Statue of Limitations

All requirements for the master’s degree must be completed within a six-year period commencing with the first graduate course registration.  The Coordinator of Graduate Studies at Clarion University may extend this period upon written request from the student for justifiable reasons.  This request must be supported by the graduate coordinator before submission to the office of Graduate Studies.  Students must finish the program no later than two semesters after completing the internship.

Full Time Study

A minimum of nine credits per semester is considered a full load for graduate students, although students may register for up to twelve credits per semester without special permission.  Students may not register for more than twelve semester hours during the summer.  Exceptions may be authorized by the Coordinator of Graduate Studies at Clarion University upon the recommendation of the graduate faculty.

Second Master’s Policy (For Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration)

Second Masters Degree Curriculum

Individuals holding a graduate degree in nursing may earn a second masters in nursing degree in the Clarion University/Slippery Rock University Family Nurse Practitioner program.  In order to qualify for a second master’s degree, regardless of where the first degree was earned, graduate students must successfully complete a minimum of 30 hours of credit in the Clarion University/Slippery Rock University Program beyond the first master’s degree and meet program requirements with respect to the required semester hours of credit and courses for the major.  Second master’s degree students would typically have transfer credits in nursing theory and research that could apply to the requirements of NURS 605-Evolution of Nursing Theory, NURS 610-Advanced Concepts in Research, and NURS 800-Thesis/Project.  Students may petition for life experience credits for NURS 614-Health Promotion: Family and Community Perspectives and NURS 645-Nursing and Public Policy.  Clinical courses and the internship are required of all degree students regardless of prior advanced education.

Post Master’s Certificate (For Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration)

A post-master’s certificate is available to individuals who hold a graduate degree in nursing as nurse practitioners in specialty areas such as pediatrics, adult, or women’s health.  Nurse practitioners who wish to broaden their education as family nurse practitioners would have their previous educational preparation evaluated on an individual basis according to credentials, education, and professional experience.  This review would be used to determine a program of study in the master’s program that would be applicable for broadening their education to encompass family practice.

Post Master's Certificate (For Nurse Educator Concentration)

A post-master's certificate is available to individuals who hold a master's degree in nursing from an accredited program.  The purpose of this certificate is to prepare nurses for teaching positions in nursing in both academic and non-academic settings.