Chamberlain nurse holding a child

MSN Population Health Online

Advance Your Education While You Work

Program Details

Completion: 
As few as 2 years

Next Start Date: 
July 07

Accreditation: 
CCNE

Request Information
"Practicum Commitment - Chamberlain University 1889"
ccne logo

Master of Science in Nursing Population Health Specialization

Designed by working nurses for working nurses, our MSN Population Health specialization prepares you to explore healthcare on the population level — from global issues to local impact and gain insights into the diverse needs of a variety of communities. 

Dedicated Practicum Support 

Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment™ helps ensure you successfully secure any needed practicum site and/or preceptor to complete your degree. 

Zero Tests

Demonstrate coursework mastery through assignments ― not exams. 

Flexibility for Working Nurses

In our non-clinical specializations, deadlines flex to fit your schedule. Receive a three-day grace period after major assignment due dates.

Up to 6 Transfer Credits 

Transfer a maximum of 6 semester credits toward your core MSN courses.  

The MSN Population Health specialization prepares you for roles in areas such as:1
  • Education
  • Case management
  • Clinical practice
  • Consultation
  • Community outreach
  • Research
  • Management/administration

1Some careers may require several years of experience in addition to educational credentials.

MSN Population Health Overview

Specialize in the health of populations from large to small.

Overview: Advance health equity strategies by discovering skills to reduce disparities in the health of populations. 
What you’ll learn: Develop diverse competencies through population-focused interventions in unique communities, from large geographic areas to health clinics, school districts and organizations.
What you’ll do: Apply real-world skills to evaluate health outcomes through evidence-based applications.

Want to know more? We're here to help.

Request Information

MSN Population Health Practicum

After completing your specialization courses, you’ll take part in a hands-on practicum experience, closely guided by faculty and an experienced mentor.

Here’s how it works: Throughout the practicum, you will deepen your understanding and application of population health principles through policy analysis, interactive learning experiences and the development of a project tailored to your interests and professional goals.

Recent practicum projects included improving health literacy with a public health department, addressing nutrition and physical activity for school children, and supporting women transitioning from breast cancer treatment to recovery.
 

Mentor Collaboration

Collaborate with a proven nurse leader and integrate the competencies for population health professionals.

Applied Learning

Implement many of the concepts, principles and skills learned during the program in a real-world setting.

Expand Your Network

Network with the healthcare community and staff as you prepare to work as a leader in a variety of healthcare settings.

Impact Your Organization

Lead population health initiatives as innovative roles for nurses continue to emerge.

MSN Population Health Courses

The MSN Population Health curriculum consists of six MSN core courses and six Population Health specialization courses. 

View the Curriculum Grid

Year 2 Courses

6 Courses

Foundations of Population Health

This course provides an overview of the foundational concepts and models that shape the health of populations and influence population health management. Epidemiologic applications, determinants of health, health literacy, environmental hazards, and access to health-related resources are explored. Frameworks to guide health promotion, diminish health risks and eliminate health disparities at the population level are examined along with implications for advanced nursing practice.

Population Health I: Assessment & Analysis of Data

This course focuses on the assessment of population health across health care delivery settings and geographic regions. Emphasis is placed upon the analysis of assessment findings to identify population health resources, risks and disparities to inform strategies to advance population health outcomes

Population Health II: Planning, Implementation & Evaluation

This course focuses on planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based, population-focused interventions to address health risks and disparities across selected health care delivery settings. Ethical and legal considerations, principles of interprofessional collaborative practice, safety and high-quality care are integrated to promote population health outcomes.

Leading & Managing Population Health

In this course, principles of effective leadership will be applied to advocate for population health within complex systems. Approaches to manage population health through advanced nursing practice are examined, along with their impact on health outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the multi-faceted roles of the MSN-prepared nurse to lead endeavors which promote and protect population health across the care continuum.

Population Health Concluding Graduate Experience I

This course involves an intensive experience designed to broaden perspectives and support the integration of knowledge gained throughout the curriculum. In collaboration with a population health mentor, critical analysis of population health concepts and implementation of population health management strategies occur in a clinical or community-based practice setting. Initiation of an evidence-based practice project relevant to an issue in population health are included.

Population Health Concluding Graduate Experience II

This course involves an intensive experience designed to broaden perspectives and support the integration of knowledge gained throughout the curriculum. In collaboration with a population health mentor, critical analysis of population health concepts and implementation of population health management continue in a clinical or community-based practice setting. Implementation and evaluation of an evidence-based practice project relevant to an issue in population health are included. In this culminating course, emphasis is placed on synthesis of learning and professional growth in advanced nursing practice

Chamberlain's Practicum Commitment®

Dedicated support when you need it most.

The Practicum Commitment® is designed to ensure that you receive the essential practicum experiences needed on your path to completing your MSN Population Health degree. To help prepare you for your practicum courses, you will be paired with our Experiential Learning Coordination team, who will provide resources throughout the process, including coaching sessions and tips on how to approach a potential site. We are committed to helping you successfully secure any needed practicum site and /or preceptor to complete your degree.

Practicum Commitment® supports you with:

  • Comprehensive practicum readiness tools 
  • A streamlined contracting procedure for sites, preceptors and Chamberlain University
  • Dedicated team of academic support advisors available for student assistance

See full Practicum Commitment®.

Learn more about our Practicum Commitment®. 

Practicum Commitment® Support Qualifications

You may be eligible* if you meet the following requirements:

  1. Request assistance at least three sessions (approximately six months) prior to starting each practicum course for which you are requesting support 
  2. You can document at least three sites that have denied your practicum requests
  3. Complete any professional preparation tasks (if applicable) as assigned by an Experiential Learning Specialist (ELS) or other member of the Clinical Operations team. 
     

*This service is for students in post-licensure nursing programs, graduate certificate programs and College of Health Professions. The Practicum Commitment excludes pre-licensure programs, BSN online, and Master of Physician Assistant.. If the preceptor, mentor and/or field instructor you are submitting for Chamberlain University’s review and approval was found using a student-arranged third-party preceptor matching service, please be advised that Chamberlain University will not reimburse any fees you may have incurred.

smiling nurse with a tablet
"Practicum Commitment - Chamberlain University 1889"
Let us help you find the right MSN specialization for you.

 

""

Still have questions? 
Let us help you.

Request information to connect with an admissions representative.

Why MSN to DNP
  • Cost- and time-effective way to earn an MSN and get a head start on a DNP
  • Good option for busy professionals
  • Choice of one of three DNP elective focus areas
  • Path to becoming the nurse leader you were meant to be
Request Information

Go From MSN to DNP Faster

Are you a nurse looking to further advance your education and career? As a Chamberlain MSN Population Health student, you can earn credits toward your DNP while completing your MSN (ST specializations), making it more cost- and time-effective than completing each program separately. Starting in the May 2025 session, take up to three DNP courses to fulfill your MSN course requirements. Dean approval is required. Simply let your Enrollment Representative know you’re interested, and they will guide you through the process. If you are a nurse who values efficiency, has considered earning your DNP, and wants to evolve your nursing practice to the highest level, this path is for you. 

Learn more about our DNP program.

 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Enrollment in one of our MSN non-clinical specializations 
  • Completion of the Prerequisite Waiver Request form 
  • Minimum cumulative grade-point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Program dean approval via the Prerequisite Waiver Request

What can I do with a DNP?

A doctorate in nursing prepares you for a wide range of roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Gain skills to lead, analyze, and influence nursing practice to prepare you for advanced roles such as chief nursing officer, healthcare consultant, quality improvement specialist, nurse executive, or clinical nurse practitioner.
 

""
You’re more than just a GPA or an application

If your CGPA falls below our requirements - in the range of 2.5 to 2.99 - you may still be considered for provisional acceptance into the online Master of Science in Nursing program.

Apply Now

MSN Population Health Admission Requirements

How do I get started? 

For your MSN Population Health Specialization nursing application, you should have:

  • A degree in nursing at the bachelor’s level or higher from an accredited institution
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Current, active and unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCSBN

Can I transfer credits into the Population Health MSN Specialization?

Yes, but there are guidelines, requirements and restrictions. General guidelines for transfer credits include:

  • A maximum of six semester hours may be accepted towards your MSN degree
  • Core coursework must have been completed within the past 7 years for transfer; specialty coursework with the past 5 years
  • A grade of ‘B’ or higher is required for transfer credits

Our Enrollment team can get you started on a transcript evaluation so you’ll know exactly what will transfer in before making your enrollment decision.

MSN Population Health Admission FAQ

Is the online MSN Population Health specialization accredited?

Chamberlain’s MSN program, including its specializations, is among the university’s accredited nursing programs. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post graduate APRN certificate program at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE). In addition, Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For the most updated accreditation information, visit chamberlain.edu/accreditation.

How long does it take to complete the MSN Population Health specialization?

The MSN Population Health specialization can be completed in as few as two years, or six semesters, with full-time enrollment, taking two courses per semester for three semesters each year. Some students choose to space out the program requirements and take longer to complete their studies.

What if I don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement?

If your cumulative GPA falls below our requirements ― in the range of 2.5 to 2.99 ― you may still be considered for provisional acceptance into the online MSN Population Health program. Speak with our Enrollment team for more information. 

Need help creating a financial plan for your graduate nursing program?

We’re here to help. Contact our admissions team to discuss your financial options.

Request Information

MSN Program Costs

Tuition & Expenses for the MSN Population Health Specialization

Enrolling in an MSN Population Health specialization is a significant investment in your future, and we’re here to help guide you in creating a financial plan that will help you achieve this very important goal. More than 90% of Chamberlain students receive some form of financial assistance.

View tuition and expenses information for the MSN degree program.

  • Grants and Scholarships 
    View Graduate and External Scholarship opportunities. 
  • Special Tuition Rates
    Chamberlain University offers special tuition rates to 4,500+ partner locations across the U.S.
  • Tuition Savings for Chamberlain Grads
    Earning your MSN is closer than you think. Chamberlain alumni are eligible to save 20% on tuition. 

Many Ways to Save 

Explore a wide range of financial aid available to Chamberlain students. 

Become Extraordinary Grant 

The Become Extraordinary Grant offers 15% tuition savings for MSN students who qualify.  

Become Extraordinary Grant

DAISY Honoree Scholarship  

Every DAISY Award recipient is eligible to receive tuition savings of 5%. 

DAISY Honoree Scholarship

Military Rates 

Special rates are reserved for members of our nation’s military community and their spouses. 

Resources for Military

How to Apply

If you are interested in attending our MSN program, we are here to help. We are committed to providing you a seamless and enjoyable experience, and we understand your busy lifestyle. 

Apply Now
Speak with our Enrollment Reps. 

Our Enrollment team is here to support you and will help determine which specialization fits your goals, walk you through the application process and answer your questions.  
Start or complete your application.  

Applications can be submitted online. Your Enrollment representative will help you through the process. To apply over the phone or get help with your online application, call 630‐317‐9310. 
Complete your admission steps. 

Your Enrollment Representative will guide you through completing your registration documents and steps.  
Register for courses! 

Following acceptance and completion of your registration documents, you will register for courses and start once the session begins. 

Join a Proudly Accredited Institution

Are you looking for an accredited MSN degree program?

Chamberlain University accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.com  an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Chamberlain University confers online degrees from its Main Campus in Addison, IL.

Practicum option availability varies by state/location. Chamberlain reserves the right to update information as it becomes available. For a complete list, and to learn more, check out our authorizations or view our approvals in your state. 

 

ccne logo

Looking for something else?

Explore our related programs.

Masters In Nursing Executive Leadership (MSN)

Masters in Nursing Informatics Program

MSN Nurse Educator Program