MSNULM · Current · 36 CUs
Master of Science, Nursing - Leadership and Management
Source: WGU Program Guide·v202011·8/4/23
About This Degree
WGU Catalog 2026-03The Master of Science, Nursing - Leadership and Management is a competency-based program that prepares graduates to be leaders and managers in diverse settings: hospitals, long term care facilities, community service agencies, governmental agencies and facilities, and corporations. Graduates use their organizational, analytic, strategic planning, financial, human resources, and evaluation skills across healthcare organizations. The WGU Master of Science, Nursing - Leadership and Management program content is evidence-based, drawing on national standards and research related to creating work environments that are collaborative, interdisciplinary, and promote effective functioning in complex nursing and healthcare environments. The Master of Science, Nursing - Leadership/Management content and processes are consistent with the American Nurses Association (ANA) Standards for Nurse Administrators and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) competencies for nursing managers and executives. The degree program is focused on the preparation of highly qualified nurse administrators (nurse managers and nurse executives). This program consists of developing core knowledge related to complexities of healthcare, access, quality, and costs for diverse populations. New nursing knowledge includes research, theory, technology applied to nursing practice, evidence-based practice, ethics, and new roles for master's prepared nurses. Areas of focus include organizational and leadership theories, strategic planning, regulatory standards, risk management, principles of financial management, and concepts of human resource management. A case study approach is used to examine organizational, financial, and personnel issues and their resolution. The process for assessment, measurement, evaluation, and use of outcome data for improvement is presented.
Official catalog text — WGU-authored.
Degree History
First offered2017-01StatusCurrentCUs (latest)36(was 34)
College of Health Professions→Leavitt School of Health
Program Learning Outcomes
WGU Catalog 2026-03Official WGU-authored outcomes from the catalog Program Outcomes section.
- •The graduate develops a vision for assuming the role of a leader and manager that includes self-awareness, self- management, interpersonal communication, executive function, and social awareness.
- •The graduate collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to assess the need and organizational readiness for a healthcare improvement project using improvement science methods and practices.
- •The graduate collaborates with key stakeholders to plan for the use of available resources needed to achieve project aims and goals.
Areas of Study
2 groups · 15 coursesCourse groups from the WGU Program Guide. Expand each group to see course descriptions and competencies.
Course Roster (15 courses)
WGU Catalog 2026-03Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Total: 36 CUs across 15 courses. Degree total per catalog: 36 CUs.