The Elm

Following approval by the Maryland Higher Education Commission in Spring 2026, a revised Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Informatics (MSN‑NI) program will launch in Fall 2026. 

The re‑conceptualized curriculum aligns with state‑level academic reporting requirements and the updated American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nursing Informatics Certification Validation of Education form. These revisions ensure that UMSON continues to prepare graduates with the most current, practice‑ready informatics competencies. 

Key curriculum enhancements include: 

• Defining one semester credit hour as 45 hours of instructional activity, including practicum, clinical, and internship experiences 
• Clear delineation of practicum, clinical, and practice hours across the curriculum 
• Expansion of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data from 2 to 3 credits 
• Refinement of course titles to better reflect scope, content, and learning outcomes 
• Increased practicum hours in Systems Analysis and Design from 45 to 90 
• Introduction of a 5‑practice‑hour scholarly paper in the final semester 
• Removal of the 1‑credit Professional Writing course to streamline the curriculum 

Students enrolled in the existing plan of study will have opportunities to benefit from selected revised courses and enhanced content as these courses are phased in. This approach ensures continuity while allowing current students to take advantage of updated informatics competencies and emerging practice expectations. 

Learn more about the restructured curriculum