Quizzes (5% of Final Grade)
Quizzes are used to assess understanding of key concepts related to evidence-based practice and course content. They are designed to reinforce learning, identify areas that may require further review, and ensure students are prepared to apply EBP principles throughout the course. Some quizzes may allow multiple attempts to support learning and mastery of content.
Discussion Boards (20% of Final Grade)
Weekly discussion boards are a critical component of this course and support scholarly dialogue, leadership development, and preparation for the MSN capstone project. Discussions are intentionally aligned with the section of the paper being developed each week and emphasize critical thinking, professional communication, and leadership perspective.
Students are expected to submit an initial post by Wednesday and respond to at least two peers by Friday. Discussion participation should be substantive, scholarly, and aligned with course objectives. Students must identify their program track (MSN or FNP) at the beginning of each initial post.
Module Assignments (15% of Final Grade)
Module assignments are designed to reinforce course content and support development of the capstone project. These assignments focus on building essential components of the project, such as evidence synthesis, framework selection, and data collection planning. Assignments vary by module, and detailed instructions are provided within each Canvas module.
These assignments help students apply evidence-based practice principles and prepare material that directly contributes to the Master Project Paper.
Recorded Project Proposal Presentation (10% of Final Grade)
The recorded project proposal presentation is a required end-of-course assignment in which students present their capstone project as it exists at the conclusion of the Research & Planning Phase. This presentation synthesizes work completed in Chapters 1–4 and demonstrates readiness to move into implementation and evaluation in the Capstone course.
Students will record and upload their presentation following the required PowerPoint outline and participate in professional peer review by watching classmates’ presentations and providing constructive, leadership-focused feedback.
Master Project Paper (50% of Final Grade)
The Master Project Paper is developed progressively throughout the course and serves as the foundation for the Capstone course. The paper integrates evidence-based practice, leadership principles, and systems thinking to address a clinical or practice problem identified by the student.
This paper synthesizes scholarly evidence, applies appropriate EBP and change frameworks, and includes planning for implementation and evaluation. Successful completion of the Master Project Paper prepares students for implementation in the subsequent Capstone course.