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Master of Science in Nursing – Population Health Concentration


Through training in clinical practice, evidence-based interventions and data-driven solutions, Merrimack’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Population Health Concentration equips nursing professionals with the advanced skills to address population-specific health challenges, including the rise of chronic diseases, disparities in healthcare access and more. With full- and part-time options, Merrimack’s MSN program includes 100 percent online coursework and an in-person clinical to help students apply their knowledge in a variety of clinical settings. 

Quick facts:

  • Affordable $24,000 tuition.
  • Earn your degree in 17–22 months.
  • Receive personalized support from faculty and staff.
  • Scholarships and financial aid available.
  • 100 percent online asynchronous coursework.

Learn more about Merrimack’s MSN program.

Gain access to a program brochure, connect with an enrollment advisor and get a head start on your application.

By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted via email, phone, or text to learn more about the programs at Merrimack College.

Employers seek well-rounded nursing professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the clinical expertise to optimize care coordination efforts, enhance the quality of care for high-risk populations and reduce the overutilization of healthcare services.

Sources: Glassdoor, 2024

MSN – Population Health Concentration Coursework


Coursework is offered 100 percent online in an asynchronous format and covers topics such as social determinants of health (SDOH), using data to track health disparities, identifying gaps in care coordination and developing targeted interventions to improve patient engagement and health equity. Most courses are 8 weeks.

Master of Science in Nursing Core (22 credits)

This course equips nurses with the knowledge and conceptual skills to implement quality improvement and safety initiatives in the context of disease prevention and health promotion. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of quality and safety principles, their application in various healthcare settings and their impact on improving patient outcomes.

This course explores the advanced concepts of pathophysiology, focusing on the underlying mechanisms that cause alterations in biological processes and affect homeostasis. Nursing professionals gain a deep understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment options for a wide range of diseases and conditions.

This course provides nurses with a comprehensive understanding of pharmacology, emphasizing the principles and applications of drug therapy in clinical practice. Building on a foundational knowledge of pharmacology, the course explores advanced concepts related to drug classification, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and therapeutic uses.

This course provides nurses with the theoretical and clinical principles needed to conduct comprehensive health assessments across the lifespan. It focuses on developing advanced physical assessment skills, diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making abilities.

This course equips nurses with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate and apply research evidence in their clinical practice. Students study the theoretical frameworks that underpin nursing research, explore the principles and methodologies of evidence-based practice and develop an understanding of statistical analysis techniques.

This course provides nurses with the skills to effectively navigate and lead interprofessional healthcare teams. It explores the complexities of teamwork, communication and collaboration within diverse healthcare settings. Students study theoretical frameworks, practical strategies and real-world case studies to develop the competencies to foster high-performing, patient-centered teams.

This course equips nurses with the knowledge and skills to utilize healthcare informatics in their clinical practice. Students explore the intersection of nursing, technology and information systems to improve patient care, enhance efficiency and support evidence-based decision-making.

Population Health Concentration (18 credits)

This course equips nurses with the knowledge and skills to address the health needs of populations, rather than focusing solely on individual patients. The course emphasizes the broader determinants of health, including social, economic, environmental and behavioral factors — and how these factors influence the health and well-being of communities.

This course provides nurses with the essential knowledge to understand, interpret and apply epidemiological principles in their practice. By exploring the fundamental concepts of epidemiology, students develop a strong foundation for assessing population health, identifying health risks and implementing effective interventions.

This course explores the intersection of public health, social justice and policy. Students study the critical role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in shaping health outcomes and disparities, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that influence health, including economic, social, environmental and political conditions.

This foundational practicum course provides nurses with hands-on experience applying population health principles and strategies to real-world settings. The practicum allows students to work closely with preceptors in various population health settings, such as community health centers, public health departments or health policy organizations (165 hours of experiential learning application and 85 hours of indirect care application are required).

This practicum course offers nurses the opportunity to continue to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, focusing on improving the health of populations. The course builds upon the foundational concepts explored in Population Health I, providing a more in-depth and experiential learning experience (165 hours of experiential learning application and 85 hours of indirect care application are required).


Population health is a core focus of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2030 framework, and health systems need the expertise of advanced nursing professionals to achieve these ambitious goals.


Key Dates and Deadlines

This program enrolls three times a year.

Term
Application Deadline
Classes Begin
Spring II
Monday, March 3, 2025
Monday, March 17, 2025
Summer I
Monday, April 28, 2025
Monday, May 12, 2025
Fall I
Friday, August 15, 2025
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Spring II
Application Deadline
Monday, March 3, 2025
Classes Begin
Monday, March 17, 2025
Summer I
Application Deadline
Monday, April 28, 2025
Classes Begin
Monday, May 12, 2025
Fall I
Application Deadline
Friday, August 15, 2025
Classes Begin
Tuesday, September 2, 2025

It’s Easy to Apply Online

A complete application includes:

  • Online application (no fee).
  • Official college transcripts from all institutions attended.
  • Resume or LinkedIn profile.
  • 500-word personal statement.
  • One letter of recommendation.

Program requirements

  • Active/unencumbered RN license in any U.S. state.
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN or Accelerated BSN) with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
  • College-level statistics course.

GRE and GMAT scores are not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students in the MSN in Population Health program are required to complete 40 credit hours. Students typically earn their degree in 17 months at a full-time pace or 22 months at a part-time pace. Your completion time may vary depending on the number of credits you take each semester.

Yes. Students have a variety of options to fund their education. Request more information, and an enrollment advisor will contact you to answer your questions.

Connecting with an enrollment advisor will help you:

  • Understand the program admissions criteria and know whether you are eligible to apply.
  • Gain insight into application best practices and how to submit a strong application.
  • Know what to expect in your online classroom, including the level of faculty interaction, program outcomes and more.
  • Have an immediate line of support for questions.

At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally and spiritually — so that you may graduate as a confident, well-prepared citizen of the world.

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  • Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
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