SUNY Delhi Offers Its First Graduate Degree

DELHI, NY (08/23/2014)(readMedia)-- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has approved SUNY Delhi's plan to offer its first graduate degree, a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN). The program, designed to help address a critical shortage of nurse educators in New York State and across the nation, was previously approved by the SUNY Board of Trustees, The State Board of Regents, State Education Department, and Division of the Budget.

"This is a landmark day in SUNY Delhi history," said SUNY Delhi President Candace S. Vancko. "The opportunity to introduce our first graduate degree reflects the college's success in creating exceptional academic programs that meet the employment needs of business and industry."

"Delhi is a proven leader in delivering outstanding nursing education, which makes us uniquely qualified to help address the shortage of nursing educators in the U.S.," added Dr. Mary Pat Lewis, Dean of the School of Nursing. SUNY Delhi has been a leader in nursing education for over 75 years. Nearly 750 students are currently enrolled in Delhi's RN to BSN program, which was named the number one online bachelor's degree program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in 2014. Delhi was also recently ranked among the top 30 technologically savvy online schools in the U.S. by OnlineSchoolsCenter.com.

MSN classes will begin October 27 and be delivered entirely online, bringing affordable, accessible, high-quality graduate education to nurses within the State University system, New York State and throughout the nation.

Melissa Ackerly, RN, BSN, a Delhi faculty member, plans to enroll in the MSN program immediately because it will allow her to work full-time and fit classes into her busy family schedule. "Earning my MSN will allow me to expand my role as an educator. I will have the ability to fully utilize my talents and share my knowledge with our future nurses."

SUNY Delhi earned a $100,000 grant through the State University's competitive "high needs" funding program to assist with the launch of the MSN. The funds will be used to support technology, faculty and online library support.

The 42 credit curriculum will include core courses in pathophysiology, physical assessment and pharmacology, followed by a more generic curriculum in research, health policy, quality improvement, and concluding with specialty education courses and a practicum in nursing education. The curriculum follows standards set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing with the Essentials of Master's Education in Nursing and the National League for Nursing's Core Competencies of Nursing Educators.

In addition to nursing, the college's online options include a baccalaureate program in Criminal Justice, which is the first online Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science degree to be introduced within the State University of New York, and Summer School courses that serve over 1,000 students annually.

SUNY Delhi is a member of the State University of New York, the largest comprehensive university system in the U.S. Delhi's seamless approach to education includes over 60 academic programs leading to baccalaureate degrees in specialized program areas, including Hospitality Management, Business and Professional Golf Management, Golf and Sports Turf Management, Information Technology Management, Architectural Design and Building, Construction Technology and Management, Business and Technology Management and Criminal Justice.

For more information on SUNY Delhi's MSN program, contact Enrollment Services at 1-800-96-DELHI or visit on the web at http://www.delhi.edu

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View a video about SUNY Delhi being named the number one online bachelor's degree program in the nation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I04wnv-WxII&list=UU1hnxClYuxHVy688A7Q8EwQ