Master's level graduates will be able to function as associate investigators in their selected area of interest. With their increased knowledge of the theoretical basis of practice, they will be able to play a role in evolving health care systems. For the Course-Based master's degree, students will:

1. Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced scientific theory to their professional practice.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate clinical research methods, including the development of clinical measures and the determination of clinical and program efficacy.
3. Complete four required and three additional approved half courses usually centred around a theme.
4. Complete a 15-20 page scholarly paper on a health care topic.

The appropriate foundation for graduate level entry is a professional degree. Candidates must comply with the School of Graduate Studies Regulations for the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. The specific admission requirements are:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (60 units taken at a university) with a minimum of a B+ average over the final 60 units from an undergraduate nursing program, or its equivalent. Applicants who are graduates of a baccalaureate nursing degree program for registered nurses and who have between 50 and 59 units of university study will be considered on a case-by-case basis. These 60 units will not include advanced credit for college courses.
2. Two academic and one clinical references.
3. A letter outlining professional interests and career plans, and suitability for this professional nursing program.
4. Evidence of current registration or eligibility for registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario. International students licensed to practice nursing in another country will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to supply evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language. The most common evidence is a score of at least 92 (iBT), 580 (paper-based test) or 237 (computer-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Nursing Graduate Program requires a minimum score of 7.0 for IELTS (Academic Test).

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS	Baccalaureate
REQUIRED COURSES	Seven half courses: NUR 701* (Theoretical basis of nursing practice) NUR 745* (Qualitative research methods) HRM 721* (Fundamentals of health research and evaluation) NUR 711* (Advanced practicum in Nursing) Three additional approved half courses which may include up to two 600-level half courses SGS 101 and SGS 201
OTHER REQUIREMENTS	Acceptable 15-20 page scholarly paper on a health care topic

Requirements for Degree Completion

Students will be expected to complete Master's requirements within two calendar years of entering the program. The maximum allowable time for completing the M.Sc. will be three calendar years. All students will be registered full-time (paying full-time tuition fees), although they may choose to pursue the program while continuing to maintain their employment. However, funding to support graduate studies will be available only to students who work no more than 10 hours per week. M.Sc. students will undertake:

1. Complete, with at least a B- standing, a minimum of 7 graduate half courses which must include NUR 701*, NUR 745*, HRM 721*,NUR 711* and three additional half courses selected by the student in conjunction with his/her faculty advisor and usually centred around a theme.
2. Complete a 15-page scholarly paper on a health care topic.

The combination of the NUR 701* practicum and the advanced practicum (NUR 711*) will allow the student to apply for the Registered Nursing Association of Ontario clinical fellowship program. This fellowship program requires a minimum of 12 weeks clinical practice under the supervision of a suitably qualified clinical nurse specialist.