Nursing, MS

Online Advanced Population Health Nursing

• For RNs with either:
  • a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS)
  • an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a bachelor’s degree or higher in another field
• Fall (August) Admission only
• Full- or part-time program

This 30-credit program can be completed in as little as one year as a full-time student, or two years or longer as a part-time student. Current students consult with the Online APHN Program Director to develop an individualized path to graduation.

Coursework is completed online at your own pace (asynchronous) and includes individual and group learning, as well as in-person fieldwork activities conducted in the student’s own community. Students complete a 6-credit capstone project that includes 270 hours of in-person fieldwork experience. Students may also elect to complete a thesis (Plan A) designed to provide experience in the indirect care level of service at the aggregate population, organizational or systems level. There is an optional additional 9-credit thesis option.

Course offerings may vary based on the student’s year of admission to the program, faculty, and program updates.

Nursing Education & Leadership [currently not admitting]

[Not admitting students to the Nursing Education & Leadership track for Fall 2026 through Spring 2030, or until the last admitted student graduates]

• For RNs with one of the following:
  • a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS)
  • an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a bachelor’s degree or higher in another field
• Fall (August) Admission only
• Full- or part-time program

This program requires a minimum of 36 credits, and can be completed in as little as two years as a full-time student, or three years or longer as a part-time student. It is distance-based with a hybrid format, and most coursework is completed online at your own pace (asynchronous) and online at specific times (synchronous), except for three in-person courses (lab, fieldwork, and practicum). Accommodations will be made for graduate nursing students on the neighbor islands for these experiences. Throughout the program, students receive dedicated support from the School’s Office of Student Services, with additional academic advising provided by the Program Director as they progress through their plan of study.

Core foundational courses offered include research and evidenced-based practice, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment. Students will begin to take nursing education and leadership courses beginning in the first year to develop specialization skills and knowledge in these areas. In the final two semesters, students engage in immersive, real-world teaching and leadership experiences, including didactic instruction, lab facilitation, fieldwork, and a practicum under the guidance of a master teacher and leader in the community. These hands-on opportunities help bridge the transition from novice to expert in nursing education and leadership roles.