Online MSN Programs in Texas: Reviewing Top Programs
The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies projects a shortage of 57,000 nurses by 2032, which means opportunity for those looking to enter the field. This EduMed guide provides a detailed review of the top online MSN programs in Texas, along with answers to student FAQs and detailed salary projections. Take your first steps toward a nursing career in Texas.
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NursingNursing Ed.Inside Popular Online MSN Programs in Texas
When it comes to pursuing an online MSN, consider your educational goals and schedule. Enrolling in an online or hybrid nursing program means doing most of your learning from home or any location with an internet connection.
Online and hybrid programs are either:
- Asynchronous: students watch recorded lectures and complete assignments at their own pace
- Synchronous: all students log on to a digital classroom at the same time and learn or complete work together
Because of the hands-on nature of MSN level nursing, you’ll still be required to complete clinical hours as an online student. These clinicals will be completed in-person at a local hospital or a nearby medical facility.
Ready to dive into real Texas MSN programs available online? Start with the three detailed profiles below.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
With campuses in Austin and Dallas, Texas, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers three specialties within its online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Nurse Executive.
Classes are delivered primarily online with asynchronous coursework, supported by virtual simulations, hands-on clinical lab experiences, and required practicum hours. Depending on the specialty, students complete 290 to 754 practicum hours.
Features:
- FNP program includes one required on-campus clinical intensive
- PMHNP program includes a required virtual clinical intensive
- Nurse Executive program offers optional on-campus immersions
Standout student support initiatives include practicum support, on-demand tutoring, mentorship, writing assistance, and individualized advising.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Duration:
- Family Nurse Practitioner: ~2.7–3.3 years, depending on pathway
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: ~3–3.7 years, depending on pathway
- Nurse Executive: ~2 years
Mode: Fully online coursework with required or optional immersions and supervised practicum experiences
Cost: Tuition varies by specialty and pathway; per-credit costs are determined by program track. See tuition here.
Admissions Requirements:
- A BSN from an accredited nursing program
- An active, unencumbered RN license in an approved state
- One year of full-time RN experience may be required for certain specialties
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities
- Professional resume or CV
- Essay outlining career goals, professional references, and an admissions interview
Curriculum:
- Nurse Executive pathway coursework includes topics such as organizational leadership, healthcare finance, and systems-based decision-making
- 36 credit hours
- 290 practicum contact hours
- Family Nurse Practitioner pathway coursework includes topics such as primary care across the lifespan, health assessment, and health informatics
- 50–59 credit hours, depending on pathway
- 754 practicum contact hours
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathway coursework includes mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, and therapeutic interventions
- 55–64 credit hours, depending on pathway
- 754 practicum contact hours
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
University of Texas at Arlington
For the most diverse array of specialty options for your online MSN program, you’ll want to consider University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). You’ll find a range of online MSN program specialties available, including:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Coursework is 100% online, though clinical hours are required. You’ll be asked to locate a preceptor that aligns with your program requirements, though the Graduate Nursing Department can provide assistance with clinical placement.
Duration: 19 to 36 months, depending on specialty
Mode: Online with in-person clinical hours
Cost: $17,510 to $30.084 program cost, depending on selected specialty
Admissions Requirements: Each program has its own admission requirements, though you’ll generally have to provide:
- Online application
- Transcripts
- Proof of experience
- Active RN licensure
Curriculum:
- Each program has its own specialized curriculum
- Visit your individual program page to view an overview and gain insights into coursework and practicum requirements
University of Texas at Tyler
The online MSN at UT Tyler combines online learning with 112.5 practicum hours that provide hands-on experience in the field of nursing education. Many MSN graduates at UT Tyler choose to pursue additional doctoral studies.
Features:
- Designed to let you earn your master’s degree while you continue working full time in your nursing position
- Offers 36 credits, preparing you to sit for national certification exams
- Prepares you to serve as a nurse educator for student nurses, practicing nurses, consumers, patients, and others
- Scholarships and financial aid are available for MSN students
Duration: 2 to 3 years
Mode: Online with in-person practicum hours
Cost: Tuition varies based on number of credits taken per semester, but a full-time load of nine online credits costs about $515 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for the last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate work
- Unencumbered RN license in the state in which you’ll perform your practicum
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities
- Professional resume or CV
- Three professional or academic letters of reference
Curriculum:
- Nursing education
- Curriculum development
- Evaluation in nursing education
- Nurse educator role strategies and practicum
FAQs About Texas MSN Programs
As you’re conducting your research for an online MSN program in Texas, you’ll likely find yourself accumulating a list of questions about programs, duration, cost, and more. If you’re interested in gaining insights based on some of the more common questions asked by students like you, keep reading.
What jobs can you get with an MSN from a Texas school?
Earning an MSN in Texas can prepare you for a wide range of positions, such as:
- Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles, including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists
- Management positions, like nurse administrators and chief nurse officers/nurse executives
- Specialty roles in nursing education, clinical research, forensic nursing, and nursing informatics
For instance, Abilene Christian University offers a nurse educator and administrator program that prepares students for a career in nurse education and management.
On the other hand, Midwestern State University offers a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) program, preparing students for a wide variety of career opportunities in outpatient and inpatient facilities.
Moreover, those who want to become nurse anesthetists or simply wish to continue their careers after earning an MSN may continue on to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP).
How long is an MSN program in Texas?
Earning an MSN in Texas takes around 18 months to two years if attending full-time, but the amount of time it takes depends on many factors, including the institution you wish to attend.
Keep in mind that if you are only attending school part-time, it may take up to three years. If you opt for an accelerated MSN degree, it can take around one year to 16 months. If you are interested in an RN to MSN degree, it can take around 36 months to complete.
How much does an MSN program in Texas cost?
You’ll find that programs range widely — at the low end for some of the most affordable MSN programs, you could find yourself spending about $8,000, while you’re also likely to find programs that total $25,000 or more.
But the amount of an MSN degree really depends on the institution, the type of program you choose, and the financial aid you secure. It also depends on whether you are a resident of the state in which the institution is located/based.
One of the many benefits of online programs is that they may be lower in cost because of savings such as no relocation costs and reduced costs associated with transportation. However, many online programs have a nominal technology fee.
In Texas, what are the admissions requirements for MSN programs?
First, to earn an MSN in Texas, you must have either:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) if you’re applying to a traditional MSN program
- A bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field for entry into a direct-entry MSN program
- An associate degree in nursing to be eligible for RN to MSN programs
Though each school is different, other general requirements include an RN license to practice in Texas and your chosen state of residence, a GPA of 3.0, letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV. Some schools also require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores and an interview.
Is there financial aid available to Texas MSN students?
Yes, financial aid is available to fund your MSN program in Texas. You can apply via your chosen school as some online MSN degree programs offer financial aid. Federal grants and loans are also an option.
Students can even apply for state-specific scholarships like the Texas Panhandle General Scholarship, which is available to undergrad and grad students residing in certain Texas counties who have at least a 2.5 GPA.
Our nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide can offer additional resources.
Types of MSN Programs Available in Texas
Whether you choose a traditional, direct-entry, bridge program, or something else entirely for your future MSN in Texas will depend on your background and career goals. To explore schools that offer these and other types of master’s degrees, check out the descriptions below.
Traditional MSN
A traditional MSN program is designed for students—with a bachelor’s in nursing and an RN license—who want to advance into clinical, academic, and managerial leadership positions. These programs teach nurses how to become a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator, among others.
Expert Insight
Traditional MSN programs typically follow a strict course of study. They leave little room for course scheduling flexibility. They also tend to follow the Fall/Spring semester system or Fall/Winter/Spring quarter system. This means you most likely will not be able to take courses during the summer months. This can be a positive or negative depending on your desired pace.
Direct-Entry MSN
A direct entry master’s in nursing program is designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who wish to pursue a career as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or other nursing leader.
Accelerated MSN
An accelerated degree is designed for students who want to earn an MSN in an efficient manner. Because these programs are typically full-time and offer compacted course schedules, they are best options for students who are not working while going to school.
RN to MSN Bridge
RN to MSN programs offer students with an associate degree in nursing an accelerated path to earning a master’s degree. These programs include both bachelor’s and master’s in nursing curriculum, and some schools award graduates a BSN alongside the MSN.
Dual Master’s
Dual programs award graduates two degrees: an MSN and a master’s in a complementary field, such as a Master of Public Health (MSN/MPH). Earning a dual master’s provides nurses with opportunities to advance their nursing skills while also obtaining valuable knowledge in another field.
What’s Next? After Your TX MSN
| U.S. | |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 |
| Median | $129,210 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 |
| Texas | |
| 10th Percentile | $96,140 |
| Median | $129,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $165,530 |
| Abilene, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $92,630 |
| Median | $125,420 |
| 90th Percentile | $157,980 |
| Amarillo, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $98,100 |
| Median | $112,310 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,920 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $108,790 |
| Median | $132,530 |
| 90th Percentile | $165,730 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $103,780 |
| Median | $132,230 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,790 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $76,030 |
| Median | $118,850 |
| 90th Percentile | $165,030 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $102,880 |
| Median | $124,860 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,530 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $97,740 |
| Median | $127,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $163,590 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $76,820 |
| Median | $131,910 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,400 |
| El Paso, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $98,530 |
| Median | $126,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,740 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $93,750 |
| Median | $133,140 |
| 90th Percentile | $165,260 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $104,640 |
| Median | $133,390 |
| 90th Percentile | $157,830 |
| Laredo, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $92,870 |
| Median | $109,220 |
| 90th Percentile | $172,500 |
| Longview, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $97,650 |
| Median | $125,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,010 |
| Lubbock, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $97,660 |
| Median | $119,990 |
| 90th Percentile | $144,030 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $96,560 |
| Median | $114,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,900 |
| Midland, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $108,300 |
| Median | $125,940 |
| 90th Percentile | $171,420 |
| Odessa, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $107,080 |
| Median | $123,790 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,870 |
| San Angelo, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $98,020 |
| Median | $125,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $157,050 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $99,800 |
| Median | $125,530 |
| 90th Percentile | $163,530 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $105,150 |
| Median | $127,100 |
| 90th Percentile | $200,720 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | |
| 10th Percentile | $95,770 |
| Median | $126,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,650 |
| Tyler, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $100,260 |
| Median | $128,980 |
| 90th Percentile | $159,230 |
| Victoria, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $102,690 |
| Median | $136,550 |
| 90th Percentile | $176,800 |
| Waco, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $100,070 |
| Median | $123,970 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,040 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | |
| 10th Percentile | $98,120 |
| Median | $125,490 |
| 90th Percentile | $181,520 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Curr. Jobs | 266,300 |
| Proj. Jobs | 384,900 |
| New Jobs | 118,600 |
| Growth % | 44.50% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 26,300 |
| Texas | |
| Curr. Jobs | 19,060 |
| Proj. Jobs | 30,490 |
| New Jobs | 11,430 |
| Growth % | 60.00% |
| Avg. Ann. Openings | 2,240 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online MSN Programs in Texas
The following rankings use data collected from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). EduMed data scientists first research schools and programs that meet eligibility requirements, then assign weight based on a range of factors such as:
- Number of online programs
- Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
- Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full time
- Student/faculty ratio
Based on these statistics, a master list is generated in ranked order. For more on our ranking methodology, visit the “About the Rankings” pop-up below.
