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2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Nursing

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 6/8/2023

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An online master’s in nursing (MSN) is designed for registered nurses (RNs) interested in career growth and providing advanced care to targeted patient populations. Many choose to become nurse practitioners, specializing in caring for neonatal or geriatric patients, families, or those under psychiatric care. Nurses with master’s degrees often experience significant salary spikes and increased job opportunities. 

We’ve ranked the schools on our list by Salary Score so you can set realistic earnings expectations and mitigate excessive student debt. Additionally, our list of the most affordable online MSN programs prioritizes tuition costs, so you can look for a program that helps you meet your career goals and stay within budget. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn more about OnlineU.

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Online Nursing Master's Degrees You May Be Interested In


2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Nursing

RankSchool Salary Score Median Starting Salary
# 1 #1 University of Southern California 100 100 $167,228
# 2 #2 AdventHealth University 100 $187,060
# 3 #3 Touro University Nevada 99 $149,891
# 4 #4 Texas A&M International University 92 $129,066
# 5 #5 Midwestern State University 89 $125,822
# 6 #6 Samuel Merritt University 87 $123,663
# 7 #7 California State University - Dominguez Hills 84 $120,577
# 8 #8 Mercy University 84 $120,372
# 9 #9 Fairleigh Dickinson University 80 $117,472
# 10 #10 University of San Francisco 80 $117,274

#1 University of Southern California

  • Salary Score: 100
  • Median Starting Salary: $167,228
  • Locations: Los Angeles (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

The University of Southern California — a large, private non-profit — offers an online MSN - FNP. Focused on research and evidence-based practice, the program's curriculum explores the biomedical, social, economic, and environmental influences on nursing care. Applicants must be RNs with bachelor's degrees and at least one year of clinical experience. Full-time students typically complete the MSN program in 21 months, while part-time students typically need 33 months. Graduation requirements include the completion of 49 credit hours, 784 clinical practice hours, and two on-campus intensives.

The Blackboard learning platform allows online students to interact with peers, access course materials, and complete assignments.

#2 AdventHealth University

  • Salary Score: 100
  • Median Starting Salary: $187,060
  • Locations: Orlando (FL)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

AdventHealth University offers an online MSN program. The degree is entirely online, with the option to work on coursework at any time. However, students choosing the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty track are expected to visit the campus at least twice. Students must complete 14 credit hours of core courses and 17 additional credit hours from one of the three MSN specialty tracks: (1) Administration and Leadership, (2) Education, and (3) Family Nurse Practitioner. Students who already have a Bachelor’s of Nursing may be required to take some prerequisite courses before beginning this MSN program.

#3 Touro University Nevada

  • Salary Score: 99
  • Median Starting Salary: $149,891
  • Locations: Henderson (NV)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Touro University — a small, private, non-profit — offers an MSN - FNP. The program requires the completion of 53 credit hours, including five trimester practicums and three clinical intensives on the Nevada campus. Courses cover specialized topics, such as disease prevention, mental health, pharmacology, and caring for children and seniors. Newly enrolled students can choose among three annual start dates per year, and most complete the program in seven trimesters.

Touro's MSN is delivered primarily online through the Canvas learning platform. Graduate students can take advantage of the school's academic coaching, mental health counseling, and other services.

#4 Texas A&M International University

  • Salary Score: 92
  • Median Starting Salary: $129,066
  • Locations: Laredo (TX)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Students can pursue an online MSN - Nursing Administration at Texas A&M International University. This fast-track program — which can be completed in 10 months or less — prepares students for managerial and executive nursing roles. The MSN program is composed of 31 credit hours, with a 180-hour intensive practicum focused on the leadership roles of nurse executives. Eligible applicants must have a BSN, 3.0 minimum GPA, at least one year of work experience as a registered nurse, an unencumbered Texas RN license, and a completed undergraduate course in statistics.

#5 Midwestern State University

  • Salary Score: 89
  • Median Starting Salary: $125,822
  • Locations: Wichita Falls (TX)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Midwestern State University, a medium public institution, offers an online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program. This degree is suitable for graduates with a Bachelor's of Nursing who want to expand their skill sets in the field. A total of 48 credit hours are required to complete the course, which includes 24 hours of clinical work, 18 hours of nursing core courses, and six hours of thesis or project-based courses.

Out-of-state students can complete their clinical rotations locally with preceptor supervision. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam, and they are eligible to meet the Board of Nurse Examiners' needs for the state of Texas.

#6 Samuel Merritt University

  • Salary Score: 87
  • Median Starting Salary: $123,663
  • Locations: Oakland (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is a small, private, non-profit. Applicants to the MSN - FNP must hold a bachelor's degree and a license to practice nursing in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, or Virginia. Once enrolled, students take courses in health assessment, pharmacology, and care management. In addition to completing 49 credit hours of coursework, MSN students must complete three clinical practicum semesters and attend two on-campus intensives in Sacramento. Full-time students may be able to finish in 20 months.

SMU students gain access to coursework and class discussions through Canvas, a digital learning platform. Academic advising, writing support, and career services are among the available resources.

#7 California State University - Dominguez Hills

  • Salary Score: 84
  • Median Starting Salary: $120,577
  • Locations: Carson (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

California State University (CSU) - Dominguez Hills is a large, public university offering an online MSN program. This online degree requires the completion of 30-48 credit hours composed of core courses, role-specific classes, and practicums. Students can choose between five role-specific outcomes for their degree: (1) Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult/Gerontology), (2) Clinical Nurse Specialist (Neonatal), (3) Clinical Nurse Specialist (Pediatric), (4) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), (5) Nurse Administrator, and (6) Nurse Educator.

All coursework done through Blackboard must be completed within five years after beginning the program. In addition, CSU students are required to have a California RN license and complete their clinical hours within the state of California.

#8 Mercy University

  • Salary Score: 84
  • Median Starting Salary: $120,372
  • Locations: Dobbs Ferry (NY)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Mercy College, which is a medium-sized, private, non-profit, has earned the distinction of being a Hispanic-serving institution. RNs interested in furthering their careers in nursing management may be interested in Mercy's MSN Administration. On the other hand, RNs interested in becoming nurse educators may be interested in an MSN Education. Both programs require the completion of 36 credit hours and 120 practicum hours, and most students complete their degrees in 15 months.

Mercy graduate students use the Blackboard platform to access course materials and interact with peers and instructors. The school's student support services include academic advising, tutoring, and mental health counseling.

#9 Fairleigh Dickinson University

  • Salary Score: 80
  • Median Starting Salary: $117,472
  • Locations: Teaneck (NJ)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

A medium-sized, private, non-profit college, Fairleigh Dickinson University's (FDU) Metropolitan Campus has earned the distinction of being a Hispanic-serving institution. FDU offers two MSN programs for licensed New Jersey State nurses: The MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) requires the completion of 37 credit hours and 650 clinical practicum hours to graduate, and the MSN - Nursing Education requires 35 credit hours and a one-semester practicum.

Although online nursing students at FDU enjoy the flexibility of independent online learning, they are encouraged to engage with peers in a supportive environment. The FDU Metropolitan Campus offers a number of student services, including counseling, tutoring, library access, and career development assistance.

#10 University of San Francisco

  • Salary Score: 80
  • Median Starting Salary: $117,274
  • Locations: San Francisco (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

The private, non-profit University of San Francisco (USF) is a medium-sized school associated with the Catholic church. USF offers an MSN designed for both practicing RNs and bachelor's degree holders from other fields. Depending on their background, students are required to complete 33-38 credit hours. Most students take two years to fulfill the degree requirements, including an internship and practicum. With a focus on nursing leadership, the MSN program synthesizes concepts from the physical sciences, management, public health, and the humanities.

MSN students at USF use the Canvas learning platform to access course materials, complete assignments, and engage in class discussions. Tutoring and job placement assistance are among the student resources available.

#11 United States University

  • Salary Score: 79
  • Median Starting Salary: $116,603
  • Locations: National City (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

United States University (USU) in San Diego, California, is a private, for-profit institution offering an online MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) grounded in the Caring Science model that teaches theoretical and evidence-based nursing and best practices for promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities. While most of this program is online, one four-day face-to-face immersion is required. Full-time students may complete this 48-credit program in two years. Similar programs include an online MSN - Health Care Leadership and an online MSN - Nurse Educator.

USU uses the Desire2Learn (D2) learning management system to deliver its online curriculum to distance learners. Online MSN-FNP students take courses such as Health Promotion, Education and Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan; Common Illnesses Across the Lifespan; Primary Health of Acute Clients/Families Across the Lifespan; and Primary Healthcare of Chronic Clients/Families Across the Lifespan. A practicum and clinical residency are also required to graduate.

#12 University of Nevada at Las Vegas

  • Salary Score: 79
  • Median Starting Salary: $116,502
  • Locations: Las Vegas (NV)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

Public University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) is an Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic-serving institution offering an online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Generalist tracks. Most coursework is completed online. However, this program requires two-day, on-campus orientation sessions at the beginning of each fall semester and five other on-campus sessions. Students complete between 33 and 46 credits, depending on the track, which takes about two years of full-time attendance.

UNLV delivers online coursework and instruction via Blackboard, Canvas, and Kannu. Depending on the track, courses in the online MSN program include Family Theory and Health Promotion, Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education, Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan, and Professional Issues in Midwifery Practice. In addition to coursework, a practicum is required to graduate.

#13 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

  • Salary Score: 78
  • Median Starting Salary: $115,619
  • Locations: Bloomsburg (PA)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (BUP) is a public institution offering an online MSN - Nurse Practitioner (MSN - NP) in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner, depending on career interests. Graduating requires 45-54 credits, generally taking two to three years of full-time attendance depending on the specialty, and includes a practicum. These online programs meet the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC’s) certification-eligibility requirements to sit for the exam.

BUP uses Brightspace for online curriculum delivery. Depending on the specialty, MSN distance learners may enroll in courses such as Comprehensive Assessment of the Older Adult, Diagnosis and Management of Children & Pregnant Women, Family Theory Across the Lifespan, and Community Assessment and Planning.

#14 Azusa Pacific University

  • Salary Score: 77
  • Median Starting Salary: $115,116
  • Locations: Azusa (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

California’s Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a faith-based, Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic-serving institution offering an online MSN - Nursing Education to fill the ongoing need for qualified educators who specialize in training the next generation of nurses. Students complete 37 credits, which generally takes them at least two years of full-time study. This online MSN program also helps prepare students to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. An online MSN - Healthcare Administration and Leadership is also available for students interested in preparing for career advancement outside of academia.

APU uses Canvas to deliver its online programming to distance learners. Online MSN - Nurse Education program courses include Theories of Teaching and Instruction, Teaching and Learning Strategies for Nursing Education, and Leadership and Role Development in Nursing Education. Students complete a clinical practicum and a comprehensive exam to graduate.

#15 Northeastern University Global Network

  • Salary Score: 75
  • Median Starting Salary: $113,631
  • Locations: Boston (MA)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

The Northeastern University Global Network (NUGN) based in Boston is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online MSN in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner for nurses interested in providing advanced care to the tiniest, youngest, and most vulnerable patients. Graduating requires completing 41 credits, which generally takes two years of full-time attendance and three years of part-time attendance.

Other available programs include an online MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, an online MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner, and an MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

NUGN delivers its online curriculum via Canvas. MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner students may participate in courses such as Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate and Infant, Neonatal Pharmacology, and Nursing Management: Critically Ill Neonatal. This online MSN program also requires a practicum to graduate.

#16 University of Alaska Anchorage

  • Salary Score: 71
  • Median Starting Salary: $110,898
  • Locations: Anchorage (AK)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), which is a medium-sized, public university, offers an MSN with four possible concentrations. Students in the clinical practice track can specialize as an FNP or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), while students in the leadership track can focus on either nursing education or administration. Most students need two to three years to complete the graduation requirements, which include on-site clinical hours as well as several short courses held on the Anchorage campus.

UAA's online MSN includes both synchronous and asynchronous courses delivered via the Blackboard platform. Student resources include academic advising and career preparation services.

#17 West Coast University

  • Salary Score: 70
  • Median Starting Salary: $110,302
  • Locations: Multiple Locations
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

West Coast University (WCU) is a private, for-profit institution offering an online RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner through its California and Texas campuses. While most coursework is completed online, some in-person campus work is required to graduate. Students must complete 135 credits. They may choose from an accelerated program, which takes approximately three years to complete, or a working professional-paced program that takes about four years. Additionally, WCU offers an online MSN - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and an online MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner.

Blackboard is WCU’s learning management system for online program delivery. Online RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner courses include Ethics in Healthcare, Public Health Nursing, Advanced Clinical Concepts, Pathophysiology, and Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations. Two culminating experience courses are also required.

#18 Gonzaga University

  • Salary Score: 68
  • Median Starting Salary: $109,524
  • Locations: Spokane (WA)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

Washington’s Gonzaga University (GU) is a private, Catholic institution near Spokane offering an online MSN with Nursing Leadership in Healthcare (NLH), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) tracks. GU also offers an online RN to MSN program. Each track requires 30-47 credits, taking students between three and four years to complete on average. While coursework is primarily online, tracks may require an on-campus immersion at some time during the program.

GU uses Canvas and Blackboard for online coursework and instruction delivery. Depending on the track, MSN distance learners participate in classes such as Clinical Prevention for Diverse Populations, Leadership and Human Potential, Theoretical Foundations for Healthcare Improvement, and Psychopharmacology. Students also need to complete a practicum to earn their online master's in nursing.

#19 Wilkes University

  • Salary Score: 64
  • Median Starting Salary: $106,744
  • Locations: Wilkes-Barre (PA)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Wilkes University (WU) in Pennsylvania is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) to MSN - Nurse Practitioner with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, and Psychiatric/Mental Health based on career goals. This online degree does not grant a BSN. Based on the concentration, graduating requires completing 51 to 54 credits and a practicum, taking full-time students three to four years. An academic advisor can help determine if more credits are required.

WU’s distance learners access D2L to participate in class and receive instruction. Those enrolled in the online RN to MSN program may take courses such as Psychopathology, Theories and Advanced Clinical Modalities, Diagnostic Reasoning for Nurse Practitioners, and The Work of Nursing Leaders in Healthcare.

#20 University of Connecticut

  • Salary Score: 63
  • Median Starting Salary: $106,347
  • Locations: Storrs (CT)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

Considered a “Public Ivy” because of its prestige and high-quality educational programming, the University of Connecticut (UConn) is a public institution offering an online MSN - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) for experienced neonatal nurses interested in career advancement. Students complete most coursework online except for two on-campus visits required during the program to facilitate simulation experiences. Graduating requires completing 44 credits, generally taking full-time students two years.

UConn uses Blackboard to deliver its online coursework and instruction to distance learners. Online MSN-NNP courses include Nursing Science and Patterns of Knowing, Statistical Methods in Nursing, Evidence-Based Practice to Advance Clinical Scholarship, and Health Policy and Populations-Based Advocacy for The Scholarship of Application.

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MSN Program Overview

An MSN is a postgraduate degree program that helps students with a strong professional or academic background in nursing to broaden their knowledge of the field and advance their careers. RNs usually undertake this level of education with some years of work experience already under their belt. In general, individuals with field experience and a bachelor's degree already have the prerequisite knowledge to pursue further education.

An MSN degree program focuses on developing leadership and research skills to prepare students for advanced positions in the workplace and higher levels of responsibility. Master's programs offer courses in topics such as advanced biochemistry, pharmacology, and medical equipment operation. Coursework also covers management skills and healthcare policy.

What Are the Requirements for Online MSN Programs?

Although it depends on the type of nursing program, most online MSN programs have the same requirements: a college degree in the nursing field, an RN license, and work experience. Some programs also require an interview, letters of recommendation, and a statistics course. Check the admission requirements of the programs you're interested in to learn their specific criteria.

Three Types of MSN Degrees

There are three primary kinds of master's degrees in nursing for aspiring students to consider: (1) RN to MSN programs, (2) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to MSN programs, and (3) direct-entry MSN programs.

1

Online RN to MSN programs are the most common degrees because they are designed for individuals who are already RNs but would like to further their knowledge in the field. Applicants need to hold a valid RN license and have — at least — an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma. In many cases, RN to MSN programs also confer a BSN upon students once they complete the undergraduate portion of the coursework. These programs allow students to accelerate the process of earning their BSN and MSN degrees, as compared to enrolling in separate BSN and MSN programs. Online RN to MSN programs may take approximately two years of study.

2

Online BSN to MSN programs are geared toward students who already have an accredited bachelor's degree in nursing. Applicants must have a valid RN license in addition to their BSN, and they often need to have experience working as a nurse to be eligible. Aspiring nursing master's students with a BSN will want to look for this type of online MSN program.

3

Online direct-entry MSN programs are designed for students who already have an accredited bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. These degree programs enable students to fast-track their nursing careers by allowing them to skip the process of earning a BSN before enrolling in a graduate nursing program. Direct-entry programs are not intended for students with an RN license or a BSN.

What Will I Learn in a Nursing Master's Program?

Administrators design MSN programs to prepare students to practice nursing standards of care and the six domains of healthcare quality: safety, effectiveness, patient-centered care, timeliness, efficiency, and equitability. Program curricula contain lessons on pharmacology, advanced practice roles, diagnosis, case management, epidemiology and statistics principles, professional ethics, and nursing informatics.

Most MSN programs also include courses on nursing specializations such as critical care, medical-surgical nursing, public health, gerontology, and mental health. Pursuing a master's degree in nursing may help you gain knowledge and experience in a more specific area of nursing, opening up opportunities to explore more job options and achieve higher pay.



Pursuing a master's degree in nursing may help you gain knowledge and experience in a more specific area of nursing, opening up opportunities to explore more job options and achieve higher pay.

What Can You Do With an MSN?

Several career paths may open once you've earned your MSN degree. For example, you might qualify for one of the APRN specialties or for a position as a nursing consultant, research nurse, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse administrator.

If you're interested in community education, you might consider public health nursing. These nurses advocate for community-led health education programs. They visit medical centers and work within the community to provide healthcare. Another job option for MSN graduates may involve research and clinical trials. For example, clinical research nurses aid doctors during studies and trials by finding participants, analyzing data, and synthesizing results into formal reports.

You may also pursue administrative and management roles. Nursing directors, for example, run the nursing departments at hospitals, medical centers, and other healthcare facilities. They lead teams of nurses and coordinate between departments to provide the best care possible for their patients.

If you're interested in a specific area of medicine, it's also possible to specialize in a field like oncology, pediatrics, or orthopedics.

Do you already know your career goals? Check out our articles about how to become a neonatal nurse, pediatric nurse, or nurse anesthetist.

How Much Does an Online MSN Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, $19,749 was the average cost for tuition and fees for a graduate degree in the 2020-2021 school year. However, tuition and fees can vary widely by school, and public colleges are generally more affordable than private ones if you qualify for in-state tuition. To help offset expenses,it's helpful to thoroughly research available financial aid options and apply for any available funds.

Financial Aid for Online MSN Programs

Several organizations provide financial aid for online MSN programs. For example, the Oncology Nursing Foundation offers awards, grants, and scholarships specifically for MSN students each year. The Health Resources and Services Administration also offers a monthly stipend for tuition, fees, and learning supplies. 

Some organizations, like Johnson & Johnson, assist students in finding financial aid programs that provide tuition reimbursement and other forms of financial assistance.

Read our financial aid guide to learn how to apply for and obtain financial assistance.

Is Getting an MSN Worth It?

An MSN is a hefty investment of time and money, but it could lead to a well-paid, relatively stable nursing career that many people find satisfying and fulfilling. You might consider furthering your education with an online MSN degree if you enjoy helping and supporting people during trying times.

In the past few years, the field of healthcare has been pushed to the limit. As a result, nurses are in high demand, especially RNs, travel nurses, and those with MSNs who have specialized knowledge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job field for specialized nurses — such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives — is projected to grow by 40% through 2031.

These occupations have a collective annual median salary of $123,780, which is much more than double the median pay for all U.S. jobs combined. 

But there are a few possible cons to consider. Nurses work in high-risk environments, spending a lot of their time around people with illnesses. The same compassion that provides satisfaction and fulfillment may lead to emotional exhaustion. It can be difficult to provide for others in distress so often. Nurses and healthcare workers are also at higher risk for injuries. Registered nurses take a median of 12 days off each year due to injury.

In addition, an MSN may not be sufficient to earn a job as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a nurse practitioner. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has hoped to make the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree a requirement to become a nurse practitioner for years. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates with DNPs. Talk to admissions officers and faculty at schools you're considering to get their insights into the future of nursing.

FAQs About Online MSN Programs

Can You Get an MSN Without Being an RN?


Some programs are available for prospective students who are not already RNs. Some programs also have BSN-to-MSN programs that prepare students to take the board exam and become registered before continuing their education.

Can You Get an MSN Without a BSN?


Some online MSN programs do not require a BSN. Instead, these programs accept undergraduate degrees in health-related fields. You might also choose an RN-to-MSN program, which only requires an RN license but grants a BSN along the way to the MSN.

Can You Get an MSN Online?


Many universities offer online MSN programs. However, some in-person requirements may be part of an online program, so it's important to check with your school. You'll always need to complete clinical experiences in person.

Are Online MSN Programs Respected?


Yes, online MSN programs are as well-respected as traditional, on-campus programs. As long as a program is accredited and approved by the state board, it may be as legitimate and respected as an in-person program.

MSN Program Overview

An MSN is a postgraduate degree program that helps students with a strong professional or academic background in nursing to broaden their knowledge of the field and advance their careers. RNs usually undertake this level of education with some years of work experience already under their belt. In general, individuals with field experience and a bachelor's degree already have the prerequisite knowledge to pursue further education.

An MSN degree program focuses on developing leadership and research skills to prepare students for advanced positions in the workplace and higher levels of responsibility. Master's programs offer courses in topics such as advanced biochemistry, pharmacology, and medical equipment operation. Coursework also covers management skills and healthcare policy.

What Are the Requirements for Online MSN Programs?

Although it depends on the type of nursing program, most online MSN programs have the same requirements: a college degree in the nursing field, an RN license, and work experience. Some programs also require an interview, letters of recommendation, and a statistics course. Check the admission requirements of the programs you're interested in to learn their specific criteria.

Three Types of MSN Degrees

There are three primary kinds of master's degrees in nursing for aspiring students to consider: (1) RN to MSN programs, (2) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to MSN programs, and (3) direct-entry MSN programs.

1

Online RN to MSN programs are the most common degrees because they are designed for individuals who are already RNs but would like to further their knowledge in the field. Applicants need to hold a valid RN license and have — at least — an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma. In many cases, RN to MSN programs also confer a BSN upon students once they complete the undergraduate portion of the coursework. These programs allow students to accelerate the process of earning their BSN and MSN degrees, as compared to enrolling in separate BSN and MSN programs. Online RN to MSN programs may take approximately two years of study.

2

Online BSN to MSN programs are geared toward students who already have an accredited bachelor's degree in nursing. Applicants must have a valid RN license in addition to their BSN, and they often need to have experience working as a nurse to be eligible. Aspiring nursing master's students with a BSN will want to look for this type of online MSN program.

3

Online direct-entry MSN programs are designed for students who already have an accredited bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. These degree programs enable students to fast-track their nursing careers by allowing them to skip the process of earning a BSN before enrolling in a graduate nursing program. Direct-entry programs are not intended for students with an RN license or a BSN.

What Will I Learn in a Nursing Master's Program?

Administrators design MSN programs to prepare students to practice nursing standards of care and the six domains of healthcare quality: safety, effectiveness, patient-centered care, timeliness, efficiency, and equitability. Program curricula contain lessons on pharmacology, advanced practice roles, diagnosis, case management, epidemiology and statistics principles, professional ethics, and nursing informatics.

Most MSN programs also include courses on nursing specializations such as critical care, medical-surgical nursing, public health, gerontology, and mental health. Pursuing a master's degree in nursing may help you gain knowledge and experience in a more specific area of nursing, opening up opportunities to explore more job options and achieve higher pay.



Pursuing a master's degree in nursing may help you gain knowledge and experience in a more specific area of nursing, opening up opportunities to explore more job options and achieve higher pay.

What Can You Do With an MSN?

Several career paths may open once you've earned your MSN degree. For example, you might qualify for one of the APRN specialties or for a position as a nursing consultant, research nurse, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse administrator.

If you're interested in community education, you might consider public health nursing. These nurses advocate for community-led health education programs. They visit medical centers and work within the community to provide healthcare. Another job option for MSN graduates may involve research and clinical trials. For example, clinical research nurses aid doctors during studies and trials by finding participants, analyzing data, and synthesizing results into formal reports.

You may also pursue administrative and management roles. Nursing directors, for example, run the nursing departments at hospitals, medical centers, and other healthcare facilities. They lead teams of nurses and coordinate between departments to provide the best care possible for their patients.

If you're interested in a specific area of medicine, it's also possible to specialize in a field like oncology, pediatrics, or orthopedics.

Do you already know your career goals? Check out our articles about how to become a neonatal nurse, pediatric nurse, or nurse anesthetist.

How Much Does an Online MSN Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, $19,749 was the average cost for tuition and fees for a graduate degree in the 2020-2021 school year. However, tuition and fees can vary widely by school, and public colleges are generally more affordable than private ones if you qualify for in-state tuition. To help offset expenses,it's helpful to thoroughly research available financial aid options and apply for any available funds.

Financial Aid for Online MSN Programs

Several organizations provide financial aid for online MSN programs. For example, the Oncology Nursing Foundation offers awards, grants, and scholarships specifically for MSN students each year. The Health Resources and Services Administration also offers a monthly stipend for tuition, fees, and learning supplies. 

Some organizations, like Johnson & Johnson, assist students in finding financial aid programs that provide tuition reimbursement and other forms of financial assistance.

Read our financial aid guide to learn how to apply for and obtain financial assistance.

Is Getting an MSN Worth It?

An MSN is a hefty investment of time and money, but it could lead to a well-paid, relatively stable nursing career that many people find satisfying and fulfilling. You might consider furthering your education with an online MSN degree if you enjoy helping and supporting people during trying times.

In the past few years, the field of healthcare has been pushed to the limit. As a result, nurses are in high demand, especially RNs, travel nurses, and those with MSNs who have specialized knowledge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job field for specialized nurses — such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives — is projected to grow by 40% through 2031.

These occupations have a collective annual median salary of $123,780, which is much more than double the median pay for all U.S. jobs combined. 

But there are a few possible cons to consider. Nurses work in high-risk environments, spending a lot of their time around people with illnesses. The same compassion that provides satisfaction and fulfillment may lead to emotional exhaustion. It can be difficult to provide for others in distress so often. Nurses and healthcare workers are also at higher risk for injuries. Registered nurses take a median of 12 days off each year due to injury.

In addition, an MSN may not be sufficient to earn a job as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a nurse practitioner. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has hoped to make the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree a requirement to become a nurse practitioner for years. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates with DNPs. Talk to admissions officers and faculty at schools you're considering to get their insights into the future of nursing.

FAQs About Online MSN Programs

Can You Get an MSN Without Being an RN?


Some programs are available for prospective students who are not already RNs. Some programs also have BSN-to-MSN programs that prepare students to take the board exam and become registered before continuing their education.

Can You Get an MSN Without a BSN?


Some online MSN programs do not require a BSN. Instead, these programs accept undergraduate degrees in health-related fields. You might also choose an RN-to-MSN program, which only requires an RN license but grants a BSN along the way to the MSN.

Can You Get an MSN Online?


Many universities offer online MSN programs. However, some in-person requirements may be part of an online program, so it's important to check with your school. You'll always need to complete clinical experiences in person.

Are Online MSN Programs Respected?


Yes, online MSN programs are as well-respected as traditional, on-campus programs. As long as a program is accredited and approved by the state board, it may be as legitimate and respected as an in-person program.

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