The University of Mary Washington (UMW) is expanding its nursing education footprint with a new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, set to begin enrolling students in the 2026–27 academic year. The graduate program received full approval from both the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in October 2025 and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in November.
Building on the university’s existing RN-to-BSN pathway, the new MSN program offers nurses in Virginia and beyond a structured path to advance their education and step into leadership, teaching, and advanced practice roles.
Two Specialty Tracks: Nursing Education and Family Nurse Practitioner
UMW’s MSN students may choose between two tracks:
Nursing Education Track
Designed for nurses who wish to transition into academic or clinical teaching roles, this track prepares graduates to design curricula, assess learners, and utilize emerging educational technologies. Program leaders expect graduates to help strengthen Virginia’s healthcare workforce pipeline by joining faculty at local community colleges and clinical education sites.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track
This advanced practice pathway equips nurses to provide primary care services, including screenings, diagnosis, and patient treatment. Graduates may work in hospitals, urgent care centers, long-term care, community clinics, and other primary care settings.
Each track includes 18 credit hours of MSN core coursework, 12–18 credit hours in the specialty area, 5–9 credit hours of clinical practicums, and a 1-credit capstone. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, while part-time students may finish in three. Coursework will be delivered online, paired with in-person clinical practicums arranged with local employers.
Meeting Critical Workforce Needs Across Virginia
UMW leaders emphasize that the new MSN program is designed to address regional and statewide workforce gaps.
“This program aims to address vacancies in primary care and healthcare higher education in our region and across the Commonwealth, equipping nurses with advanced competencies and expertise for leadership, specialized practice, and improved patient outcomes,” said Director of Nursing Janet Atarthi-Dugan.
The program is backed by $740,000 in initial funding from the Virginia General Assembly and is being developed by nursing educators and APRNs with clinical experience in local communities. Practicum placements will be coordinated directly through the program to ensure students gain hands-on training close to home.
UMW Provost Tim O’Donnell highlighted the university’s academic philosophy as a differentiator in preparing future nursing leaders.
“The distinctions of UMW’s approach to healthcare education stem from our liberal arts and sciences mission, based in close mentorship, practical applications, and core competencies, preparing nurses to lead with empathy, critical thinking, and strong community connections.”
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold an active RN license in Virginia
- Have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program
Prospective students can review the complete list of requirements and request program details here.
