Excelsior College Education and Teaching Degree Programs
Excelsior College appears in our ranking of the Top 20 Online Nursing Education Master’s Degrees.
Teachers perform a critical function in the world, providing young people with the education they need to succeed. In the next ten years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be almost 2 million new positions in the education industry. In almost every state, teaching positions require at least a bachelor’s degree although some teaching jobs require those who hold a master’s degree or higher. Excelsior College offers several degrees that are designed to help individuals who wish to enter the teaching field.
Master of Science in Nursing Education
The Master of Science in Nursing Education is designed for registered nurses who enjoy teaching. The program is fully online and prepares students to become nurse educators. Students gain an understanding of learning theories, teaching strategies, curriculum development, evaluation of learning outcomes and the use of technology to support teaching. Students learn through online courses, practice experiences and a curriculum that is designed to challenge them. Courses that may be required include:
- Advanced Pathopsychology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education
- Designing a Learning Environment
- Policy, Ethics and Population Health
- Program and Curriculum Development in Nursing Education
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Transformational Nursing: Innovation, Inquiry and Scholarship
Students must also complete a culminating capstone experience that allows them to apply what they learned throughout the program.
RN to Master of Science in Nursing Education
The RN to Master of Science in Nursing is designed for those who hold a registered nursing license but have not completed their bachelor’s degree in nursing and want to become nurse educators. The program is completely online and allows students to complete their Bachelor’s in Nursing along with their Master’s in Nursing education. During the bachelor’s program, students complete five graduate-level online courses, then seamlessly move into the remaining graduate requirements. The program requires 142 credit hours. General education requirements include courses in information literacy, humanities, ethics, social sciences, history, psychology, sociology, and sciences. The nursing core requires:
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Community Health Nursing Caring for the Public’s Health
- Leadership and Management in Nursing
- Policy, Ethics and Population Health
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Transformational Nursing: Innovation, Inquiry and Scholarship
As part of the nursing core, students must complete a nursing capstone. Students must also complete three graduate-level electives. The nursing education component of the degree includes the following courses:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education
- Designing a Learning Environment
- Program and Curriculum Development in Nursing Education
Students must also complete a graduate capstone course.
About Excelsior College
Excelsior College was founded in 1971 and was originally known as the Regents External Degree Program. The Ford Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation initially provided a large portion of the funding for the new school. Over time, the school became known as Regents College.
In 1998, the college was granted a charter to operate as a non-profit, private institution. The name was changed to Excelsior College in 2001. The college provides designed to meet a student’s needs where they are academically and geographically, managing its resources in order to invest in people while also offering high-quality education. The college offers more than 30 programs across six areas of study.
Excelsior College Accreditation Details
Excelsior College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Regional accreditation confirms that the school has the resources necessary to meet their goals and objectives. The college undergoes periodic evaluation to confirm the programs offered meet or exceed criteria developed by the Commission that indicates the highest level of education. Any areas that are identified as needing improvement are addressed as soon as possible by the college.
Nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Business programs are accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education while engineering programs are accredited by ABET.
Excelsior College Application Requirements
In order to apply for the RN to Master in Nursing Education program, applicants must hold a valid nursing license. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
In order to apply for the Master in Nursing Education program, applicants must provide an official transcript showing they hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. They must also provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A copy of a license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States is also required. All applicants must provide a completed Master of Science Capstone Requirements form as well.
Excelsior College accepts AP, CLEP, DSST and IT Certification examinations towards credit at Excelsior College. In addition, Excelsior College offers a liberal transfer credit policy. Transfer students should talk to an admissions counselor about the credits they have earned at other colleges so that they may determine how many credits can be applied to a program at Excelsior.
Excelsior College Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the Master of Nursing Education program is $645 per credit hour. Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. The FAFSA must be renewed on an annual basis.
Scholarships that may be available may include federal, New York state, college and external scholarships. Private grants and loans may also be offered as part of a financial aid package. Excelsior College also works with corporations, associations, and government entities to offer reduced tuition to their members and employees. As a military-friendly college, Excelsior College also offers reduced tuition to members of the military and veterans.
Excelsior College provides educational opportunities to adult learners who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. The school offers high-quality instruction, valuing integrity and honesty in their relationships with students, faculty and the community. Excelsior College values all students, staff and faculty, providing education to a diverse student body while developing, delivering and sustaining high-quality academic products.
