Graduate Nursing Program

T he graduate nursing program at Franciscan University of Steubenville is rooted in the Catholic faith and offers a flexible experience where you can earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or post-master’s certificate as a family nurse practitioner. There are several course options that can be tailored the meet your needs. You can enroll full-time or part-time and complete your clinical hours near campus or in your hometown.

For more information about meeting the educational requirements for licensure in states other than Ohio please see the professional licensure disclosures.

Teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church

With a focus on caring for patients throughout the lifespan, the accredited MSN degree program at Franciscan University embraces the spirituality and charisms of the Catholic Saint Francis of Assisi: penance, prayer, poverty, and humility. Striving to integrate the core Catholic Franciscan values into all course work, the accredited master’s in nursing degree program is centered on nursing as a healing ministry, which means caring for the health of a person in his or her environment.

Here are just a few other ways Franciscan’s nursing master’s degree program stands out from the rest:

• Flexibility: This high-quality hybrid program combines a limited number of conveniently scheduled in-person classes with online independent study activities that you can complete on your own time. Students are able to maintain a work/life balance while advancing their careers.
• Affordability: The costs per credit hour of Franciscan University’s accredited MSN degree program is less than several other colleges in Ohio and significantly less than nearby colleges in Pittsburgh. The Office of Financial Aid also offers several scholarship opportunities specifically for graduate students in the accredited MSN degree program. With the potential to earn a higher salary, graduate students of the MSN are making a valuable investment in their future.
• Hands-on, classroom learning: Join your peers on campus in Steubenville, Ohio. As a graduate student, you will have access to Franciscan’s nursing learning laboratory, with specialty equipment such as otoscopes and opthalmascopes.
• Precepted clinical experiences: Hone your skills with one-on-one learning experiences at hospitals and clinics in and around Steubenville, Ohio, or near your hometown in each of the required specialties: family health, pediatrics, and women’s health. Practice providing patient care in the Catholic tradition of respect for the dignity of human life with guidance from nurse practitioners or physicians to gain confidence in preparing for your own nursing career. You may also be able to complete some clinical hours through an elected rotation in an approved specialty area of your choice.
• High-quality faculty: Faculty members in the accredited MSN degree program continue to refine their practice to stay current in their knowledge, skills, and teaching. Faithful men and women of God and the Catholic Church, they include certified family nurse practitioners, a published author and editorial board member, and a member of Franciscan University’s Internal Review Board.

The salary of MSN program graduates is typically higher than those of professionals in other fields. Trained to be generalists with Catholic values in advanced practice nursing, Franciscan master’s in nursing alumni have experienced a 95 percent job placement rate after graduation.

Admission Requirements

Students admitted to the graduate nursing program are required to submit a completed health exam form with immunization status, FBI/BCI Background Check, 10-panel Drug Screen, copy of an active, unencumbered Ohio or Compact State Registered Nurse License, copy of current Basic Life Support (BLS) card. Additional information may be required per clinical site throughout the program.

Liability Insurance

Each student in the MSN program must purchase liability insurance through Franciscan university. The University will automatically charge the fee for the liability insurance to the student’s account.

Dress Code at Preceptor Sites

Graduate students at preceptor sites represent the advanced professional role of the Registered Nurse and are representatives of Franciscan University of Steubenville. Therefore proper professional appearance is imperative. The graduate student must adhere to the required dress code in agreement with the assigned clinical placement. A student name tag, which states that the student is a Franciscan University of Steubenville graduate student, with his/her name and title in full view, must be worn.

Transportation Requirements

Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to clinical sites.

How to Apply for Admissions

Gaining admission to the MS in Nursing program is simple, and we are ready to help you navigate the process. Here are the things we need:

• Application
• Official Bachelor Transcript and Official Transcripts with Relevant Transfer Credit
• Two Letters of Recommendation

Email them to GradAdmissions@franciscan.edu

Or mail them to:

Graduate Admissions
1235 University Blvd.
Steubenville, Ohio 43952

Associated Costs

The costs associated with MS in Nursing program include:

• $600 per credit hour (for the 24-2025 academic year)
• Clinical/lab fees

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need help please contact Graduate Admissions at GradAdmissions@franciscan.edu or (740) 283-6226 ext. 1

View the Graduate Nursing Program on the Graduate Catalog

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and post-graduate family nurse practitioner certificate programs at Franciscan University of Steubenville are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.