Nov 19, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Nursing (M.S.) - Nurse Educator Specialization

Location(s): Online


Nursing student standing next to two nurses.

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Program Coordinator/Contact

Cami Veire, Nursing Advisor and Graduate Specialist
Graduate Nursing
SDSU Sioux Falls Campus (STC)
2300 N Career Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
605-367-8400

Program Information

Established in 1979, the M.S. in Nursing at South Dakota State University prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in nursing administration or education.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and postgraduate advanced practice registered nurse certificate program at South Dakota State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

South Dakota State University College of Nursing Healthcare Simulation Center has full accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare in teaching/education. This status will be granted from Oct. 25, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2027.

Certification and Licensure

Students must provide evidence of professional registration by submitting a copy of the most current RN license.

After completing the program of study, graduates may be eligible to complete certification through several professional organizations.

National Certification Eligibility Certifying Body
Certified Nurse Educator*

*Individuals must meet eligibility requirements before they can take the CNE examination. An active registered nurse license is necessary. Students must also have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and full-time experience in a nurse faculty role within the past five years. If the college degree emphasized on nursing instruction, individuals will need two years of experience in a nurse faculty role. Four years of experience is required if the graduate nursing degree did not emphasize on education.

National League for Nursing (NLN)

Course Delivery Format

The program coursework is delivered online and includes a field-based practicum.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Master of Science Thesis 40 Credit Hours
  Non-Thesis 35 Credit Hours

Select one of the following options


Thesis


Non-Thesis


  • Coursework only

Total Required Credits: 40 (Thesis), 35 (Non-Thesis)


Additional Admissions Requirements


GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Score of 81 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS:  6.5 total band
Duolingo: 110

In addition to meeting basic requirements for admission to the Graduate School, applicants for graduate study in nursing must have:

  • Current, unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse in the United States or its’ territories prior to enrollment in first graduate nursing course.
  • 1500 hours of documented nursing practice experience prior to taking Advanced Physical Assessment (Lifespan).
  • Completed and verified application to the Graduate Nursing program via NursingCAS website.
  • Completed Compliance requirements: Clear Background check, clear FBI rolled fingerprint, clear drug screen, Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, ACLS certification for FNP specialization, professional liability insurance, influenza vaccine, and TB test.
  • Interview assessment reviewed by graduate faculty.

For applicants who completed their higher education within the United States:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program with a minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 point grading system.

For applicants who completed their higher education outside the United States:

  • A degree deemed equivalent (by the World Education Service) to a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (within the United States Education System) with a minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 point grading system.

Accelerated Master’s Program


The accelerated master’s program will be available to eligible SDSU students. Up to 12 credits applied to the undergraduate degree may be used to satisfy graduate credit. Students must follow SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

General Requirements


Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .