Nursing, Clinical Leadership, M.S.

This program is designed for registered nurses who are ready to take the next step in their careers and expand their impact in healthcare.

A strong fit for this program includes registered nurses who:

• Are seeking to move into leadership, management or education roles
• Want to strengthen skills in clinical decision-making, data-informed practice and team leadership
• Are interested in improving patient outcomes and advancing health equity in their communities
• Plan to pursue future education, such as a nurse practitioner program or doctoral degree
• Hold a BSN — or an ADN with a bachelor’s degree in another field — and are prepared for graduate-level study

Whether advancing in current roles or exploring new opportunities, students in this program build the knowledge and experience needed to lead in today’s evolving healthcare environment.

The Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Leadership curriculum builds advanced skills in leadership, clinical inquiry and systems-level thinking. Coursework is designed to help nurses apply evidence-based practice, lead teams and improve outcomes across healthcare settings.

Key areas of study include:

• Leadership and organizational systems to guide teams and manage complex healthcare environments
• Clinical inquiry and evidence-based practice to analyze data and improve patient care
• Quality improvement and patient safety using proven frameworks and real-world applications
• Health informatics and technology to support care coordination and decision-making
• Healthcare policy, economics and ethics to address challenges and advance equitable care
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and change management to drive innovation across systems

Students also complete a leadership practicum and a capstone project, applying their learning to a real healthcare challenge in their workplace or community.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Leadership are prepared to take on advanced roles across healthcare, education and community settings. The program builds the leadership, analytical and communication skills needed to guide teams, improve systems and influence patient care.

Career pathways include:

• Nursing leadership and management roles such as charge nurse, nurse manager or healthcare administrator
• Care coordination and case management positions that improve patient experiences and outcomes
• Clinical education roles in community college nursing programs or as clinical faculty
• Healthcare systems leadership focused on quality improvement, patient safety and organizational change
• Policy and advocacy roles that advance equitable access to care

Graduates are also well prepared to continue their education through post-master’s nurse practitioner programs or doctoral study, including Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Ph.D. pathways.

The Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Leadership is designed for registered nurses who are prepared for graduate-level study and leadership development.

To apply, applicants must have:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• A valid California RN license
• Two professional letters of recommendation demonstrating readiness for graduate study and leadership roles
• A statement of purpose outlining career goals and interest in the program

Preferred qualification:

• At least one year of professional nursing experience

Applicants with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a bachelor’s degree in another field are also eligible to apply.

This holistic admissions approach is designed to identify candidates who are ready to grow as leaders and make a meaningful impact in healthcare.