Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program provides a student-centered, world-class academic environment.

GRADUATE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Students gain valuable knowledge in leadership, research, education and policy. Learn from leading nursing scholars and contribute to the development and application of nursing knowledge.

Program Components Expected Duration
MSN Course-Based Coursework and capstone 16 months (full time)
MSN Thesis-Based Coursework and thesis 24 months (full time)

MSN Summer 2025 Core course dates (weekdays only, full days approx. 8am-4pm, online delivery):

  • NRSG 500 – April 28 – May 16, 2025. Last assignment due TBD
  • NRSG 505 – May 5 – 9, 2025. Last assignment due TBD
  • NRSG 502 – May 12 – June 20, 2025 (two 3-hr sessions per week). Last assignment due July 3.
  • NRSG 504 – July 7-16, 2025. Last assignment due July 25.

 

Please note that there are trailing requirements for each Intensive course, and the last assignment is due several weeks after the last day of class

The course-based MSN program welcomes RNs from a broad range of interests and backgrounds who wish to pursue careers in health leadership and/or education.

Program Overview (30 credits)

  • 9 credits in core courses (NRSG 500, NRSG 504, NRSG 505)
  • 3 credits in a required course-based core research course (NRSG 502)
  • 12 credits in focus courses
  • 6 credits in a required capstone course (NRSG 597)

Masters-level coursework is normally taken at the 500-level. Three credits of undergraduate level coursework (300-499) may be taken with the approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the MSN program are to prepare nurses who are innovative, creative, evidence-informed problem-solvers who can collaboratively lead interprofessional teams.

These objectives will be achieved through a program of studies that prepares nurses to:

  • Create, translate and use nursing knowledge in all its forms;
  • Synthesize and apply diverse perspectives within scholarly nursing research, practice and knowledge development;
  • Cultivate advanced ethical reasoning and critical thinking;
  • Develop advanced skills and strategies for evidence-informed decision-making and practice;
  • Gain practical experience in the application of healthcare knowledge in diverse environments.

For more program information, see our MSN/PhD Nursing Handbook. For information about courses and schedules see Program Requirements in the Academic Calendar.

Thesis-based programs (thesis-based MSN, PhD in Nursing) require students to complete their research projects under the supervision of a School of Nursing faculty member; a prospective student’s proposed research plan must fit within a Supervisor’s area of research. Thesis-based students pursue academia and research careers; a thesis-based MSN is preferred over a course-based MSN for admission to PhD studies, but is not required.

Program Overview (30 credits)

  • 9 credits in core courses (NRSG 500, NRSG 504, NRSG 505)
  • 6 credits in required research coursework (NRSG 506, NRSG 507)
  • 3 credits in focus courses (to be selected by student)
  • 12 credits in thesis

Masters-level coursework is normally taken at the 500-level. Three credits of undergraduate level coursework (300-499) may be taken with the approval of the Graduate Program Coordinator.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the MSN program are to prepare nurses who are innovative, creative, evidence-informed problem-solvers who can collaboratively lead interprofessional teams. These objectives will be achieved through a program of studies that prepares nurses to:

  • Create, translate and use nursing knowledge in all its forms;
  • Synthesize and apply diverse perspectives within scholarly nursing research, practice and knowledge development;
  • Cultivate advanced ethical reasoning and critical thinking;
  • Develop advanced skills and strategies for evidence-informed decision-making and practice;
  • Gain practical experience in the application of healthcare knowledge in diverse environments.

For more program information, see our MSN/PhD Nursing Handbook. For information about courses and schedules see Program Requirements in the Academic Calendar.

The UBC Okanagan School of Nursing welcomed its first cohort of Indigenous Graduate Education in Nursing (I-GEN) Masters of Science in Nursing Pathway students in May 2024. The I-GEN Pathway is a collaborative initiative across five British Columbia postsecondary institutions (UBC Vancouver, UBC Okanagan, University of Victoria, Thompson Rivers University, Trinity Western University), and serves to remove barriers to graduate education for Indigenous nurses.

We are looking forward to sharing additional details in the coming weeks/months. If you are interested in learning more about the IGEN Pathway, please contact Kathryn.douglas-campbell@ubc.ca


RESEARCH & SUPERVISORS

Our faculty investigate a diversity of topics on health and wellbeing. If you feel your interests align with their research areas, please reach out to them. They would be pleased to speak with you.

Role:
School/Institute:
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Rishma Chooniedass | Assistant Professor of Teaching | Faculty of Health and Social Development, School of Nursing | rishma@mail.ubc.ca | ART 341

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Maternal and child health; food allergy and anaphylaxis; equity and social justice
Sheila Epp | Associate Professor of Teaching | School of Nursing | sheila.epp@ubc.ca | 250-807-9975

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Curriculum Development; Pedagogy; New Graduate Transition
Carla Hilario | Assistant Professor | School of Nursing | carla.hilario@ubc.ca | UBCO Landmark Offices

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Health equity; youth mental health; community resilience; implementation science.
Norma Hilsmann, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN | Lecturer | Faculty of Health and Social Development, School of Nursing | norma.hilsmann@ubc.ca | 250.807.9961 | Arts 147

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: nursing educational leadership; integration of evidence-based practice in nursing; technology in nursing education; digital healthcare; research dissemination and knowledge translation (KT); microlearning and nanolearning; generational learning styles; professional development/continuing education; student evaluations; upward bullying; pharmacology in nursing; primary care nursing; rural nursing.
Lindsay Kennedy | Associate Professor of Teaching | Faculty of Health and Social Development, School of Nursing | lindsay.a.kennedy@ubc.ca | 250.807.9710 | A132

Graduate student supervisor


Elizabeth Keys, PhD | Assistant Professor | School of Nursing | Elizabeth.Keys@ubc.ca

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Pediatric sleep; Parent-child interactions; Infant and parental mental health; eHealth and precision health; Community engagement; Community and public health nursing; Mixed methods; Knowledge synthesis; Integrated knowledge translation and implementation science
Nelly Oelke | Associate Professor | Faculty of Health and Social Development, School of Nursing | nelly.oelke@ubc.ca | 250.807.9880 | RHS 118

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Integrated health systems and services delivery; primary health care; mental health; rural health; climate change and climate change events and mental health; integrated knowledge translation and implementation science.
Lise Olsen | Associate Professor | School of Nursing | lise.olsen@ubc.ca | 250-807-9180 | ART 164

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: child and family health promotion; inclusive recreation participation; safety and injury prevention; child development; well-being for children with neuro-developmental disabilities; community-based initiatives; online programs
Barbara Pesut, PhD | Professor | School of Nursing | barb.pesut@ubc.ca | 250-807-9955 | ASC 287

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Palliative and end-of-life care; Medical Assistance in Dying; volunteer and peer navigation models; nursing philosophy
Katrina Plamondon | Assistant Professor | Faculty of Health and Social Development, School of Nursing | katrina.plamondon@ubc.ca | 250-807-8681

Graduate student supervisor. I am currently not accepting new graduate students, but will be again in 2023.


Research Interests: Connecting knowledge with action for health equity; global health; knowledge translation science; critical pedagogy; methods for relational, responsive research; dialogue-based research; arts-informed research; transformational research
Manuela Reekie | Professor of Teaching | Faculty of Health and Social Development, School of Nursing | manuela.reekie@ubc.ca | ART 342

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Curriculum Development; Nursing Education; Clinical Speciality Practice Learning Pathways
Charlene Esteban Ronquillo | Assistant Professor | Faculty of Health and Social Development, School of Nursing | charlene.ronquillo@ubc.ca

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Health informatics; nursing; health equity; implementation science
Kathy Rush | Professor | School of Nursing | kathy.rush@ubc.ca | 250.807.9561 | ART150

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: atrial fibrillation; rural cardiac service delivery; rural health equity, telehealth; aging; new graduate nurse transition
Sana Shahram, PhD, MPH | Assistant Professor | Faculty of Health and Social Development, Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention (IHLCDP), School of Nursing | sana.shahram@ubc.ca

Graduate student supervisor. Use 'contact us' section of website to submit interest in joining the lab (no emails pls).


Research Interests: Health Equity; Critical Population Health; Health Systems Transformation; Anti-colonial & anti-racist public health systems; Public Health; Mental Health and Substance Use; Maternal & Child Health; Complex Systems Change; Community- & Indigenous Nation- Led Research
Laura Struik | Assistant Professor | School of Nursing | laura.struik@ubc.ca | 2508079972

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Nicotine dependence; cancer prevention; tobacco control; youth and young adults; health promotion and gender-sensitive approaches; behavior change using digital technologies
Marie Tarrant, RN, MPH, PhD | Dean | Faculty of Health and Social Development | marie.tarrant@ubc.ca | 250-807-9297 | ARTS 360

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Maternal and Child Health; Breastfeeding; Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative; Maternal and Childhood Vaccine Uptake; Influenza Vaccine
Ryan Wilson, PhD | Assistant Professor of Teaching | School of Nursing | ryan.wilson@ubc.ca | ART 160

Graduate student supervisor


Research Interests: Dr. Wilson's research is focused on two areas of Self-Care in Atrial Fibrillation: 1) Before diagnosis-To build capacity among adults to perceive, evaluate and respond to their symptoms leading to early treatment-seeking and care; 2) Post Diagnosis-To enhancing patients' self-care and management of their AF and its related symptoms following an AF diagnosis. Cardiovascular diseases; Health Promotion; Patient‐Oriented Research; AF Self-Care and Education; Primary Care, Diagnosis Medical; Aging

In partnership with communities, health professionals, academic collaborators and other stakeholders, we are leading interdisciplinary research teams to generate and translate knowledge into effective evidence-based practices and programs. The School of Nursing’s Research and Knowledge Hub is an open community that is home to five areas of research excellence:

Palliative and end of Life care

This research program focuses on finding innovative ways to improve the quality of life for those living with life-limiting medical conditions and declining health as well as exploring strategies to relieve suffering at end of life. Topics also include palliative care and the development of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in the Canadian context. The research lab in this group provides opportunities for graduate students:

PareNt, Child, Youth, and Family Health

Nurse researchers in this theme focus on supporting health and wellbeing in families. Topics include infant feeding, maternal and child vaccinations, perinatal substance use, sleep health, supportive caregiver-child interactions, youth mental health, and inclusive and safe sport and recreation for children with developmental challenges. Research efforts across these areas aim to foster healthy child and youth development, enhance health and quality of life through improved health service delivery, the development of innovative interventions, and bringing the perspectives of diverse groups to the forefront. Research labs in this group that provide opportunities for graduate students:

Rural Health + Nursing Services Innovation

Working together with healthcare professionals and rural communities, our nurse researchers are leading the development of innovative nursing, health and social care solutions to inform practice, policy, and system change to address priority health and health services challenges. Research labs in this group that provide opportunities for graduate students:

Supportive Environments for Health Equity

Advancing health equity is the foundation of this research theme. Programs of research focus on advancing equity in research, health and social systems as well as health promotion and health system change with and by Indigenous peoples and diverse communities as partners in decision making to improve health outcomes. Scholars in this theme use various research methods, particularly community-led, integrated knowledge translation and patient/community-oriented research to promote equity and inclusion. Research labs in this group that provide opportunities for graduate students:

Technologies for Health and Wellbeing

Emerging technologies offer nurses new ways to improve health and healthcare care delivery. Research in this field includes the development of new technologies, novel applications of existing technologies and the development of health informatics to improve healthcare practices, health and workforce outcomes. Researchers in this group have expertise in user-centered, multi-disciplinary approaches to inquiry, and critical approaches that examine the dynamics of power and relationships between technologies, people and health. Research labs in this group that provide opportunities for graduate students:

 

Meet Our Students


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to UBC graduate programs is competitive. Applicants must meet the following criteria.

Please review the College of Graduate Studies “Prepare Your Application” Guidelines, the School of Nursing Graduate Programs Handbook, and consider attending an MSN/PhD Information Session prior to submitting your application.

The MSN program is governed by policies of the College of Graduate Studies. To be eligible for admission, applicants must:

  • Be a Registered Nurse with a baccalaureate degree, normally in nursing;
  • Have a minimum overall average of B+ (76%) standing in third- and fourth-year levels of their baccalaureate with an A- (80%) in 12 credits of nursing courses;
  • Successful completion of an undergraduate university or graduate university statistics course in the past five years as pre-requisite, or approval of the School of Nursing Graduate Coordinator.

MORE INFORMATION

For program requirements, use the following link to the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar; the calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia*

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

For additional information please contact:

School of Nursing
ubco.nursinggrad@ubc.ca

The MSN program is governed by policies of the College of Graduate Studies. To be eligible for admission, applicants must:

  • Be a Registered Nurse with a baccalaureate degree, normally in nursing;
  • Have a minimum overall average of B+ (76%) standing in third- and fourth-year levels of their baccalaureate with an A- (80%) in 12 credits of nursing courses;
  • Demonstrate competence to pursue studies in the English language (see the College of Graduate Studies English Language Proficiency Requirements for details)
  • Successful completion of an undergraduate university or graduate university statistics course in the past five years as pre-requisite, or approval of the School of Nursing Graduate Coordinator.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full admission and program requirements information; the Calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia. * In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

Required Grades and Credential Guide

Grades and degree credentials required by UBC vary by country. International students may use the International Student Evaluation Manual to estimate their eligibility.

International Advisors

An international student advisor can answer questions about immigration, medical insurance and the transition to UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC, Canada. Go to the International Programs and Services website to meet the team.

For additional information please contact:

School of Nursing
ubco.nursinggrad@ubc.ca


Tuition & Funding

UBC Okanagan’s tuition and fees compare favourably with universities of the same high calibre.

Tuition is paid in three installments per year, due near the start of each term: Winter Term 1, Winter Term 2, and Summer Term 1.

Full-time students must pay a minimum of 3 installments prior to completing the program; part-time students must pay a minimum of 9 installments prior to completing the program.

Students who select part-time schedules are advised that they are ineligible to receive government loans, interest-free status, and University fellowships or scholarships. Students are not permitted to switch from part-time to full-time after the due date of the first installment.

For official tuition and full fee information, visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

Faculty of Health & Social Development Graduate Student Virtual Conference Award

The Faculty of Health & Social Development’s internal Graduate Student Virtual Conference Award is intended to support attendance at virtual conferences for graduate students in Master’s or Doctoral programs.

Research Assistantships (RA)

As a paid RA, MSN students in the research-based stream may assist their supervisor or other researchers in conducting high-level research, which often contributes to the student’s thesis. RAs are typically funded by the supervisor’s grants, contracts or other sources of funding. Contact lead investigators directly to inquire about opportunities.

Graduate teaching Assistantships (gta)

As a paid TA, MSN students may assist course instructors in marking examinations, tests, laboratory exercises, or assignments; providing instruction to students in laboratories, discussion periods, tutorials or lectures; invigilating examinations and providing academic assistance to students during office hours.

Scholarships, Awards & Funding

The College of Graduate Studies is responsible for merit-based graduate awards at the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia. The College manages a number of award competitions each year and administers payment of all internal awards and selected external awards. Please visit the College of Graduate Studies for a list of available scholarships and awards, and for more information about application information. Students are expected whenever possible to apply for relevant scholarships and fellowships. These include principally, but are not limited to, Canadian Tri-Council scholarships, University Graduate Fellowships, and Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarships. A variety of competitive scholarships are available MSN students. Please consult with faculty for assistance with developing your application:


HOW TO APPLY

 

A complete application package will contain:

Applying takes time. We recommend you start your application two months in advance. For full consideration students should apply by the following deadlines:

May Intake Application Deadline
Domestic applicants December 1 annually
International applicants October 13 annually

Preparing a strong graduate application package takes time and initial relationship-building with your potential supervisor, with whom you would be working with for a number of years. A thesis-based masters is similar to a job, and the faculty Supervisor functions as your manager and mentor throughout the entirety of your degree.

It is best practice to connect with a potential supervisor at least one month before the application deadline.

 

Research faculty typically interview prospective thesis-based MSN students, review transcripts and research plans, support students to prepare a strong application package, and organize funding. Please note that final admission decisions are made by the College of Graduate Studies; a supervisor cannot guarantee you admission into the program but is required to support your application.

In addition to discussing your research plan with a prospective supervisor, please familiarize yourself with your program of interest and corresponding admission requirement on the UBCO School of Nursing graduate programs website.

Full-time thesis-based MSN students are not guaranteed funding but are typically financially supported by their supervisors and/or awards, scholarships and grants. Students who secure independent funding (for example, through scholarships or awards) are typically stronger candidates for admission.

Prospective supervisors often support thesis-based MSN applicants applying to funding bodies such as CIHR, SSHRC, Canadian Nurses Foundation, etc. A list of funding opportunities compiled by UBCO College of Graduate Studies can be found on their website. Be sure to include these awards in your discussion with a prospective supervisor.

 

Prospective students who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to the program, including pre-requisite coursework required for the MSN, will need to complete preparatory work prior to starting their program (e.g., statistics courses, Nursing knowledge courses, literature review experience or coursework)

Approaching a prospective MSN Supervisor – send a brief email (no more than 2 paragraphs) including:

  • ​A short description of the project you are interested in and how your background aligns with the project aims OR the research question(s) you are interested in and how these align with the faculty member’s expertise
  • A brief note about how you plan to fund your studies
  • Details on your background in health or nursing, including supporting publication/written documents
  • Copies of unofficial transcripts
  • Your CV

Due to the large number of emails faculty receive, supervision inquiries that do not follow the above instructions are less likely to receive a response.​​


UBC’S OKANAGAN CAMPUS

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. At the School of Nursing on UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

DYNAMIC CITY

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

NATURAL BEAUTY

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above.*

* Best viewed using desktop Chrome or Firefox (desktop) or YouTube app (mobile).

CAMPUS HOUSING

Full-time UBC Okanagan students can live in residence, which offers modern living with easy access to academic and personal support. Residences are surrounded by hiking and biking trails, plus panoramic views of the campus and valley.

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

* UBC does not verify or endorse information shared on this third-party website, which is offered here as a public resource only.

Clubs: Make friends with similar interests, attend events, and explore career options with the UBCO Nursing Course Union.

Events: Various orientations help graduate students to explore, discover and learn about the School of Engineering, UBC Okanagan, and living in the Okanagan Valley.

Stay active: Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and play—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre and our 1,561 square-metre gymnasium, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes and nationally ranked varsity athletics. Have a ball in Sports and Recreation.

Relax: The Graduate Collegium is a gathering place where grad students can hang out, eat lunch, spend time with their fellow students, and attend or host special events. The lounge-style room is open seven days and week and is outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchen facilities, and individual and group-work spaces.

College of Graduate Studies: Your hub for administrative support and such things as graduate workshops for professional development and for assisting you from the admissions process through to your graduation.

Centre for Scholarly Communication: Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and faculty in disseminating their research. The Library’s CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles, and grant proposals.

Centre for Teaching and Learning: Provides support related to teaching, TA training, and use of technology in educational programming.

Career Development

As a professional nurse, and a graduate of the MSN program, you will be qualified to provide professional nursing services, deliver health-education programs, and provide consultative nursing services to promote, maintain and restore patient health.

Potential Employers

  • Hospitals and primary health care settings
  • Regional health authorities
  • Rehabilitation and occupational health departments
  • Governmental departments and organizations
  • Community, social, and correctional services
  • Clinics (ambulatory, medical, dental and community)
  • Nursing homes
  • Home care agencies
  • Large corporations and insurance companies
  • Government services (for example, penitentiaries, outpost nursing, the foreign service, the Canadian Armed Forces)
  • Educational institutions

Career Services

Map out your future and prepare to hit the ground running with resources and services provided by the Advising & Involvement Centre.

Tell your story with resumé and cover-letter strategies, and search Work Study jobs for experience relevant to your degree and career goals. You can also book an appointment to meet one-on-one with our career advisor.

alumni UBC

alumni UBC is a member-driven association that offers a variety of lifetime programming and communications to enrich the lives of UBC graduates.

The ‘Your Next Step’ program offers webinars, speaker series and professional development sessions. It is designed to provide advice, tips and resources in areas of career development to graduates for life after university.

Realize the promise of a global community with shared ambition for a better world and an exceptional UBC.