phd in nursing usm

• POSTGRADUATE
• INTERNATIONAL

Admission  @Universiti Sains Malaysia

Postgraduate.

• Medical, Dental And Health Research

PhD (Nursing) - School of Health Sciences

The Nursing program provides a rich environment for postgraduate students with staff from a range of professional and disciplinary backgrounds including Stroke management, Wound management, Peri-operative care, Oncology, Obstetric & Gynecology, Neurology, Continence, Psychiatry, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Neonatology & etc. that is relevant to the needs of healthcare professionals and nurses' career progression.

The master's by research degree equips students with a critical application of specialist knowledge and enables the development of advanced skills in carrying out sustainable and independent research.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by research degree offers students an opportunity to undertake a focused and critical consideration and to make informed judgements on complex issues of a particular topic with the aim of contributing to the development of knowledge in that field as well as embracing an innovative approach to undertaking and solving problems.

We aims to prepare scholars who will discover and extend scientific knowledge that advances the science and practice of nursing with the purposes to improve the quality of services and outcomes for patients and their families through studies concerned with individual clinical needs, how knowledge is translated into practice, service delivery, organization and the wider social and policy context of care.

The program is especially interested in receiving applications from students across the globe and accepts applications throughout the year. If you are ambitious and are interested in pursuing postgraduate research in any of the above mentioned areas, feel free to contact the Institute of Postgraduate study (IPS).

RESEARCH FIELD

Clinical Nursing Practice Maternal and Child Health Nursing Family and Community Nursing Nursing Management Nursing Education Acute and Critical Care Nursing

Applicants should possess one of the following:

• A Master's degree in research mode; or
• A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
• A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; or
• Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

The minimum score for each programme can be vary from the below list, candidates are required to check for each programme requirements.

A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or A minimum of Band 3.5 for MUET Exemption is given to candidate if:

English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

• Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters
• Part-time: Min 6 semesters / Max 15 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

Institute of Postgraduate Studies Universiti Sains Malaysia 11800 Penang, Malaysia. Tel : +604 653 2606 Fax : +604 653 2940 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Undergraduate

Student Admission Unit Academic Management Division Registry, Level 2, Chancellory Building Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia. Tel : 1 300 888 876 / +604-6533196 Fax : +604 653 3328 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Universiti Sains Malaysia shall not be liable for any inaccuracies, errors, or misunderstandings arising from the use of Google Translator. Users are encouraged to approach translations with awareness and consideration for the limitations of machine translation technology. Information published on the English version will be used in the case of discrepancies.

© Copyright 2023  Universiti Sains Malaysia. All Rights Reserved. Developed by PPKT@USM

• Approved Online Programs

Nursing Leadership PhD

The purpose of the online Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nursing is to prepare scholars, with expertise in selected, substantive areas, who will contribute to the science and practice of nursing through systematic inquiry and theory development. Graduates will be prepared to meet state, regional, and national needs for doctorally prepared faculty in schools of nursing and other leadership positions in health-related organizations.

The Ph.D. program offers two tracks both 100% online: Post-Masters and BSN to Ph.D. The Post-Masters track requires 48 hours credits during a minimum of 24-30 months of full-time study. The BSN to Ph.D. track requires 60 hours credit during a minimum of 36-42 months of full-time study. Both full-time and part-time is available.

Campus:  Online 100%

Admission Requirements

Admission to the online Ph.D. program depends upon sufficient enrollment, university resources, and qualifications of applicants. In addition to the criteria mentioned in Admission Requirements and Procedures   , a select number of students will be admitted to the program based on the following criteria as required by the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice:

• Graduate from a baccalaureate or master’s program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA for the most recent nursing degree.
• A current unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license.
• Curriculum vitae or professional resumé.
• Submission of three (3) letters of reference from individuals (doctoral level nursing individuals preferred ) familiar with the applicant’s academic/professional background and experience in nursing practice, specifying in detail the applicant’s capability for doctoral study.
• Cover letter of introduction and a personal statement of research interests submitted with the application.
• Supplemental Nursing Application .
• An interview (online or telephone).
• Proof of recent health examination to include (a) proof of immunization against the Hepatitis B virus, (b) current tuberculosis (TB) skin test or quantiFERON G test, (c) current Tdap immunization, (d) Evidence of immunity to varicella, and (e) current MMR immunization.
• Submit proof of a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
• Completion of a criminal background check and drug screen.

Exceptions to the above criteria must be approved by the School Director, the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

The program of study includes 48-60 hours of required coursework, including 12 dissertation hours.  A comprehensive exam and a dissertation are required to graduate.

Progression Policy

Progression in the program requires a minimum grade of C in all courses and an overall GPA of 3.0 each semester. Failure to achieve a minimum grade of C in all courses and an overall GPA of 3.0 will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to withdraw or be dismissed from the program. Students cannot earn a grade of C in more than two courses regardless of the GPA. Receiving the third C will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to withdraw or be dismissed from the program. Students cannot earn a grade of Cin any course regardless of the GPA. Receiving a C- will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to repeat the course if eligible. Students cannot earn a grade of D+, D, D, or F in any course regardless of the GPA. Receiving a grade of D+, D, or F will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to withdraw or be dismissed from the program. Students who withdraw from the program may be eligible for readmission to the program. Students eligible for re-admission will be required to follow the current admission process as new applicants. Should an applicant be re-admitted they will be considered a new student and will be required to complete the entire curriculum.

If a student has a felony conviction, the student may not be able to complete the degree because the student may not be able to perform the required clinical experience.

Academic Progression

A sequence of courses, examinations, and a dissertation mark the students’ progression in the Ph.D. program.

• A comprehensive examination administered after all major coursework has been completed.
• Selection of a dissertation committee which will oversee the student’s work toward the degree.
• A final online oral examination (dissertation defense) which covers the dissertation research and related fields administered at the completion of the dissertation - students should consult the Human Subjects Committee (IRB).
• Fulfillment of the virtual residency requirement, which may be met by continuous online enrollment of 1) 6 semester hours for each of 4 consecutive semesters, or 2) 9 semester hours for each of 3 consecutive semesters, or 3) 12 semester hours for each of 2 consecutive semesters.
• Fulfillment of Research Tool(s) requirements.
• A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.

Course Requirements (48-60 hours)

Core i— 36 hours.

Requirements for BSN to Ph.D. and Post-Master’s tracks

• NUR 813 - Policy and Politics in Healthcare 3 hrs.
• NUR 818 - Quantitative Research Design 3 hrs.
• NUR 821 - Qualitative Research Design 3 hrs.
• NUR 823 - Measurement in Nursing Science 3 hrs.
• NUR 825 - Ethics in Organizations and Leadership 3 hrs.
• NUR 828 - Organizational Dynamics in Healthcare 3 hrs.
• NUR 829 - Leadership and Organizational Theory 3 hrs.
• NUR 852 - Philosophy of Science and Nursing Science 3 hrs.
• NUR 853 - Theory Development and Evaluation in Nursing Science 3 hrs.
• Advanced Statistics (6 hrs.)
• Support Courses (3 hrs)

Core II— 12 hours

Additional Southern Miss requirements for BSN to Ph.D. track.

• NUR 827 - Structure and Governance in Higher Education 3 hrs.
• Support Courses (9 hrs.)

Dissertation

Required for BSN to Ph.D. and Post-Master’s tracks. A total of 12 semester online hours is required for dissertation research ( NUR 898   ).

Research Tools Requirement

Required for BSN to Ph.D. and Post-Master’s tracks

The following courses meet the research tools requirements for the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice:

• NUR 818 - Quantitative Research Design    (3 hrs)
• NUR 821 - Qualitative Research Design    (3 hrs)
• NUR 823 - Measurement in Nursing Science    (3 hrs)
• Advanced Statistics (3 hrs)

These courses will be taken in a prescribed order not reflected here. Courses will also be taken during the summer semester.

• Advanced Statistics 3 hrs.

USM College of Nursing and Health Professions prepares students for nation’s top job

L ONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) - While accelerated learning might be a challenge, careers in the health care field need all hands on deck.

The University of Southern Mississippi is doing their part to prepare more students for available jobs in the field, launching an accelerated Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (ABSN) pathway in January of 2023.

“So, there’s a nursing shortage, especially in Mississippi, so the jobs are available, so the need is great... they were looking for a way to get more nurses into the field quickly, so that’s why they started the program,” ABSN student Shad Kennedy said.

The ABSN pathway at USM is completed in just 12 months, while the typical BSN program takes about two-and-a-half years.

USM’s School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice is home to five graduate level nursing degrees. Two of them are nurse practitioner programs: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

This year, ‘nurse practitioner’ has been ranked first in the ‘100 Best Jobs List’ by U.S. News and World Report. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 45 percent growth in the number of nurse practitioner positions available in the U.S. between now and 2032.

Connie Richardson is a nurse practitioner and a caregiver at the campus’s health center.

“NPs in the past have always met needs of primary care, especially in underserved areas- such as mid and upper Mississippi. But we find that on the Coast, there’s still a bunch of underserved patients here,” Richardson says.

Faculty with health care experience is imperative, Richardson says, to provide the students with real-world insight.

“It makes such a difference. There are so many things you can read in a book, but unless a professor has real knowledge- it’s hard to impart that to the student,” she says.

Both USM Nurse Practitioner and ABSN lessons feature simulations and labs, on top of the clinical-internship style training, to give students more hands-on approach.

“You’ll be in a real-life situation where all the sudden the patient’s O2 is dropping and their blood pressure is dropping, and you’re going to assist the patient and find out what’s going on... It’s almost like a real-world scenario,” Kennedy says.

Kennedy says he was ready for condensed learning to get him on the job sooner.

“Since it’s just a year, it’s going to be a huge sacrifice because it’s a lot of studying and it’s accelerated, but I thought it’d be worth it for me to put the effort in and just get it done in a year,” Kennedy tells WLOX.

The pathway’s first cohort received a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX. With their BSN license in-hand, students now have the opportunity to pursue a graduate nursing degree.

“In providing more NPs for the state, we’re succeeding in helping more patients, every day,” Richardson says.

For more on USM’s ABSN Pathway and graduate nursing degrees, click here.

Click here to subscribe to WLOX News on YouTube : Keep up with South Mississippi news, sports, and local events on our YouTube channel!

• Request info
• Majors & Degrees
• Prospective Students
• Current Undergraduate Students
• Current Graduate Students
• Online Students
• Alumni and Friends
• Faculty and Staff

USM Army and Air Force ROTC programs host Commissioning Ceremonies

Fri, 05/17/2024 - 09:24am | By: Ivonne Kawas

Ten Army and three Air Force University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets were commissioned as Second Lieutenants this past weekend.

The Commissioning Ceremony marks the beginning of the cadet’s career, as they move on to lead and serve as Second Lieutenants for the U.S. Army and Air Force.

Front row L-R: MSG Edwin G. Williams, II., CPT(P) Nicholas Davis, 2LT Akiareia Wilkinson, 2LT Jada Fairley , 2LT Jeremiah Parker, 2LT Jeff Hughes, and 2LT Miruna Avram. Back row L-R : CCPT Branly Marte, Dean Chris Winstead, LTC Juan Ortiz, 2LT John Vonderbruegge, 2LT Troy Hilton, 2LT Austin Smith, and Major General Janson Boyles.

Both programs welcomed distinguished speakers to deliver the address for the ceremonies. Army ROTC, which held its ceremony at Camp Shelby Armed Forces Museum, featured Major General Janson D. Boyles from the Mississippi National Guard. Air Force ROTC, which held its ceremony at the Southern Miss campus, featured Brigadier General Mary-Kathryn Haddad, Assistant to the Director of Intelligence at Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

LTC Juan J. Ortiz, director of Military Science at USM, praised Army cadets for their success as they embark on this new chapter.

“Our Army cadets have demonstrated exceptional leadership through various roles at Southern Miss, and they are poised to leverage these experiences, applying the lessons learned to their future positions,” said LTC Ortiz. “Having showcased their potential for promising careers, they are prepared to serve in various roles, including Ordnance Officers, Military Police Officers, and Infantry Officers. I take great pride in their accomplishments and extend my wishes for success as they embark on this new chapter.”

L-R: Lt Col Sheena Puleali'i, Provost Lance Nail, 2d Lt Julia Anderson, 2d Lt Megan Trahan, 2d Lt Joshua Rodriguez, and Brigadier General Mary-Kathryn Haddad.

Lt. Col. Sheena Puleali'i, director of Aerospace Studies at USM, commended Air Force cadets for their commitment to excellence over the course of their college career.

“What distinguishes this year's cohort of Air Force cadets is their commitment to excellence and remarkable positive energy," stated Lt Col Puleali'i. "This unwavering commitment and energy will be an invaluable asset for their success as they prepare to serve in various roles, including the Intelligence and Nursing career fields.”

Jeremiah Parker

2LT Jeremiah J. Parker, from Ocean Springs, Miss., who graduated with a BM in Music (Jazz Studies), was recognized during the ceremony as the Distinguished Military Graduate. 2LT Parker commissioned into the US Army Active Duty as an Infantry Officer.

“Commissioning as a Second Lieutenant brings me a great deal of pride,” said Parker. “From top-tier instructors to hands-on training, it's been an honor to be part of a program that cultivates leadership at every level. I've had the privilege of leading squads and serving as a Battalion Public Affairs Officer, engaging with the campus community along the way. My goals extend beyond personal achievements; I aim to prioritize the well-being of my Soldiers and foster professional growth among my peers.”

Parker commended the cadre and professors for instilling in him a sense of confidence through their guidance and leadership.

“I can say without a doubt that Southern Miss and the ROTC Program has offered me the best training available to commission into the Active Duty Army,” said Parker. “Without the guidance of the cadre and instruction from my professors, I would be nowhere near as confident going into this new chapter as I am. Southern Miss To The Top! Eagle Strike!”

Braxton Bailey

2LT Braxton A. Bailey, from Clinton, Miss., graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice and

commissioned into U.S. Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer.

“Commissioning as a Second Lieutenant marks a significant milestone in my military journey, symbolizing a new beginning filled with opportunities for growth, leadership, and service to my country,” said Bailey. “Among the highlights of my ROTC experience at Southern Miss is the rigorous physical training, which not only fueled my passion for fitness but also aligned with my career aspirations in law enforcement.”

Bailey reflected on his journey at Southern Miss and future career goals, as he eagerly anticipates what lies ahead.

“As I embark on this new chapter, my goals include maintaining physical fitness, pursuing further education in public administration, and excelling in my military duties while positively impacting my unit and community,” said Bailey. “Reflecting on my journey at Southern Miss, I’m grateful for the camaraderie and growth opportunities shared with my peers. Now, I’m eagerly anticipating the challenges and successes that lie ahead.”

Megan Trahan

2d Lt Megan Trahan, from Des Allemands, La., graduated with a BS in Forensics (Anthropology) and minor in Aerospace Studies, commissioned into the US Air Force as an Intelligence Officer.

“Commissioning for me signifies endless opportunities for growth and learning, wherever my path may lead,” said Trahan. “During my time at Southern Miss, I had the privilege of leading at various levels within Detachment 432, from direct leadership roles to multi-level and project management positions. These experiences not only allowed me to grow personally but also enabled me to nurture the growth of others while forging valuable connections with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Looking ahead, Trahan referenced she has lofty goals: “I aspire to further my education by learning Russian as a second language and pursuing a master's degree. Professionally, my goal is to serve 20 years in the Air Force and later transition into a career as a forensic anthropologist.”

Commissioning Cadets included:

2LT MIRUNA M. AVRAM | a native of Hattiesburg, Miss.

• BS Kinesiology
• Commissioned into US Army National Guard as Ordnance Officer

2LT BRAXTON A. BAILEY | a native of Clinton, Miss.

• BS in Criminal Justice
• Commissioned into US Army National Guard as Military Police Officer

2LT JADA M. FAIRLEY | a native of Moss Point, Miss.

• BS in Applied Technology
• Commissioned into United States Army Active Duty as Ordinance Officer

2LT TROY S. HILTON | a native of Pearl, Miss.

• BA in Business
• Commissioned into United States Army Active Duty as Military Intelligence Officer/Branch Detailed

2LT JEFF C. HUGHES | a native of Gulf Port, Miss.

• BS in Information Technology
• Commissioned into US Army National Guard as Signal Officer

LT KENDARIOUS D. NIXON | a native of Heidelberg, Miss.

• BS Hotel Restaurant Management

2LT JEREMIAH J. PARKER | a native of Ocean Springs, Miss.

• BM in Music/Jazz Studies
• Commissioned into United States Army Active Duty as Infantry Officer

2LT AUSTIN M. SMITH | a native of Petal, Miss.

• BSBA in Business Administration
• Commissioned into Army National Guard as Signal Officer

2LT JOHN B. VONDERBRUEGGE | a native of Long Beach, Miss.

• BS Marketing

  2LT AKIAREIA WILKINSON | a native of Gaithersburg, Md.

• BS in Library/Information Science
• Commissioned into Army National Guard as Adjutant General Corps

2d Lt JULIA ANDERSON | a native of Ocean Springs, Miss.

• BSN in Nursing/Minor in Aerospace Studies
• Commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as a Nurse

2d Lt JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ | a native of Palmdale, Calif.

• BSN in Nursing

2d Lt MEGAN TRAHAN | a native of Des Allemands, La.

• BS in Forensics (Anthropology)/Minor in Aerospace Studies
• Commissioned into the U.S. Air Force as an Intelligence Officer

Categories: Student Life

Recent News Articles

Southern miss mba program jumps in fortune education ranking, megsa to showcase career paths in coastal sciences at upcoming career day.

Online Nursing Leadership PhD Applications Due March 1st

Share on Social Media:

Good healthcare is important to everyone. Healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses impact our own lives as well as the lives of those we love. If you are a nurse who wants to change the field of nursing by becoming a leader, teacher, and mentor, you should consider an online nursing PhD program.

Nurses all owe their careers to their teachers.

Teachers have an impact on the future generation of healthcare professionals like no one else. If you know you want to have the same impact on the generation that follows you, the online nursing PhD at USM is the right choice.

This fully online degree is a groundbreaking new program that targets nurses who want to lead.

We know nurses who want to transition into leadership roles are busy. That is exactly why the Southern Miss online PhD in nursing leadership never requires you to come to campus. The first-of-its-kind degree allows nurses to earn their PhD while not interrupting their busy schedule.

RELATED: Educating the next generation: Nurses giving back.

Nurses work long hours and odd schedules to ensure their patients are healthy and well taken care of. They look out for each other in many ways from covering a shift for a friend to working overtime, so a colleague can make their child’s extracurricular activities. The bonds they make are everlasting, so naturally they want to give back to their profession and fellow nurses. One of the best ways to do that is by sharing the years of experience with the next generation of nurses.

Don’t miss your chance to change your life and the lives of others. The application deadline for the fully online Nursing Leadership PhD is March 1st. If you are interested in taking that next step in your leadership career, learn more on our Nursing Leadership PhD page and start your application today.

Related posts:

Office of Online Learning

All blog posts are written and maintained by the Office of Online Learning at The University of Southern Mississippi. We provide support to online students, to faculty teaching online courses, and to units seeking to develop, grow, or improve online programs at the University.

For more information, email us at [email protected] .

Information is on the Way!

One of our Enrollment Coaches will be reaching out to you soon!

Getting started is easy! Take the first step in earning your degree by starting your application below.

Start Your Application

• Graduate Programs
• Online Programs
• Youth Programs
• Professional Development
• Lifelong Learning
• How to Apply
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Living on Campus
• Student Clubs & Organizations
• Student Engagement & Leadership
• Intercultural Student Affairs
• Equity & Inclusion
• Prospective Students
• Adult Learners
• Parents & Families
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Academic Calendar
• Course Search
• Academic Catalog
• Learning Commons
• Registration
• Student Financial Services
• Technology Support
• University Store
• Commencement

Nursing — Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing | Online

Earn your msn in as few as 24 months.

Designed to be flexible for working nurses, this efficient degree plan features undergraduate coursework provided by the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) and graduate coursework from the University of Southern Maine (USM). Select a concentration in Nursing Administration & Leadership or in Nursing Education.

Tuition per credit hour

$443 for both in-state & out-of-state residents. See details and other costs

Credit hours

60 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours.

Financial aid

Over 150 graduate assistantships available with stipend & tuition assistance, plus scholarship & fellowship opportunities. Explore aid

6 entry terms per year. No GRE required. View application process & deadlines

Program jighlights

• Complete your undergraduate coursework at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and earn your master’s degree online with the University of Southern Maine.
• Save time and money — and take fewer courses than if you were to earn your BSN and master’s separately.
• Balance your schedule while completing your master’s degree: Complete USM graduate coursework from wherever you are with our fully online program.
• Tailor the MSN degree to your professional goals: Choose a concentration in Nursing Administration and Leadership or in Nursing Education.
• Apply your knowledge beyond the classroom through a hands-on practicum experience.
• Study in a program that is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Admission information: Nursing — Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | Online

Our RN to MS — Nursing Administration and Leadership and RN to MS — Nursing Education programs are offered in partnership with the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK).

Application deadlines & program start dates

Choose from 6 start dates per year.

Each student’s application for admission will be evaluated based on a composite of the following recommended standards:

• Minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or a B average.
• RN licensure — unencumbered and current licensure in the state in which practicum will be completed.
• Undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of C or better.
• Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may submit GRE or MAT scores to be considered.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

• Application: Online application
• In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
• International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
• National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
• Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
• Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
• Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements .

Additional requirements

• Demonstrate your understanding of the nurse administrator/educator role and reasons for becoming a nurse leader.
• Explain your professional goals that will be supported by the Master of Science in Nursing degree.
• Outline the experiences, capacity, and abilities brought to a master’s program.
• Document your reasons for choosing the University of Southern Maine for this program.
• Evidence (photocopy or PDF) of an unencumbered registered nurse license.

International student instructions

View additional application requirements

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address

Learn more about our online RN to MSN program

Dedicated faculty

Our faculty are active in research and policy issues at the state and national level, are board members of state and national nursing associations, and frequently publish in leading nursing journals.

Graduate student support

Our Office of Graduate Studies connects you with opportunities for professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster our graduate student community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. We encourage students in graduate degree programs to apply for scholarship opportunities.

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Connect with us

Our monthly Graduate Information Sessions are an excellent way to learn more about the benefits of our program, as well as our admissions and financial process.

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

Nursing Leadership Graduate Certificate

Start your nursing leadership certificate online today, program-at-a-glance (certificate).

Credit Hours:

Cost per Credit Hour:

Calculate Your Tuition

Completion Time:

3 semesters

University Accreditation:

Special Requirements:

Must have a bachelor's degree

Learn more about this program:

Thank you for your interest in online at southern miss.

Ready to take the next step?

Being a nurse requires a broad and unique skill set. It requires saving lives, staying organized, and sometimes holding administrative and leadership roles. With the fully online Nursing Leadership Graduate Certificate, The University of Southern Mississippi has developed a program to help nurses build the skills to become effective and respectable leaders in academic and healthcare settings.

The Nursing Leadership Graduate Certificate will help prepare nurses for roles as leaders and administrators in their healthcare environment. This program will prepare baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorally-prepared nurses to be proficient in leadership and management skills, including the ability to manage human resources and budgets; recognize changes that impact organizations; and develop and implement policies.

If you want to be an effective leader in the nursing community, this is your chance to take charge without leaving your position in healthcare by earning your fully online Nursing Leadership Graduate Certificate from The University of Southern Mississippi. Looking for more? Our enrollment coaches are here to help. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!

We are here to help! Our enrollment coaches are standing by to help you take the next step.

We’ll call you soon! In the meantime, learn more about us from our blog or start your application.

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin . Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

To find pricing information,   visit our pricing page . For financial aid information,  view our financial aid page . For detailed tuition information,  visit our business services page .

If yes, visit  online.usm.edu/military  for more information on how Southern Miss can serve you and your needs. We will help you with funding and scholarship information, admissions, and course enrollment.

The prospective student must complete the Graduate School admission application online and pay the application fee at  http://apps.usm.edu/graduate-school/grad-school-apps/ .

Admission Requirements

Most graduate programs require the following documents. Check program websites for specific required application materials.

• Standardized Test Scores (when required by program): The requirement for a standardized test score (i.e. GRE, GMAT) as a component of graduate school admission applications is established by each graduate program based on accepted practices for the discipline. If a standardized exam score is required, programs may accept scores from reputable professional school admission exams or professional certification exams in lieu of the GRE or GMAT.  If a standardized exam is not required, programs must substitute other rigorous assessment criteria.  A holistic review of all applications must be the normal practice, with consideration given to a variety of parameters that provide both qualitative and quantitative assessment of the applicant’s readiness for graduate-level study. Admissions criteria can be more rigorous for doctoral programs than lower-level graduate programs.
• 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic performance. Applicants may contact the school of their major to determine if the school will accept non-academic recommenders.
• Other supplemental materials as required by schools, such as a résumé, statement of purpose, writing sample, etc. Applicants may contact the school of their major for additional information regarding these supplemental documents.
• TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores from international student applicants

See  Admission Requirements and Procedures .

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

See  General Degree Requirements  and  General Academic Information  for additional information concerning graduate enrollment and general requirements for certificate programs.

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). That means you can expect a program with the highest standards and quality.

RELATED POSTS:

How to Order Your Books Online at Southern Miss

Allied Health vs Medicine/Nursing

The Top In-Demand Jobs Looking for You!

QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEGREE?

Talk to one of our enrollment coaches today for more information.

Information is on the Way!

One of our Enrollment Coaches will be reaching out to you soon!

Getting started is easy! Take the first step in earning your degree by starting your application below.

Start Your Application

• Accessibility Options:
• Skip to Content
• Skip to Search
• Skip to footer
• Office of Disability Services
• Request Assistance
• 305-284-2374
• High Contrast
• School of Architecture
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Miami Herbert Business School
• School of Communication
• School of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• School of Law
• Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
• Miller School of Medicine
• Frost School of Music
• School of Nursing and Health Studies
• The Graduate School
• Division of Continuing and International Education
• People Search
• Class Search
• IT Help and Support
• Privacy Statement
• Student Life

University of Miami

• Division of University Communications
• Office of Media Relations
• Miller School of Medicine Communications
• Hurricane Sports
• UM Media Experts
• Emergency Preparedness

Explore Topics

• Latest Headlines
• Arts and Humanities
• People and Community
• All Topics A to Z

Related Links

• Subscribe to Daily Newsletter
• Special Reports
• Social Networks
• Publications
• For the Media
• Find University Experts
• News and Info
• People and Culture
• Benefits and Discounts
• More Life@TheU Topics
• About Life@the U
• Connect and Share
• Contact Life@theU
• Faculty and Staff Events
• Student Events
• TheU Creates (Arts and Culture Events)
• Undergraduate Students: Important Dates and Deadlines
• Submit an Event
• Miami Magazine
• Faculty Affairs
• Student Affairs
• More News Sites

New dean of School of Nursing and Health Studies named

By Robert C. Jones Jr. [email protected] 05-15-2024

Amid a setting of sutures and stethoscopes, bandages and blood pressure cuffs, medical successes and sometimes setbacks, Hudson Santos found his calling at the tender age of 9: nursing.  

His mother, unable at times to arrange childcare for her young son, would sometimes bring him along to the hospital in northeastern Brazil where she cared for patients on her rounds as a licensed practical nurse. “Her professionalism was imprinted on me at a very early stage of my life,” Santos recalled. “She inspired me and nursing became our shared passion.”  

So he followed in his mother’s footsteps, becoming a nurse and caring for marginalized groups at clinics in Brazil and in the United States before conducting nursing-related education and research as an internationally renowned academician.  

Now, Santos, vice dean for research at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies , has earned what he says is “the greatest honor of my professional career.” He has been named the next dean of the University’s School of Nursing and Health Studies.  

“In Dean Santos, we have a proven leader whose prolific portfolio is matched only by his passion for guiding colleagues and students to excellence in research,” said University President Julio Frenk. “His is precisely the type of vision our School of Nursing and Health Studies needs to continue its ascent to the top echelon of nursing programs nationally.”

Santos joined the University of Miami faculty two years ago as a tenured professor and the inaugural Dolores J. Chambreau Endowed Chair in Nursing. He was formerly the Beerstecher-Blackwell Distinguished Term Scholar and a tenured associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing, where he led the Biobehavioral Laboratory and was the founder and director of the Health Resilience and Omics Science Hub for identifying genetic risk factors affecting the neurodevelopment of children. He was also the Director of Training and Mentorship Division for the Institute for Environmental Health Solutions at the Gillings School of Global Public Health.  

Over the past 15 years, he has conducted extensive research on families, studying how early life stressors affect perinatal health and child developmental outcomes in high-risk populations as well as across socioeconomic status levels and racially and ethnically diverse communities.  

For Santos, it is an area of investigation that began when he was a nurse working in a clinical setting in northeastern Brazil and noticed that mothers with psychological issues and their developmentally delayed children were being treated at separate outpatient facilities. “I saw children who were struggling developmentally, and I wanted to know what was affecting their mothers. But the health care system was fragmented; they were being seen separately and at different locations,” he recalled.  

And that sparked his desire to learn more about maternal-child health and to raise awareness that the health of children begins before they are even born.  

Santos also has examined how environmental factors such as climate change can influence the health outcomes of mothers and their children. “Heat can negatively affect health, especially the health of families who lack basic necessities and are facing other adversities. So, we want to understand that and be able to use that information for prevention,” he said. “The whole idea is to foster a healthier family ecosystem early on instead of having to treat families for serious conditions later in life.”  

Santos is spearheading an ambitious $23.57 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) study examining how social and economic inequities as well as other stressors experienced by parents can biologically and psychologically impact their children. As part of that seven-year grant, the largest ever awarded to the Coral Gables Campus, the School of Nursing joins the NIH’s Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program and will enroll a racially and ethnically diverse group of some 1,250 pregnant mothers from Miami-Dade County, following their offspring from birth to age 7.  

Miami-ECHO is recruiting participants through UHealth—the University of Miami Health System, and Jackson Heath System, and will join several other cohorts across the nation to create a group of over 50,000 children and their parents. “While the big picture is to understand how early environmental factors impact child health and development, we’ll also be able to answer questions that are specific to Miami,” Santos said.  

Through his leadership, the School of Nursing and Health Studies has risen dramatically in national rankings—from 24th to 16th in NIH funding—nearly doubling its research footprint from $3,396,294 in FY 2022 to $6,061,945 in FY 2023.  

And over the course of his career, he has authored more than 110 scientific publications, securing upwards of $47 million in research funding as a principal investigator or co-investigator.  

“Dean Santos is an internationally known nurse leader and scientist who has transformed research at the School of Nursing and Health Studies in his short two years at the school,” said Guillermo “Willy” Prado, interim executive vice president and provost. “I am confident that his leadership and his vision for the school’s academic programs and research will elevate the school as a premier destination for both nursing students and faculty across the country.”  

Beyond his significant research portfolio, Santos has also demonstrated effective leadership, serving as acting director of the Ph.D. in Nursing Science program and interim associate dean of the Graduate School, Frenk and Prado pointed out in their message on Santos’ appointment to the University community emailed on Wednesday.  

Santos is passionate about diversity and inclusion, a philosophy deeply rooted in his own background as a Latino male nurse, a first-generation college student, and an immigrant to the United States. Born into poverty in Brazil, he and his siblings were confronted with severe adversity. “Survival was an achievement for us and thriving seemed beyond reach,” he said. “Yet, I discovered the transformative power of education in lifting individuals out of poverty.”  

As dean he will lead a nursing school that is home to the five-story Simulation Hospital Advancing Research and Education (S.H.A.R.E.) with on-site virtual and extended-reality simulation opportunities in a variety of clinical, research, and educational settings.  

Among his goals are to enhance the relationship of the nursing school with UHealth and Jackson Health System, expand the school’s strong national and international presence, and amplify its visibility by promoting innovative education, research and scholarship, he said.  

Santos currently serves as president of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics and is also a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, where he serves as chair-elect of the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science National Advisory Council.  

He begins his deanship on June 1, succeeding Cindy Munro, who last year announced she was stepping down as dean at the end of the academic year after leading the school for nearly seven years.

• Coral Gables , FL 33124
• 305-284-2211 305-284-2211
• UM News and Events
• Alumni & Friends
• University Hotline

Tools and Resources

• Academic Calendar
• Parking & Transportation
• social-facebook
• social-twitter
• social-youtube
• social-instagram

Copyright: 2024 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved. Emergency Information Privacy Statement & Legal Notices Title IX & Gender Equity Website Feedback

Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion .