The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator (MSN NE) program has received national recognition with Quality Matters Online Program Design Certification, according to a news release.

The MSN NE program is the first UNCW program and the first nursing program in the UNC System to receive the certification, the release stated. It is one of only three QM-certified programs in the UNC System, according to the release.

“This certification is a testament to the excellent work done by the MSN NE faculty, especially the course coordinators, who work hard to ensure that all our students receive an exceptional education,” stated Jack Watson, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, which includes the School of Nursing.

Quality Matters (QM) is an internationally recognized non-profit organization specializing in quality assurance in online and hybrid course design. It is a faculty-centered, peer-reviewed process that helps examine the design of online courses through a comprehensive evaluation process, helping to ensure that students can navigate the courses more easily and with more transparency.

QM Online Program Design Certification recognizes programs designed around measurable learning objectives or competencies.

"This designation is the culmination of a rigorous five-year collaboration between UNCW’s Office of Distance Education and eLearning (DEeL) and the MSN NE program," the release stated.

April Matthias, interim associate director for academic programs in the School of Nursing, served as the MSN NE program coordinator during this process.

“Intentional development for the course coordinator faculty instilled confidence and competence, as well as inspired creativity and innovation in course design,” Matthias said in the release. “This certification journey also facilitated collaboration between the course coordinator faculty and DEeL instructional designers. The course coordinator faculty carried the responsibility to redesign the courses to meet QM criteria, yet DEeL was amazing and provided them with needed resources and support. This collaboration created synergy and helped keep the momentum throughout our QM journey."