Online MSN Programs
As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners in 2021 is over $117,670, which is well above the median salary of registered nurses (i.e., $70,000). According to the BLS, advanced nursing positions are expected to grow by a staggering 31% between 2016 and 2026.
As the population ages in the U.S., the need for preventative care and other healthcare services continues to increase, ensuring ample employment opportunities for professionals working in the nursing field.
Best Online MSN Programs
Nurses holding a master’s degree may have the option of choosing one of several specializations, such as pediatric health, geriatric health, or mental health. By earning an MSN online, professional nurses can enhance their career prospects and significantly increase their earning potential.
Top 35 Online MSN Programs In 2021
1. University of San Francisco – School of Nursing and Health Professions
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares registered nurses (RNs) already holding an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to advance within the field by gaining the experience necessary to establish and manage patient care plans, and to advocate for best practices within the healthcare environment. If you’re looking for scholarships than check out our resource, where we have compiled a list of 100+ scholarships for nursing students.
Duration
2 years
Tuition
$1,480
Study Type
Campus & Online
Program: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Pace: Full-time
Location: Pleasanton, USA
2. Graceland University – Independence Campus
Our online master’s degree programs are specifically designed to allow working RNs to pursue master’s degrees in nursing by taking online cohort courses, attending 2-days of on-campus focus sessions, and completing preceptor-guided practicum experiences in the student’s local area.
Duration
24 – 32 months
Tuition
$830
Study Type
Online
Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Online
Pace: Full-time, Part-time
Location: Independence, USA
3. California Southern University
CalSouthern University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online degree is perfect for nurses wanting to advance in their profession, but who need the flexibility of an online curriculum because of their busy schedules.
Duration
2 years
Tuition
$545
Study Type
Online
Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Pace: Full-time
Location: Costa Mesa, USA
4. Dignity Health Global Education in collaboration with DePaul University
The RN to MS in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner (BS Entry), offered in collaboration with DePaul University and their College of Science and Health School of Nursing, is an online Master of Science (MS) in Nursing with a family nurse practitioner (FNP) concentration for registered nurses (RNs) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Duration
3 years
Tuition
$51,450
Study Type
Online
Program: RN to MS in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner (BS Entry)
Pace: Full-time
Location: Chicago, USA
5. A.T. Still University, College of Graduate Health Studies
Nursing’s been stretched to its limits. Teams of dedicated individuals work with speed and passion around the clock to heal and help those in need.
Duration
50 – 100 weeks
Tuition
$800
Study Type
Online
In order to keep the profession moving forward, we need strong leaders with tenacity, who strive for innovation and see the individual as a whole rather than just another patient.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing Degree Online
Pace: Full-time, Part-time
Location: Kirksville, USA
6. Utica College Online
The online Master of Science in Nursing (online MSN) program at Utica College provides a quick and convenient way to earn your advanced nursing degree online.
Duration
16 – 20 months
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Three specializations are available: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nursing Leadership, and Nurse Educator.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Pace: Part-time
Location: Utica, USA
7. Queens University of Charlotte Online
The CCNE-accredited* Queens University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree prepares you to be a collaborative nursing leader within interdisciplinary teams to improve healthcare.
Duration
2 years
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Designed by working nurses for working nurses, you will gain advanced knowledge of research, informatics, theory, and health policy before focusing on specialized coursework that will help you advance in your career.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Pace: Part-time
Location: Charlotte, USA
8. South University
The importance of implementing industry-leading technology and informatics solutions in the modern healthcare setting cannot be overstated.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Nursing leaders will need to arm themselves with the skills and information required to contribute to a successful healthcare setting in order to achieve the most efficient and highest-quality outcomes. Our online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a Nursing specialization
Program: Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics
Pace: Full-time
Location: Savannah, USA
9. Seton Hall University Online
In online programs such as our Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, we provide you with an intellectually challenging environment, real-world experiences, and a culture of optimism that inspires great minds.
Duration
36 – 48 months
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Program: Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care
Pace: Part-time
Location: South Orange, USA
10. Benedictine University Online
Obtaining your Dual MSN/MBA from Benedictine University will equip you to act as an effective advisor to health care staff and entire organizations during inevitable but unpredictable changes.
Duration
3 years
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Program: Dual Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MSN/MBA)
Pace: Part-time
Location: Lisle, USA
11. George Mason University Online
The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program at George Mason University provides interprofessional training across health care disciplines.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Pace: Part-time
Location: Fairfax, USA
12. Sacred Heart University Online
With a sought-after credential, you can advance to a leadership position. Clinical Nurse Leadership, Nursing Management & Executive Leadership, Nursing Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner are the four specializations available.
Duration
3 years
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Program: MSN – Clinical Nurse Leader Specialization
Pace: Full-time
Location: Fairfield, USA
13. University of West Florida Online
University of West Florida’s online Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN program is CCNE-accredited and provides the knowledge and skills necessary to advance into high-demand nursing roles.
Duration
30 months
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
The accelerated program can be completed within 30 months and prepares students for the national certification exam.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Pace: Full-time
Location: Pensacola, USA
14. American National University
With your experience, you have transformed the lives of your patients – now it’s time to transform the future of healthcare with your expertise.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Nurses represent the largest segment of U.S. healthcare workers with over three million members. Nurses are in a unique position to influence the direction and future of the healthcare system.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Pace: Part-time
Location: USA Online, USA
15. Cabarrus College Of Health Sciences
The theme of the MSN program is Discovery of Self, Transformation of Others, and Innovation of Systems.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online
The MSN program consists of two tracks: Leadership and Clinical Research. Both tracks share seven core courses that give a solid foundation for graduate-level education. The nurse must be a registered nurse who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Program: Nursing – Master of Science
Pace: Full-time, Part-time
Location: Concord, USA
16. Utica College Online
Utica College offers an online MS in Nursing Leadership (NL).
Duration
16 – 20 months
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Program: Master of Science in Nursing Leadership, Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Pace: Part-time
Location: Utica, USA
17. Queens University of Charlotte Online
The Clinical Nurse Leader track of Queens University of Charlotte’s online MSN program will transform you into a healthcare leader so that you can ensure both your patients and your team have optimal results.
Duration
2 years
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Program: Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader, Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Administrator
Pace: Part-time
Location: Charlotte, USA
18. South University
At the heart of this profession is the development of relationships with families.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Campus & Online
Their Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization degree program is designed to prepare you with cutting-edge healthcare and professional standards to treat patients and families throughout their lifespan. They place a high value on health promotion and positive health behaviors for all.
Program: Masters of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Pace: Full-time
Location: Savannah, USA, Tampa, USA, West Palm Beach, USA, Montgomery, USA, Columbia, USA, Orlando, USA, Virginia Beach, USA, Richmond, USA, Austin, USA, Savannah, USA, High Point, USA
19. Seton Hall University Online
In online programs such as our Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, we provide you with an intellectually challenging environment, real-world experiences, and a culture of optimism that inspires great minds.
Duration
36 – 48 months
Tuition
Request Info
Study Type
Online
Program: Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
Pace: Part-time
Location: South Orange, USA
20. Benedictine University Online
The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program trains registered nurses to be effective and ethical leaders, professionals, and health educators in the rapidly changing healthcare industry.
Duration
2 years
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Pace: Part-time
Location: Lisle , USA
21. Sacred Heart University Online
With a sought-after credential, move up to a leadership position.
Duration
3 years
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
The program offers four specializations: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Management and Executive Leadership, Nurse Education, and Family Nurse Practitioner.
Program: MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Pace: Full-time
Location: Fairfield, USA
22. Sacred Heart University Online
Accelerate your path to leadership with a sought-after credential.
Duration
2 – 4 years
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
The program offers three specialities: Clinical Nurse Leadership, Nurse Management & Executive Leadership, and Nurse Education.
Program: RN-BSN-MSN – Clinical Nursing Leader
Pace: Full-time
Location: Fairfield, USA
23. University of West Florida
Students enrolled in the University of West Florida’s online Nurse Executive MSN program are prepared to pursue executive positions in areas such as case management, nursing informatics, quality improvement, and more.
Duration
24 months
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Their CCNE-accredited program establishes a solid foundation for leadership in just 24 months of consecutive study.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Executive
Pace: Full-time
Location: Pensacola, USA
24. University of West Florida Online
University of West Florida’s accelerated online RN to MSN program gives students up to 92 transfer credits, meaning they can complete a BSN (Registered Nurse) and MSN (Master’s of Science in Nursing) in less than four years.
Duration
3 – 4 years
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
This CCNE-accredited program is designed for nurses who have completed a nursing program and are ready to take advanced coursework.
Program: RN to MSN
Pace: Full-time
Location: Pensacola, USA
25. Cox College AKA Cox Health
Our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program will help you become a leading professional nurse who directs the educational process and provides clinical support.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online & Campus Combined
Programs like this are designed to be stimulating and challenging. You will learn how to engage in evidence-based practice and inspire and manage change to better your patients and community.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Pace: Full-time
Location: Springfield, USA
26. University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing, or MS(N) programs, prepares nurses who have received either post-baccalaureate or postgraduate degrees to teach, lead, and treat patients.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Following the completion of the Master of Science degree, students may transition into the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Program: MS in Nursing
Location: Columbia, USA
27. University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing
The Clinical Nurse Leader concentration improves healthcare delivery by teaching advanced knowledge and skills required to provide comprehensive, life-span nursing care to individuals, families, and groups.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online
The online MS-CNL concentration trains nurse leaders to be Advanced Education Nurse Generalists who plan, promote, manage, and coordinate health promotion and risk reduction initiatives.
Program: MS in Clinical Nurse Leader
Location: Amherst, USA
28. D’Youville College School of Nursing
A family nurse practitioner helps families by caring for their healthcare needs, including primary care and specialty care.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online & Campus Combined
Program: Master in Family Nurse Practitioner
Location: Buffalo, USA
29. Nightingale College
The Master of Science in Nursing for Educators (MSN Ed) Program is designed for associate and bachelor degree nurses who want to teach the next generation of Nightingale associate and bachelor degree nurses.
Duration
0 – 20 months
Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Graduates are also prepared to work in a variety of other settings, including hospitals, community organizations, schools, industry, and businesses.
Program: MSN ED PROGRAM
Location: Salt Lake City, USA
30. California State University, Northridge Tseng College
This master’s program prepares you for advanced practice as a nurse educator.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Location: Los Angeles, USA
31. Eagle Gate College
With a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, you’ll be equipped with the skills, advanced training, and certifications necessary to excel in nursing education, administration, and quality management.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online
Program: MS in Nursing
Location: Murray, USA
32. Galen College of Nursing
Galen’s Online MSN in Nursing and Healthcare Leadership option was developed in collaboration with HCA Healthcare leaders and Galen’s academic and subject matter experts.
Duration
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Tuition
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Study Type
Online
The partnership is a crucial step toward bridging the gap between education and practice.
Program: MS in Nursing and Healthcare Leadership
Location: Louisville, USA
What Are the Goals of Nursing?
The Nursing field is a career that helps people who need nursing care. It might be because of physical or mental problems, surgery or any other kind of treatments. Nurses are found in hospitals, clinics and even home care settings helping patients complete their treatment plan. Aside from providing medical care, nurses monitor patients’ levels of pain, pulse, blood pressure and temperature.
A master’s degree in nursing supplements previous education and experience by teaching new skills applicable to various fields of nursing. A master’s degree is required for many advanced nursing positions, including those as a nurse practitioner or nurse midwife. Also, check out top 50 affordable RN to MSN online programs here.
Career and Salary Outlook for Nursing Majors
Completing an online master’s degree in nursing program allows registered nurses to advance in their careers. However, depending on the specialization chosen by students, potential job openings for MSN graduates vary significantly. Fortunately, the BLS predicts that many graduate-level nursing jobs will experience rapid job growth between 2019 and 2029. Keep in mind that no level of education guarantees either a specific position or a specific salary in nursing.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioner | $115,800 | 45% |
| Health Educator and Community Health Worker | $46,910 | 13% |
| Registered Nurse | $73,300 | 7% |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $100,980 | 32% |
FAQs about Masters of Science in Nursing
What types of master’s degrees in nursing are there?
Students pursuing an MSN online can specialize in leadership, education, or administration. They can also train to be a nurse practitioner, midwife, or anesthetist.
What can you do with a master’s in nursing?
A master’s degree in nursing leads to advanced nursing careers. Those who earn an MSN are rewarded with higher-paying jobs in specialized fields.
How long does it take to get a master’s in nursing?
A full-time nurse can complete an online MSN in one year, though many nursing students must complete clinicals, which adds another year or two to their studies.
What is the highest paying job in the nursing field?
BLS data indicates that median nurse anesthetists earn $174,790. However, some nurse anesthetists earn even more.