Hampton University's School of Nursing offers several programs leading to the Master of Science degree. There are three roles available. A student may choose between the advanced nursing practice roles of administration or education or the advanced practice nursing role of family nurse practitioner. Education and administration students will also choose a clinical specialty or population focus of advanced adult nursing, community health nursing, or community health/psychiatric nursing.
The Master of Science Degree programs can be completed in 44.50 hours of coursework, and the completion of a thesis and thesis defense or a comprehensive examination. The programs are designed to afford students the opportunity to enroll on a part-time basis according to the existing structure of the Graduate College. Didactic courses are scheduled during evening hours to allow a student to remain in the workforce and continue the educational process. Clinical practicum experiences are planned according to the schedule of the affiliating agency or institution.
The education area of role development prepares teachers for collegiate programs in associate or baccalaureate degree nursing education. The administration area of role development focuses on management of nursing positions in various service agency settings. The nurse practitioner program is designed to develop advanced practice nursing skills in professional nurses who will be able to function in accordance with jointly promulgated medical and nursing protocols as specified by state laws. (The availability of a role and specialty is dependent upon the number of students available to start a cohort in that role and specialty.)
All graduates are prepared in advanced nursing practice with proficiency in evaluating the health care needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Graduates of the program have assumed top leadership positions in nursing service and educational organizations, earned doctoral degrees and served with distinction in collaborative roles as they developed new delivery systems. The terminal objectives for the Master of Science degree program in nursing emphasize the synthesis of knowledge and the responsibility of graduates to participate in, evaluate, or conduct circumscribed research.
Research is an integral aspect of the curriculum in the Master of Science degree program in nursing. Application, utilization, and critical evaluation of the research process and resultant finding are emphasized as the body of evidence for the improvement and advancement of nursing practice and positive patient outcomes.
