The Master of Science (M.S.) in Nursing Science at the University of California, Irvine is a graduate degree program that prepares students to lead innovations in health care delivery and elevated nursing care across practice settings. The program course work is designed to prepare graduate-educated nurses with: (1) research and evidence-based practice competency; (2) expertise in specialized concentrations of nursing practice; (3) leadership role preparation, including collaborative inter-professional team building; and (4) leadership skills in health policy to become advocates for health promotion and disease prevention efforts supporting population health. The M.S. provides students with a foundation for seamless progression into a research or practice-focused doctoral program.

All students interested in the M.S. in Nursing Science should be aware that they will be required to do the following: (1) meet the physical and mental requirements necessary to perform nursing practice functions as outlined in Chapter 6, Article 2, Item 2725 of the Business and Professions Code of California; (2) provide required clinical onboarding documentation such as current health records, proof of immunizations, and up-to-date certifications (e.g. CPR/BLS); (3) complete and pass screenings such as a criminal background check and drug test prior to entering the clinical portion of program as required by health care facilities in which students will have clinical experiences; (4) purchase required equipment such as stethoscopes; (5) have access to transportation for off-campus clinical experiences.

Community and Population Health Nursing concentration applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing university program and have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). In addition, they must have completed courses in the following subjects with a C or better: statistics, psychology (preferably human development lifespan), sociology/cultural anthropology, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology with labs, and chemistry. Courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology with labs are required to be completed within the last 5 years prior to application. Applicants must meet the general requirements of the UCI Graduate Division. The GRE and letters of recommendation are not required for admission to the Sue and Bill Gross School of Nursing.