University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

The programme combines core graduate nursing sciences with targeted coursework in your chosen pathway. Core modules typically cover advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, research methods and biostatistics, healthcare policy and ethics, and leadership and quality improvement in healthcare.

Specialist pathways include:

• Nursing Administration: organisational behaviour, healthcare finance, strategic planning, human resources for health services, quality and safety management, and practicum experience in managerial settings.
• Nursing Research: advanced research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, grant writing, implementation science and a substantial research project or thesis under faculty supervision.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning, evidence-based clinical interventions for specific populations, clinical decision-making, and an extended supervised clinical practicum in acute or community settings.

Students complete a combination of seminars, skills labs and supervised clinical hours. The programme offers options for a practicum-based capstone project or a research thesis depending on the chosen track. Delivery formats can include on-campus, hybrid and distance elements to accommodate working professionals.

Entry requirements

• Registered Nurse licence valid in the relevant jurisdiction.
• A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution or an equivalent qualification; applicants with other backgrounds may be considered for bridging pathways where available.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA; specific minimums are set by the College of Nursing and may vary by intake.
• Professional résumé/CV showing clinical experience; many applicants have at least one to two years of clinical practice.
• Statement of purpose outlining professional goals and reasons for choosing the specialty track.
• Academic transcripts and one or more professional or academic references.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through approved tests unless exempt.
• Some pathways may request an interview; GRE requirements, if any, are determined by the programme and can vary.

Career prospects

Graduates progress into a range of advanced nursing roles across healthcare systems, public health agencies, academia and research institutions. Typical career destinations include:

• Nurse manager, director of nursing or other leadership positions overseeing departments and units.
• Clinical nurse specialist or advanced clinical practitioner providing expert care and mentoring clinical teams.
• Nurse researcher or research coordinator working on clinical trials, outcomes research and evidence implementation.
• Quality improvement and patient safety lead, working to enhance service delivery and compliance.
• Academic roles such as clinical instructor or lecturer, particularly for graduates who combine clinical expertise with research or teaching preparation.
• Consultancy and policy roles within healthcare organisations, insurers and governmental bodies.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati’s College of Nursing is embedded in a large academic health environment with strong clinical partnerships across the city’s hospitals and health systems, providing diverse practicum opportunities and access to multidisciplinary teams. Students benefit from experienced faculty active in clinical practice and research, simulation and skills laboratories for hands-on learning, and structured support for research and scholarship.

The programme is designed for working professionals, offering flexible scheduling and a mix of delivery formats. Strong links with local and regional healthcare employers help graduates transition into leadership, research and advanced clinical roles. The college also emphasises interprofessional education, giving nursing students opportunities to collaborate with medicine, pharmacy, public health and allied health peers on real-world care challenges.