nursing graduate programs

• Student Experience
• Research Expertise
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Doctoral Programs
• Dual Degree Programs
• Post-Degree Certificates
• Post-Doctoral Fellowships
• Executive Education
• Prerequisites for Health Professions
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Entry into Nursing Program

MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership

• MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership/MBA Dual Degree
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
• DNP: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Nurse Anesthesia
• DNP Advanced Practice/PhD Dual Degree
• DNP Executive/MBA Dual Degree
• DNP Executive/MPH Dual Degree
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
• Post-Master’s Healthcare Organizational Leadership CERTIFICATE
• Post-Master’s Nursing Education CERTIFICATE
• Post-Master’s Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner CERTIFICATE
• Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner CERTIFICATE
• Post-Doctoral Opportunities
• How to Apply: Prerequisites for Health Professions
• Online Prerequisites for Health Professions FAQs
• Nutrition (NR.110.200)
• Human Growth and Development Through the Lifespan (NR.110.201)
• Biostatistics (NR.110.202)
• Microbiology with Lab (NR.110.203)
• Anatomy with Lab (NR.110.204)
• Physiology with Lab (NR.110.205)
• Chemistry with Lab (NR.110.206)
• Biochemistry with Lab (NR.110.207)
• Academic Advising
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Catalogue
• Academic Resources
• Course Schedules & Descriptions
• Student Academic/Administrative Forms
• Application Deadlines
• Ask Admissions
• Engage with Us
• Financial Aid & Scholarships
• How to Apply
• Tuition & Fees
• International Students
• Contact Admissions
• Admissions Talks
• Online Chats
• On-Campus Events
• Off-Campus Events
• Virtual Information Sessions
• Recorded Events & Informational Videos
• Connecting with Us
• Apply for Financial Aid
• Student Loans
• Scholarships, Grants & loans
• Student Employment Opportunities
• Other Funding Sources
• Financial Aid Forms and Helpful Links
• Financial Services Frequently Asked Questions and Financial Aid Policies
• Student Enrollment & Account Management (SEAM)
• Clinical Placement Services
• Disability Services
• Fellowships, Honors Programs & Learning Opportunities
• Our Student Community
• Student Affairs
• The Learning Collaborative
• Our Student and Postdoctoral Community
• Faculty Directory
• Faculty Opportunities
• Endowed Chairs in Nursing and Bloomberg Distinguished Professors
• Faculty Handbook
• Areas of Expertise
• Nursing Office of Research Administration (NORA)
• Research Centers, Institute, and Specialty Interest Groups
• Research Opportunities
• Research Projects & Funding
• Acute & Chronic Care
• Community & Global Public Health
• Gender-Based Violence
• Infectious Diseases
• Mental Health & Behavioral Interventions
• Policy, Leadership & Administration
• Women, Children & Family Health

Master of science in nursing (MSN) Programs

Need your questions answered.

The power of choice defines the very best of career education. Our interdisciplinary approach provides students with the tools to address a variety of changing healthcare needs. No matter what you choose, Johns Hopkins has programs in a variety of formats to meet your evolving needs.

Students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline and want to earn a master of science in nursing can enroll full time in our MSN Entry into Nursing program.

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree or entry-level master’s degree in nursing can pursue our MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership or MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership/MBA . Alternately, students with these degrees also have the opportunity to pursue a DNP Advanced Practice degree with specialties in nurse practitioner or nurse anesthesia tracks.

Program Options

Programs & Specialty Tracks

Msn entry into nursing.

If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, this program provides an accelerated path to nursing practice. Graduates of this program may continue thier nursing studies in our MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership, DNP Advanced Practice, or PhD programs.

Bachelor’s or entry-level master’s degree nurses will learn to manage, evaluate, and improve an evolving healthcare delivery system. Students may expand this program with a MBA to receive a dual degree. Graduates of this program may continue thier nursing studies in our DNP Executive, PhD, or Certificate programs.

• Best Online Master's In Nursing (M.S.N.) Programs

Best Online Master’s In Nursing (M.S.N.) Programs Of 2024

Updated: Apr 5, 2024, 4:48pm

If you are a registered nurse aspiring to an advanced practice position or a leadership role in the nursing field, a Master of Science in nursing (M.S.N.) can help you get there. And by completing your M.S.N. program online, you can take the next step in your education without sacrificing your current job.

Online M.S.N. programs allow prospective nurse executives, nurse educators and nurse practitioners to advance their careers without having to give up their day jobs.

There is a wealth of online M.S.N. programs, and some are far more credible than others. As such, we researched and ranked the 10 best schools in the field. Read on to learn more about each program and how to find the best fit for you.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 30 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online master’s degrees in nursing in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes :

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability :

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

Student Experience :

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility :

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Application Process :

• Acceptance rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 89% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Online Physical Therapy Programs
• Best Master’s In Emergency Management Online Programs
• Best Online Master’s In Nursing Administration
• Best Online Bachelor’s In Healthcare Administration Degrees
• Best Online Healthcare MBA Programs

Best Online M.S.N. Options

Should you enroll in an m.s.n. program online, accreditation for online m.s.n. programs, how to find the right m.s.n. online program for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online m.s.n. programs, duquesne university, walsh university, rush university, college of our lady of the elms, ottawa university-milwaukee, desales university, saint xavier university, university of central florida, the university of texas medical branch at galveston, sacred heart university.

Graduate Tuition

$1,699/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duquesne University is a private, Catholic-affiliated research university offering an online Master of Science in nursing program with six tracks, including family nurse practitioner and executive nurse leadership.

Depending on the track, this degree requires between 30 and 44 credits, and some tracks require in-person clinical experiences. However, distance learners can complete all non-clinical coursework asynchronously online.

Incoming students can begin the program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, at three start dates throughout the year.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 to 44 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Historical and contemporary foundations for advanced nursing practice; evidence-based nursing practice and policy development
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; family nurse practitioner; psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner; executive nurse leadership and healthcare management; forensic nursing; nurse education and faculty role
• In-Person Requirements: Depends on specialization

$745/credit

Located in North Canton, Ohio, Walsh University offers an online Master of Science in nursing with a nurse educator focus that requires 42 credits. The curriculum includes coursework in teaching strategies and advanced pathophysiology, and all students complete a 160-hour clinical practicum experience in their local community.

As of February 2024, this program was available to distance learners in 23 states. Students who complete their M.S.N. at Walsh can continue on to earn the university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced pathophysiology, teaching strategies
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for clinical placement

1,344/credit (RN-to-M.S.N.), $1,120/credit (direct entry)

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Rush University focuses almost exclusively on medicine, health sciences and nursing. The university offers two online M.S.N. in clinical nurse leadership programs: a 74-credit, direct entry program for non-nurses, and a 37-credit RN-to-M.S.N. for registered nurses who already hold bachelor’s degrees. The direct entry program runs full time and takes two years to complete. The RN-to-M.S.N. takes two years of part-time study.

Coursework includes research for evidence-based practice and advanced pathophysiology. Distance learners must briefly visit campus to complete certain lab coursework.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 37 (RN-to-M.S.N.), 74 credits (direct entry
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time (RN-to-M.S.N.), full-time (direct entry)
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Research for evidence-based practice, advanced pathophysiology
• Concentrations Available: Direct entry for non-nurses, RN-to-M.S.N.
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus labs and clinicals

$911/credit

Located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, Elms College is a private, Roman Catholic-affiliated school offering an online Master of Science in nursing program with four tracks: nursing and health services management, nursing education, school nursing and an M.S.N./M.B.A. dual degree.

Each program includes a core nursing curriculum and a practicum experience, and students delve into topics like nursing knowledge and practice and healthcare policy and advocacy. Full-time students can graduate within two years but may take up to six years to finish their degrees.

• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 35 to 64 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Nursing knowledge and practice; technology: methods and tools for graduate study
• Concentrations Available: Nursing and health services management; nursing education; school nursing; M.S.N./M.B.A.
• In-Person Requirements: Depends on track

$499/credit

Ottawa University operates campuses in Arizona, in Kansas City and just outside of Milwaukee, in addition to international and online hubs. The university’s online Master of Science in nursing program offers two tracks: nurse educator and nurse leader. Both tracks require 36 credits and entail core courses in advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment.

Both tracks also include a practicum experience, which learners must complete in the field, and a cumulative capstone project.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced pharmacology; advanced health assessment
• Concentrations Available: Nurse educator, nurse leader
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for practicum

$945/credit

Located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, DeSales University is a Catholic-affiliated college that has greatly expanded its online presence in recent years. The university offers several online Master of Science in nursing programs, including three nurse practitioner programs, two dual-degree M.S.N. programs and an M.S.N. in forensic nursing with a certification in investigative forensics.

Curriculums vary between 45 and 58 credits. Dual-degree programs combine an M.S.N. with either an M.B.A. or an M.S. in information science. All tracks require clinical hours, and all NP tracks require labs.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 to 58 credits, depending on track
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Applied research, clinical prevention in population health
• Concentrations Available: Adult gerontology acute care NP, FNP, psychiatric mental health NP, M.S.N./M.B.A. dual degree, M.S.N./M.S.I.S. dual degree, M.S.N. in forensic nursing
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for clinicals and labs

$750/credit

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Saint Xavier University is a Roman Catholic-affiliated college that administers several online programs, including a Master of Science degree in nursing. This program offers two tracks: nurse educator (38 credits) and family nurse practitioner (47 credits). In both tracks, students complete core courses in healthcare systems and financing and in epidemiology and population-based healthcare.

Both tracks culminate with a practicum experience in the field. Distance learners should expect to spend approximately five to six hours per week on each course.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 38 credits (nurse educator), 47 credits (family nurse practitioner)
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare systems and financing; epidemiology and population-based healthcare
• Concentrations Available: Family nurse practitioner; nurse educator
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for practicum experiences

$327/credit

Located in Orlando, the University of Central Florida is the largest university in Florida by enrollment. The university’s online M.S.N. program offers three tracks: nursing and healthcare simulation, nurse educator, and nursing leadership and management. Distance learners can complete the nursing and healthcare simulation track entirely online, while the other two options include in-person clinical experiences in students’ local communities.

The typical student finishes this program in four to seven months. In-state students receive a tuition discount.

• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $31
• Degree Credit Requirements: 31 to 36 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Health promotion, pathophysiological bases for advanced nursing practice
• Concentrations Available: Nursing and healthcare simulation; nurse educator; nursing leadership and management

$353/credit

Located on the island city of Galveston, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston offers several M.S.N. programs online, including four nurse practitioner tracks. Aspiring nurse leaders can concentrate their M.S.N. in clinical nurse leader, executive nurse leader or nurse educator.

Credit requirements vary between 39 and 46, depending on your chosen track. Distance learners need to visit campus for some in-person course components, such as intensives. UTMB assesses a distance learning fee on top of its base tuition rate.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 39 to 46 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Pathophysiology, advanced health assessment
• Concentrations Available: Adult gerontology acute care NP, adult gerontology primary care NP, FNP, neonatal NP, clinical nurse leader, executive nurse leader, nurse educator
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for orientation and intensives

$695/credit

Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, Sacred Heart University is a Roman Catholic-affiliated university featuring an online Master of Science program in nursing with three specialization options: nursing education, clinical nurse leader, and nursing management and executive leadership. Students in all specializations take core courses in healthcare ethics and healthcare information systems. They also complete clinical experiences in their local communities.

Distance learners typically finish SHU’s nursing program in two years.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 39 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare and ethics for contemporary nursing practice; healthcare information systems
• Concentrations Available: Nursing education; nursing management and executive leadership; clinical nurse leader
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for local clinical experiences

An online M.S.N. program is a good match for a specific type of student. To determine whether that’s you, it’s worth reflecting on a few key questions:

• What are your other obligations? Flexibility is arguably the primary draw of online learning. If you are a parent or plan to work full time while pursuing your M.S.N., an asynchronous online degree will provide you with maximum scheduling flexibility.
• What’s your learning style? Online learning requires plenty of organization, self-discipline and time management skills. If you crave additional structure or the support of a regular peer group, an on-campus M.S.N. might be a better fit.
• What’s your budget? Compared to their on-campus peers, online learners generally save on costs associated with housing and transportation. Moreover, some public universities allow students who strictly enroll in online courses to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates.

There are two key types of college accreditation : institutional and programmatic.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the institutional accreditation process, during which accrediting agencies vet schools for the quality of their faculty, student services and finances, among other benchmarks.

You should only enroll at institutionally accredited schools. Otherwise, you will be ineligible to receive federal student aid, and employers and professional credentialing bodies may not recognize your degree.

Programmatic accreditation provides a similar vetting service in specific fields. In nursing, keep an eye out for accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Consider Your Future Goals

When researching M.S.N. programs, you should be able to articulate your future career goals to determine which school is your best fit. Many M.S.N. programs offer multiple specializations. Your school and program should offer a curriculum that will help you achieve your career goals, whether you aim to become a family nurse practitioner , a nurse educator or an executive nurse leader.

Many M.S.N. programs only admit students who already hold an unencumbered RN license; these are known as RN-to-M.S.N. bridge programs . A bridge program may be shorter than a full M.S.N. degree program, and if you already hold RN licensure , you won’t need to worry about your M.S.N. program meeting RN licensing requirements.

However, you should look for an M.S.N. program that offers a clinical or practicum experience so that you can gain valuable experience in your chosen profession. This is particularly important if you want to become a nurse practitioner .

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 ranked programs in our guide ranged from $327 to $1,699. Extrapolated over an approximately 30- to 45-credit program, this translates to somewhere between $10,000 and $76,500 in total tuition costs. This is a wide range, but tuition rates can differ widely among M.S.N. programs depending on program length and the institution’s public or private status.

For comparison, the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) reports that during the 2021–22 academic year, graduate programs charged an average of $20,513 in annual tuition. Over the course of a two- or three-year program, this translates to somewhere between $40,000 and $60,000 in total tuition costs.

Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to access federal student aid opportunities such as Pell Grants , scholarships and loans. You can pursue similar financial aid options through nonprofit organizations, individual schools and private lenders.

What is the best M.S.N. to get?

The best M.S.N. program for you depends on your budget, goals and individual circumstances. In most cases, you should choose a program offering a specialization that aligns with your future career goals.

How long does it take to get an M.S.N.?

The best online M.SN. programs typically take two to three years to finish.

Is an M.S.N. the same as an NP?

NP degree programs are M.S.N.s, but not all M.S.N. programs are for aspiring NPs. You might pursue a nurse practitioner specialty within a broader M.S.N. program.

Is an M.S.N. harder than a B.S.N.?

Yes. An M.S.N. is more academically rigorous than a bachelor’s degree in nursing . Moreover, an M.S.N. typically delves into a specific field of nursing at great depth.

Why get a D.N.P. instead of an M.S.N.?

If you want to qualify for the absolute highest leadership positions in nursing, a D.N.P . might be a better fit than an M.S.N. since it is the terminal degree in the field.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.