The Master of Nursing Program prepares you to lead the future of healthcare. With a flexible, in-depth approach, this program equips you for roles in administration, education, or clinical practice.
As a graduate, you will:
- Provide patient-centered care using evidence-based practices for individuals, families, and communities.
- Contribute to nursing knowledge through research, critical analysis, and applying findings to practice.
- Influence healthcare policy by advocating for changes that benefit diverse populations.
- Challenge and innovate current nursing approaches in education, administration, and clinical care.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to shape policy, improve practice, and lead with integrity.
- Embrace global perspectives and understand the interconnectedness of healthcare challenges.
- Address emerging healthcare issues confidently, leading and adapting to change.
Take the next step and become a leader who drives progress in healthcare—locally and globally.
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Program details
The Master of Nursing degree enhances your undergraduate education by integrating theory, research, and practice. The program emphasizes developing your skills to analyze, critique, and apply research and theory to improve nursing practice.
Courses are delivered in a blended format. Students based in Winnipeg, including international students, attend in-person seminars. Off-site students in Canada participate in these classes virtually via MS Teams or Zoom. This format combines in-person learning with online coursework.
All students are required to attend a mandatory two-day in-person orientation in August and participate in the annual Helen Glass Research Symposium in April.
Expected duration: 3+ years
Tuition and fees: For details on tuition and fees, refer to the Graduate tuition and fees
Students choose one of the following three streams.
Education stream
The Education stream is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in nursing education. As a nurse educator, you will develop a deep understanding of teaching and learning principles that apply to both nursing practice and education. This stream examines various teaching and learning theories, focusing on how they relate to student learning and effective teaching practices, all aimed at improving educational outcomes.
Possible career opportunities
Graduates of the Education stream can explore exciting career options, including:
- Clinical educator in a healthcare institution
- Clinical or community education roles, such as a diabetes educator
- Instructor at a nursing faculty or school
- Pursuing doctoral studies
Administration stream
The Administration stream prepares you for successful careers in nursing management and administration. As a nurse administrator, you will take on leadership roles in various settings, including practice, education, or government. By studying theories related to nursing leadership and organizational practices, you will gain the skills needed for strategic thinking and effective leadership in your field. This stream emphasizes improving organizational and process outcomes.
Possible career opportunities
Graduates of the Administration stream can explore exciting career paths, including:
- Nurse manager
- Nursing director
- Chief nursing officer
- Instructor at a nursing faculty or school
- Pursuing doctoral studies
Clinical stream
The Clinical stream prepares you for advanced clinical career opportunities, including roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and other positions in institutional or community settings. This stream focuses on enhancing patient and client outcomes.
Role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
As a Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will develop in-depth expertise in a specific area of clinical practice. Your responsibilities include:
- Advancing nursing knowledge, skills, judgment, standards, and program development to improve patient care
- Strengthening the connection between nursing research and practice
- Assisting with knowledge translation by developing clinical guidelines and protocols
- Promoting the use of evidence, providing expert support and consultation, and facilitating system changes
Advisors
To pursue graduate studies in nursing, you need an advisor who is willing to accept you as a student. We have provided a list of advisors currently accepting students for your review.
Advisors currently accepting students
- International applicants: You do not need to secure a faculty advisor before submitting your application to the Master in Nursing (Administration or Education stream). After your application is reviewed, you will be contacted with a list of potential faculty advisors.
- Other applicants: If you are interested in working with a faculty researcher who is not listed, feel free to contact that faculty member directly to inquire about potential graduate positions. Before reaching out, review the researcher’s profile to ensure your research interests align. When contacting a faculty member, please include:
- Your curriculum vitae or resume
- All academic transcripts from previous post-secondary institutions, including the University of Manitoba (if applicable)
- Descriptions of any previous research or teaching-related experience
If you have contacted potential advisors and have not received a response after several inquiries, it may indicate they are not interested in pursuing further conversation.
For more information about advisors, you can contact the Graduate Program Student Advisor at 204-474-6733.
The student-advisor relationship
- Collaboration: You and your faculty advisor will discuss your learning needs to determine if there is a good fit. The advisor will help you create a plan for your course of study and will generally serve as your thesis/committee chair or comprehensive examination chair. You are required to meet with your advisor at least once a year. Any changes to your program plan must be approved by your advisor.
- Communication: It is essential for you to initiate and maintain regular communication with your advisor.
- Policies and regulations: You are responsible for understanding and adhering to the Faculty of Graduate Studies policies and regulations, as well as the Supplemental Regulations, which provide the guidelines for graduate study.
Flexible program options
Full-time and part-time options
You are considered a full-time student in the Administration, Clinical, or Education streams if you complete a minimum of 12 credit hours during the regular academic year.
If you wish to study part-time, you will need to apply for part-time studies.
Evening classes may also be available to accommodate your schedule.
Sample course offerings
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 7320 | Philosophy of Nursing Science | 3 |
| NURS 7210 | Qualitative Research Methods in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 7220 | Quantitative Research Methods in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 7340 | Evidence Informed Practice | 3 |
| NURS 7352 | Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 7360 | Integrative Focus (or Electives outside Nursing) | 6 |
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Thesis and course-based Capstone Project
Thesis option
If you choose the thesis option in the Education, Administration, or Clinical streams, you will complete 21 credit hours culminating in a thesis. For your thesis, you will:
- Identify and define a research problem or question
- Engage in a systematic process to address the research question
- Demonstrate mastery in a specialized area of nursing knowledge
- Produce a scholarly written document
- Defend your thesis effectively in both academic and public forums
Capstone project option
If you prefer a course-based approach, you can opt for the Capstone Project in the Education, Administration, or Clinical streams. This option requires you to complete 21 credit hours plus six additional credit hours of electives, totaling 27 credit hours. The Capstone Project allows you to:
- Demonstrate your ability to analyze, interpret, apply, and communicate the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your graduate program
Coursework requirement
You must complete all required coursework before registering for the Capstone Project.
Admission requirements
To qualify for admission to the Master of Nursing program you must meet both the academic requirements and the non-academic requirements.
Professional registration
You must be registered as a registered nurse (RN) or registered psychiatric nurse (RPN) in Manitoba or your home jurisdiction. If you are applying to the clinical stream, you must be registered with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba.
Educational background
You need a baccalaureate degree in nursing, mental health nursing, psychiatric nursing, or an equivalent degree from an approved or accredited university. In exceptional cases, applicants with a degree in another discipline may be considered if they are an RN or RPN. These applicants may need to complete up to an additional year of coursework before being admitted as regular students.
Course requirements
You must complete a research methods course and an introductory statistics course, achieving a minimum grade of 2.5 (C+) in each. It is highly recommended that the statistics course be taken within the last five years and the research methods course within the last eight years to ensure currency. Please check with the Graduate Program Student Advisor to confirm whether your completed courses meet this requirement.
Applications are accepted from students currently enrolled in these prerequisite courses; however, they must be completed by the end of April, with grades submitted no later than May 15.
Grade point average (GPA)
A minimum adjusted GPA of 3.0 (B) in the last 60 credit hours of university study is required.
Review and approval
All applications are reviewed by the College of Nursing, but final approval rests with the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Admission is competitive, and meeting the requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Additionally, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
International applicants
International applicants are not required to secure a faculty advisor before submitting their application. After your application is reviewed, you will be contacted with a list of potential faculty advisors.
English language proficiency
In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Non-academic admission requirements
Successful applicants must also meet the College of Nursing’s non-academic requirements, including:
- Immunizations
- Criminal records search certificate (including a vulnerable sector search)
- Child abuse registry check
- Adult abuse registry check
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
These non-academic requirements are as important as the academic ones. Your offer of admission will be provisional until all non-academic requirements have been submitted.
Submission deadline
All non-academic documents must be submitted to the College of Nursing by July 15.
TIP: Start early! Gather your documents and reach out to potential advisors as soon as possible. This will give you ample time to address any questions and ensure your application is as strong as it can be.
How to apply
The Master of Nursing program accepts applications for the Fall Term.
The application includes several parts:
Full list of requirements
Application fee
- A non-refundable application fee is required.
Official transcripts
- Submit official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions (except University of Manitoba). Contact the Graduate Program Student Advisor in Nursing for clarification.
Letters of reference
- Provide three letters of reference addressing your academic and/or professional qualifications and potential to succeed in the program.
- Referees should comment on:
- Teaching ability (if applicable)
- Capacity for advanced study and research
- Potential for a successful career in the field
- Clinical expertise (if applicable)
- Self-directedness
- Any weaknesses (e.g., inability to maintain sustained effort)
- Proficiency in English (if applicable)
- Referees should base their assessment on the above criteria.
Proof of active registration
- Submit proof of active practicing nurse registration in Canada (or home country if applying from abroad).
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Include a resume or CV with details about:
- Educational background
- Employment experience
- Community service and involvement in professional associations
- Awards and honors
- Research projects and publications
- Continuing education
- Innovation in clinical practice
- Any other supporting information
Statement of intent
- Submit a 500-word statement that includes:
- Your selected stream
- Reasons for your interest
- How your focus aligns with your potential advisor's work
- Potential research questions within the stream
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required): More information.
Application deadlines
Learn more
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program inquiries
College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Helen Glass Centre for Nursing
89 Curry Place
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
nursing@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-7452
Toll Free: 1-800-432-1960 ext 7452 (North America)
Fax: 204-474-7682