Online MSN Programs: Choosing the Right School
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a top choice for current nurses looking to advance their careers. In addition to enhancing knowledge and gaining skills, nurses can use MSN programs to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse leaders, or nurse educators. Get an inside look at online MSN programs, how they work, how much they cost, and which programs nationwide (or near you) could be the right fit.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
Healthcare Nursing Healthcare Admin Editorial Senior Care Dementia Care
Nursing Health ScienceChoosing an MSN Program: Real Advice from Healthcare Professionals
The MSN programs in this guide represent strong graduate options across a range of nursing specializations. At this level, rankings only go so far; your chosen specialty, the quality of faculty in that area, and whether the program accommodates working nurses are the factors that will shape your actual experience. Our experts share what they’d dig into before committing.
Clinical Tracks Require In-Person Hours
Certain MSN specialties, especially informatics and education, have significantly more online options than clinical tracks. The latter require hands-on clinical hours that you can’t complete remotely. If you’re aiming for a clinical specialty but want to earn your degree online, keep in mind that no program can offer full remote completion. You’ll still need to complete a significant number of clinical hours in person.
Choose Your Capstone Strategically
Start thinking of your capstone project early, and don’t just pick a topic because it seems easy. Pick one that interests you or aligns with where you want to take your career. If you’re in a nursing education track, for example, think about whether you see yourself teaching in academia or in a clinical setting, and let that guide your project. You might become a subject matter expert in that area and even consider publishing it in an academic journal.
How Online MSN Programs Work
How an online MSN program works really depends on the preferences of school administrators and professors. For example, some programs may favor asynchronous learning, where interactions between students and professors are not real-time. In this format, everyone uses message boards to communicate and ask and answer questions. If a program contains synchronous learning, real-time interaction happens regularly via video chat, live chat, or even FaceTime or Zoom.
Expert Insight
For asynchronous learning, professors do offer office hours to allow for real-time interactions if needed.
Let’s see how three of today’s more popular MSN programs handle their online components.
Master of Science in Nursing (Online) – Penn State World Campus
Penn State’s online MSN helps prepare current nurses with BSNs for leadership or educational positions. Accredited by the CCNE, the program includes 36 credit hours and a clinical practicum that can be completed at an approved location near you.
The Penn State MSN online has specific learning outcomes that encourage nurses to spread certain values within their workplace after graduation, which include: leading change to improve health outcomes, integrating care services across systems, building and leading collaborative teams, and designing innovative nursing practices.
Duration: 36 credits
Mode: Online with in-person clinical practicum
Cost: $1,027/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- 3.3 GPA on 4.0 scale
- B or better in all science and nursing courses
- Completion of college-level statistics and chemistry
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- GRE and GMAT scores are optional
- Two references
- Personal statement
- English proficiency
- Completed application
Curriculum:
Students in the online MSN program have two program options: nurse administrator and nurse educator, each with 21 credits beyond the general nursing requirements. Here’s a brief view of each course group:
- MSN core courses (9 credits required) – Include three courses on issues in nursing, theoretical and scientific foundations of nursing, and evidence-based inquiry and research methods.
- Nurse administrator option (21 credits if chosen) – Includes courses on health perspectives, informatics, health care economics, leadership concepts, and workplace law and diversity.
- Nurse educator option (21 credits if chosen) – Includes courses in pathophysiology, assessment and evaluation, curriculum development, and nursing education theories.
- Clinical Practicum (6 credits required) – Students choose a synthesis and application of their desired role based on the educational path chosen. Includes 270 practicum hours for educators and 180 hours for administrators.
Best for: Advanced nursing students looking to get into teaching or leadership who want a rigorous education from a well-established university.
Programs that might interest you:
Master of Science in Nursing (Online) – Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global’s online MSN program is built for working nurses and holds accreditation from the CCNE. The goal of the program is to prepare students for nursing positions in leadership and independent practice opportunities.
Purdue offers six specialty tracks: adult-gerontology (acute care), adult-gerontology (primary care), executive leader, family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The program is designed to prepare nurses in these specializations to pass the relevant national certification exam.
The program also offers no-cost tutoring and academic and career advisors.
Duration: 2 years, although depends on full-time vs part-time enrollment, transfer credits, and other factors.
Mode: Online with in-person clinicals
Cost: $420/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Mission statement
- Transcript indicating receipt of previous nursing degree
- Criminal background check
- Current unencumbered RN license
Curriculum: Purdue’s online MSN includes a core curriculum and a series of courses focused on a concentration or population. Sample courses available to students include:
- Advanced nursing roles
- Scientific and analytic approaches to advanced evidence-based practice
- Epidemiology and health promotion
- Health policy and legal perspectives of the health care system
- Promoting optimal models and systems for health care delivery
Best for: Students who want multiple specialty tracks available at an affordable price, as well as one of the most flexible program modes via Purdue’s ExcelTrack competency-based option.
Online Master of Science in Nursing – University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
University of Texas at Arlington’s online MSN has 100% online coursework and a world-renowned faculty to guide students from day one to graduation. The program offers short 7-week courses and rolling admissions to help you enroll as soon as you’re ready.
UTA allows students to choose from three degree tracks: family nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing education. All programs hold accreditation from the CCNE.
Duration: FNP (32-36 months), Nursing Administration (19-22 months), Nursing Education (21-25 month)
Mode: Fully online coursework with in-person clinical practice
Cost: FNP ($30,084), Nursing Administration ($17,800), Nursing Education ($17,510)
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- Active RN license
- Unconditional admission with 3.0 or higher
- Probationary admission with 2.8-2.99
- Completion of BSN
- Undergraduate statistics course with a C grade or higher
Curriculum: Each of UTA’s degree tracks has a unique course list, but the following represent the common classes taken across all MSN programs.
- Nursing management in a healthcare environment
- Exploration of science and theories for nursing
- Financial management in nursing
- Nursing leadership in complex healthcare systems
- Principles of research in nursing
- Nursing and healthcare policy
- Nursing informatics
Best for: Students interested in a synchronous program with real-time online lectures.
What Prospective MSN Students Ask
We’ve published a list of five questions straight from students interested in applying for an online MSN program. Each one discusses an aspect of the admissions process, financial aid, overall cost, or curriculum. Read the answers before making your first move toward an online MSN.
Do accelerated online MSN programs exist?
Yes. Accelerated MSN programs include a curriculum that allows students to complete their MSN degree as quickly as possible. Many of these fast-track online MSNs are one year in length.
Some schools allow students to use their prior education or experience to help them move more quickly through a particular course. Other programs allow students to take as many courses as they want within a certain period. Finally, some programs are extra flexible in allowing students to structure their degree requirements in the most efficient and practical way possible.
Expert Insight
Instead of charging per credit hour or course, accelerated MSN programs often charge per period. It’s important for nurses to understand the requirements and be realistic regarding how many courses can be completed over a certain amount of time.
Do I need a bachelor’s in nursing for admission to an MSN program?
No. Direct-entry MSN programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree but in an area of study other than nursing. Programs differ in format but usually begin with taking pre-licensure nursing courses during the first year and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Some programs focus on students who have already passed the NCLEX-RN but want that MSN credential.
What are the different specializations available?
One of the key benefits of studying for a master’s level nursing degree is the ability to specialize. Many schools with MSN programs have several concentrations to choose from. By opting for an appropriate concentration, nurses can receive a tailored education designed to most effectively prepare them for career advancement. These specializations include but are not limited to nursing education, nursing informatics, and nursing administration.
How do I find the best school and online program for me?
The first step is to learn what you need from a program. Do you need flexibility? Affordability? A certain level of support services? All of the above? Once you’ve narrowed down your needs, start by searching on pages like this one for a list of schools and their primary characteristics. Filter or sort by tuition and fees, number of online programs, or student/faculty ratio. These can give you an idea of what the school and program are like in general.
Once you have a shortlist of schools, check out their program pages thoroughly. You may even speak with an advisor at the school to better understand what they offer and what they don’t.
Comparing Cost: Tuition & Fees for Online MSN Programs
As with all master’s programs, tuition and fees serve as a major component in school selection. While some colleges and universities may be out of reach, others may be perfect for your budget. What’s more, online learning can drive costs down even further, taking things like parking, gas, room and board, and other items out of the equation.
Expert Insight
Don’t forget to look into employer sponsored tuition assistance! The healthcare system I work for covered 100% of my MSN tuition in exchange for a 3-year work commitment.
To help you get a better handle on the financial impact of an MSN, we’ve included the overall cost of six online programs. See which school has the cost structure you’re looking for:
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $15,000 total |
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $1,027/credit |
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $420/credit |
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $16,500 total |
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $28,561.50 total |
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $17,510 total (depends on specialty) |
Salary & Career Info for Advanced RNs
Nurse Practitioners
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $101,340 | $132,300 | $174,420 |
| Alabama | $86,300 | $105,750 | $134,650 |
| Alaska | $95,570 | $155,170 | $207,490 |
| Arizona | $104,400 | $134,420 | $173,270 |
| Arkansas | $99,420 | $125,660 | $205,810 |
| California | $120,340 | $168,520 | $240,830 |
| Colorado | $87,770 | $132,930 | $170,310 |
| Connecticut | $109,930 | $138,470 | $173,810 |
| Delaware | $97,450 | $131,040 | $162,870 |
| District of Columbia | $115,200 | $135,880 | $180,300 |
| Florida | $101,920 | $129,510 | $163,600 |
| Georgia | $99,160 | $129,430 | $166,060 |
| Hawaii | $106,450 | $135,570 | $174,350 |
| Idaho | $100,480 | $132,540 | $169,710 |
| Illinois | $102,440 | $130,680 | $161,470 |
| Indiana | $101,790 | $128,830 | $155,260 |
| Iowa | $107,990 | $130,160 | $167,590 |
| Kansas | $98,330 | $126,650 | $158,080 |
| Kentucky | $95,710 | $122,870 | $162,960 |
| Louisiana | $99,050 | $125,600 | $159,570 |
| Maine | $107,820 | $130,260 | $166,740 |
| Maryland | $99,920 | $131,110 | $169,330 |
| Massachusetts | $111,950 | $142,440 | $207,710 |
| Michigan | $101,640 | $131,450 | $165,870 |
| Minnesota | $98,950 | $133,260 | $170,140 |
| Mississippi | $98,780 | $124,730 | $156,830 |
| Missouri | $100,650 | $129,930 | $162,060 |
| Montana | $105,110 | $137,210 | $166,940 |
| Nebraska | $103,820 | $132,130 | $161,990 |
| Nevada | $85,380 | $140,670 | $172,170 |
| New Hampshire | $106,070 | $137,550 | $166,240 |
| New Jersey | $122,390 | $159,310 | $183,420 |
| New Mexico | $106,320 | $137,520 | $175,020 |
| New York | $112,730 | $153,510 | $198,060 |
| North Carolina | $103,530 | $128,990 | $164,320 |
| North Dakota | $103,490 | $130,070 | $162,020 |
| Ohio | $100,780 | $124,870 | $154,680 |
| Oklahoma | $99,490 | $133,390 | $167,950 |
| Oregon | $124,660 | $155,680 | $194,070 |
| Pennsylvania | $102,940 | $130,140 | $163,720 |
| Rhode Island | $111,420 | $135,970 | $176,410 |
| South Carolina | $97,080 | $123,290 | $160,170 |
| South Dakota | $103,080 | $128,840 | $156,000 |
| Tennessee | $82,790 | $117,590 | $137,880 |
| Texas | $96,880 | $131,670 | $161,980 |
| Utah | $102,980 | $130,920 | $175,220 |
| Vermont | $108,510 | $134,740 | $167,610 |
| Virginia | $99,990 | $127,810 | $161,470 |
| Washington | $122,420 | $156,100 | $187,240 |
| West Virginia | $100,220 | $127,320 | $155,500 |
| Wisconsin | $106,320 | $131,980 | $166,260 |
| Wyoming | $101,970 | $132,200 | $165,250 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
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Nurse Practitioners
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Alabama | 4,540 | 6,770 | 2,230 | 49.10% | 470 |
| Alaska | 500 | 550 | 50 | 10.00% | 30 |
| Arizona | 6,540 | 11,200 | 4,660 | 71.30% | 860 |
| Arkansas | 3,000 | 4,840 | 1,840 | 61.30% | 360 |
| California | 21,500 | 34,100 | 12,600 | 58.60% | 2,500 |
| Colorado | 3,700 | 5,780 | 2,080 | 56.20% | 420 |
| Connecticut | 3,150 | 4,560 | 1,410 | 44.80% | 310 |
| Delaware | 1,000 | 1,550 | 550 | 55.00% | 110 |
| District of Columbia | 600 | 850 | 250 | 41.70% | 60 |
| Florida | 18,910 | 29,980 | 11,070 | 58.50% | 2,190 |
| Georgia | 7,900 | 12,500 | 4,600 | 58.20% | 910 |
| Idaho | 900 | 1,440 | 540 | 60.00% | 110 |
| Illinois | 8,970 | 12,660 | 3,690 | 41.10% | 850 |
| Indiana | 6,550 | 9,550 | 3,000 | 45.80% | 660 |
| Iowa | 2,400 | 3,670 | 1,270 | 52.90% | 260 |
| Kansas | 3,240 | 4,630 | 1,390 | 42.90% | 310 |
| Kentucky | 4,730 | 6,870 | 2,140 | 45.20% | 470 |
| Louisiana | 4,470 | 6,420 | 1,950 | 43.60% | 440 |
| Maine | 1,330 | 1,800 | 470 | 35.30% | 120 |
| Maryland | 5,240 | 7,450 | 2,210 | 42.20% | 500 |
| Massachusetts | 2,730 | 4,010 | 1,280 | 46.90% | 280 |
| Michigan | 7,370 | 10,410 | 3,040 | 41.20% | 700 |
| Minnesota | 5,570 | 8,010 | 2,440 | 43.80% | 550 |
| Mississippi | 4,110 | 5,860 | 1,750 | 42.60% | 400 |
| Missouri | 7,520 | 10,670 | 3,150 | 41.90% | 720 |
| Montana | 880 | 1,330 | 450 | 51.10% | 90 |
| Nebraska | 1,790 | 2,430 | 640 | 35.80% | 160 |
| Nevada | 1,840 | 2,780 | 940 | 51.10% | 200 |
| New Hampshire | 1,520 | 2,290 | 770 | 50.70% | 160 |
| New Jersey | 6,790 | 10,230 | 3,440 | 50.70% | 720 |
| New Mexico | 1,590 | 2,620 | 1,030 | 64.80% | 200 |
| New York | 16,600 | 20,970 | 4,370 | 26.30% | 440 |
| North Carolina | 8,200 | 12,750 | 4,550 | 55.50% | 920 |
| North Dakota | 580 | 860 | 280 | 48.30% | 60 |
| Ohio | 11,020 | 15,710 | 4,690 | 42.60% | 1,060 |
| Oklahoma | 3,030 | 4,200 | 1,170 | 38.60% | 280 |
| Oregon | 2,240 | 3,420 | 1,180 | 52.70% | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | 8,010 | 11,430 | 3,420 | 42.70% | 770 |
| Rhode Island | 1,440 | 2,090 | 650 | 45.10% | 140 |
| South Carolina | 4,120 | 6,620 | 2,500 | 60.70% | 490 |
| South Dakota | 820 | 1,280 | 460 | 56.10% | 90 |
| Tennessee | 13,620 | 21,500 | 7,880 | 57.90% | 1,570 |
| Texas | 19,060 | 30,490 | 11,430 | 60.00% | 2,240 |
| Utah | 3,680 | 5,900 | 2,220 | 60.30% | 430 |
| Vermont | 810 | 1,100 | 290 | 35.80% | 70 |
| Virginia | 7,170 | 11,160 | 3,990 | 55.60% | 800 |
| Washington | 4,150 | 6,020 | 1,870 | 45.10% | 600 |
| West Virginia | 1,700 | 2,590 | 890 | 52.40% | 180 |
| Wisconsin | 4,950 | 7,480 | 2,530 | 51.10% | 530 |
| Wyoming | 480 | 710 | 230 | 47.90% | 50 |
Source: Projections Central
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