Master's in Nursing in United States
The United States offers 25 Master's programmes in Nursing across 12 universities, providing pathways to advanced nursing practice, nurse education, and nurse administration. Institutions in this listing include California Baptist University, Stevenson University, Monroe College, West Virginia Wesleyan College, ECPI University, and National Park College. Tuition details are not available in this dataset; prospective students should contact each university for current graduate tuition rates.
A Master's in Nursing in the US commonly leads to roles such as Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Educator. Programmes typically require applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a current RN licence. Many programmes are offered in online or hybrid formats, increasing accessibility for working nurses. International applicants will need to meet US nursing licensing requirements in addition to the standard visa and English language documentation.
Advanced Practice Nursing Specialties
Associate of Science in Nursing
College of Nursing
The California Baptist University (CBU) College of Nursing is dedicated to preparing competent, responsible, caring, and professional nurses grounded in a biblical worldview. The program emphasizes serving others and upholding human dignity. CBU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN to BSN, and various Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) specializations, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). CBU is the first university in Riverside County to offer degrees in nursing at the bachelor's level and above, and its graduates are highly sought after by healthcare providers.
Dual Degree – MSN in Forensics and MS in Criminal Justice
Advance your career with Xavier University's unique online dual degree program, offering both an MSN in Forensics and an MS in Criminal Justice. This program is designed for professionals aiming to integrate healthcare and criminal justice expertise, focusing on areas like forensic nursing, victim advocacy, and mental health within the legal system. It provides a specialized interdisciplinary education, preparing you for advanced roles at the intersection of these two critical fields. The program does not require GRE scores.
Entry-Level Nursing, MSN
The Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (EL MSN) program at California Baptist University is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing and wish to transition into a career in nursing. If you have completed all prerequisite courses, you can apply directly to this program. If you have not yet completed the prerequisites, you may first enroll in the Graduate Pre-Nursing program at CBU. This program prepares you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse, after which you will complete post-licensure coursework to earn your Master of Science in Nursing.
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration is designed for registered nurses who want to advance their careers and take on a more comprehensive patient care role. This program equips students with the skills to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and perform physical examinations for patients across all age groups. Graduates will be prepared to provide primary care and specialty nursing services in various healthcare settings.
Graduate Nursing Programs
West Virginia Wesleyan College's School of Nursing offers advanced graduate programs designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles and specialized practice. These programs emphasize developing future nurse leaders to drive healthcare reform and advocate for patient needs. Offered through a combination of online coursework and limited on-campus residencies, the programs aim to be flexible for working professionals. Practicum experiences are arranged in students' local communities. Admission is competitive and requires maintaining a 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license.
Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the College of Mount Saint Vincent is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and research methodologies to prepare graduates for leadership roles in healthcare. Students have the option to specialize as a Family Nurse Practitioner, equipping them with the skills needed for advanced practice. This program emphasizes critical thinking and scholarly inquiry, providing a strong foundation for further doctoral studies in nursing if desired. Graduates will be prepared to implement the latest advancements in nursing practice and contribute significantly to improving healthcare, health policy, and the nursing profession as a whole.
Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration at West Virginia Wesleyan College prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive primary healthcare. FNPs are equipped to diagnose and manage both acute and chronic health conditions, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. This program emphasizes autonomous practice and collaboration within healthcare teams. The curriculum is delivered through a combination of online and hybrid learning methods, with required short on-campus residencies. Practicum experiences are arranged in the student's home community. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination as Family Nurse Practitioners.
Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
This Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, focuses on preparing advanced practice nurses. You will develop expertise in the advanced assessment, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based management of both acute and chronic health conditions. The curriculum is designed to equip you to provide patient-centered care in outpatient and community settings, and to prepare you for national certification as a Nurse Practitioner. The program is delivered entirely online, offering flexibility for working professionals while maintaining the same rigorous academic standards and personalized faculty mentorship as on-campus programs.
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) Track
The online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) track at Xavier University equips you to become a skilled leader in healthcare. This program prepares you to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to patients of all ages, from infancy through old age. You will gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary for advanced primary care, focusing on health promotion and holistic disease management. The curriculum is delivered entirely online, offering flexibility for working professionals.
Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PHMNP) Track
This online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), is designed for BSN-prepared nurses seeking to become board-certified PMHNPs. The program aims to equip you with the skills to provide comprehensive psychiatric care across all age groups, aligning with Xavier University's commitment to service and Jesuit values. You will gain advanced expertise to diagnose, treat, and manage psychiatric disorders, emphasizing holistic and patient-centered care.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at California Southern University is designed to advance your ability to provide sophisticated, evidence-based nursing care ethically within diverse socioeconomic and cultural contexts. The program emphasizes effective oral and written communication, enabling you to analyze, synthesize, and apply knowledge across various healthcare settings. Through a culminating capstone project, you will integrate your learning into a practical experience. You can choose to specialize as a nurse executive leader or a nurse educator in healthcare administration. While this program is not designed to meet specific professional licensure requirements in all states, it does fulfill the requirements for Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification in California.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at California State University Channel Islands prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver primary and acute care services to diverse populations. The program is built on the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing Standards and equips students for doctoral-level study. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track aligns with national competencies to prepare graduates for certification exams. The Nurse Educator track is currently paused for admissions.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
California Baptist University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education and careers. The program offers different pathways depending on your prior academic qualifications and nursing license. Students can choose between the Entry-Level MSN, ADN to MSN, or BSN to MSN tracks.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Entry-Level
The Graduate Pre-Nursing program at California Baptist University (CBU) is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. This program provides the essential prerequisite coursework needed to become eligible for admission into CBU's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. It serves as a pathway for students to transition into a nursing career by completing the required foundational studies at CBU.
Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN)
ECPI University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nursing Education, designed for individuals passionate about teaching and shaping the future of nursing. This accelerated 15-month program equips you with advanced knowledge and pedagogical skills to excel as a nursing educator in various academic and clinical settings. You will learn to develop and implement effective nursing curricula based on current evidence-based practices, and develop mentorship skills to guide and inspire future nurses in clinical practice, critical thinking, and professional growth.
Master's Degree in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Purdue University Northwest's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration prepares graduates to provide comprehensive primary care to patients across their lifespan. FNPs are increasingly vital in healthcare, managing common health issues and chronic illnesses. This program equips you with the skills to promote health, prevent disease, and educate patients, enabling you to work in diverse primary care settings. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and integrates clinical experience with preceptors to ensure you meet FNP practice competencies.
MSN-Online Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Purdue University Northwest offers specializations for Nurse Educators and Nurse Executives. This online program is designed to prepare graduates for advanced roles in nursing leadership and education. It builds upon existing undergraduate nursing knowledge, focusing on developing expertise in scientific inquiry, specialized practice, and leadership skills essential for advancing the nursing profession and improving patient care. The program emphasizes a student-centered learning environment within a diverse and inclusive context, grounded in evidence-based practice and promoting lifelong learning and professional development.
Nursing Leadership
Nursing, BSN to MSN
California Baptist University (CBU) offers a Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN) program designed for registered nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an active California RN license. This program aims to deepen your theoretical knowledge, preparing you for career advancement, healthcare leadership roles, and potential doctoral studies. You will develop, test, and evaluate nursing concepts while critically examining research and theories relevant to health issues and clinical practice.
Online Nurse Executive Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Purdue University Northwest offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nurse Executive. This program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance into leadership and management roles within healthcare. The curriculum focuses on developing real-world leadership skills, including healthcare budgeting, strategic financial decisions, partnership development, and policy-driven change. The program aims to prepare graduates for high-impact positions where they can influence decisions, strengthen teams, and improve patient outcomes.
Online RN to MS in Nursing
Stevenson University offers an online RN to MS in Nursing program designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This program allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The curriculum is structured around the busy schedules of working professionals, with courses primarily offered in 8-week online sessions. Graduates gain advanced skills and knowledge to progress in their nursing careers.
Post Master's in Nursing Certificate and Non-Certificate Programs
This program is designed for California-licensed registered nurses who already hold a master of science degree from a regionally accredited institution. You can choose from six post-master's nursing concentrations, leading to either a certificate or a non-certificate qualification. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing practice, grounded in a biblical worldview and evidence-based research. Graduates are prepared to analyze theory-guided practice, evaluate clinical prevention interventions, integrate evidence-based practice, utilize information technology, and demonstrate professional, competent, and responsible master’s-level nursing with effective leadership skills.
Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
This Post-Master’s certificate program is designed for nurses who have already earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and wish to gain the specific coursework and practical experience needed to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The program prepares graduates to provide primary care health services to a wide range of patient populations.
Purdue University Northwest College of Nursing
Purdue University Northwest's College of Nursing offers a range of rigorous programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the nursing profession. As a designated NLN Center of Nursing Excellence, the college is committed to high standards in faculty development, nursing education research, and student learning. Programs emphasize real-world experience, building the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a constantly evolving healthcare landscape.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Master's in Nursing cost in the United States?
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Tuition varies by programme — check each listing directly with the university for current graduate tuition rates.
Which universities offer a Master's in Nursing in the US?
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The 12 universities in this listing include California Baptist University, Stevenson University, Monroe College, West Virginia Wesleyan College, ECPI University, and National Park College.
Can international students apply for a nursing master's in the US?
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Yes, though international nurses must also navigate US state licensing requirements through NCLEX-RN and may need credential evaluation to verify their undergraduate nursing qualification.
What are typical entry requirements for a Master's in Nursing in the US?
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Most programmes require a BSN, an active RN licence, a minimum GPA (often 3.0), English language proficiency scores, and professional references.
How do I apply for a Master's in Nursing programme in the US?
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Apply through each university's graduate admissions portal; deadlines vary but many programmes offer rolling admissions, so early application is advisable.