Public Health (MSN)

MSN Public Health: Part-Time 

MSN Public Health: Full-Time

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2025. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2025, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.

The MSN Public Health program admits students on a rolling basis. Completed applications should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester in which a student is applying.

Application requirements include:

• Graduate school application and fee.
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.
• Resume which includes description of professional nursing and clinical experience.
• A license to practice professional nursing in your current state of residence.
• Typed career goals.
• One completed recommendation form and 2 additional names with contact information.
• Interviews with the Public Health Program Director will be conducted after completed application is reviewed.

1. Integrate, translate, and apply scientific knowledge from nursing and related fields for improved health outcomes across diverse populations.
2. Develop advanced leadership, communication, and critical reasoning skills to provide evidence-based, holistic, equitable, developmentally, and culturally appropriate healthcare to diverse populations.
3. Influence equitable healthcare outcomes for individuals, families and populations through collaborative efforts with community partners resulting in population level health promotion, prevention and disease management.
4. Engage in the competent use of the nursing process to diagnose the health problems of special populations to design programs to facilitate optimal wellness within the community environment, and improve the delivery of health care, health education, early detection and screening and prevention services.
5. Develop competence in the multifaceted role of a specialist and use their advanced knowledge, responsible decision-making, innovative problem solving and communication to promote change in the community.
6. Engage in social, ethical and political actions to influence and initiate change in health care policy to promote community health.

• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A: Coursework is offered 100% online and is available in part-time and full-time formats.
• Q: When can I start?
  A: Applications are accepted for the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
• Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply?
  A: No- the GRE is not required for admission.
• Q: If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
  A: Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information available here under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.

• Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania Scholarship Program
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Johnson and Johnson
• Teach.com
• Nurse Journal