Online MSN Programs in Georgia: Your Guide to Top Schools
Whether you’re already working as an RN or looking to switch to a healthcare career, an MSN can open the right doors. There are several types of online MSN programs in Georgia, and you need to know how to choose the right one for you. We break it all down in this guide, covering the best MSN programs in Georgia, admissions criteria, curriculum, career potential, and answers to your FAQs about getting an MSN.
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NursingNursing Ed.Inside Three Online MSN Programs in Georgia
Obtaining an MSN degree can be a lucrative and rewarding move since Georgia, ranked 49th in the U.S. for access to care, desperately needs healthcare providers. Whether you’re already an RN or working in another field, there’s a perfect-fit program for you.
There are many types of MSN pathways, including BSN to MSN programs, direct entry MSN programs for those with bachelor’s degrees in other areas, and less common options like RN to MSN bridge programs, dual master’s programs, and accelerated MSN programs.
Online programs bring classroom learning to you—and for many online students, the only in-person requirement for an MSN are hands-on clinical hours. In most cases, this experience can be gained at a healthcare facility conveniently located close to you.
Read this guide to find more information on the many MSN programs available in Georgia, including on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options.
Middle Georgia State University — Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing at Middle Georgia State University focuses on Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. In this 43-credit hour program, nurses learn to care for young adult to geriatric patients in a variety of acute and subacute care settings, including emergency rooms, intensive care units, trauma units, and in advanced diagnostic areas.
Features:
- All required courses are fully online, with two full-day on-campus intensives held each semester.
- Students gain 630 clinical practice hours at Navicent Healthcare or an approved Georgia-based healthcare facility of their choosing.
- After graduation, students are ready to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s AGACNP Certification exam.
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $261/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Three letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
- Professional resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA
- One year of RN nursing experience
- Unrestricted RN License in Georgia
- Grade of “C” or better in an undergraduate statistics course
- Grade of “C” or better in a 3000 or 4000-level physical/health assessment course
Curriculum:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Professional Concepts
- Advanced Health Assessment/Diagnostic Reasoning
- Advanced Pharmacology/Therapeutic Interventions
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care I
- Research and Evidence Based Practice
- Quality/Safety/Improvement Processes
- Leadership/Management & Healthcare Policy
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care II
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care II
- Project Management in Health Care
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Georgia Southwestern University — Master of Science in Nursing
At Georgia Southwestern University, Master of Science in Nursing students can choose from four distinct tracks of study according to their desired specialization:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership/Management
- Nursing Informatics
- Family Nurse Practitioner
All four programs are offered online. Nursing education, leadership, and informatics students follow the same core curriculum before entering specialty-specific courses, while FNP students follow a unique course of study.
Clinical requirements are arranged in the student’s location whenever possible. Students can graduate from the program in as little as two years; however, they have up to five years to complete the program.
Duration: Two to five years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $395/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Three recommendations from professional or clinical associates
- Current professional resume
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Immunization
Curriculum:
- Theory for Graduate Nursing Practice
- Research for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Principles of Education in Nursing
- Information Technology in Health Care
- Effective Teaching/Learning Strategies
- Evaluation of Learning
- Curriculum Development
- Scientific Underpinnings for the APN Role
- Health Assessment for APN
- Practicum I & II
Emory University — Master of Nursing Pathway to Master of Science in Nursing
Emory University’s Master of Nursing (MN) Pathway to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offers a fast-track path to advanced practice nursing for students with no nursing experience.
Features:
- The first 15 months are spent earning an on-campus MN, allowing students to become licensed RNs.
- The MSN portion of the program is online, training students to become licensed nurse practitioners.
- MSN students can choose from specialties in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care, and Women’s Health/Gender-Related Studies.
- New cohorts kick off yearly in the summer semester.
- To offset tuition costs, Emory offers generous scholarship and fellowship opportunities to well-qualified students.
Duration: Three years
Mode: Partially online
Cost: $2,017/hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Resume
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Curriculum:
- Physiology/Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice
- Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
- Art & Science of Nursing Practice
- Health Assessment and Physical Examination
- Foundations of Practice Practicum
- Adult and Geriatric Nursing
- Adult and Geriatric Practicum
- Mental Health Nursing
- Mental Health Practicum
- Evidence Based Practice for the Professional Nurse
- Professional Nursing: Issues and Trends
- Optimal Wellness Across the Lifespan
- Maternity and Reproductive Health Nursing
- Maternity Practicum
- Pediatric Nursing
- Pediatric Practicum
- Public Health Nursing
- Public Health Practicum
- Foundations Healthcare Quality and Safety
- Palliative Care
- Data Utilization for Nursing Practice
- Nursing in Complex Care Situations
- Transition to Nursing Practice
- Population Management and Care Transitions
- Care Transitions Practicum
- Professional Leadership & Policy Integration for Nursing Practice
Expert Insight
Online learning isn’t for everyone. As a prior online MSN student, take it from me – you’ll need to be highly self-motivated attending school online. Some professors may not check in as often as you’d like. And some programs may offer virtual lectures while others require you to learn the material through self-study. Be prepared for these possibilities!
FAQs from Future MSN Students in Georgia
Before you commit to one of Georgia’s online MSN programs, we’re sure you have plenty of questions: How much will it cost? How long will it take? What kind of jobs can you get after graduation? That’s why we’ve collected students’ most frequently asked questions, and answered them in detail below.
What Jobs Can You Get with an MSN from a Georgia School?
An MSN degree prepares graduates for an array of careers, with the most common roles including:
- Advanced practice registered nursing: nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists
- Management: nurse administrator
- Academia: nurse educator
- Specialized roles: forensic nurse, nurse researcher, and nurse informaticist
For nurses looking to become nurse anesthetists or those who simply want to obtain the highest post-graduate degree, an MSN can also lead to a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP).
Georgia has several schools offering specialized tracks, including Kennesaw State University’s Leadership in Nursing MSN and the Post-MSN Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Georgia Southern University.
How Long is an MSN Program in GA?
It takes about two years to earn an MSN in Georgia, but that timeline varies depending on several factors. A BSN to MSN program, for example, will generally be quicker than an RN to MSN program. If you enroll part-time, expect to spend four to five years in school, while an accelerated program might take 18-20 months.
In Brenau University’s MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program, for example, full-time students can finish in 20 months, while part-time hybrid students finish in about three years.
Expert Insight
There are plenty of options out there to make your schooling as quick or spread out as you’d like. Part-time programs are great for work/school-life balance, but they can take 3 – 5 years to finish. Also, self-paced programs may seem great, but you’ll miss out on having a cohort of classmates to go through each class with. Keep this in mind when choosing a program.
How Much Does an MSN Program in Georgia Cost?
Typical costs range from $303 at a public school like the University of North Georgia to $822/credit at a private university like Brenau University, but tuition can vary depending on several factors including:
- Type of school—public schools are generally more affordable than private schools
- Type of MSN program—direct entry vs. standard MSN vs. accelerated
- Program set up—online programs are generally less expensive than those on-campus
- Where you live—state resident vs. out-of-state
- How long it takes you to finish
- How much financial aid you’ve secured, such as MSN scholarships
In Georgia, what are the Admissions Requirements for MSN Programs?
Admission requirements vary depending on the school and program type. Some, like the dual degree MA in Bioethics from Emory University, are quite competitive, while others, like the Nursing MS program at Georgia State University, are less so.
Programs that assume prior nursing experience (e.g., BSN to MSN and RN to MSN) may also require evidence of an active nursing license. However, a program meant for students with no prior nursing experience, like the Master of Nursing Pathway to Master of Science in Nursing at Emory University, may only require a bachelor’s degree.
Is There Financial Aid Available to Georgia MSN Students?
Yes, since nursing is such an in-demand profession in Georgia, there are online MSN degree programs that offer financial aid and a wealth of other financial resources available to MSN students. Two examples are Georgia Southern University‘s institutional scholarships and the Annie Lou Overton scholarship administered by the Georgia Nurses Association.
Available funding options for students attending an accredited nursing school include:
- Federal and state grants and loans
- Scholarships specific to nursing students
- State-specific nursing scholarships
You can also find potential funding through the resources in this nursing-based scholarship guide. If you’re ready to begin searching for funding, head to our general financial aid guide as well.
Types of MSN Programs in Georgia
There are several types of MSN programs available in Georgia, and deciding on the right for you will depend on your previous education, experience, and goals. RNs can apply for programs that take their degrees and experience into account, while those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees benefit from programs that include RN training.
Traditional MSN
The most traditional path is a BSN to MSN program. This route makes the most sense for students who already have BSNs and practical RN experience.
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct entry MSN programs are geared toward students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing. They assume no prior nursing experience.
Accelerated MSN
If you plan on enrolling in school full-time, possibly year-round, and want to finish as soon as possible, an accelerated MSN program may meet your needs.
RN to MSN Bridge
For RNs with associate degrees in nursing, the RN to MSN Bridge path might make the most sense. You’ll learn both BSN and MSN curriculum in one course of study. Though you’ll receive an MSN upon graduation, schools may or may not award you a BSN as well.
Dual Master’s
Dual master’s programs allow you to earn your MSN and another related master’s simultaneously, taking advantage of overlapping requirements to save you time and money.
Careers Info for MSN Grads in Georgia
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| Georgia | $99,920 | $126,060 | $163,970 |
| Albany, GA | $92,460 | $111,350 | $148,270 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $95,930 | $123,250 | $156,290 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $102,800 | $128,640 | $168,430 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $75,500 | $110,410 | $157,210 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $88,420 | $118,620 | $134,730 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $90,620 | $118,680 | $138,810 |
| Dalton, GA | $93,730 | $114,130 | $135,760 |
| Gainesville, GA | $96,390 | $127,100 | $175,260 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $100,440 | $109,170 | $132,810 |
| Rome, GA | $87,290 | $105,500 | $143,710 |
| Savannah, GA | $92,990 | $112,000 | $142,340 |
| Valdosta, GA | $83,680 | $113,380 | $130,130 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $92,370 | $114,750 | $153,700 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Georgia | 7,900 | 12,500 | 4,600 | 58.20% | 910 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online MSN Programs in Georgia
With so many strong online MSN programs available in Georgia, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. We’ve done some of the work for you so you can pick your program and apply with confidence.
Here are the best online MSN degrees in Georgia ranked according to several metrics, including the availability of online programs, tuition, and student-faculty ratio. If you would like more information about our ranking methodology, take a look at the “About the Rankings” pop-up below.
