The MSN / MHA program is designed to provide nurses with a unique blend of advanced nursing and healthcare related business skills to manage in today 's evolving health care delivery systems. The program combines essential elements from both degree programs to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively examine and evaluate issues and trends impacting health care. The MSN program is designed for those nurses who want to pursue more advanced positions in today 's challenging health care environment. The program blends nursing theory and advanced practice concepts necessary to successful work within the structure, culture, and mission of any size health care organization or educational setting. The MSN program consists of three major areas: the core, the major, and the cognate. The core incorporates the major foci of the Master of Science in Nursing degree: the theory of nursing influence, influence of nursing research, and on the advanced practice of nursing. The major includes advanced course work in nursing: management of families and aggregates, administration, and education. The cognate is fulfilled through the MHA program content. The MHA curriculum focuses on the content related to finance, economics, policy, quality improvement, marketing, and strategic planning. In addition, students complete course work in concepts related to public health, long term care and health care informatics. Graduates will have enhanced their management / administrative backgrounds through a curriculum that provides students with the ability to apply theory to contemporary practice applications. Graduates are able to define their role within the health care system and understand how to make necessary changes to create a work environment which is team oriented and motivating to others.