The purpose of the MSN degree program is to prepare professional nursing leaders in advanced specialty areas of nursing. Areas of concentration in this graduate program can be practiced in a variety of health care delivery systems and settings. The program builds upon baccalaureate preparation in nursing and is based on processes of advanced clinical practice; advanced theoretical application; social, economic, and political interpretation; professional role development; and legal and ethical analyses. The program provides the opportunity for students to think and write analytically and theoretically, to strengthen an area of practice, to apply theory to practice, to apply meaning and understanding in practice, and to develop skills of inquiry. Clinical credit hours for each track are on a 1:4 ratio (1 credit = 4 contact hours).