Department of Health and Community Studies, Woodring College of Education
Program Information
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares graduates to lead change for health equity by assuming leadership roles in nursing education. MSN in Nursing Education is a two-year, full-time, 48-credit non-thesis master’s degree. The program combines online coursework with immersive face-to-face sessions three times per quarter on the Bellingham Campus and hands-on practical experiences arranged by the faculty in the community. Students collaborate with seasoned preceptors across various settings, including palliative care, public health, primary care, rural health, tribal health, nursing education, and acute care.
The MSN in Nursing Education empowers students to excel in educating future nurses, communities, nursing staff, and patients. The curriculum aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials and the National League of Nursing’s (NLN) Nurse Educator Core Competencies. Graduates are prepared to integrate health equity and inclusive design principles into nursing education, including online formats and simulation modules. Real-world practice experiences in clinical and educational settings provide hands-on experience.
The curriculum meets the didactic requirement to sit for advanced credentialing: NLN Academic Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) or Academic Novice Nurse Educator Certification (CNEn) certification programs.
Academic Program Director: Sandy Branson, Associate Professor, Miller Hall 416A, 360-650-2392, Sandy.Branson@wwu.edu
Program Coordinator: Rika Winquist, Miller Hall 415A, 360-650-6777, Rika.Winquist@wwu.edu
MSN in Nursing Education website: wce.wwu.edu/nursing/msn-nursing-education
Application Information
Students are admitted to the program in fall every two years (even years). Application dates and deadlines are located on the Nursing Program website. Apply to the WWU Graduate School and pay the application fee.
All students interested in the Master of Science in Nursing program at Western are encouraged to schedule an advising session with the program coordinator.
Admission Requirements
- Meet the WWU Graduate School eligibility requirements.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended where any college level coursework was completed.
- Two (2) References: These should be from individuals who can attest to either your professional experiences (preferably at least one from a direct supervisor; can include internship/volunteer positions) or academic strength (preferably a university professor). References should not be from family members or close personal friends.
- Resume or Curriculum Vita (CV).
- Short Essay Questions.
- No GRE or other standardized test required.
For further information, see the Nursing Program website.
Registration for Program Courses
After students are admitted to Western Washington University and the Master of Science in Nursing program and prior to registration for practice experience courses, students must meet RN licensure and practice experience agency placement requirements. No MSN student will be allowed to register for first quarter and subsequent quarters without being in full compliance with all practice experience agency requirements for placement.
Practice Experience Agency Placement Requirements include but may not be limited to the following:
- WA state Registered Nurse license or compact state license
- Background check, including self-disclosure showing no disqualifying crimes
- Negative urine drug screen
- American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider CPR or AHA ACLS certification
- Personal Health Insurance
- Malpractice/Liability Insurance
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
- COVID 19 vaccination
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Influenza (current flu season)
- Annual tuberculosis (TB) screening 2-step PPD or IGRA blood test
More information about the current practice experience placement requirements is located in the Nursing Program Student Handbook. Applicants with questions about these requirements should contact the program.
