About the Program
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program prepares nurses for a variety of leadership roles in the health care delivery system. The family nurse practitioner primary care concentration has been approved by the state boards of nursing and medicine in Virginia. George Mason University's School of Nursing offers innovative MSN programs, including an MSN Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education.
Vision Statement
The George Mason University School of Nursing will be a nationally recognized center of excellence in inquiry, knowledge, and expertise. The school's educators, clinicians, and researchers produce the next generation of nursing leaders empowered and focused on innovative responses to address the challenges of a rapidly changing and culturally diverse health care environment.
MSN Program Mission Statement
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs prepare graduates to function as providers, coordinators, and managers of care and for leadership, advanced practice, and nurse scholar roles, as well as members of the nursing profession. Graduates of the MSN programs are prepared to function as interdisciplinary health professionals and citizens who provide leadership, care and service to the community. The MSN program promotes health and well-being through its programs and centers, engaging in scholarly activities and research with the aim of maximum health for all people.
MSN Program Goal
The goal of the master's program is to prepare advanced practice nurses in the fields of clinical practice, nursing education in academia or health care settings, and nurse leaders.
Many of the courses are offered online, and some are held in a classroom.
The practicum component of the MSN is an opportunity to refine and expand upon your clinical skills under the supervision of an expert preceptor in your selected area of concentration.
Masters Degrees
Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration, MSN
The College of Public Health offers an innovative Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner track to prepare nurse practitioners in primary care. The program is a competency-based curriculum as students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to provide holistic care to individuals, families, and populations across the health continuum; graduates are highly regarded and have historically readily found employment upon graduation. Our graduates pass their respective certification exams through the ANCC (FNP) well above the national mean. George Mason's School of Nursing is listed among the top graduate and nurse practitioner programs in the country in U.S. News and World Report's Special Fall Edition. Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner.
Graduate Certificates
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
This certificate prepares students for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) role through formal study in the theory and practice of advanced practice psychiatric nursing in a variety of practice settings within the health care delivery system. Graduates will be eligible for prescriptive authority and will have the potential to perform a variety of mental health services, including medication management and psychotherapy. Course and practice content focus on the assessment and management of serious mental illness.
Graduates of the PMHNP post-master’s certificate are eligible to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner national certification examination given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Learn more about the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate.
Nursing Education Graduate Certificate
The Nursing Education Graduate Certificate combines foundation courses in education with courses in the principles and practices of nursing education. It prepares students to function in nursing educational roles in academic and nonacademic settings. Applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing. Learn more about the Nursing Education Graduate Certificate.