Learn how to:

1. Integrate advanced knowledge from the sciences, humanities and ethics with clinical expertise to support advanced nursing practice.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and evaluate nursing theories and concepts as a basis for advanced nursing practice.
3. Plan, engage and participate in clinical scholarship for evidence practice.
4. Provide and design care for vulnerable, underserved, culturally diverse clients utilizing health promotion strategies.
5. Plan, initiate and evaluate changes in health care policy and the healthcare system.
6. Analyze epidemiological, statistical, environmental and relevant data regarding individuals, families and the community.
7. Integrate nursing science with emerging technology and information systems to identify, gather, process, manage and evaluate healthcare outcomes, the healthcare delivery system and investigate healthcare issues to improve quality.
8. Develop and evaluate organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking.
9. Demonstrate and integrate interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes to foster continuity of care.
10. Advocate for health care and policies that promote client health and the advancement of nursing as a profession.
11. Utilize professional standards in advanced practice nursing roles.
12. Develop and evaluate new practice approaches based on nursing theories and theories from other disciplines.
13. Demonstrate inter and intra professional effective communication necessary for activities that enhance the care environment to include planning, implementation and evaluation of care to target populations.

BSN to DNP Pathway Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign university.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in a baccalaureate degree program in nursing
3. Official transcripts from undergraduate nursing programs
4. Unencumbered Registered Nurse Licensure in Maryland or a compact state
5. Three professional letters of reference
6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
7. Essay identifying goals, objectives, and primary area of interest in pursuit of the DNP.
8. Interview with Graduate faculty*
9. Writing sample from undergraduate program (could be paper submitted, Capstone etc.)

* Interviews will be held with students who have met admission requirements.

DNP Mission and Philosophy

The mission of doctoral education, offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, is to prepare graduate nurses with advanced knowledge who will practice at the most advanced level of nursing. The graduate program of the School of Nursing derives its purpose directly from the underlying philosophy of the School of Nursing. The graduate program builds on the foundation of undergraduate and graduate education; the program prepares professionally educated nurses who are capable of intellectual and professional leadership to provide high quality clinical nursing to populations, focusing on vulnerable, underserved urban and global communities.

The faculty of the School of Nursing believe that graduate education prepares the nurse with a strong theoretical foundation, and provides increased opportunities to utilize analytic methods to critically appraise existing literature and other evidence to determine and implement the best evidence for practice.

The faculty believe that baccalaureate education prepares the graduate for the emerging roles of the beginning nurse generalist and provides the foundation for graduate study. Professional nursing education is built on theoretical foundations of the humanities, liberal arts and the basic, and applied sciences. These are used in conjunction with nursing science in a creative and disciplined approach to provide nursing care under conditions of change.

Faculty believe that nursing is a scientific and clinical practice discipline, which facilitates the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of adaptive responses in clients, through therapeutic nursing interventions.

Graduates incorporate advanced theory, research, advocacy, leadership and clinical skills with an emphasis on independent and interprofessional practice required to assume responsibility and accountability for the health promotion, assessment, diagnosis, and management of culturally diverse clients' problems across settings.

Through its program of study and outreach service, the School of Nursing fosters the University's unique mission of focusing on the problems, needs, and aspirations of the people from vulnerable, underserved urban and global communities. Faculty believe that there is a dynamic exchange and interdependence between the individual and his or her internal, and external environments at it relates to the provision of culturally sensitive care.

Major areas of concentration are directed toward reaching applicants from diverse backgrounds who have commitment to continual personal and professional growth in serving the urban and global communities.

As students consistently demonstrate analytical abilities, they exhibit an increased ability to incorporate emerging information systems and technology for the improvement and transformation of healthcare. Faculty believe education is an individual process in which the educator and learner have shared responsibility.

Graduation Requirements

All DNP students must demonstrate and complete the following criteria to be eligible for graduation:

1. Successful completion of all courses taken with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0. Must have a grade of B or better in all coursework.
2. Successful completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.
3. Recommendation of the faculty.
4. Completion of 1000 practicum hours as a component of the DNP program.

Learn how to:

• Advance nursing practice by applying clinical expertise and advanced knowledge from the sciences, humanities and ethics
• Advance nursing practice through application of knowledge and evaluation of nursing theories and concepts
• Plan, engage and participate in clinical scholarship for evidence practice.
• Provide and design care for vulnerable, underserved, culturally diverse clients using health promotion strategies.
• Plan, initiate and evaluate changes in health care policy and the healthcare system.
• Analyze epidemiological, statistical, environmental, and other data regarding individuals, families and the community.
• Integrate nursing science with emerging technology and information systems to identify, gather, process, manage and evaluate healthcare outcomes, the healthcare delivery system and investigate healthcare issues to improve quality.
• Develop and evaluate organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking.
• Demonstrate and integrate interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes to foster continuity of care.
• Advocate for health care and policies that promote client health and the advancement of nursing as a profession.
• Use professional standards in advanced practice nursing roles.
• Develop and evaluate new practice approaches based on nursing theories and theories from other disciplines.
• Demonstrate inter and intra professional effective communication necessary for activities that enhance the care environment to include planning, implementation and evaluation of care to target populations.

The program responds to the health personnel trends and needs of diverse communities. Courses focus on the roles and responsibilities of being a Family Nurse Practitioner, and preparing students to practice and lead family health care across a variety of health care environments.

Our program provides the space for practicing nurse professionals to learn and advance the skills needed to serve as experts in the specialized area of family practice. Graduates incorporate advanced theory and research into the competencies required to assume responsibility and accountability for the health promotion, assessment, diagnosis, and management of health for issues related to culturally diverse clients and their families.

DNP Post-Master's Pathway Admission Requirements

The DNP is an advanced degree that builds on skills and competencies learned in Bachelor’s and Master’s coursework. Admission requirements include:

• Master’s degree in Nursing from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. college or university
• Minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in a Nursing Master’s degree or equivalent program
• Official transcripts from each college or university attended
• Unencumbered R.N. licensure in the State of Maryland
• National certification in your specialty area
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Application essay detailing goals, objectives, and reason(s) for pursuing the DNP
• Writing sample
• Proof of research activity
• Interview with faculty (for students who meet all admission criteria)

DNP Mission and Philosophy

We prepare graduate-level nurses to practice at the most advanced level of nursing. Aligning with the overall goal of the Helene Fuld School of Nursing to advance nursing practice, the doctoral program builds on the foundation of undergraduate and graduate education. Our curriculum places special emphasis on preparing nurses to provide high quality care to vulnerable and underserved urban communities.

Graduates incorporate advanced theory, research, advocacy, leadership and clinical skills with an emphasis on independent and interprofessional practice required to assume responsibility and accountability for the health promotion, assessment, diagnosis, and management of culturally diverse clients' problems across settings.

Graduation Requirements

All DNP students must demonstrate and complete the following criteria to be eligible for graduation:

• 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Grades of B or better in all doctoral coursework
• Success completion of DNP Scholarly Project
• 1000 clinical practice hours

Learn how to:

• Apply advanced knowledge from sciences and humanities to support advanced nursing practice and role development
• Advance nursing practice through advanced knowledge of nursing theories and concepts
• Apply knowledge and skills to specialized nursing roles
• Apply advanced knowledge and skills to the research process
• Use appropriate theoretical frameworks to provide care for urban-based ethnically and culturally diverse clients, in health and illness
• Plan, initiate, and evaluate change in the health care system
• Use computers and other technologies to manage, evaluate, and investigate health care issues
• Develop and implement leadership strategies to improve health care
• Foster continuity of care through collaboration with multi-disciplined health care teams
• Advocate for health care consumer improvement and advancement of the nursing profession
• Serve the nursing profession as a lifelong learner and professional member of society
• Apply program knowledge and skills to doctoral study
• Demonstrate inter and intra professional effective communication necessary for activities that enhance the care environment to include planning, implementation and evaluation of care to target populations

The Family Nurse Practitioner certificate responds to the health personnel trends and needs of urban state, national, and international communities. Courses focus on the roles and responsibilities of being a Family Nurse Practitioner, and preparing students to practice and lead family care across a variety of health care environments.

Our program provides the environment for practicing nurse professionals to learn and advance the skills needed to serve as experts in the specialized area of primary health care for individuals, families and groups. Graduates incorporate advanced theory and research into the competencies required to assume responsibility and accountability for the health promotion, assessment, diagnosis, and management of health for issues related to culturally diverse clients and their families.

Admission Requirements

Any student interested in the graduate-level Family Nurse Practitioner certificate must have the following:

• Master’s degree in Nursing
• 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale for all Master’s coursework
• At least 1 graduate-level course in research
• At least 1 graduate-level in statistics

Important Application Dates

The FNP program admits students for fall, spring, and summer terms. The deadlines to submit your application and all required documentation to the Office of Admissions are:

• July 15th for fall semester
• December 15th for spring semester

To be considered for admission to the graduate-level Family Nurse Practitioner certificate, submit or prepare for the following:

• Coppin State University online application and application fee
• Personal statement detailing your professional goals and objectives
• Official transcripts from each college or university attended Proof of satisfactory completion of statistics and nursing research courses (may be shown within official transcripts)
• 3 letters of recommendation highlighting your personal and professional qualifications
• Photocopy of R.N. licensure active in the State of Maryland or current member of the Nurse Multi-State Licensure Compact
• Official English equivalency scores (for International Student applicants only)
• Personal interview

We recommend you keep copies of all your application documents for your records. These application documents may include transcripts, recommendations, and applications. Also, be sure to contact the School of Graduate Studies as soon as you apply to schedule a meeting with a graduate faculty member.

Important Dates to Remember

• July 15th is application deadline for fall semester
• December 15th is the application deadline for spring semester

Learn how to:

• Apply advanced knowledge from sciences and humanities to support advanced nursing practice and role development
• Advance nursing practice through advanced knowledge of nursing theories and concepts
• Apply knowledge and skills to specialized nursing roles
• Apply advanced knowledge and skills to the research process
• Use appropriate theoretical frameworks to provide care for urban-based ethnically and culturally diverse clients, in health and illness
• Plan, initiate, and evaluate change in the health care system
• Use computers and other technologies to manage, evaluate, and investigate health care issues
• Develop and implement leadership strategies to improve health care
• Foster continuity of care through collaboration with multi-disciplined health care teams
• Advocate for health care consumer improvement and advancement of the nursing profession
• Serve the nursing profession as a lifelong learner and professional member of society
• Apply program knowledge and skills to doctoral study
• Demonstrate inter and intra professional effective communication necessary for activities that enhance the care environment to include planning, implementation and evaluation of care to target populations

The graduate nursing program at Coppin responds to the health personnel trends and needs of Baltimore City's urban communities. Additionally, it prioritizes academic and professional education. Students continue to build on theoretical foundations, analyze and critique research and practice literature, as well as engage in opportunities to determine and implement best practices.

Our program provides the space for practicing nurse professionals to learn and advance the skills needed to serve as experts who provide direct patient care in specialized clinical areas. Graduates incorporate advanced theory and research into the competencies required to assume responsibility and accountability for the health promotion, assessment, diagnosis, and management of health for issues related to culturally diverse clients.

There is more information about major requirements in the Program Requirements section on this page.

Admission Requirements

The MSN is an advanced degree that builds on foundational skills learned in an undergraduate program. Submit all application materials to the School of Graduate Studies.

Admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing
• Coppin State University online application
• 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. We may offer provisional acceptance for prospective students with less than a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Satisfactory completion of a basic Statistics course Copy of active nursing license in at least 1 state or foreign country. Please note, some courses require a U.S. license.
• 3 professional recommendations that highlight your personal and professional qualifications
• Personal interview

We recommend you keep copies of all your application documents for your records. These application documents may include transcripts, recommendations, and applications. Also, be sure to contact the School of Graduate Studies as soon as you apply to schedule a meeting with a graduate faculty member.

Important Dates to Remember

• July 15th is application deadline for fall semester
• December 15th is the application deadline for spring semester

Learn how to:

• Synthesize knowledge from the humanities, natural, and behavioral sciences as a foundation for safe, client-centered nursing practice.
• Apply leadership concepts, skills and decision making in the provision of high-quality nursing care in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrates clinical judgment based on evidence-based practice for individual, families and groups.
• Demonstrates proficiency in information management and patient care technology in the delivery of quality health care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of healthcare policy and regulations to assist individuals, families and groups to identify and mobilize resources to meet health care needs.
• Collaborate with consumers, members of the health care team and others to improve the delivery of health care.
• Integrate health promotion and disease prevention strategies for individuals, families and groups to improve health outcomes for individuals, families and groups.
• Demonstrates professional, ethical, and legal responsibility for nursing practice.
• Apply the nursing process to deliver and manage nursing care for culturally diverse individuals, families and groups across the life span in a variety of health settings.
• Use clinical reasoning strategies, communication and other affective skills as well as psychomotor skills to provide therapeutic nursing intervention to culturally diverse individuals, families and groups in varying health states.

Admission Requirements

Any student interested in the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. The application process has several steps, and requires you to submit application materials to both the Office of Admissions and the College of Health Professions Academic Success Center (formerly the STAR Office). Be sure to pay attention to when and where you must submit any required documentation.

To be considered for admission to the Accelerated Second Degree BSN undergraduate program, submit the following:

• Coppin State University online application
• Official HESI A2 entrance examination scores. Submit to the CHP's Academic Success Center only.
• Personal essay detailing your philosophy of nursing and professional goals
• Current resume
• 3 letters of recommendation using the Nursing Recommendation Form. Submit to the CHP’s Academic Success Center only.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended. For students who have completed any education in a college or university outside of the U.S or related territory, be sure to submit a course-by-course evaluation by an approved evaluation agency. Submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions and the CHP's Academic Success Center.
• Interview
• Signed Acknowledgement Form, if offered admission

What to Include in Your Application Essay

Your essay is an important part of your admissions application. Reading your essay is one way we learn more about your interest in earning a BSN, and how you’ll fit within the program. Be sure to:

• Share your reason(s) for pursuing a career in nursing
• Explain how the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program will help you achieve your professional goals
• Identify factors that prompted this career change
• Explain why Coppin is the right school to complete your nursing education
• Discuss your long-term goals and plans Include a brief summary of significant work experience, starting directly after high school
• Detail how previous work and educational experiences relate to nursing Discuss how you’ll handle academic and program demands in addition to personal responsibilities during your accelerated education

Important Dates to Remember

• December 1st is Early Decision deadline
• February 1st is Final Decision deadline

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Second Degree BSN, students must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours split among General Education Requirements (GERs), course prerequisites, and major courses. Each section below explains the range of course offerings.

General Education Requirements (GERs)

Students must complete 40 GER credits. Specifically for Health Information Management majors, your program plan should also include:

Core Courses (17 credits)

Learn how to:

• Synthesize knowledge from the humanities, natural, and behavioral sciences as a foundation for safe, client-centered nursing practice.
• Apply leadership concepts, skills and decision making in the provision of high-quality nursing care in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrates clinical judgment based on evidence-based practice for individual, families and groups.
• Demonstrates proficiency in information management and patient care technology in the delivery of quality health care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of healthcare policy and regulations to assist individuals, families and groups to identify and mobilize resources to meet health care needs.
• Collaborate with consumers, members of the health care team and others to improve the delivery of health care.
• Integrate health promotion and disease prevention strategies for individuals, families and groups to improve health outcomes for individuals, families and groups.
• Demonstrates professional, ethical, and legal responsibility for nursing practice.
• Apply the nursing process to deliver and manage nursing care for culturally diverse individuals, families and groups across the life span in a variety of health settings.
• Use clinical reasoning strategies, communication and other affective skills as well as psychomotor skills to provide therapeutic nursing intervention to culturally diverse individuals, families and groups in varying health states.

Admission Requirements

Any student interested in the RN to BSN program must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. The application process has several steps, and requires you to submit application materials to both the Office of Admissions and the College of Health Professions Academic Success Center (formerly the STAR Office). Be sure to pay attention to when and where you must submit any required documentation. .

To be considered for admission to RN to BSN undergraduate program, submit the following:

• Coppin State University online application
• Personal essay detailing your philosophy of nursing and professional goals
• Current resume
• Active unencumbered RN license in Maryland or participating state in the Nurse Multi-State Licensure Compact 
• 3 letters of recommendation using the Nursing Recommendation Form. Submit to the CHP’s Academic Success Center only.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended. For students who have completed any education in a college or university outside of the U.S or related territory, be sure to submit a course-by-course evaluation by an approved evaluation agency. Submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions and the CHP’s Academic Success Center.

Note: RN to BSN students do not need to take the HESI A2 exam. Prospective students may also be invited to come in for an interview. 

Important Dates to Remember

• December 1st is Early Decision deadline
• February 1st is Final Decision deadline

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours split among General Education Requirements (GERs), course prerequisites, and major courses. Each section below explains the range of course offerings.

General Education Requirements (GERs)

Students must complete 40 GER credits. Specifically for Health Information Management majors, your program plan should also include:

Pre-requisites or Electives (26 credits)

Program Core

These courses are based on RN licensure and Maryland State Articulation Agreement.

What You'll Learn

Learn how to:

• Synthesize knowledge from the humanities, natural, and behavioral sciences as a foundation for safe, client-centered nursing practice.
• Apply leadership concepts, skills and decision making in the provision of high-quality nursing care in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrates clinical judgment based on evidence-based practice for individual, families and groups.
• Demonstrates proficiency in information management and patient care technology in the delivery of quality health care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of healthcare policy and regulations to assist individuals, families and groups to identify and mobilize resources to meet health care needs.
• Collaborate with consumers, members of the health care team and others to improve the delivery of health care.
• Integrate health promotion and disease prevention strategies for individuals, families and groups to improve health outcomes for individuals, families and groups.
• Demonstrates professional, ethical, and legal responsibility for nursing practice.
• Apply the nursing process to deliver and manage nursing care for culturally diverse individuals, families and groups across the life span in a variety of health settings.
• Use clinical reasoning strategies, communication and other affective skills as well as psychomotor skills to provide therapeutic nursing intervention to culturally diverse individuals, families and groups in varying health states.

A combination of academic and professional education, our program prepares graduates to work in emerging nurse generalist roles, and/or pursue graduate study. We base our curriculum on nursing science, incorporating theoretical foundations of the humanities, liberal arts, basic and applied sciences.

This complex field requires knowledge of not only nursing practice, but also humanities, behavioral and natural sciences. You’ll learn to collaborate on multidisciplinary teams, prepare to handle complex challenges, and provide care to individuals, families, and groups in a variety of health care settings.

There is more information about major requirements in the Program Requirements section on this page.

Admission Requirements

Any student interested in the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. The application process has several steps, and requires you to submit application materials to both the Office of Admissions and the College of Health Professions Academic Success Center (formerly the STAR Office). Be sure to pay attention to when and where you must submit any required documentation. .

To be considered for admission to the Traditional BSN undergraduate program, submit the following:

• Coppin State University online application
• Official HESI A2 entrance examination scores. Submit to the CHP’s Academic Success Center only.
• 3 letters of recommendation using the Nursing Recommendation Form. Submit to the CHP’s Academic Success Center only.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended. For students who have completed any education in a college or university outside of the U.S or related territory, be sure to submit a course-by-course evaluation by an approved evaluation agency. Submit all official transcripts to the Office of Admissions and the CHP’s Academic Success Center.

Important Date to Remember

• February 1st is the Final Decision deadline

Program Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students must complete 120 credit hours. These credit hours split among General Education Requirements (GERs), course prerequisites, and major courses. Each section below explains the range of course offerings.

General Education Requirements (GERs)

Students must complete 40 GER credits. Specifically for Health Information Management majors, your program plan should also include:

Core Courses (18 credits)

Comprehensive Exam

All nursing students must sit for a comprehensive exam during their final semester.