Master's of Science in Nursing / Master's of Business Administration
The MSN/MBA Joint Degree Program, a collaborative venture of the School of Nursing and the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, prepares health care leaders with a unique blend of clinical and administrative skills.
The objective of the Master of Nursing program and the Master of Business Administration is to provide a unique educational experience to specially qualified individuals capable of leadership and innovation in health care organizations and delivery systems. Graduates will assume leadership positions in hospitals, corporate offices, ambulatory care facilities, and long-term care agencies. They will also contribute to the health policy-making process in both public and private sectors.
The MSN program builds on the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of the bachelor's prepared nurse. Therefore, the MSN/MBA Joint Degree Program will create a special opportunity for students to acquire the breadth of understanding and management skills needed to perform effectively and creatively at the business and clinical interface of our health care delivery organizations.
The MBA program provides an understanding of the fundamental areas of business while it develops the student's capacity to analyze managerial problems and present resourceful solutions to those problems.
Students may enroll in the MSN component alone (MSN in Health Systems Management).
The MSN in Health Systems Management courses are offered via Distance Learning. The MBA courses are offered ‘live’ in Charlottesville. While the MSN in Health Systems Management can be completed in a part-time basis, the MBA is a full-time program. MBA courses are 5-6 days a week at the Colgate Darden School of Business at the University. The MSN/MBA program can be completed in 30 months. Part-time study is not permitted.
Graduates are prepared for management positions throughout the health care system, including executive level management positions. Graduates are also prepared for positions in the areas of quality improvement, information systems, and policy.
Program Coordinator: Kathleen Cox, PhD, RN (434) 924-0011, email: kbc2v@virginia.edu.
Clinicals
Students complete 500 hours of administrative practicum near the completion of the program.
Certification
Students completing this track will have completed course work necessary for Certification in Nursing Administration, Advanced or Certification in Nursing Administration. The practice requirements for this Certification are met through paid employment as a nurse manager or nurse executive for 24 months of the last five years. Thus graduates will need to obtain this experience after earning the MSN degree.
Admission Requirements
Students apply to both programs (MSN and MBA), and need to be accepted by both programs. Admissions information for the Darden School of Business is available online.
Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive and based on evaluation of all portions of the application. To be considered for the Master's of Science in Nursing, applicants must submit a completed application and:
- Have a Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited (CCNE or NLN) school.
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate study.
- Hold an unencumbered RN license for the state where you intend to do your practica.
- Demonstrate satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination.
- Submit clear written statements on educational and professional goals, as well as on diversity.
- Submit three satisfactory academic and professional recommendations.
- Submit a copy of your resume or C.V.
- Have completed an undergraduate or graduate statistics course within the past 5 years.
- Be available for an interview if requested.
Application deadline:
Fall or Summer entry: April 1
Spring entry: November 1
All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. The School of Nursing accepts GRE scores that are more than 5 years old. If you have your 'older' scores, you may submit a copy of the Student Report. Students who have already completed a graduate degree do not need to submit GRE scores. The Institutional Code for the University of Virginia is
R-5820. Because of some recent problems with receiving the ETS score reports, you may be asked to mail/fax a copy of your Student Score Report.
International applicants are required also to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. Visit their websites for more information. The University of Virginia institutional code number is R-5820, nursing #0610.
Downloads, Prorgam of Study, and Links
For More Information
For additional information on admission to and programs of study at the UVa School of Nursing, please fill our our online form. You are also welcome to call the Office of Addmissions at (434) 924-0141 / (888) 283-8703.
Questions on admissions and financial aid should be directed to Clay Hysell, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services, email hysell@virginia.edu