Nursing Dalhousie University

Overview

Dalhousie University 's Master of Science in Nursing  programme is framed within a philosophy of primary health care that recognizes the unique strengths and contributions of individuals, families, and communities.

In the Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) program, students are mentored to develop analytical knowledge and skills that will prepare them for a career in academia and/or research. With the guidance of a supervisor, the student will develop a research project that aligns with the research foci of the School of Nursing: Health Needs of People, Marginalized Populations and Health Equity, Health Systems and Health Workforce Planning and Impact, and Knowledge Translation.

Students will have the opportunity to work in teams within and across disciplines to maximize research productivity and position students for PhD studies.

Graduate studies at Dalhousie’s School of Nursing are guided by a philosophy of primary health care that recognizes the unique strengths of individuals, families and communities. We stress the five principles defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) including: 

• Accessibility of health care for all people regardless of their geographic location, income, culture, race, etc.
• Health promotion, injury/illness prevention focus as opposed to illness treatment and curative care focus
• Participation of individuals, families, groups and communities in decisions that affect their health. Such partnerships are grounded in community development, empowerment, client education and informed decision-making, and the belief that informed people and communities make decisions in their own best interest.
• Intersectoral collaboration, which acknowledges that health is determined by social, economic and physical environmental factors.

• Appropriate technology, which is affordable and accessible to people and communities.

Possible careers include:

• Clinical research nurse

• Nurse practitioner

• Public health nurse

• Nurse consultant 

• Director of nursing

• Clinical nurse specialist

Programme options

• Thesis: Pursue independent and original research guided by a supervisor to develop and defend your thesis.