Dr. Mariah Foster
Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
I started teaching at Michigan State University (MSU) in the College of Nursing in 2017 where I was clinical instructor and adjunct faculty. I started teaching full time for MSU in the College of Nursing in May 2022 where I have taught in the undergraduate, as well as the graduate programs. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and my Doctor of Nursing Practice at MSU. I obtained my certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in 2017.
I have experience as a CNS in the progressive care and medical intensive care units. Most recently I have begun a position as a CNS within the Nurse Practitioner clinic at HCI where I am beginning a quality improvement initiative.
I am an active member in the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists where I collaborate with a committee to coordinate educational offerings for CNSs. I am also a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and Michigan Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.
Program Details
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration is designed to prepare registered nurses to assume an advanced practice role as a clinical nurse specialist. This graduate assumes a professional leadership role to inform nursing practice, education, and health care delivery systems in the design and implementation of strategies to improve organizational, educational, and individual client, student, and nurse provider outcomes. Advanced practice clinical expertise is reflected in the application of innovative evidence-based practice interventions and the development of collaborative relationships in order to address the health care needs of a diverse population. Graduates of the program will be eligible for certification as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Program Outcomes
The Master of Science in Nursing (of which the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration is a part) degree prepares graduates for roles that reflect current, emerging and expanding roles of nurses as providers and educators. The curriculum for these advanced practice roles is designed in the context of related challenges, needs and increasing complexities within the systems of health care delivery, higher education, and professional nursing.
Career Outlook
With advanced preparation as clinical experts and educators, they are highly sought after in academic settings for clinical faculty positions and in staff development. Graduates of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Adult-Gerontology concentration qualifies students to sit for the AGCNS-BC certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the AACNS-AG certification offered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Students will select the certification exam best-suited to their career goals. Students who successfully pass either certification exam will be awarded Board Certification as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
- #130 in Best Online Master's in Nursing Program — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #52 in Best Nursing Schools: Master's — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and doctor of nursing practice program at Michigan State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Course Information
Core Courses
NUR 902 Scientific Foundations for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 Credits)
NUR 903 Healthcare Informatics (3 Credits)
NUR 904 Health Policy and Advocacy (3 Credits)
NUR 905 Patient Safety, Quality Improvement and Quality Management in Healthcare (3 Credits)
NUR 906 Leadership in Complex Health Systems (3 Credits)
NUR 907 Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (3 Credits)
NUR 908 Advanced Physical Assessment for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (3 Credits)
NUR 909 Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (3 Credits)
Adult Gerontology Courses
NUR 914 Biostatistics for the APRN (3 Credits)
NUR 931 Wellness Promotion for Diverse Populations (3 Credits)
NUR 932 Clinical Decision Making & Management of Acute Chronic Complex Conditions (6 Credits)
NUR 933 CNS Advanced Practice Role Development I (6 Credits)
NUR 934 CNS Advanced Practice Role Development II (6 Credits)
NUR 935 CNS Advanced Practice Role Development III (6 Credits)
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$934.25
$962.25
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.