Dual Nursing Degree Programs

What is a Dual Nursing Degree?

In order to increase their skill set and advance their careers, many RNs choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Some nurses seek an education that provides them with opportunities to expand their career into other areas, such as health care administration or public health. For these students, a dual nursing degree program may be an ideal opportunity.

The interdisciplinary training that is required in a dual nursing degree program means enrolled students must complete a rigorous curriculum of work—enough to demonstrate their mastery of both disciplines. However, upon completing the program graduates will have earned master’s degrees in two fields. Graduates of dual degree programs have a variety of opportunities to advance their career in a number of different directions.

Types of Dual Nursing Degree Programs

• MSN/MHA Dual Degree
• MSN/MPH Dual Degree
• MSN/MBA Dual Degree
• MSN/MPA Dual Degree

There are several types of dual nursing degree programs which allow students to earn their masters in nursing alongside a Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), or a Master of Public Administration (MPA). Some MSN programs separately offer dual Nurse Practitioner concentrations — two clinical certification tracks within a single MSN degree, rather than two separate master's degrees. We’ll explore common dual nursing degree programs in further detail below. If you are looking for online MSN programs, it’s important to check with schools if online dual degrees are available.

MSN/MHA Dual Degree

A Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health (MSN/MPH) dual degree provides an opportunity to nurses who wish to advance their nursing skills while obtaining knowledge of public health. Students who complete this program earn both their MSN degree and an MPH degree. Be sure to look for accredited MSN degrees by the CCNE and ACEN, and MPH degrees accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Students who graduate from these programs earn both their Master of Science in Nursing and their Master of Healthcare Administration. Students enrolled in an MSN/MHA dual-degree program complete the clinical requirements of their chosen MSN specialty track, along with the administrative internship and credit-hour requirements of the MHA program; specific requirements vary by school.

Students interested in an MSN/MHA program should take time to research and find nursing dual programs that have been accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME). Programs that have been accredited by these organizations must meet strict quality standards.

Possible Careers

Some may choose to continue on a clinical path in an advanced nursing role, while others choose to obtain administrative roles. Depending on their goals and interests, graduates may find employment as:

• Hospital Administrators
• Clinical Nurse Managers
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), for graduates whose MSN track included APRN role-specific preparation and certification
• Directors of Nursing (DON)
• Clinical Manager
• Health Information Manager
• Nursing Home Administrator

These are only several career options for graduates. Some choose to work in the public sector while others pursue careers as educators.

For graduates, a dual MSN/MHA degree may offer advanced career opportunities in healthcare management. According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Medical and Health Services Managers was $123,860 as of May 2025. Graduates whose MSN track included APRN role-specific preparation and certification may also be qualified to pursue advanced nursing occupations.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to an MSN/MHA program must meet the requirements for both programs. In many cases, colleges require students to submit their undergraduate transcripts and have earned a minimum GPA between 2.75 and 3.0. Other requirements can include:

• Standardized test scores
• Current RN licensure
• Prerequisite class requirements
• Minimum number of years of professional experience
• Academic transcripts
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Personal essays and statements

In some cases applicants may be required to interview with the program director or department chair. This is especially common in cases where programs have limited capacity but a high application rate. Always research the programs you are interested in to ensure you fully understand their requirements.

Programs

MSN/MHA dual-degree programs allow students to earn two graduate degrees, and it’s important to understand the coursework and expectations of these programs.

Students enrolling in an MSN/MHA program should anticipate a rigorous coursework load. Examples of classes students are often required to take include:

• Advanced Health Assessment
• Health Informatics
• Health Policy
• Health Information Systems (HIS)
• Health Services Management

In addition, students should expect to take more general classes in business administration, management, and law and ethics. These are commonly integral courses of an MHA program. However, specific course requirements will vary by program.

The length of an MSN/MHA program will also vary by school and is determined by factors like internship requirements, number of credits required for graduation and program structure. For example, the dual MSN/MHA program at Minnesota State University Moorhead requires 56 total credits and can be completed in as little as two years at a full-time pace; students may also progress at a slower pace. Programs will have different structures and course requirements which can affect how long it takes students to complete them — always confirm current admissions and credit requirements directly with the school.

MSN/MPH Dual Degree

A Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health (MSN/MPH) dual degree provides an opportunity to nurses who wish to advance their nursing skills while obtaining knowledge of public health. Students who complete this program earn both their MSN degree and an MPH degree. Be sure to look for accredited MSN degrees by the CCNE and ACEN, and MPH degrees accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Programs vary in length; this degree is generally designed for nurses who have earned their BSN and hold a current RN license. This degree may be particularly appealing to nurses who want to advance their career as a public health nurse or have an interest in community health, public health education and health care policy.

By earning their MSN/MPH, graduates will complete courses and clinical experiences in both disciplines. Upon graduation, students may be prepared to pursue careers in advanced nursing roles, including leadership positions, as well as community health assessment, program planning and policy.

Possible Careers

Graduates of MSN/MPH programs obtain skills for roles in both public health and nursing fields. Graduates can find leadership roles in government agencies, community health and clinical settings such as hospitals and health care facilities.

Given the extensive knowledge acquired through this program, graduates are presented with a range of career opportunities. Some of the more common opportunities may include:

• Community Health Educators
• Advanced practice roles such as certified nurse-midwife or nurse practitioner, for graduates whose MSN track included the corresponding role-specific clinical preparation and certification
• Public Health Nurse
• Clinical Nursing Researcher
• Director of Nursing

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for MSN/MPH programs will vary by college but generally applicants must meet these prerequisites and provide the following:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing
• Hold a current RN license
• Official undergraduate transcripts
• Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE), if required by the program
• Personal essay or goal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Current Resume/CV

In addition, some programs may require students to have prior nursing experience and interview with department or admissions staff. Always be certain of a school’s admission criteria before submitting your application. Colleges have strict submission windows and deadlines.

Programs

MSN/MPH students must complete their nursing clinicals and curriculum alongside the coursework and potential internship requirements for their MPH degree. Students may expect to take a broad mix of courses, both general courses, as well as courses that are specific to both their nursing and public health degrees. For example, the University of Maryland's MSN/MPH dual-degree program requires 38 nursing credits and 42 public health credits, with both degrees completable in as little as three years. These classes can include:

• Public Health Policy
• Principles of Epidemiology
• Public Health Nursing Leadership and Management
• Medical Research Methods and Design
• Biostatistics
• Advanced Health Assessment

MSN/MBA Dual Degree

A Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MSN/MBA) dual degree is an option that is well suited for students who wish to advance their nursing career while increasing their knowledge of business, management or marketing.

Graduates whose MSN track included the appropriate role-specific clinical preparation and certification may be prepared to take advanced roles in direct nursing fields as an APRN. Alternatively, with the skills they have gained through their MBA education, graduates may also enter into a variety of administration and management positions. In addition to MSN accreditation by the CCNE and ACEN, the MBA portion of this degree may also be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Be sure to research your preferred program’s accreditation status.

Possible Careers

Graduates of MSN/MBA programs may be prepared to enter a number of careers. Some graduates continue on to advanced clinical occupations. For these graduates, their MSN education may prepare them for a number of direct health care positions including:

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners or certified nurse-midwives — distinct roles, each requiring role-specific graduate preparation and certification
• Clinical nurse managers
• Directors of Nursing (DON)

However, the advanced business skills they have gained through their MBA degree also allow graduates to pursue careers in administration, management, and marketing roles within the healthcare industry. These positions may include:

• Medical and Health Services Managers
• Health Care Market Research Analysts
• Hospital Administrators
• Health Information Manager

Depending on the concentration of their MBA, some graduates may pursue health care management or marketing roles within the healthcare industry, building on the administrative and clinical skills gained through their coursework.

Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements for MSN/MBA programs vary by program. However, some common requirements include:

• BSN or RN license
• Minimum undergraduate GPA requirements, which vary by program
• Standardized test scores
• A personal essay or goal statement
• 2-3 letters of recommendation.
• Specific course prerequisites

Different universities will often have specific requirements that applicants must meet before being accepted to the program.

Programs

The curricula of MSN/MBA programs vary by school. Students complete the clinical requirements of their chosen MSN specialty track alongside their MBA coursework; the MBA portion itself typically does not carry a separate clinical or internship requirement. For the MBA side of the program students can expect to undertake courses in a variety of business management and marketing subjects. In some cases, schools may offer specific MBA concentrations.

In general, students enrolled in an MSN/MBA program should expect course requirements that include subjects like:

• Economics
• Accounting
• Operations Management
• Project Management
• Human Resources
• Evidence-Based Nursing
• Health Informatics

The length of an MSN/MBA program will vary by school and can be further influenced by additional academic requirements including total academic credits and program structure. For example, the University of Maryland's MSN/MBA dual-degree program requires 66–72 credits and can take up to seven years to complete part-time; full-time completion timelines vary by school. Always confirm current length and format directly with the program.

Before applying, always research the program’s curriculum, structure, and overall requirements. Programs will have varying structures and requirements depending on the college and whether the program is online or on campus.

MSN/MPA Dual Degree

A Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Administration (MSN/MPA) dual nursing degree integrates the required coursework of an MSN program with the coursework of an MPA program. Students who graduate from an MSN/MPA program earn both degrees. Adjacent to CCNE and ACEN accreditation for MSN degrees, be sure to search for Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) accredited MPA programs.

MSN/MPA dual-degree programs are less common than other nursing dual-degree pairings, and availability changes over time — some programs have paused admissions in recent years. Program length and format vary by school; always confirm current enrollment status, format and completion timelines directly with the institution before applying.

Possible Careers

The MPA portion allows students to learn skills in public sector management, including finance and accounting, organizational management, and public programs evaluation and planning.

With the skills and knowledge they develop through the program, MSN/MPA graduates may find employment in:

• Government
• NGOs
• Nonprofits in community-based health promotion
• Disaster preparedness
• Public health care administration

They may also act as policy makers, helping to ensure adequate health care access for the public. With the skills earned through the MSN portion of their degree, graduates may also pursue leadership positions within clinical settings. These roles can include hospital administrators, directors of nursing for health care facilities and advanced nursing roles.

As such, this degree is an ideal option for nurses who would like to enter careers in governmental or public sector leadership roles. Possible careers for graduates can include public policy development officers and nonprofit directors.

Admissions Requirements

While application processes will differ, most universities offering a MSN/MPA program will require applicants to meet certain prerequisites and submit documents including:

• Completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); minimum GPA requirements vary by program
• Current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse
• Submission of official transcripts from an accredited institution
• Goal statement or statement of purpose
• Personal statement or essay
• Two to three letters of recommendation

In addition, some programs may require applicants to have completed certain nursing courses, such as a lab with a research component. Further, applicants may have to undergo an interview process with admissions staff or the department chair.

Programs

MSN/MPA programs may require students to undertake a significant course load in order to graduate on time. Students should expect to attend classes year-round in a full-time program. Students enrolled in a part-time program may take fewer courses during each semester or have extended breaks in between semesters.

While program structure and courses vary by school, students will generally be required to work in hands-on clinical nursing courses and may even be required to participate in an internship or similar experiential learning program. Often, programs are structured in such a way that full-time students will take their internship while still completing other courses.

For students in an MSN/MPA program, courses will teach advanced nursing skills and public administration skills. Additionally, students are often required to complete general classes in accounting, public policy and management as part of their MPA degree requirements. Students can expect to take classes such as:

• Nursing Research
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Leadership and Management in Health Care
• Economic Analysis and Public Policy
• Accounting and Financial Analysis
• Labor Management Relations in the Public Sector

Additionally, many programs allow students to take elective courses in both nursing and public administration. Total credit requirements vary widely by institution and curriculum; confirm current figures with the specific program. Students will often take these classes concurrently, meaning they will complete their nursing classes while also completing MPA coursework.

It is a best practice to thoroughly research several dual degree programs in order to understand the course offerings and requirements of each. Determining the program that best aligns with your personal and career goals is an important part of any enrollment decision. Be sure to carefully consider the type of skills most important to develop for your career.

Dual Nurse Practitioner Concentrations

For individuals who are looking to further advance their nursing career and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), many nursing schools offer dual NP concentration degrees. Graduates of these programs may become eligible to pursue board certification in two separate fields of practice, subject to passing the applicable certification exam(s) and meeting state licensure requirements.

For example, students may enroll in a dual concentration program preparing them to pursue certification in both Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Family Nursing. Other programs prepare students to pursue certification in Nurse-Midwifery and Primary Care Family Nursing.

A dual NP concentration program gives graduates the opportunity to grow their career in multiple directions. This could be an ideal solution for nurses who are interested in multiple fields of practice or who simply want to broaden their career prospects. While many programs can be completed on-campus, there are opportunities to pursue an online nurse practitioner degree.

Compared to other dual nursing degree programs, a dual NP concentration is designed for current RNs who are interested in advancing their clinical skills and career.

Is a Dual Degree Program Right for Me?

Before enrolling it’s important to decide if it is the right choice for you. There are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether this type of program is the right fit. One of the most important considerations for prospective students is the structure of their program. Dual degree programs require students to complete coursework to satisfy the requirements for both degrees.

If you feel that you’re unable to dedicate the appropriate amount of time toward studying and other academic responsibilities, then a dual degree program may not be the best fit for you.

Advantages of a Dual Nursing Degree

A dual degree can sometimes require less time and cost less overall than earning both degrees separately — for example, some programs allow students to share credits between their two degrees. Additionally, dual degree programs may allow students to advance both their nursing career as well as obtain an education in a related field. This helps to prepare graduates for a number of roles within the healthcare industry.

Depending on their program and their concentration, graduates can embark on a career in a number of leadership and advanced roles in many fields. For some students, a dual nursing degree program prepares them for a role in management or marketing. For others, they are able to obtain leadership positions in nursing departments or serve as policy makers and educators.

Above all else, dual-degree programs can offer graduates flexibility to pursue both clinical and non-clinical career paths, depending on how their program is structured.

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