SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Sandra Gangstead, Dean
Cheryl Kish, Associate Dean
Karen Frith, Coordinator Graduate Programs
E-mail address: karen.frith@gcsu.edu

MISSION

The mission of the School of Health Sciences is to provide undergraduate and graduate programs in disciplines that emphasize health education, promotion, maintenance, and restoration. Liberal arts constructs permeate the health science majors thereby enhancing an understanding of the diverse, changing and complex health needs and values of society. The School of Health Sciences encourages the University community to embrace the concept of health as multidimensional and to respect and understand the unique role holistic health plays in the quality of individual and community life. Holistic health is viewed as an integrated method of functioning, which incorporates the physical, psychological, spiritual, cognitive and sociocultural well being of an individual or community. Optimal health is oriented toward maximizing the potential for which an individual or community is capable. The School of Health Sciences is committed to contributing to the optimal health of those who live and work in the University environment and to community partnerships that strive to ensure health. By engaging in the University's liberal arts experience, School of Health Science graduates attain intellectual integrity, appreciation of diversity and commitment to the best for self, family, society and the world. In response, students emerge with a more comprehensive world view that promotes leadership, initiative, accountability, stewardship and a moral and ethical respect for others to effect change in a dynamic society.

GRADUATE DEGREES IN THE SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES

The School of Health Sciences offers graduate degrees in the following areas: nursing, health and physical education, and music therapy.

DIRECTING INQUIRIES REGARDING GRADUATE EDUCATION IN HEALTH SCIENCES

1. Inquiries concerning admission to graduate work in the University and majors in the health sciences should be directed to the Graduate Admissions Office, Georgia College & State University, Campus Box 107, Milledgeville, GA 31061. E-mail can be sent to grad-admit@gcsu.edu
2. Inquiries concerning the nature of the graduate program in nursing should be directed to the Graduate Coordinator, School of Health Sciences, Georgia College & State University, Campus Box 064, Milledgeville, GA 31061. The Graduate Coordinator can be reached at (478) 445-5122. The Coordinator's e-mail address is nursing@gcsu.edu.
3. Inquiries concerning the nature of graduate programs in Kinesiology should be sent to the Chairperson, Department of Kinesiology, Campus Box 065. Contact the Chairperson at 478-445-4072 or send e-mail to jim.lidstone@gcsu.edu.
4. Inquiries concerning the nature of the graduate program in music therapy should be sent to the Director of Music Therapy, Georgia College & State University, Campus Box 067, Milledgeville, Georgia 31061. Contact the Director of Music Therapy Programs at 478-445-2645 or send e-mail to chesley.mercado@gcsu.edu.
5. Inquiries concerning financial assistance, described in detail elsewhere in this catalog, should be sent to the Director of Financial Aid who can be reached at 478-445-5149.
6. Inquiries concerning graduate assistantships should be directed to the School Dean who can be reached at 478-445-4092.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

The mission of the nursing program is to prepare professional nurses to function as effective members of interdisciplinary teams to meet the healthcare needs of Georgia's multicultural families. The master's program in nursing builds on a liberal arts core and a generalist foundation in nursing and prepares a specialist as clinician, educator, administrator, or information.

The MSN degree offers three majors: Adult Health, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Administration. Within the Adult Health major, there are two options for specialization: clinical nurse specialist and nurse educator. Within the major of administration, there are two options for specialization: nursing service and informatics.

The MSN/MBA dual degree is available for students seeking advanced education in both nursing administration and business administration. Students must meet the graduate admission requirements of both the School of Health Sciences and J. Whitney Bunting School of Business. The student's program of study is completed with collaboration of the coordinators of graduate study in both schools.

The RN to MSN option is available for those registered nurses with associate or diploma education in nursing, who wish to earn a graduate nursing degree. Students who are interested in the RN to MSN program should consult the Undergraduate Catalog for admission information and descriptions of the undergraduate courses in this option. RN to MSN students must meet the requirements for graduate admission shown below and will complete a program of study in the desired major and concentration once the baccalaureate portion has been completed.

The Post-MSN certificate option is available for those who hold an MSN and are seeking specialization as a family nurse practitioner or nurse educator. An option is available for those seeking specialization in informatics that hold a master's degree in a health-related field, including nursing. Admission requirements include completing an application for enrichment and sending all undergraduate and graduate transcripts (no testing required). An individualized program of study will be developed on the basis of previous coursework completed. For information concerning these options, contact the Graduate Coordinator at 478-445-5122.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission is limited to the most qualified applicants.

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program.
2. Provide evidence of current licensure as a registered nurse and eligibility for licensure in Georgia. If the student expects to complete any clinical learning in the state, a Georgia RN license is required. [For the non-nurse student enrolled in the informatics post-master's option, the licensure requirement is waived]. At least one year of clinical practice is required for consideration, additional clinical experience is preferred.
3. Have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 undergraduate hours required in the nursing major.
4. Have successfully completed an undergraduate level statistics course and, for students in the family nurse practitioner major and adult health major, have successfully completed a physical assessment course.
5. Participate in an interview if requested.

REGULAR ADMISSION

Depending on the admission test one selects, the following formula is used to determine eligibility for regular admission to the MSN program:

GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA (upper division nursing-required coursework) X 100] = 1200 or more

MAT score (minimum 385) + [GPA (upper division nursing-required hours) X 100] = 700 or more

GMAT score (minimum 450) + [GPA (undergraduate GPA) X 200] = 1000 or more

Or

GMAT score (minimum 450) + [GPA (upper division nursing-required hours) X 200] = 1050 or more

* GMAT required for MSN/MBA dual degree and accepted for MSN in nursing administration only.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION

Students will be eligible for provisional admission in the following circumstances:

GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA (upper division nursing-required coursework) X 100] = 1100 to 1199

MAT score (minimum 385) + [GPA (upper division nursing-required hours) X 100] = 660 to 699

GMAT score (minimum 450) + [GPA (undergraduate GPA) X 200] = 950 to 999

Or

GMAT score (minimum 450) + [GPA (upper division nursing-required hours) X 200] = 1000-1049

* GMAT required for MSN/MBA dual degree and accepted for MSN in nursing administration only.

Students admitted under provisional status must complete 9 semester hours of graduate course work at Georgia College & State University, earning no less than a 3.0 GPA for regular admission to the MSN program. The 9 semester hours of course work must be earned in courses approved by the Coordinator for Graduate Programs in Health Sciences. Students may not enroll in courses with clinical hours while in this admission category.

CONDITIONAL ADMISSION

Students who apply late for full consideration for admission and/or have not submitted all required documents for evaluation may enroll with conditional admission status for one semester only with permission of the Graduate Coordinator. However, this option is discouraged because students failing to submit all required documents or not meeting admission requirements will be required to withdraw from the University. After one semester of conditional status, students must have achieved either provisional or regular admission.

OTHER NURSING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

1. Have computer access, preferably at home. All MSN majors are expected to be able to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) when submitting assignments. Graduate students should have proficiency with Microsoft Office, Internet, and e-mail. In addition, graduate students are expected to have updated and enabled virus protection software on their computers. Students in the administration major are expected to purchase additional software as described in course syllabi.
2. Complete and return all forms specified in the Nursing Graduate Student Handbook found at http://info.gcsu.edu/intranet/health_sciences/gradforms.htm to the Graduate Coordinator.
3. Complete all required courses for the MSN degree within a period of 7 years from the date the student begins courses at Georgia College & State University. Any course work completed more than 7 years prior to completion of requirements for the MSN degree will be considered outdated and will not be applied toward the MSN degree program. This includes courses that may be transferred in from other institutions.

CLINICAL COURSES

Prior to participation in any clinical learning rotation, students must submit evidence of health status, immunizations, TB screening, professional liability insurance, RN license, current CPR certification, criminal background checks, urine drug screens and other laboratory tests as specified by clinical agencies, ability to meet technical standards or ask for accommodations, and complete required documents as described in the Nursing Graduate Student Handbook, which is found at http://info.gcsu.edu/intranet/health_sciences/GradHndbk.htm. All documents must be updated annually. Students are required to earn a grade of B or higher in clinical courses.

TRANSFER CREDITS

Only 9 semester hours of graduate course work in nursing may be accepted from other institutions. All requests for transfer credit must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator.

SYNTHESIS REQUIREMENT

All students who expect to complete requirements for the MSN degree or MSN/MBA degree must demonstrate synthesis of knowledge/skill for their respective areas of specialization prior to graduation. Synthesis may be demonstrated by successful completion of one of the following: (1) thesis; (2) research project; (3) scholarly practicum; or (4) comprehensive examination. Options (1), (2), and (3) above involve enrolling in 3 credit hours of coursework in NRSG 6700. Students must enroll in synthesis credit each semester until the requirement is completed and a grade is assigned. Details related to all options are available at the School's website and in the Nursing Graduate Student Handbook http://info.gcsu.edu/intranet/health_sciences/GradHndbk.htm.

FACILITIES

The large number of health care agencies in the region makes it possible for the School of Health Sciences to offer a variety of clinical learning opportunities; however, students can anticipate driving up to 100 miles for clinical learning on occasion. Students considering application to the MSN program should be aware that criminal background checks, drug screens, and other laboratory test can be required by clinical sites.

CAREER INFORMATION

Students completing the MSN degree have opportunities encompassing management, administration, teaching, and advanced clinical positions throughout Georgia and the nation. Career information is available in the School of Health Sciences.

ACCREDITATION

The professional nursing programs at Georgia College & State University are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway (33rd floor), New York, New York 10006 (800)-669-1656.

STEPS IN COMPLETING THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM

1. Submit a complete application for graduate study, test scores, and official transcripts from every college or university attended to the Graduate Admissions Office.
2. Consult faculty academic adviser for development of a Program of Study.
3. Complete all admission documents and return them to the Graduate Coordinator.
4. Complete course requirements, maintaining 3.0 GPA.
5. While enrolled in clinical courses, assure that current clinical documents have been submitted for the student file in the Graduate Coordinator's office.
6. Complete synthesis requirement.
7. Complete a written application for graduation by the date specified in the official University calendar.

Adult & Gerontological Nursing Department

Programs of study for MSN with a major in adult health are shown below. Students who are enrolled in the RN-MSN option are exempt from NRSG 5500 and NRSG 5600.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN WITH A MAJOR IN ADULT HEALTH: CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST ROLE

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN WITH A MAJOR IN ADULT HEALTH: NURSE EDUCATOR ROLE

Elective (2)

Refer to the Course Description Section of this catalog for courses and course descriptions.

Family Health Department

Programs of study for MSN with a major in family nurse practitioner are shown below. Students who are enrolled in the RN-MSN option are exempt from NRSG 5500 and NRSG 5600.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN WITH A MAJOR IN FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

Refer to the Course Description Section of this catalog for courses and course descriptions.

HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS & INFORMATICS DEPARTMENT

Programs of study for MSN with a major in administration are shown below. Students who are enrolled in the RN-MSN option are exempt from NRSG 5500 and NRSG 5600.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN WITH A MAJOR IN ADMINISTRATION: NURSING SERVICE ROLE

Elective (3)

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN WITH A MAJOR IN ADMINISTRATION: HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS ROLE

Elective (3)

REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN/MBA DUAL DEGREE OPTION

Principles of Accounting I or ACCT 5105

Business Finance

College-level Economics

College-level Statistics

*Foundation courses may be waived if undergraduate equivalent completed with a grade of C or better.

*Additional courses may be required for students who have not met the foundation courses.

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION (M.ED.)

The Master of Education degree in Health and Physical Education prepares students as scholars, leaders, and educators. Graduate education provides the opportunity to acquire an advanced theoretical and research base for planning and providing education that is culturally sensitive and learner-centered. Value for the health of individuals and communities is a focus of this educational preparation. Students acquire education for the education specialist option or for doctoral study.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for the upper division major in undergraduate study.
2. Submit official score from GRE or MAT.
3. Participate in a personal interview and submit a current resume, if requested. The Outdoor Education Administration emphasis requires a personal interview and current resume.
4. Submit proof of T-4 certification if requesting admission to the M.Ed. in Health and Physical Education with a concentration in advanced teacher certification (T-5).

REGULAR ADMISSION

Depending on the admission test one selects, the following formula is used to determine eligibility for regular admission:

GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA (upper division major coursework) X 100] = 1200 or more

MAT score (minimum 385) + [GPA (upper division major hours) X 100] = 700 or more

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION

Students will be eligible for provisional admission in the following circumstances:

GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA (upper division major coursework) X 100] = 1100 to 1199

MAT score (minimum 385) + [GPA (upper division major hours) X 100] = 660 to 699

Students who earn provisional admission status must complete 9-12 hours of graduate course work at Georgia College & State University with a 3.0 GPA to be considered for regular admission. The 9-12 hours must be earned in courses approved by the Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Health Sciences and must include EDFS 6230 – Educational Research.

CONDITIONAL ADMISSION

Applicants who apply too late for full consideration for admission and/or have not submitted all required documents for evaluation may be assigned conditional admission status for one semester only with permission of the Graduate Coordinator. However, this option is discouraged because students failing to submit all required documents or not meeting admission requirements will be required to withdraw from the University. After one semester of conditional, students must have achieved either provisional or regular admission.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

The Master of Education in Health & Physical Education degree offers three areas of concentration: Health and Physical Education (Advanced Teacher Certification), Health Promotion, and Outdoor Education Administration. Students entering the Advanced Teacher Certification Program must possess initial teacher certification in Physical Education.

TIME LIMITATIONS FOR M.ED DEGREE IN HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The requirements for the degree program must be completed within a period of 6 years from the date that the student begins taking courses at GCSU. Courses completed more than 6 years prior to completion of the requirements for the Master's degree will be regarded as outdated and will not be applied toward the degree program. This includes courses that may be transferred from other institutions.

TRANSFER CREDITS

NOTE: For graduate programs in the Department of Kinesiology, only 9 semester hours of graduate course work may be accepted from other institutions. Only courses with grades of B or better will be accepted.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

All students must pass a comprehensive exit examination before completion of their respective program of study. This examination is scheduled through the GCSU Testing Office. Students who are unsuccessful on the first attempt may repeat the examination once.

PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT

The student is expected to prepare and present a professional portfolio that illustrates activities, research and learning experiences that have contributed to the student's professional growth and attainment of professional standards throughout the program

CAREER INFORMATION

Candidates for the Master of Education in Health and Physical Education often pursue their degree programs while remaining in their present full-time positions. Once finished with the program, they utilize their newly acquired knowledge and skills to improve their own job performance and to improve the quality of services to their clients. Other candidates choose to leave undergraduate programs or jobs to engage in the graduate program in full-time residence. These individuals are often looking to make a career change or to seek a position commensurate with a Master's degree.

STEPS IN COMPLETING THE MASTER OF EDUCATION IN HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

1. Submit a complete application for graduate study, test scores, and official transcripts from every college or university attended to the Graduate Admissions Office.
2. Consult with the faculty advisor for development of a program of study.
3. Complete courses with 3.0 GPA.
4. Complete the comprehensive written examination in the final semester of graduate study.
5. Submit a written application for graduation by the date specified in the official University calendar.

M.ED.WITH A MAJOR IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION: HEALTH PROMOTION

Select from:

Refer to the Course Description Section of this catalog for courses and course descriptions.

M.ED. WITH A MAJOR IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION: OUTDOOR EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION

Students may elect a cognate area of concentration in the Therapeutic Use of Adventure, Management, or Environmental Education. Courses are selected in conjunction with the faculty advisor. Undergraduate pre-requisites may be required.

Refer to the Course Description Section of this catalog for courses and course descriptions.

ODED NOTES

1. Students are required to show proof of liability insurance.
2. Students are required to complete a swimming proficiency test.
3. Students are required to demonstrate computer proficiency.
4. Students are required to hold a current Wilderness First Responder certificate.
5. Students are required to complete 15 hours per semester of professional service.
6. Students are required to complete 80 hours in direct facilitation of outdoor education programs and facilitate one pursuit expedition.
7. In order to graduate, students must fulfill other requirements specified in the Graduate Requirements section of the catalog.

M.ED.WITH A MAJOR IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION: ADVANCED TEACHER CERTIFICATION (T-5)

NOTE: This program is for individuals already possessing initial teacher certification in physical education.

Select remaining 6 hours from PHED and HLTH graduate courses in consultation with your advisor.

Refer to the Course Description Section of this catalog for courses and course descriptions.

MASTER OF MUSIC THERAPY (MMT)

The Master of Music Therapy degree advances students from competencies achieved in undergraduate studies to competencies which are in-depth, analytic, interdisciplinary, and global. The program prepares students as clinicians, scholars, and leaders in the profession of Music Therapy. Graduate education provides the opportunity to acquire an advanced theoretical, research, and practical base for meeting the changing needs, nationally and internationally, of the people served by Music Therapists. Students may choose to focus on a specific area of concentration or choose a general track of study. The program is offered in an asynchronous learning format designed specifically to meet the needs of music therapists whose practice, family, or other life commitments may preclude the possibility of study on a full-time basis in a fixed time and geographic place. By means of online education, teleconferencing and videoconferencing, this program permits the establishment of virtual collaborative learning communities not limited by geographic constraints. On-campus visits twice per semester are mandatory as part of the degree program.

ACCREDITATION AND AFFILIATIONS

The Master of Music Therapy Degree Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

CHANGE IN TUITION RATE:

Effective Fall 2007 all students in the Master of Music Therapy degree program residing in-state or out-of-state will pay in-state tuition. All fees are waived except for the Technology fee. This does not apply to Equivalency/Master of Music Therapy students.

REGULAR ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Depending on the admission test one selects, the following formula is used to determine eligibility for regular admission:

• GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA (upper division) X 100] = 1200 or more
• MAT score (minimum 385) + [GPA (upper division) X 100] = 700 or more

In addition to meeting the formula for admission, applicants must:

• Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• Have completed a bachelor's degree in music therapy, including an internship in an approved program, or have completed a degree equivalency program, including an internship in an approved program.
• Show evidence of certification with the CBMT or be listed in the Music Therapy Registry for non-board-certified music therapists.
• Provide 2 letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references
• Have access to a computer with Internet connection. Due to rapid changes, specific computer system requirements will be specified upon acceptance.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students will be eligible for provisional admission in the following circumstances:

• GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA (upper division) X 100] = 1100 to 1199
• MAT score (minimum 385) + [GPA (upper division) X 100] = 660-669

To gain regular admission, provisional students must complete 12 hours of graduate coursework at GCSU with no less than a "B" in each course approved by the Graduate Coordinator and by the Director of Music Therapy Programs.

EQUIVALENCY/MASTER ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students may be admitted jointly to the Degree Equivalency/Master of Music Therapy Program. The Degree Equivalency Program must be completed on the GCSU campus and consist of undergraduate preparatory music therapy courses. Supportive field courses for the Master of Music Therapy Program may be taken. No core music therapy courses may be taken until the equivalency and internship are completed without instructor and advisor permission.

Students must:

• Be eligible for admission to the Degree Equivalency Program (See undergraduate catalog for requirements)
• Have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
• Have successfully completed the GRE, or MAT according to GCSU's minimum acceptable scores.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

A minimum of 9 credits from supportive field areas, selected in consultation with advisor (i.e., Health Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, Women's Studies, Administration, Business). All courses must be graduate level.

These courses may be taken on the GCSU campus or transferred from other colleges or universities. No more than 9 semester hours of supportive field courses may be transferred from another institution.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

Developmental Disabilities and Special Education

Mental/Physical Health

Women's Issues

Multicultural/International

General/Administration

Courses required in the M.M.T. degree program must be completed within a period of 6 years from the date the student begins taking courses at Georgia College & State University. Courses completed more than 6 years prior to completion of the requirements for the MMT degree will be regarded as outdated and will not be applied toward the degree program. This includes courses that may be transferred in from other institutions.

STEPS IN COMPLETING THE MASTER OF MUSIC THERAPY

1. Submit a complete application for graduate study and all supporting documents to the Graduate Admissions Office
2. Consult with the faculty advisor for development of a program of study and area of concentration
3. Complete courses with 3.0 GPA
4. Complete the comprehensive written examination
5. Choose a graduate committee
6. Submit a proposal for the clinical project or thesis
7. Complete the Final Clinical Project or Thesis defense
8. Submit a written application for graduation by the date specified in the official University calendar.

THESIS/FINAL CLINICAL PROJECT GRADUATE COMMITTEE

After successful completion of the written comprehensive examination, the student will choose a graduate committee to include the student's advisor, one professor from a supportive field area within the specified concentration, and one professor from any supportive field area. This committee will review the proposal for the thesis or clinical project and upon acceptance of the proposal the thesis or clinical project may be implemented. The student will arrange the defense meeting with the committee when the thesis or clinical project is completed.