Online MSN Programs in North Carolina: Reviewing Top Schools
If you’re a registered nurse in North Carolina looking to earn higher pay with more responsibility, an online MSN program could be the answer. Use EduMed’s guide to learn how these programs work, how much they cost, read student FAQs, and see what to expect after you graduate. Discover what it takes to earn your online MSN in North Carolina today.
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NursingNursing Ed.Inside 3 Online MSN Programs in North Carolina
Hybrid and online MSN programs are common in North Carolina, but each program is different. Some programs, like the one at the University North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), offer fully asynchronous online classes that you complete on your own schedule.
However, asynchronous classes can be the exception, not the rule. Many online programs have set class times, requiring you to view a lecture or discussion at a certain time.
While there are some high-quality, 100% online MSN programs in North Carolina, more programs are offered on a hybrid basis.
Features of hybrid programs:
- Mixed format: made up of both online and in-person components
- Mostly online: some are almost fully online, with only a couple of visits to campus, such as that of Duke University
- Partially online: many provide an equal blend of in-person and online classes, such as UNC Chapel Hill‘s MSN program
Interested to know more? Review features of three hybrid MSN programs in North Carolina, including program length, coursework, and admission requirements. Each program is designed with working professionals in mind.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the University of North Carolina offers a flexible, online pathway for registered nurses seeking to expand their expertise and career opportunities.
Tracks offered:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Features:
- Offers online coursework and once-per-semester hands-on clinical experiences
- Accommodates the busy schedules of working professionals
- Provides supportive learning environments that foster collaboration and professional growth
- Prepares nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in diverse clinical settings
Whether aiming to transition into a new specialty or enhance existing skills, the UNC MSN program offers the convenience and comprehensive education needed to advance in the nursing field.
Duration: 1.5-2 years, full-time
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,031/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- All university transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Professional Statement
- CV/Resume
Curriculum:
- Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Advanced Health and Physical Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Advanced Diagnostic Reasoning and Management
- Evidence-Based Practice and Research
- Health Care Policy and Leadership
- Population Health: Interprofessional Management in a Changing Healthcare System
- Additional nursing courses related to your chosen specialty
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Duke University
Duke University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers a flexible and rigorous education for registered nurses aiming to specialize in advanced practice roles.
Tracks offered:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialties, such as Family, Pediatrics, Adult-Gerontology, and Psychiatric-Mental Health
- Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
- Clinical Health Care Systems (health informatics, nursing and healthcare leadership, or nursing education)
Features:
- Combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences
- Designed for working professionals, allowing students to balance their education with personal and professional commitments
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and leadership, preparing graduates to meet the evolving healthcare needs of diverse populations
- Provides individualized mentorship and a collaborative learning environment
Duke’s MSN program provides the support and flexibility needed for nurses to advance their careers while making a meaningful impact in healthcare.
Duration: 3-5 semesters
Mode: Online
Cost: $2,166/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- General statistics course with “C” grade or better
- Recommended one year of nursing experience
- All post-secondary transcripts
- Three professional recommendations
- Resume/CV
- BSN or ADN with a bachelor’s degree in another field
- Current state licensure
Curriculum:
- Nurse as Scholar I: Science Development, Study Design & Statistics
- Nurse as Scholar II: Evidence-based Practice
- Population Health in a Global Society
- Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan: A Conceptual Approach
- Physical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning in APN
- Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing
Appalachian State University
The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Appalachian State University offers a flexible, accessible path for registered nurses looking to advance their careers. This program prepares graduates for careers in nursing education to fulfill roles as:
- Academic nurse educators
- Health educators
- Clinical nurse educators
Features:
- Online coursework, asynchronous learning, and minimal on-campus requirements
- Designed with working professionals in mind, supporting a healthy work-life balance
- Curriculum emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and clinical expertise, preparing graduates to take on advanced roles in nursing
Duration: 4-6 semesters
Mode: Online
Cost: $327/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN or RN license with a BSN in another field
- Min. 3.5 GPA
- Completed statistics course with “C” grade or better
- Current, unrestricted RN license
- One year of nursing experience
Curriculum:
- Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Nursing
- Advanced Health Assessment for Adults
- Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing
- Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice
- Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing
- Nursing Program Development and Evaluation
- Advanced Clinical Practicum
- Educational Theories for Nursing and Informatics
- Educational Tests and Measurement in Nursing
- Nursing Education Practicum
Expert Insight
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FAQs About Online MSN Programs in NC
Most students looking to pursue an MSN degree have a great deal of questions that need answering. To give you some clarity on the matter, we’ve answered some common questions, including those about career options, program length, cost, admission requirements, and financial aid options. Read on to get some of your questions answered.
What can you do with an MSN in North Carolina?
MSN programs in North Carolina prepare graduates for careers as:
- Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists
- Nurse administrators
- Nurse educators
- Nurse researchers
- Forensic nurse examiners
- Nurse informaticists
Depending on your career goals, an MSN can also lead to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)—ideal for nurses pursuing certification as a nurse anesthetist.
In North Carolina, how long does it take to complete an MSN program?
Most students complete their MSN degree in two to four years, though the time it takes to finish can vary depending on:
- Program curriculum
- Enrollment status—part-time vs. full-time
- Accelerated options—for example, students at University of North Carolina’s Wilmington can complete their MSN in less than a year
- Previously completed graduate coursework—the credits could count toward your MSN
How affordable are MSN programs in North Carolina?
The cost of an MSN program in North Carolina can range from around $250 per credit to $1,000/credit. But the price you pay depends on many factors, including:
- School type—public vs. private
- Type of MSN program—direct entry vs. traditional MSN vs. accelerated
- State of residency
- Length of time to degree completion
- Program format—online (generally more affordable) or in-person
Below we’ve listed three high-quality, accredited online MSN programs in North Carolina and their tuition costs to help you understand how much an MSN program costs.
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Total Credits: 36
- $295.29/credit in-state; $1,030.45/credit out of state
- Appalachian State University
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Total Credits: 39
- $304/credit
- UNCG
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Total Credits: 37
- $255.83/credit in-state; $928.28 out of state
What are the admissions requirements for MSN nursing programs in North Carolina?
Though admission requirements vary from program to program, general requirements at most universities include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (for traditional MSN programs)
- Unencumbered nursing license that’s valid in the state of North Carolina
- At least one year of nursing work experience
- Letters of recommendation, a resume, personal statement, and minimum GPA
Make sure to read over each program’s requirements carefully before applying to make sure you’re eligible.
Can I get financial aid in North Carolina to help pay for my MSN program?
Yes, many financial aid options are available to help students pay for an MSN program in North Carolina including:
- Student loans, such as state-funded loans
- Scholarships and grants, including those offered by the North Carolina Nurses Association
- Student loan forgiveness options for nurses
- Employee tuition assistance programs
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Types of MSN Programs in North Carolina
There is more than one kind of MSN program in North Carolina, and each one is tailored toward students in different situations. Take a look at the different variations below to determine which one would work best for you. We’ve even included two examples of schools in North Carolina offering each type of program to make your search easier.
Traditional MSN
A traditional MSN program is ideal for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, have some nursing experience, and want to advance their careers. Usually, these programs are offered in person or in a hybrid format.
Direct-Entry MSN
Students who have a bachelor’s degree in another area and are looking to enter the nursing field should consider direct-entry MSN programs. It’s important to note that these programs are more difficult to find and often take longer to complete.
Accelerated MSN
If you want to complete your MSN in as little time as possible (and potentially save money doing so), consider accelerated MSN programs. These programs set up the curriculum so students can complete their degrees quickly.
RN to MSN Bridge
Let’s say you have your RN license, but you don’t have a BSN. RN to MSN programs are ideal as they are designed for registered nurses with associate degrees in nursing.
Dual Master’s
If you want to deepen your nursing expertise while also expanding your knowledge in a complementary field, consider a dual master’s program. These programs award you an MSN and a non-nursing graduate degree, often a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Careers Data on North Carolina MSN Holders
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| North Carolina | $100,120 | $125,020 | $158,440 |
| Asheville, NC | $99,490 | $119,700 | $134,070 |
| Burlington, NC | $98,700 | $130,890 | $140,000 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $82,520 | $130,650 | $163,160 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $104,190 | $127,540 | $161,050 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $83,220 | $117,900 | $149,460 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $96,890 | $106,160 | $130,260 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $100,480 | $123,610 | $153,120 |
| Greenville, NC | $99,380 | $125,860 | $135,710 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $87,780 | $120,520 | $151,880 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $95,610 | $117,580 | $154,550 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $93,920 | $119,460 | $170,860 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $100,010 | $131,320 | $166,600 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $98,170 | $113,680 | $148,040 |
| Wilmington, NC | $93,610 | $125,220 | $157,780 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $104,000 | $132,790 | $164,300 |
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 |
| North Carolina | 8,200 | 12,750 | 4,550 | 55.50% | 920 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online MSN Programs in North Carolina
To help you with your search, we’ve ranked several MSN programs throughout North Carolina based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Some of the things we considered include tuition, the number of online programs, and the student-to-faculty ratio. For more detailed information about how we chose schools for our list, and how we then ranked them, see the methodology pop-up.
