Earning an online masters in nursing (MSN) is your gateway to a more advanced career, one that leads to management, specialization and entrepreneurship opportunities as well as more income.
Accredited MSN programs offer convenient ways to earn an advanced nursing degree online, such as accelerated BSN-to-MSN programs, RN-to-MSN bridge programs, entry-level master’s degrees, and RN-to-APN programs. Nearly all MSN degrees online require a set of core classes plus electives or specialty-focused courses and hands-on clinical hours.
When considering a masters in nursing online, consider the admissions requirements, curriculum, focus areas, and accreditations of the institution. Also, ask questions about the modes of learning (for instance, are there set times each week that you’re required to be online? Are computer simulations available?), length of courses, experience of the faculty, how you can interact directly with faculty and other students, and what kinds of student support are available.
Is an Online Masters in Nursing Right for me?
The Institute of Medicine’s landmark report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” states that building a culture of lifelong learning and competency-building is essential for nurses as health care becomes more complex.
With nursing and doctor shortages and the aging-out of nurses, master’s degree-prepared nurses are urgently needed to serve as primary care providers, managers and leaders, educators, researchers, clinicians, case managers, specialists (especially in geriatrics, informatics, public health, and quality and safety), and policy and public consultants.
MSNs are uniquely qualified to change, design, innovate and implement evidence-based practice. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) earn higher salaries and gain increased respect from administrators, physicians and fellow nurses alike.
An online Master’s in Nursing degree is a graduate-level academic program that typically requires a BSN degree, an unencumbered RN license, and may be completed in two to three years. However the AACN also points to the existence of RN-to-MSN bridge programs, accelerated master’s programs, and dual-degree programs do exist.
Online Masters in Nursing Education Requirements
Acceptance into an online masters in nursing program typically require:
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing higher-education program.
- GPA of 3.0-4.0
- Current, unrestricted U.S. or a National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) registered nurse (RN) license
- Active, unencumbered RN license for the state in which the student’s clinicals will be conducted
- Letters of recommendation, a resume, a statement of purpose, and high school or GRE transcripts may also be required
The core curriculum for a masters of science (MSN) in nursing online may include courses in advanced physical assessment, ethics, healthcare quality, safety and regulatory management, pharmacology, research and evidence-based practice, healthcare delivery systems and policy, information systems, transcultural theories, and disease prevention.
Along with the core curriculum, online MSN programs allow students to specialize in a specific area of study, such as administration, public health, or informatics. Specializing in a practice is a sure way to set the course for a career in in-demand nursing fields.
RN-to-MSN or APN programs require courses to bridge the gap between an associate and graduate degree. Bridge courses may include topics such as research and evidence-based practice, health assessment, informatics, statistics, population health/epidemiology, leadership in clinical settings, nursing theory, and scientific inquiry.
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Online Master’s in Nursing Programs
| School | MS in Nursing Program Specializations | Length | Clinical Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scroll to Angelo State University |
|
24-36 Months | 150-600 Hours | 39-49 Credits |
| Scroll to Benedictine University |
|
20-30 Months | 690 Hours | 47 Credits |
| Scroll to Drexel University |
|
Varies | Varies | 46-62 Credits |
| Scroll to Excelsior College |
|
24-48 Months | 247.5 Hours | 36-38 Credits |
| Scroll to Eastern Kentucky University |
|
42-52 Months | 750 Hours for Rural Health Family Nurse | 46-47 Credits |
| Scroll to Ferris State University |
|
24-33 Months | 240 Hours | 37 Credits |
| Scroll to Georgetown University Sponsored Program |
|
19-27 Months | 600 – 1,000 Hours | 40-49 Credits |
| Scroll to Jacksonville University |
|
24 Months (Full-Time) | Not Available | 24-33 Credits |
| Scroll to Jacksonville State University |
|
14-24 Months | Not Available | 38-58 Credits |
| Scroll to Lewis University |
|
Not Available | 300-540 Hours | 36-49 Credits |
| Scroll to Liberty University |
|
24-36 Months | Not Available | 36 Credits |
| Scroll to Norwich University |
|
18-24 Months | 300-700 Hours | 36-40 Credits |
| Scroll to Nova Southeastern University |
|
24-48 Months | 130 Hours | 36 Credits |
| Scroll to Sacred Heart University |
|
24-28 Months | 120-540 Hours | 36-42 Credits |
| Scroll to Saint Joseph’s College of Maine |
|
24 Months | 135-720 Hours | 42-48 Credits |
| Scroll to Saint Xavier University |
|
30 Months | 225-375 Hours | 35-38 Credits |
| Scroll to Simmons University Sponsored Program |
Family Nurse Practitioner | 24-32 Months | Minimum 672 Hours | 48 Course Credits |
| Scroll to Southern New Hampshire University |
|
20 Months | 90-400 Hours | 39 Credits |
| Scroll to University of Southern California Sponsored Program |
Family Nurse Practitioner | 21-33 Months | 784 Hours | 49-51 Credits |
| Scroll to University of West Florida |
|
Two to Three Years | 360-600 Hours | 39-45 Credits |
| Scroll to Western Governors University | BSN to MSN | 24 Months | Not Available | 36 Credits |
The current list of online master’s in nursing programs was retrieved as of December 2019. If you have any additional information that we should consider, please reach out to us at info@nursinglicensemap.com.
Angelo State University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 39-49 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 150-600 Hours
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
- U.S. Citizen and Reside in Texas
- Acceptance into the College of Graduate Studies and Research
- Undergraduate Statistics with At Least a Grade of a C
- At least 1 year of RN Experience
- Three References
- Personal Statement
- Resume/CV
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing online programs at Angelo State University.
Benedictine University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Executive Leader
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 36-39 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Not Available
Length of Program: Two Years
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- An Unencumbered RN License
- Completed Application
- Transcripts
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Resume
- Letter of Intent
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing Online Degree at Benedictine University.
Drexel University
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Leadership in Health Systems Management
- Nursing Education
- Pediatric Acute and/or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Quality, Safety, and Risk Management in Healthcare
- Women’s Health/Gender Related Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 46-62 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Varies by Concentration
Length of Program: Varies by Concentration
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- A Current, Unrestricted United States RN License
- Completed Application
- Transcripts
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- There may be other requirements per concentration.
Learn more about the Online MSN Programs at Drexel University.
Excelsior College
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Informatics
- Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 36-38 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 247.5 Hours
Length of Program: 24-48 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- An Unencumbered RN License
- Transcripts
- Completed MS Capstone Requirements Form
Learn more about the Nursing Degree Programs at Excelsior College.
Eastern Kentucky University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Rural Health Family Nurse
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 46-47 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 750 Hours for Rural Health Family Nurse
Length of Program: 42-52 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
- 3-Hour Undergraduate or Graduate Statistics Course with at least a grade of a C
- Minimum One Year Experience as a RN
- Professional Reference
- Occupational Profile
- Professional Statement
- Transcripts
Learn more about the Online MSN Programs at Eastern Kentucky University.
Ferris State University
Program Name: Nursing MSN Online
Concentrations:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Informatics
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 37 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 240 Hours
Length of Program: 24-33 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
- Completed Application
- 3 Professional References
- Writing Sample
- Clinical Nursing Experience
- Transcripts
- CV
- TOEFL (International Students)
Learn more about the Nursing MSN Online Programs at Ferris State University.
Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies
Program Name: MS in Nursing
Specialty Areas:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time and Part-Time for FNP program; Part-Time for AG-ACNP, WHNP, and NM/WHNP program
Coursework Credits: 40-49 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 600-1,000+ Hours
Length of Program: 19-27 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or CNL/entry-level MSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program
- Hold a current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 science GPA
- Have successfully completed a college level three-credit course in statistics with a grade of C or better
Sponsored Nursing Program
Jacksonville University
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Clinical Nurse Educator
- Leadership in Healthcare Systems
- Informatics Specialization
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 24-33 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Not Available
Length of Program: 24 Months; Full-Time
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
- Completed Application
- GRE Scores of 290 or higher
- Completion of Undergraduate Courses in Statistics and Physical Assessment
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Intent
- TOEFL (International Students)
Learn more about the Online Master of Science in Nursing Programs at Jacksonville University.
Jacksonville State University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Population Health Nursing
- Population Health – Nursing Education
- Population Health – Emergency Management
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 38-53 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Not Available
Length of Program: 14 – 24 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- An Unencumbered RN License
- Transcripts
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
Learn more about the Online MSN Programs at Jacksonville State University.
Lewis University
Program Name: Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Systems Leadership
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 36-49 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 300-540 Hours
Length of Program: Not Available
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
- Completion of Statistics and Nursing Research Course with at least a grade of a B
- Two Completed Recommendation Forms
- Resume or CV
- Essay
- Fingerprint Background Checks
Learn more about the Nursing Graduate Programs online at Lewis University.
Liberty University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Community Health
- Health Policy
- Nursing Administration
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Informatics
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 36 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Not Available
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
- At least One Year of RN experience
- One Recommender’s Contact Information
- Statement of Essential Attributes
- Transcripts
- Proof of English Proficiency
- For BSN Applicants: Completion of Undergraduate Statistics and Health Assessment courses
Learn more about the online Master of Science in Nursing programs at Liberty University.
Norwich University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Healthcare Systems Leadership
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Informatics
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 36-40 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 300-700 Hours
Length of Program: 18-24 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- An Unencumbered RN License
Learn more about the Online Master’s Degree in Nursing at Norwich University.
Nova Southeastern University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Executive Nurse Leadership
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Informatics
Enrollment Options: Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 36 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 130 Hours
Length of Program: 18-24 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
Learn more about the MSN Programs at Nova Southeastern University.
Sacred Heart University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Nursing Management and Executive Leadership
- Nursing Education
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 36-42 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 120-540 Hours
Length of Program: 24-28 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) License
- Transcripts
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Criminal Background Check
- Completed Application
- Statement of Professional Goals
- Resume
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Interview with Graduate Nursing Faculty
- Completion of Undergraduate Statistics, Research, Health Assessment Courses
Learn more about the MSN Specializations online from Sacred Heart University.
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Administration
- Family Nurse Practitioner/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner
- Education
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 42-48 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 135-720 Hours
Length of Program: 24 Months; Full-Time
Admissions Requirements:
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
- Completed Application
- Transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Career Statement
- Three References
- Undergraduate Statistics and Health Assessment Course with at least a grade of a B
- TOEFL (International Students)
Learn more about the MS in Nursing Online at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.
Saint Xavier University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Clinical Leadership
- Executive Leadership
- Nurse Educator
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 35-38 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 225-375 Hours
Length of Program: 30 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
- For Executive Leadership Applicants: Must Have 3-5 years of Relevant Leadership or Management Experience
- Transcripts
- Applicants are required to be working Full-Time
- One Written Recommendation
- Personal Goal Statement
- Resume
Learn more about the Online MS in Nursing Programs at Saint Xavier University.
Simmons University
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time and Extended Track Option
Coursework Credits: 48 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Minimum of 672 Hours
Length of Program: 24-32 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree awarded by a regionally accredited U.S. college or institution
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Transcripts from all academic institutions attended
- Successfully completed (with a grade of 83 or better) a three-credit course in statistics and a three-credit course in health assessment.
- A current unencumbered and unrestricted U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Three letters of recommendation
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if your native language is not English.
Sponsored Nursing Program
Southern New Hampshire University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Generalist MSN
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Patient Safety and Quality
- Clinical Nurse Leader
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 39 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 90-400 Hours
Length of Program: 20 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
Learn more about the Online MSN Programs at Southern New Hampshire University.
University of Southern California
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: Traditional – 49 credits or Bridge Program – 51 credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 784 Hours
Length of Program: 21-33 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.0 grade point average in your BSN or MSN program
- Completion of a 3-credit course in statistics, with a grade of C or better
- Must be a U.S.-licensed registered nurse (RN) and reside within the United States upon application and throughout the duration of the program
- One year of clinical experience
Sponsored Nursing Program
University of West Florida
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentrations:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Executive
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time
Coursework Credits: 39-45 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 360 Hours for Nursing Education and Nursing Executive; 600 for FNP
Length of Program: Two to Three Years
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- An Unencumbered RN License
- Transcripts
- Application
- GRE or MAT Scores
- Undergraduate Statistics with at least a grade of a C
- Resume/CV
- For FNP Applicants: Career Goals Statement
Learn more about the Online Programs in Nursing at the University of West Florida.
Western Governors University
Program Name: Master of Science in Nursing – Education (BSN to MSN program)
Enrollment Options: Full-Time or Part-Time
Coursework Credits: 36 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: Not Available
Length of Program: 24 Months
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
- A Current, Unrestricted United States RN License
- Resume
- Criminal Background Check
Learn more about the Online BSN to MSN Program at Western Governors University.