What is an online master’s in nursing (MSN)?

An online master’s in nursing, or MSN (master of science in nursing), is a graduate-level degree that’s designed to help nurses advance their careers. Graduates of MSN programs may go on to roles as advanced nurse practitioners, the fastest-growing occupation in the U.S., along with other types of leadership, managerial, or director positions. Master’s degree programs in nursing are offered both online and on-campus, though there’s typically no significant difference beyond the format—rather, students can expect to be offered the same classes taught by the same professors. Accredited online programs typically incorporate an in-person, clinical experience into the curriculum and often help students secure these placements.

General curriculum and skills taught

Students who enroll in an MSN program will be required to complete a curriculum that meets the essential core competencies as identified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. As a result, there will be commonalities in the core curriculum at various MSN programs— regardless of whether these programs are offered in-person, online, part-time, full-time, or a hybrid model. For example, at the University of Nevada–Las Vegas, the top-ranked MSN program on Fortune’s ranking, the following courses constitute the core curriculum:

Advanced health assessment
Advanced pathophysiology and genetics
Nursing theory and research
Informatics and quality improvement
Health and public policy for advanced practice of nursing
Advanced pharmacology and genetics

Specialization and program options

Beyond the core curriculum, students in MSN programs can expect to take additional courses that align with their chosen major or specialization. While the range of possible concentrations vary by program, some of the most common ones include:

Family nurse practitioner
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)
Nurse educator
Public health
Clinical nurse leader
Certified nurse midwifery

Admissions information

Admissions requirements for master’s degree programs in nursing can vary by school and an applicant’s relevant work experience. In light of the nation’s nursing shortage, MSN programs may be more willing to accept a broader pool of applicants—and, in fact, being a registered nurse (RN) may not be a fixed requirement for some programs, depending on what path you want to pursue in the field of nursing. That said, MSN students typically come from one of four different backgrounds, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing:

BSN-to-MSN: This type of program is the most common and builds on undergraduate-level nurse education so students can specialize in a specific area of health care, such as nurse education, nurse informatics, or public health nursing.
Entry-level master’s program: This program is aimed at individuals with a degree in a field other than nursing, and covers material taught during a bachelor’s program in two or three years with students usually obtaining their RN within the first year.
ADN-to-MSN: This program allows RNs who have obtained only an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) to work during their first year, before moving to more advanced topics and specializations.
Dual-degree programs: Dual-degree programs allow nurses to obtain additional specialization in fields outside of nursing. Common pairings with an MSN include a master’s degree in public health, a master’s of health administration, an MBA, or a master’s degree in public administration.

No matter which route you take to completing an MSN degree and the experience you bring, you will need to ensure you satisfy the application requirements. Online MSN programs generally require the following:

Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, as demonstrated by an official transcript
Résumé that demonstrates relevant academic or professional experience
A compelling personal statement or essay that demonstrates your understanding of the degree and connects your unique characteristics to your career goals after completing the MSN degree program
Letters of recommendation from supervisors, professors or alumni of the program
Proof of current status as a U.S. licensed registered nurse (RN)

GMAT, GRE and GPA

Standardized test scores aren’t integral to the decision process for a majority of online master’s degree programs in nursing. In fact, only one of the 44 programs on Fortune’s 2022 ranking require applicants to submit a GRE score to be considered for admission. Similarly, these programs don’t require a minimum GPA for admission, though a majority of schools reported that incoming students had an average GPA of at least 3.0.

Which factors drive acceptance?

Admissions officials consider a variety of factors when making enrollment decisions for MSN programs. Students need to be “academically strong and achievement-oriented” as the dean of the nursing program at the University of Pittsburgh told Fortune. The top-ranked nursing programs also weigh leadership potential and an applicant’s intentions for pursuing this graduate degree. Because schools want to get a holistic sense of applicants, it’s important to use the essays and interviews to focus on crafting a compelling story about your qualifications and your post-graduation career aspirations.

Why get an MSN?

Many people who pursue a career in nursing are drawn to the field by a sense of altruism and the opportunity to make a difference in their local communities. Pursuing an MSN degree can offer other advantages, including opening the door to more advanced nursing opportunities that often come with substantial salary increases. For example, you will need an advanced degree—such as an MSN—to qualify to become an advanced nurse practitioner. This role is the fastest-growing job in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and advanced nurse practitioners can earn a median salary of more than $120,000.

Career outlook for master’s in nursing graduates

Completing a master’s degree in nursing will qualify you for more advanced-level positions that are also high-paying and in high demand. Some of the popular career paths for MSN graduates include:

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN): Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives—roles that typically require an MSN degree—pay median salaries of more than $123,000.
Family nurse practitioners: These nurses, who can diagnose and manage acute, chronic, and complex health problems, earn average salaries of more than $105,000.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners: These nurses manage mental health care and can prescribe medications and offer therapy services. These roles have average salaries of more than $139,000.
Nursing education or nursing administration: These roles prepare students to teach or lead other nurses, and both roles command salaries of at least $90,000.

How to choose the best online master’s in nursing for you

Pursuing your master’s degree in nursing online offers more flexibility than an in-person program—but with the same rigor, guidance, and curricula that’s required for licensure. Fortune’s ranking of online master’s degree programs in nursing can be a helpful way to compare various programs. Our ranking is based on three components: selectivity, success (as measured by one-year retention and graduation rates), and demand.

There are many practical factors to consider when applying to school including cost, a program’s prestige, the amount of experience schools require of applicants, and how school will fit into the rest of your life. You should also think carefully about how various MSN programs will help you to achieve your career goals, including the specializations offered. What’s more, because many MSN programs include an in-person clinical placement, the location of the school may factor into your choice of program. Finally, you may need to consider the school’s location. UNLV can’t accept students from all states for a variety of regulatory reasons—and, for example, the school’s family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner tracks are unable to admit students from California.

Start times, schedule, and program length

Many students who enroll in online MSN programs continue to work full- or part-time, so it can take up to three years to complete graduate school. While flexibility is a chief reason why online programs are appealing, there isn’t so much flexibility with respect to start dates. The top 2 ranked schools on Fortune’s ranking—UNLV and Ohio State—offer only one start date each year for their MSN programs. That’s why it’s important to consider your schedule and work demands before applying to schools.

Program options and specialties

One reason why many nurses go on to pursue an advanced degree is to move into a more specialized area of practice. Because there are several types of master’s degrees in nursing, along with different format options and specialties, it’s really important to think about how an MSN program will help you to achieve your career goals. If you are interested in a program that has a nurse practitioner concentration, for example, Fortune created a ranking of the best online nurse practitioner programs for 2023.

Accreditation by CCNE

You may want to check whether an MSN program you’re considering is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This independent agency ensures the quality and integrity of nursing programs, including online master’s degree programs in nursing. Some states or employers may require nurses to hold a degree from a CCNE-accredited school.

Clinical hour experience

As part of your selection process for an online MSN program, you will need to consider what in-person, clinical experiences may be offered. For example, UNLV’s family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner tracks both have clinical components to them. The opportunity to work directly with patients in clinical settings may influence your choice of programs. Clinical hour requirements vary across specialty programs, as well. Students enrolled in the MSN program at Georgetown University, for example, must complete a minimum of 650 clinical hours for the family nurse practitioner program, while the women’s health nurse practitioner requires at least 1,000 hours.

Cost

Even with the potential for earning a higher salary after graduation, the cost of a master’s degree program in nursing is an important factor to consider when applying to school. Tuition varies widely, with the cost of an MSN program ranging from $35,000 to $70,000, though some schools are closer to $100,000. If cost is a key decision factor for you, be sure to consult Fortune’s list of some of the most affordable MSN programs or our ranking of the most affordable MSN nurse practitioner programs when making selection decisions.

Immersive experiences (on-campus visits)

Some programs incorporate immersive, on-campus experiences into an online program—beyond any clinical requirements. These experiences may be appealing if you are hesitant about attending classes online, want the opportunity to network in-person, or are considering a school that’s in close proximity to where you live. That said, some students may find completely online programs to be more convenient—and particularly if they select a school that’s not nearby.

Financing and scholarships

The cost of attending an MSN program can be substantial, though there are a variety of scholarships and grant options that can help defray the cost for current students. What’s more, there are loan repayment programs that may help graduates of nursing degree programs. Some examples of financing and scholarship opportunities include:

The Air Force Health Professions scholarship program is designed for nurses seeking a graduate degree who want to become a nurse practitioner. The Air Force covers tuition and book fees and provides the scholarship winner with a monthly stipend—amounting to up to $45,000 per year. In return, students will commit to serve as active duty in the Air Force, serving one year for every one year of scholarship.
The Tylenol Future Care scholarship awards 35 scholarships to students pursuing an advanced degree in health care; 10 scholarships in the amount of $10,000 and 25 scholarships for $5,000. Applicants must be a U.S. resident and a graduate student or college senior enrolling in a graduate program.
Nurses Educational Funds scholarships are available to students who are a member of a national professional nursing association and are pursuing a master’s degree in nursing. Scholarship amounts range. All applicants need to have at least two semesters of study remaining after being notified about winning an award.
The Nurse Corps Loan repayment program covers up to 85% of unpaid nursing education debt for registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and nurse faculty. Award recipients must work for two years in a critical shortage facility or an eligible nursing school as nurse faculty.
The Indian Health Service helps clinicians repay their eligible education loans in exchange for two years of service in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The IHS will pay up to $40,000, and nurses don’t need to be of American Indian or Alaska Native heritage to qualify.

Licensure, certifications, and continuing education

You should count on needing a current registered nurse (RN) license as a prerequisite when enrolling to master’s degree programs in nursing. Depending on the specialty you choose to pursue, you will need to successfully complete other certifications. You will need national and state certification in your chosen specialty to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse, though some grads of MSN programs may not require additional certification. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the largest credentialing organization for nurses, offers 18 different certifications that include nurse practitioners. Other credentialing organizations, such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, offer more specialized certification programs.

Your education doesn’t end with a degree, licensure, or certification, however. You will need to stay up-to-date in your field with continuing education and will need to renew your license and certifications, as dictated by your employer or state laws. Finally, if you plan to move—such as becoming a travel nurse—you should check to see if you’re licensed in a state that is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in other NLC states without receiving additional licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of nursing degrees and specialties?

There are several types of nursing degrees and specializations, beyond a master’s of science in nursing (MSN). The range of options include MSNs with specializations in forensic nursing, public health, nursing education, and nursing administration and management. In terms of degrees, there are also master’s degree programs dedicated to the learning and training required to become a nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, or a certified nurse midwife.

What is the best master’s degree in nursing to get?

The best master’s degree for you depends on what you hope to accomplish in the future. For example, if you’re looking to promote community health, curb the spread of diseases and infections, and make public health information more accessible, an MSN program with a concentration in public health might be best for you. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to move up in a current nursing position, an MSN that focuses on management and administration would help obtain leadership roles. It’s important to look at a program’s accreditation and clinical site placements, along with whether you want to complete the degree online or in-person when choosing the best way to further your nursing education and career.

What is the value of a master’s degree in nursing?

Right now, there’s robust demand for nurses who have earned a master’s degree, and with higher demand comes a higher salary. Nursing roles that require an advanced degree—such as nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners—earned a median pay of nearly $124,000, according to 2021 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And nursing salaries are projected to continue rising in 2022 and beyond. Roles that require an MSN typically pay more than those only requiring a bachelor’s degree, such as a registered nurse (RN). There’s also very high demand for opportunities in the industry beyond traditional nursing roles, including nursing educators, who are responsible for teaching future nursing students.

Is an MSN degree worth it?

Nurses are generally paid well, granted they work extremely hard and are at the frontlines when viruses or diseases hit, as we saw with the COVID-19 pandemic. A master of science in nursing increases base pay for nurses—and obtaining this degree also gives nurses more leeway when applying for management positions and pursuing other paths in the health care industry. The value of the degree comes mostly from the work that can be done with it, like making a difference helping the people around you.

Is an MSN the same as an RN?

No. An MSN is a master of science degree in nursing, whereas an RN is a registered nurse designation. These are two separate levels of nursing that require different levels of education. RNs must earn a bachelor’s degree and become licensed—and licensing requirements vary by state. Nurses with MSN degrees have completed a graduate program in nursing, and can pursue different tracks depending on prior experience. As a result, that means you don’t necessarily need to be an RN to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.

How long does it take to earn your master's degree in nursing?

Most master’s degree programs in nursing take anywhere from one to three years to complete. However, length of time varies because it is dependent on an individual student’s schedule. That means students who chose to work while obtaining their degree might take longer to complete their program than students who are full-time. A lot of people working toward their master’s in nursing are already working in health care, and their experience can be counted toward credits needed to complete the program. Because going back to school will add more work and stress to your life, you may want to think carefully about when is the best time to pursue an MSN.

What does MSN mean in terms of salary?

An MSN will qualify you for hirer paying jobs, often in excess of $100,000. For example, family nurse practitioners can earn an average salary of $105,000 and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can earn an average salary of $139,000, according to experts—and both roles require advanced nursing degrees. What’s more, students who earn an MSN with a concentration in nursing education or nursing administration can make almost six-figure salaries, on average.

How much does an MSN cost?

The cost of a master’s degree in nursing can range from $35,000 to $70,000, although some programs cost as much as $100,000, according to estimates by NurseJournal. But don’t stress just yet: Some programs offer scholarships and grants to help offset the cost. Even so, the cost is something to consider when evaluating various MSN programs. For example, Texas A&M International University tuition costs around $60,000, which compares to about $22,000 at Rush University, and approximately $5,000 at the University of Central Florida.

Best Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs for 2024