The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree program is to prepare nurses for advanced practice and entry into specialization. The nurse in advanced practice works in interdisciplinary relationships and collaborative partnerships to meet health care needs and provide high quality, cost-effective client care. The nurse in advanced practice is accountable for influencing health policy, improving health care delivery, contributing to nursing science, and promoting the advancement of the nursing profession.The focus of the graduate program is on the delivery of nursing care to rural and/or under served clients across the lifespan. Curricula are available to prepare students as Nurse Administrators, Clinical Nurse Leaders, or Family, Adult, Gerontological, or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Students who complete course requirements for the nurse practitioner specialties or nursing administration are qualified to take a national certification examination. Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty must complete 48 credit-hours.