Systems Leadership MSN
The Systems Leadership Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at UC College of Nursing prepares nurses to lead and manage the increasing complexity of today’s health care systems through evidence-based practice and strategic decision-making.
This program is grounded in real-world clinical leadership and equips students to apply nursing and organizational theories, leverage data-driven insights, manage health programs across diverse settings and implement evidence-based strategies that enhance quality, efficiency and patient outcomes.
Program delivery combines flexible online coursework with in-person precepted clinical practice.
Systems Leadership students are eligible to take the following certification exams based on their experience. I have attached a document providing information for each exam.
This program prepares graduates for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nurse Executive and Nurse Executive Advanced certification exams and to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Nurse Manager Leader and Executive Nursing Practice certification exams.
Kathy Oliphant, DNP, RN, CNL, NEA-BC
Assistant Professor & Director, Systems Leadership Programs
Admission Requirements
- A current, active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) licensure with no disciplinary action
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN- (formerly NLNAC) or CCNE-accredited nursing institution
- Minimum overall BSN GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (recommended)
- Minimum science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (not required for Systems Leadership and Nursing Education MSN program applicants)
- Minimum undergraduate Statistics GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A minimum of one year of RN experience in the United States at the time of application
Application Deadline
The Systems Leadership MSN program admits for the fall semester start only. The application window for programs could close early, if maximum capacity is reached.
| Semester Start | Application Deadline | Class Start |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | July 1, 2026 | Aug. 24, 2026 |
Tuition & Fees
| Enrollment | Ohio Resident |
Non-Resident |
Online Learning Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part Time (9 credits or fewer) |
$836 per credit |
$851 per credit |
$57 per credit |
| Full Time (10 credits or more) |
$8,359 per semester |
$8,509 per semester |
$563 per semester |
Important Information about Tuition and Fees
The rates provided are based on 2025-26 totals set by the university and could change in future academic years. Estimates also could change based on the following:
- Change of state of residence
- Change in enrollment status (i.e., full time or part time)
- Other unforeseen circumstances
Application Process
All information required to apply to our Master of Nursing Science programs should be submitted through NursingCAS.
- Official transcripts from all schools previously attended, including community colleges and two- and four-year colleges and universities should be sent directly to NursingCAS.
- Transcripts must verify a Bachelor of Science in Nursing conferred from a regionally and ACEN (formerly NLNAC) or CCNE accredited institution.
- International transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) (preferred), or another NACES member.
Provide your CV or resume in PDF format.
Make sure that your CV or resume provides relevant work history and reflects any contributions beyond normal job expectations. Include military service, community service, membership in professional associations and any certifications that you currently hold. Please also include any scholarship, such as publications or presentations.
Three letters of reference from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional skills.
Your goal statement should:
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the specialty area you are applying for;
- Explain your interest in the specialty;
- Highlight your preparedness and reasons for pursuing the program;
- Describe your goals after graduation.
This statement, which should be between 500-700 words in length, will also serve as an academic writing sample.
- NursingCAS application fee: $85
- UC Graduate School application fee (non-refundable): $65 ($70 for international students)
- Matriculation fee upon acceptance (non-refundable): $300, applied toward your first-semester tuition
State Restrictions:
As a result of state boards of nursing and the U.S. Department of Education's higher education regulation changes, UC College of Nursing cannot accept applications for our online programs — Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nurse Midwifery and Women's Health — from students who live in the following states:
- Arizona
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
State-Specific Requirements:
Kansas: Effective March 1, 2025, the Kansas State Board of Nursing made a change to their licensure education requirements for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Additional information can be found on the organization's website.
- Applicants who are admitted to an APRN program that leads to licensure will be provided a revised plan to include an additional variable credit course (NURS8098: Clinical Elective) to complete the difference in clinical hours required by the University of Cincinnati and the Kansas State Board of Nursing (if applicable). The number of credit hours for this course will vary based on the number of clinical hours needed to meet licensure education requirements. Further guidance, including an individualized plan of study, will be provided for admitted students.
- This change doesn't apply to non-APRN specialties: Systems Leadership, Public Health Nursing, Occupational Health Nursing and Nursing Education.
Washington: The University of Cincinnati is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to provide practice experiences in the state of Washington for the following programs:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwifery
- Nursing Administration
- Women's Health
For more information, visit the state's Department of Health site.
Washington: The University of Cincinnati is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to provide practice experiences in the state of Washington for the following programs
- Nursing Education
For more information, visit the state's Department of Health site.
An international student is defined as someone who holds citizenship in another country and is not a permanent resident of the United States.
International students are admissible to our online programs, providing they meet the above prerequisites and commit to doing their clinical requirements in the United States.
Due to the clinical requirements in our graduate online programs, international students must already have a visa that gives them legal status to work within the United States or must be able to obtain the legal status that will allow them to come to the U.S. and engage in clinical activities.
International students are not eligible for student visas for online programs, including clinical requirements.
It is the responsibility of the international student to have the appropriate work authorization documents or be able to obtain the appropriate work authorization before applying to online programs in the College of Nursing at the University of Cincinnati.
We cannot admit residents of U.S. Territories or in a country outside of the U.S. Only persons serving in the military who reside on a military base and can complete clinical requirements on the military base should apply to our College of Nursing graduate online programs. Prior to application to our program, the prospective student should confirm that they will have the ability to complete clinical requirements on the military base.
Students cannot complete clinicals at a U.S. Embassy.
Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid). To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.