission to candidacy after completing nine semester hours of requirements as outlined for the specific degree program. The Admission to Candidacy form must be completed within the first 18 semester hours of the program. If the Admission to Candidacy form is not completed by the conclusion of 18 semester hours, a hold will be placed on the student’s registration until Admission to Candidacy process is completed. A student will be admitted to candidacy the term following completion of 12 semester hours.
Degree Requirements
A student completing the coursework with a 3.0 or better GPA, fulfilling candidacy requirements, and successfully completing the required comprehensive examination will be awarded the degree.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of six semester hours taken at another regionally accredited institution of higher education with a "B" grade or better may be applied toward the degree. These courses must be comparable to Troy University courses and must be approved by the Nursing graduate faculty. For students completing the Master of Science in Nursing, all transfer credits used to satisfy degree requirements may not exceed five years at the time of the degree completion.
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree and prepares the graduate to provide the most advanced level of nursing care for individuals, families and communities. The objectives for the program are consistent with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) specifications for practice
doctoral programs in nursing in accordance with The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. Fall admission is recommended for students who wish to pursue full-time study.
Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice the graduate will be able to:
- Integrate advanced knowledge and theories from nursing and related disciplines into practice as an advanced practice nurse at the highest level.
- Design quality, cost effective and innovative nursing care models based on the knowledge of interrelationships among nursing, organizational, political, and economic sciences.
- Use systems engineering concepts to prevent and solve complex health care delivery problems.
- Translate research to transform nursing practice and support evidence-based nursing practice for diverse patient populations and organizations.
- Provide leadership in the integration of technology and information systems for quality improvements in patient care and healthcare systems.
- Develop effective practice standards for managing ethical issues inherent in patient care, health care organizations and research.
- Initiate changes in health care systems through the design and implementation of health policies that strengthen the health care delivery system.
- Evaluate system responses to health and illness as a basis for clinical prevention and population health services in rural and urban settings within a global market.
- Demonstrate role competencies in a specialized area of advanced practice nursing as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) students will be admitted only under unconditional admission status. Conditional admission is not available for DNP applicants. Admission to the program will be limited to number of available spaces. To be considered for unconditional admission to the
DNP program the applicant must:
- Hold a BSN or MSN degree from a nationally-accredited program (NLNAC or CCNE)
- Earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) on all post-secondary coursework
- Submit official transcripts for all post-secondary academic study
- Earn a minimum GRE score of 850 (450 -verbal, 400 quantitative).
Note: This requirement is waived for post-MSN applicants.
- Possess a current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in Alabama or in the state where clinical practice will occur
- Submit two letters of professional reference that address academic ability , professional competence, and leadership potential in nursing.
- Complete a successful interview by the Nursing Graduate Admissions Committee
- Submit a 1,000 to 1,500 word essay describing professional goals and how completion of the DNP program will enhance future roles and practice.
- Submit a Resume that includes education, work experience in nursing, research experiences, publications, presentations, community service, professional memberships and service.
- Possess a valid certification in advanced practice nursing (CNS or FNP only) from a nationally recognized credentialing body as appropriate for post-MSN applicants. Note: This requirement applies only to post-MSN applicants.
- Submit documentation of academic clinical hours.
Note: This requirement applies only to post-MSN applicants.
Curriculum
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)
Post Baccalaureate Program
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Students enrolled in this program may choose one of two clinical focus options:
- Adult Health Nursing
- Maternal-Infant Health Nursing
Student enrolled in this program may choose from two role options:
- Educator
- Administrator
A minimum of 74 semester hours is required for completion of the DNP-CNS– Post-baccalaureate degree program.
| |
|
|
| Advanced Nursing Core (21 Semester hrs) |
| NSG 5504 |
2 |
Theories in Nursing |
| NSG 5505 |
2 |
Healthcare Economics |
| NSG 6660 |
2 |
Foundations of Advanced Practice |
| NSG 8801 |
3 |
Healthcare Informatics & Data Management |
| NSG 8804 |
3 |
Policy & Politics in Healthcare |
| NSG 8805 |
3 |
Principles of Epidemiology |
| NSG 8824 |
2 |
Bioethical Issues in Healthcare |
| NSG 8826 |
2 |
Diversity & Social Issues in Healthcare |
| NSG 8822 |
2 |
Leadership in Organizations & Systems |
| |
|
|
| Advanced Nursing Specialty Courses (20 Semester hrs) |
| NSG 5512 |
3 |
Advanced Health Assessment |
| NSG 5515 |
1 |
Advanced Health Assessment
Preceptorship for CNS |
| NSG 6649 |
3 |
Advanced Pharmacology |
| NSG 6671 |
3 |
Advanced Pathophysiology |
| |
|
|
| (Select one of the Following Clinical Focus Series) |
| Adult Health Nursing Focus |
| NSG 6620 |
2 |
Advanced Acute Care Nursing of Adults |
| NSG 6621 |
3 |
Preceptorship in Advanced Acute Care Nursing |
| NSG 6622 |
2 |
Advanced Long Term Care of Adults |
| NSG 6623 |
3 |
Preceptorship in Advanced Long Term Nursing Care |
| |
OR |
|
| Maternal Infant Health Nursing Focus |
| NSG 6640 |
2 |
Advanced Maternal Infant Nursing |
| NSG 6641 |
3 |
Preceptorship in Advanced Maternal Infant Nursing |
| NSG 6642 |
2 |
High Risk Maternal Infant Nursing |
| NSG 6643 |
3 |
Preceptorship in High Risk Maternal Infant Nursing |
| |
|
|
| Scholarly Inquiry Methods for Evidence-based Practice (16 semester hrs) |
| NSG 6691 |
3 |
Research Methodology |
| NSG 6692 |
2 |
Data Analysis Techniques in Research |
| NSG 6696 |
1 |
Scholarly Inquiry Practicum I |
| NSG 6697 |
1 |
Scholarly Inquiry Practicum II |
| NSG 8802 |
3 |
Applied Biostatistics |
| NSG 8812 |
3 |
Foundations of Evidence-based Practice |
| NSG 8815 |
3 |
Evaluation Methods for Improvements of Clinical Outcomes |
| |
|
|
| Select one Advanced Nursing Role Series (5 semester hrs) |
| Educator Role |
| NSG 6614 |
2 |
Role of the Nurse Educator |
| NSG 6615 |
3 |
Nursing Education Internship |
| |
OR |
|
| Administrator Role |
| NSG 6616 |
2 |
Role of the Nurse Administrator |
| NSG 6617 |
3 |
Nursing Administrator Internship |
| |
|
|
| Practice Residency (8-12 semester hours) |
| NSG 8810 |
1 |
DNP Residency I: Project Indentification |
| NSG 8820 |
1 |
DNP Residency II: Project Development |
| NSG 8830 |
3-5 |
DNP Residency III: Project Implementation |
| NSG 8840 |
3-5 |
DNP Residency IV: Project Evaluation |
| |
|
|
| Synthesis and Evaluation (4 semester hours) |
| NSG 6655 |
1 |
Synthesis & Evaluation of Advanced Nursing Practice |
| NSG 8850 |
3 |
DNP Residency Project Dissemination |
| |
|
|
| Total Hours: 74-78 semester hours |
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)
Post Baccalaureate Program
Family Nurse Practitioner
A minimum of 82 semester hours is required for completion of the DNP-FNP– Post-baccalaureate degree program.
| |
|
|
| Advanced Nursing Core (21 Semester hrs) |
| NSG 5504 |
2 |
Theories in Nursing |
| NSG 5505 |
2 |
Healthcare Economics |
| NSG 6660 |
2 |
Foundations of Advanced Practice |
| NSG 8801 |
3 |
Healthcare Informatics & Data Management |
| NSG 8804 |
3 |
Policy & Politics in Healthcare |
| NSG 8805 |
3 |
Principles of Epidemiology |
| NSG 8824 |
2 |
Bioethical Issues in Healthcare |
| NSG 8826 |
2 |
Diversity & Social Issues in Healthcare |
| NSG 8822 |
2 |
Leadership in Organizations & Systems |
| |
|
|
| Advanced Nursing Specialty (27 Semester hrs) |
| NSG 5512 |
3 |
Advanced Health Assessment |
| NSG 5513 |
3 |
Advanced Health Assessment Preceptorship for FNP |
| NSG 6645 |
3 |
Family & Cultural Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice |
| NSG 6649 |
3 |
Advanced Pharmacology |
| NSG 6671 |
3 |
Advanced Pathophysiology |
| NSG 6665 |
3 |
Primary Care I |
| NSG 6666 |
3 |
Primary Care I Preceptorship |
| NSG 6667 |
3 |
Primary Care II |
| NSG 6668 |
3 |
Primary Care II Preceptorship |
| |
|
|
| Scholarly Inquiry Methods for Evidence-based Practice (16 semester hours) |
| NSG 6691 |
3 |
Research Methodology |
| NSG 6692 |
2 |
Data Analysis Techniques in Research |
| NSG 6696 |
1 |
Scholarly Inquiry Practicum I |
| NSG 6697 |
1 |
Scholarly Inquiry Practicum II |
| NSG 8802 |
3 |
Applied Biostatistics |
| NSG 8812 |
3 |
Foundations of Evidence-based Practice |
| NSG 8815 |
3 |
Evaluation Methods for Improvement of Client Outcomes |
| |
|
|
| Advanced Nursing Roles (6 semester hours) |
| NSG 6670 |
1 |
Role Synthesis Seminar |
| NSG 6680 |
5 |
Family Nurse Practitioner Internship |
| |
|
|
| Practice Residency (8-12 semester hours) |
| NSG 8810 |
1 |
DNP Residency I: Project Identification |
| NSG 8820 |
2 |
DNP Residency II: Project Development |
| NSG 8830 |
3-5 |
DNP Residency III: Project Implementation |
| NSG 8840 |
3-5 |
DNP Residency IV: Project Evaluation |
| |
|
|
| Synthesis and Evaluation (4 semester hours) |
| NSG 6655 |
1 |
Synthesis & Evaluation of Advanced Nursing |
| NSG 8850 |
3 |
DNP Residency Project Dissemination |
| |
|
|
| Total Hours: 82-86 semester hours |
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)
Post Masters Program
A minimum of 35 semester hours is required for completion of the DNP-Post-Masters degree program.
| |
|
|
| Advanced Nursing Core (15 Semester hrs) |
| NSG 8801 |
3 |
Healthcare Informatics & Data Management |
| NSG 8804 |
3 |
Policy & Politics in Healthcare |
| NSG 8805 |
3 |
Principles of Epidemiology |
| NSG 8824 |
2 |
Bioethical Issues in Healthcare |
| NSG 8826 |
2 |
Diversity & Social Issues in Healthcare |
| NSG 8822 |
2 |
Leadership in Organizations & Systems |
| |
|
|
| Scholarly Inquiry Methods for Evidence-based Practice (9 Semester hrs) |
| NSG 8802 |
3 |
Applied Biostatistics |
| NSG 8812 |
3 |
Foundations of Evidence-based Practice |
| NSG 8815 |
3 |
Evaluation Methods for Improvements of Client Outcomes |
| |
|
|
| Practice Residency (8-12 semester hours) |
| NSG 8810 |
1 |
DNP Residency I: Project Identification |
| NSG 8820 |
2 |
DNP Residency II: Project Development |
| NSG 8830 |
3-5 |
DNP Residency III: Project Implementation |
| NSG 8840 |
3-5 |
DNP Residency IV: Project Evaluation |
| |
|
|
| Synthesis and Evaluation (3 semester hours) |
| NSG 8850 |
3 |
DNP Residency Project Dissemination |
| |
|
|
| Total Hours: 35-39 semester hours |
Requirements for Students in Clinical Courses
All students must maintain RN licensure, current CPR certification, professional liability insurance, proof of annual physical examination, negative drug screen and clear a background check when enrolled in clinical nursing courses. Professional liability insurance is available through the School of Nursing. Students are responsible for their own medical care if needed in the clinical setting. Students are also responsible for personal transportation costs incurred during the program. Students must meet Communicable Disease Center (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
guidelines.
Laboratory Fees for the DNP Program:
| NSG 5515, 6696, 6697 |
$ 37.50 |
| NSG 5513, 6621, 6623, 6641, 6643, 6666, 6668 |
$ 67.50 |
| NSG 6615, 6617 |
$105.00 |
| NSG 6636, 6680 |
$180.00 |
| NSG 8810, 8820, 8840, 8850 |
$225.00 |
| Note: Fees subject to change annually |
DNP Degree Plan
Unconditionally admitted graduate students may submit a Degree Plan after completing nine semester hours of coursework as outlined for the specific degree program. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale) is required on all work attempted. The Degree Plan must be completed within the first 18 semester hours of the program or a hold will be placed on the student’s registration until the Degree Plan process is completed.
Qualifying Examination
DNP students must take a qualifying examination the last term of 6000 level courses. Passing the qualifying exam is required before progression to 8000 level courses. The passing of the qualifying exam is not to be considered a wavier of any other requirement for the program. Should students fail the qualifying exam, they must successfully retake the exam within one year of the date originally taken.
Admission to Doctoral Candidacy
DNP students are admitted to doctoral candidacy upon completion of all 5000/6000 level courses, possessing a 3.0 GPA on coursework attempted, and passing a “Qualifying Exam”. Upon admission into doctoral candidacy, the student may progress to 8000-level advanced practice coursework.
Degree Requirements
Graduation from the DNP program requires completion of a prescribed plan of study. Consistent with recommendations from the AACN, the DNP program requires four academic years for post-baccalaureate and two years for post-master’s options. Therefore, the number of credits required for graduation from the
DNP program will depend upon prior degree. All credits used to satisfy the degree requirements for the DNP must not exceed eight years at the time of degree completion.
Graduation requirements include:
- Completion of all prescribed coursework with a 3.0 GPA or better
A score of 80% or better on the Qualifying Exam for post-baccalaureate students
- Submission of an approved comprehensive e-Portfolio
- Completion of a minimum of 1000 hours of graduate level clinical practice as part of a supervised academic program
- Successful completion of the Residency Synthesis Project
Residency Synthesis Project
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students will identify, develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate findings of a clinical project that has systems level impact for the improvement of healthcare outcomes for a population group within a specific nursing practice. Specific courses in the DNP curriculum guide the completion of this project.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of six semester hours taken at another regionally accredited institution of higher education with a "B" grade or better may be applied toward the degree. These courses must be comparable to Troy University courses and must be approved by the Nursing graduate faculty. For students completing the Doctorate of Nursing Practice, all transfer credits used to satisfy degree requirements may not exceed eight years at the time of the degree completion.
top
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPORT AND FITNESS MANAGEMENT
The Sport and Fitness Management program is designed to provide the graduate with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to engage in the practice of management in a variety of settings. The goals and objectives of the program are guided by, but are not limited to, the criteria and guidelines set forth in the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program by the North American Society for Sport Management.
Students are provided with classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences to accomplish these objectives. Students are evaluated on their progress in meeting the above objectives throughout the program. Opportunities and evaluations are provided for actual participation in professional clinical sites including athletic, sport and club fitness, coaching facilities, rehabilitation facilities and community settings in the practice of Sport and Fitness Management.
The program aims to provide a broad-based, comprehensive curriculum, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration that prepares a sport and fitness manager practitioner to
- direct an individual's participation in selected clinical opportunities aimed at reinforcing and enhancing performance; facilitate learning of those skills and functions essential for productivity, thus the individual will be able to better communicate effectively with clients, subordinates and the public;
- provide services to improve function to prevent deficits in activities of daily living, work, play/leisure, and in the underlying performance of managing to ensure quality of services and effectiveness of the program; and
- function in a variety of roles including direct managing provider,consultant, case manager, educator, administrator,researcher and advocate in a variety of sport and fitness management delivery models and systems where sport and fitness management is traditionally practiced and in emerging areas of local community, state, regional, national and international arenas.
Upon successful completion of the SFM program, the student will be able to
- plan, develop, implement and evaluate programs of service designed to meet local community, state, regional, national and international needs;
- administer and manage a sport and fitness management service;
- articulate and apply sport and fitness management principles,intervention approaches, rationales, and expected outcomes of service;
- be innovators and leaders in the profession, applying sport and fitness management knowledge to the solution of complex sport and fitness managerial issues and health problems;
and
- demonstrate an attitude of inquiry and nurture the capacity for creative thinking, critical analysis and problem solving; to interpret research studies and to apply research results to sport and fitness management practice; and to contribute to the advancement and dissemination of research and knowledge in the behavioral science.
Prerequisite Requirements
Candidates for admission must hold a baccalaureate degree in sport and fitness management or related field.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Sport and Fitness Management
Unconditional Admission
- Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution. Students with a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution should see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission.
- Applicants must achieve a score of 33 or higher on the Miller Analogies Test or a score of 850 or higher on the Graduate Record Examination (verbal and quantitative).
- Applicants must have an overall grade point average of 2.5 on a four-point scale.
Conditional Admission
- Students not satisfying the unconditional admission requirements may be conditionally admitted to the program pending satisfactory completion of the first 12 semester hours with a 3.0 grade point average. Students with a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution should see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission.
- Students not satisfying conditional admission requirements will be dropped from the program for one calendar year, after which time the student must petition for readmission.
Curriculum
All courses offer three semester hours of credit except SFM 6625, 6626, 6627, 6680, 6681, 6682.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of 12 semester hours taken at another regionally accredited institution of higher learning, with a grade of "B" or better, can be applied toward the degree. These courses must be comparable to Troy University’s courses and must be approved by the SFM graduate faculty.
Requirements for Admission to Candidacy
To be admitted to candidacy, students must have a 3.0 GPA on all work attempted. Unconditionally admitted graduate students must apply for admission to candidacy after completing nine semester hours of requirements as outlined for the specific degree program. The Admission to Candidacy form must be completed within the first 18 semester hours of the program. If the Admission to Candidacy form is not completed by the conclusion of 18 semester hours, a hold will be placed on the student’s registration until Admission to Candidacy process is completed. A student will be admitted to candidacy the term following completion of 12 semester hours.
Degree Requirements
Successful completion of the courses listed below with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better and successful completion of the required comprehensive examination is necessary to fulfill requirements for the degree. If a student makes a “D” or “F” in a core or concentration course, the course must be retaken. If the student earns a “D” or“F” in an elective course, the course may be retaken, or another elective taken in its place. The student can satisfy the research component requirement by successfully completing SFM 6617 and SFM 6691 with a grade of “B” or better.
Sport and Fitness Management
Students may choose one of two options (concentrations):
- Athletic Administration
- Fitness, Sport and Club Management
A minimum of 33 semester hours is required for completion of the program.
| Required Core Courses (21 hrs.) |
| SFM 6660 |
3 |
Foundations of Sport & Fitness Management |
| SFM 6610 |
3 |
Physical Education, Sport and the
Law |
| SFM 6615 |
3 |
Sport Administration |
| SFM 6617 |
3 |
Readings in Sport Management,
Fitness Management |
| SFM 6632 |
3 |
Critical Issues in Sport and Fitness
Management |
| SFM 6640 |
3 |
Sport Marketing |
| SFM 6691 |
3 |
Research Methods |
| |
|
|
| Athletic Administration Conentration |
| SFM 6616 |
3 |
Sport Finance |
| SFM 6672 |
3 |
Sport Psychology |
| SFM 6673 |
3 |
Ethical Issues in Sport |
| SFM 6674 |
3 |
Entrepreneurship in Sport |
| SFM 6690 |
3 |
Internship |
| |
|
|
| Fitness, Sport and Club Management Concentration |
| SFM 6620 |
3 |
Physical Fitness: A Critical
Analysis |
| SFM 6650 |
3 |
Nutrition and Physical Performance |
| SFM 6670 |
3 |
Exercise and Disease Prevention |
| Select 6 semester hours from the following: |
| SFM 6623 |
3 |
Biomechanics of Sport Technique |
| SFM 6671 |
3 |
Exercise Through Life Span |
| SFM 6680 |
1-9 |
Practicum in Sport and Fitness Mgt. |
| |
|
or |
| SFM 6690 |
3 |
Internship |
| |
|
or |
| SFM 6695 |
3 |
Thesis |
College of Health and Human Services Candidacy Forms
