CENTRAL MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

Office of Extended Campus–Distance Learning
Department of Nursing
Warrensburg, Missouri

Founded in 1871, Central Missouri State University is a state university offering approximately 150 areas of study to 11,100 undergraduate and graduate students. In 1996, Central Missouri State University was designated Missouri's lead institution for professional technology, an area long recognized as one of the University's greatest strengths. The new mission has expanded this commitment and means that Central will continue to integrate the latest technologies into every level of its comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. Central is committed to acquiring, disseminating, and utilizing technology to enhance the University's comprehensive educational mission. Central is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Distance Learning Program

Central's main distance learning program provides undergraduate- and graduate-level courses through two-way interactive television and Web-based courses. The online program currently includes one doctoral degree, three master's degrees, and numerous graduate and undergraduate courses. From fall 1994 through spring 2004, Central provided instruction to more than 13,000 graduate, undergraduate, and high school students in a distance learning environment.

Institutional and financial information about Central Missouri State University may be accessed via the Web at http://www.cmsu.edu/rsearch/ir/toc.htm.

Delivery Media

Central uses a variety of technologies to deliver its distance learning courses. These include two-way, interactive television; broadcast television; and Internet technologies, including video and audio streaming. Central links to the Missouri Research and Educational Network (MOREnet) statewide backbone, which connects all of Missouri's public higher education institutions and several K–12 schools, to provide Internet-based and interactive television programming. Central's complement of six 2-way videoconferencing facilities, which are capable of ISDN, H.323, T.120, and audioconferencing, allow Central to provide distance learning content anywhere in the world.

Programs of Study

There are two degrees offered by the Department of Nursing primarily through distance learning technologies. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is delivered through a combination of online courses, independent study, and one course on campus; a test-out option is available for the on-campus course. The Master of Science in Nursing degree is also delivered mostly online.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is designed for the registered nurse who wants to upgrade to a bachelor's degree. The bachelor's degree provides more flexibility and leads to more career opportunities in nursing than an RN license. Employment opportunities increase as the level of education increases. A baccalaureate degree provides many more options in the areas of public health, home health, nursing management, program planning, and health teaching. Registered nurses face increasingly complex demands that require a broad-based bachelor's degree preparation. Central's Bachelor of Science in Nursing includes general arts and science courses and an introduction to other disciplines in addition to the focus on nursing. The program enhances a nurse's ability to think critically, teaches more effective communication skills, and provides a deeper understanding of professional nursing.

The program features flexible scheduling that allows students to start any semester and set their own pace for completion. Full-time students can complete the course work in one year; part-time students can take up to four years to complete the program. The program allows the transfer of up to 64 credit hours of university studies and nursing prerequisites from other institutions. Students receive credit for courses completed within another accredited nursing program and for professional experience. Nursing faculty members understand the needs of working professionals who are students. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). More information is available online in the undergraduate catalog at http://www.cmsu.edu/catalogs/.

The Master of Science in Nursing online degree program is designed for nurses with a baccalaureate degree who seek advanced practice as a specialist. Central, with more than forty years of experience providing high-quality nursing education, uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver the program. Students specialize in one of three professional tracks: family nurse practitioner, nurse informaticist, and nurse education.

There are many benefits for students earning a Master of Science in Nursing degree at Central. All professional tracks offer flexibility at an affordable cost. The online classes provide "any-time, anywhere" access, and the online format eliminates travel time and expense. Online classes expand the student's technical skills, increasing valuable workplace skills. Classes are student centered and user friendly, providing individual attention from the instructors. Earning this degree provides students with the foundation for advanced practice, specialty practice, and advanced study at the doctoral level. More information can be found in the graduate catalog online at http://www.cmsu.edu/catalogs/.

Special Programs

Central's Distance Learning Program builds upon the existing curriculum offerings at Central as well as offerings that address special distance learning needs. Central's distance learning students are eligible to participate in the same opportunities as on-campus students. These include study tours and internships in many disciplines. The Office of Career Services reports a 93 percent placement rate for Central graduates within six months of graduation.

Student Services

The toll-free University number allows access to offices involved with student services: extended campus–distance learning, admissions, academic advising, registrar, financial aid, revenue, accounts receivable, University housing, and the Graduate School. All students enrolled at Central are issued a mainframe Internet account. The help desk is available to Central students needing technical computer assistance. Distance learning students receive individualized course information prior to the start of each semester as well as information about University resources available to them. Online library resources are available for distance learning and off-campus students. An online writing lab (OWL) provides writing assistance to distance learning students. A toll-free number provides ordering and delivery service for textbooks from the University Bookstore.

Credit Options

For entering graduate students, Central accepts up to 9 hours of transfer credits in graduate work.

Faculty

Faculty members at Central exemplify the goals of the institution as they balance personal attention with expertise in their respective fields. Approximately 74 percent of the 439 full-time faculty members hold doctoral degrees. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1.

Admission

Students interested in pursuing an online degree through Central Missouri State University's Department of Nursing should contact the University at the address below. Applicants must be admitted to the University before enrolling in a nursing program. If this is a student's first enrollment at Central, a $30 nonrefundable application fee (international students, $50) must accompany the application and official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work. Admission to the University or Graduate School is not equivalent to admission for a particular program or degree.

Tuition and Fees

For 2005–06, tuition for distance learning graduate course was $242 per credit hour. For distance learning undergraduate courses, tuition was $198 per credit hour. Prospective students should note that tuition rates may be changed at any time by action of the Board of Governors.

Financial Aid

Central recognizes a student's continuing need for financial assistance. Federal grant and loan funds are available for eligible students who have been accepted for regular degree programs at Central. Application eligibility information may be obtained by contacting the Office of Financial Aid at 660-543-4040 or at 800-SAY-CMSU (toll-free). Students who are veterans may also be considered for VA educational benefits to help with tuition costs. The University participates in all federal student financial aid grant, loan, and employment programs.

Applying

Students should contact the University at 660-543-4621 or at 800-SAY-CMSU (toll-free).

CONTACT

Barbara Carder
Assistant Director for Distance Learning
Office of Extended Campus
Humphreys 410
Central Missouri State University
Warrensburg, Missouri 64093
Phone: 660-543-8480 800-SAY-CMSU Ext. 21 (toll-free)
Fax: 660-543-8333
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.cmsu.edu/cmsuonline