The University of Mary Washington will add a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, with enrollment starting in 2026-27.
In a news release, UMW wrote that it will build from the school’s established RN-to-BSN completion program, offering healthcare professionals a next step in their education and careers. This new graduate program will prepare nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, education and healthcare systems.
MSN students can choose the nursing education track to be ready for faculty roles at colleges and universities or in clinical facilities through curriculum development, assessment and education technology or select the family nurse practitioner track to focus on advanced nursing practice and primary care.
Each track includes 18 credit hours of core coursework, with 12-18 additional hours in the track area, as well as 5-9 credit hours for clinical practicums and a one-credit-hour capstone course. It will require two years of full-time study or three years for part-time study, with online coursework and in-person practicums.
“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,” UMW Director of Nursing Janet Atarthi-Dugan said in the statement.
Graduates of the nursing education track will be prepared to teach online and in-person in both academic and clinic settings, as well as contribute to the regional healthcare workforce pipeline by joining faculty at local community colleges throughout Virginia. As family nurse practitioners, MSN graduates may provide health screenings, diagnosis and patient treatment, working in hospitals, urgent care, long-term care and community settings and as primary care providers.
The new program gained approval from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) at its October 2025 meeting and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in November.
The program has initial funding of $740,000 from the Virginia General Assembly, and online coursework development is underway. The hybrid program will include online courses, as well as in-person clinical practicum hours.
Led by nursing educators and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with local practice, the program connects students to hands-on clinical experience in their hometown. Practicum placements will be planned through the program in partnership with local employers.
Earlier this year, UMW announced its plans to pursue a medical school in partnership with Mary Washington Healthcare. That venture also aims to introduce providers into the area’s health care system.
“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,” UMW Provost Tim O’Donnell said.
To apply, qualified applicants must have an RN license in Virginia, and have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program. See the full list of requirements and request more information on the UMW MSN program website.
