School of Nursing
Saint Xavier University School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an accredited graduate nursing program leading to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
The goals of the graduate nursing program are to:
- Prepare registered professional nurses to meet current and future health care needs of populations through advanced nursing practice and transformative leadership, grounded in Mercy values.
- Provide a foundation for research or practice-focused doctoral study in nursing.
The graduate program offers majors in:
Two Post-Master's Certificates are available:
- Family Nurse Practitioner: This certificate enables a nurse who already has earned a master's degree in nursing to become prepared as a family nurse practitioner and sit for the national FNP certification exam.
- Nurse Educator: This certificate provides an opportunity for a nurse with a master's degree to specialize in nursing education and sit for the CNE or NPD-BC exam.
Both majors in the graduate nursing program are offered in an online format.
The master's degree program in nursing at Saint Xavier University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Speech-Language Pathology
The Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program provides a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. The program includes academic and clinical preparation that meets the requirements of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, the requirements for Illinois State Licensure to practice as a speech-language pathologist, and the requirements for a Professional Educator License endorsed in Speech-Language Pathology Non-Teaching to work as a speech-language pathologist in Illinois public schools.
Exercise Science
The Master of Science in Exercise Science (MSES) at Saint Xavier University focuses on Strength and Conditioning. The 36-39 credit program is delivered 100% online in a 12-month (4+1 or Accelerated) or 24-month (Traditional) option with a 7-week schedule.
There are three ways to obtain your MSES.
- 4+1 - Currently enrolled SXU students in their senior year can apply and begin their MSES in their final semester (Spring). You will finish your MSES in 10.5 months.
- Accelerated - This program will allow you to finish your MSES in one year. You will take 6-9 credits every 7 weeks for one year to complete your degree.
- Traditional - This is a two-year option where the student will take 3-6 credit hours each semester and complete the degree in 2 years.
Strength and Conditioning
The major in Strength and Conditioning is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in science or a healthcare-related
field interested in advancing their knowledge and practical skills in the area of
strength and conditioning. The program is grounded in evidence-based practice, decision-making
and leadership across health, fitness and sports performance settings. The curriculum
is designed to increase and expand the knowledge and skills needed for the 21st century.
The MSES program was created by practitioners for practitioners looking to enter a career in strength and conditioing or a related field of human movement. Courses are taught by current practitioners and content experts within the field of Exercise and Sport Science. The MSES program adheres to the National Strength and Conditioning principles and prepares to take the NSCA-CSCS.
Additionally, there are MSES certificates also offered.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences reserves the right to amend policies, procedures and other program information as necessary. All changes will be communicated promptly.