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All the types of master's degrees in nursing explained.

Are you considering getting your master's in nursing? A Master of Science in Nursing degree can open the doorway to more opportunities for you as a nurse, from leadership positions to advanced clinical roles, as well as a higher salary! 

If you've been thinking about advancing your degree, now's the time! Read on to explore all the different types of master's degrees in nursing and specialty paths you can take.

Table of Contents:

• Types of Master's in Nursing Degree Specialties
• Types of Nursing Master's Degree Programs
• Why Should You Get a Master's Degree in Nursing?

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Earn a valuable nursing credential at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Expand your expertise and prepare to take on leadership and independent practice opportunities. Complete your courses online, on your schedule.

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

• Accelerated BSN-to-MSN
• MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• MSN - Nurse Educator
• MSN - Executive Leader

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Enrollment: Nationwide

• MSN - Health Informatics
• MSN - Nursing Education
• MSN - Public Health Nursing
• MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
• MSN - Family NP
• MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
• See more GCU nursing programs

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

• MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
• MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
• MSN - Pediatric NP - Primary Care
• MSN - Nursing Informatics

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

• BSN-to-MSN - Family NP
• BSN-to-MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• BSN-to-MSN - Nursing Education
• RN-to-MSN - Nursing Education
• RN-to-MSN - Nursing Leadership & Management

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Overview of All the Types of Master's Degrees in Nursing 

If you're confused about all the different types of nursing master's degrees, you're not alone! There are various degree types (APRN vs MSN degrees), degree specialties (NP, CNM, etc.), and degree program types (RN to MSN, BSN to MSN, etc.) for nurses who want to earn their master's degree. 

APRN vs. MSN Degrees

Advanced practice registered nurse MSN degrees prepare a registered nurse for an advanced clinical role. Other types of MSN degrees focus on preparing nurses for non-clinical roles such as public health or nursing informatics.

Dual MSN Degrees

There are also dual MSN degrees where you can earn an MSN alongside another degree type, such as an MBA, MPH, MHA or MPA.

Healthcare Administration Master's Degrees

For nurses who want to pursue an administrative career, there are healthcare administration master's degrees, such as an MBA in healthcare administration and a master's in healthcare administration (MHA). 

Within each of these buckets, there are 11 specialty options you can choose to pursue. 

11 Types of Master's in Nursing Degree Specialties

Aprn masters degrees.

• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

MSN Degree Specializations

• Public Health
• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
• Nursing Education
• Nursing Informatics
• Nurse Administrator or Executive
• Nurse Researcher

Dual Master’s Degrees

• Master's of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
• MBA in Healthcare Management

1. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioner programs prepare nurses to work as advanced practice registered nurses in the specialty area of their choosing such as an aesthetic nurse practitioner,  psychiatric nurse practitioner,  or family nurse practitioner. 

Some courses will allow you to specialize in your chosen field through your degree program, while others require you to become a general practitioner and then take an additional certification course to specialize.

Nurse practitioners work to provide advanced care to different patient populations; they can independently assess, diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication.

• Program Length: 2-6 years, depending on specialty, full-time vs. part-time
• Program Cost: $20,000 - $150,000
• Are Online Options Available? Yes, with in-person clinical requirement
• Expected Salary:  $126,260 ( BLS )

Nurse Practitioner Specialties & Avg Salaries

• Emergency Nurse Practitioner  -  $244,631  
• Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner  -  $139,781  
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner  -  $136,649  
• General Nurse Practitioner  -  $130,295  
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner  -  $127,319  
• Family Nurse Practitioner  -  $124,330  
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner  -  $123,592 
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner  -  $123,064 
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  -  $119,580  
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner  -  $107,530  

2. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Clinical nurse specialist programs are specifically designed to prepare nurses to assume an APRN role but focus more on patient safety and research than actually treating patients. 

The goal of a CNS is to serve as a clinical expert in one specialty field, such as geriatrics or acute care, while working closely with staff, other healthcare providers, and patients to provide optimal outcomes. They strive to improve healthcare through evidence-based practice at the individual patient and systems levels. 

• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Program Cost: $40,000 - $120,000
• Are Online Options Available? Yes, with in-person clinical requirement 
• Expected Salary: $94,545 ( ZipRecruiter )

3. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) 

Certified nurse-midwife programs educate nurses on how to safely care for women during labor, delivery, and the prenatal period. Classes focus solely on women’s health, and clinical courses allow students to learn how to care for these types of patients. 

CNMs are practitioners who provide complete pre- and postnatal care, labor and delivery services, and women’s health care. They can work in an office setting, at a hospital or birth center, or in private practices. 

• Program Length: 2 - 5 years
• Program Cost: $12,000 - $90,000
• Expected Salary: $129,650 ( BLS )

>> Show Me Online Nurse Midwifery Programs

4. Public Health

Public health programs focus on broad public health goals, such as healthcare policy, population, or community health. 

A public health nurse may complete population studies, perform research, analyze outcomes, and provide education and advocacy for public health goals. They may work at the state or local level on infectious diseases and provide nursing interventions like disease prevention and health promotion.

• Program Length: 1 - 2 years
• Program Cost: $5,000 - $20,000
• Are Online Options Available? Yes
• Expected Salary:  $71,886 ( Indeed )

>> Show Me Online Public Health Programs

5. Nursing Education

Nursing education MSN programs focus on advanced nursing knowledge and how to teach. Classes focus on educating students on how to prepare the next generation. 

As a Nurse Educator , you will be responsible for educating nurses at the clinical and classroom levels. Nurse educators can conduct research, present at conferences, consult, publish academic pieces, and work to stay current on healthcare developments in the nursing profession.

• Program Length:  1- 2 years
• Program Cost: $10,000 - $50,000
• Expected Salary: $80,780 ( BLS )

>> Show Me Online Nurse Educator Programs

6. Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs) deliver and supervise bedside care and work with other team members to assess and improve clinical care. After earning your MSN, it’s recommended that nurses also become certified through the Commission on Nurse Certification as a CNL .

Clinical Nurse Leaders collaborate with other healthcare team members, acting as liaisons between caregivers, patients, and administrators to improve outcomes and redesign the care environment to provide improved quality of care.

• Expected Salary:  $89,949 ( ZipRecruiter )

7. Nursing Informatics

Nursing informatics programs focus on teaching nurses about electronic systems, databases, and communications technologies. The MSN courses will educate you on how to utilize these programs, so even if you aren’t the most computer savvy at the start of the program, you will be upon graduation. 

Informatics nurses  work at the intersection between technology and nursing. They consult on new technology systems, analyze and build data systems to reach healthcare goals, and write computer programs. 

• Expected Salary:  $84,433 ( Payscale )

>> Show Me Nursing Informatics Programs

8. Nurse Administrator or Executive

Nurse Administrator/Executive/Leadership programs prepare nurses to manage a team of other nurses and/or healthcare members. 

Courses within the nurse administration program focus on advanced nursing knowledge and executive leadership. You can expect to take courses focused on management, leadership, and budget planning. 

A nurse administrator , sometimes referred to as a nurse manager or executive, may serve as a unit manager or in more expanded leadership roles. Additional advanced certifications for nurse administrators and Executives are available as well. 

• Program Cost: $10,000 - $35,000
• Expected Salary:  $110,680 ( BLS )

>> Show Me Online Nursing Leadership Programs

9. Nurse Researcher

Nurse researcher programs teach nurses to perform, assess, analyze, and provide recommendations based on research.

Research nurses develop and implement studies to investigate and provide information on new medications, vaccinations, and medical procedures. 

• Expected Salary:  $81,500 ( Payscale )

10. Dual Master’s Degrees

You can also choose to pursue a dual degree to earn both your MSN and a concentration in another specialty. For example, according to the AACN 120, dual MSN degrees are available in the following specialties nationwide:

• MSN/MBA — to combine nursing with business
• MSN/MPH — a nursing degree with a public health degree (MSN/MPH)
• MSN/MHA — nursing and health administration
• MSN/MPA — nursing and public administration 

>> Show Me Online MSN Dual Degree Programs

11. Healthcare Administration Master's Degrees for Nurses

In addition to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, nurses looking to pursue a master's degree also have the option of going the healthcare administration route. For nurses looking to move beyond the bedside or go into an administration or leadership role, this can be an excellent path to take.

The two primary healthcare administration master's degrees are:

• Master's of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management

An MBA in Healthcare Management focuses on general business leadership as well as healthcare administration while a Master's in Healthcare Administration (MHA) focuses on topics specific to healthcare, like understanding healthcare operations and functioning in a leadership role at an executive level. 

Earning an MBA or MHA are both excellent options; however, an MBA has a broader focus on the curriculum. An MBA in Healthcare Administration allows individuals to gain a better understanding of general business and financial practices rather than those specific to healthcare.

Types of Master's in Nursing Degree Programs

Now that we've explored degree and specialization options for nurses wanting to earn a Master of Science in Nursing, let's discuss the different MSN program types.

Depending on where you're starting out, there are a lot of different ways to earn your MSN.

1. BSN to MSN Programs

• Who is it right for?  RNs that already have a BSN
• Program Cost: $5,000 - $100,000
• Are there online options? Yes, with in-person clinical requirements

If you're an RN who already holds a bachelor of science in nursing, this is the route for you. In a BSN to MSN program , you can continue directly from your undergraduate degree into an MSN program or choose to work with your undergraduate degree while pursuing your MSN.

>> Show Me BSN-to-MSN Programs

2. RN to MSN Bridge Programs

• Who is it right for?  RNs who have an ADN or Diploma 
• Program Cost: $10,000 - $180,000

If you have your Associate’s Degree in Nursing, or if you have a diploma RN, you can either earn your BSN and then apply to an MSN program, OR you can earn both your BSN and MSN at the same time, known as an RN-to-MSN bridge program.

These typically allow RNs to earn their MSN about a year sooner than the traditional route. The shortest RN to MSN online program is about 14 months long.

>> Show Me Online MSN Programs

3.) Direct-Entry Master's Degree Programs

• Who is it right for?  Those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree
• Program Cost: $30,000 - $100,000

If you have a bachelor’s degree in a different field, this type of program is designed for you. Rather than having to start from scratch and earn another bachelor's degree, direct-entry MSN programs allow you to jump right into your MSN degree. Perfect for any aspiring nurses who know they want to work as an APRN or other master's educated level nurse.

4.) Dual Master's Degree Programs

• Who is it right for?  Nurses who want advanced leadership or healthcare administration roles
• Program Cost: $30,000 - $80,000
• Are there online options? Yes

If you know that you want to one day become a hospital CEO or a Chief Nursing Officer , you may want to consider a dual master's degree in nursing program. With these, you can earn an MSN at the same time as you earn a more leadership-focused degree like an MSN/MBA  or an MSN/MHA --  Master's in Healthcare Administration . You can also earn an MSN/MPH if you want your career to take a public health route. 

Is a Master's Degree in Nursing Worth It?

MSN programs prepare registered nurses to serve their patients from a holistic perspective. One of the major benefits of an MSN degree is that it offers more opportunities for advancement and a higher earning potential. It also allows you to specialize in a role and/or patient population that interests you the most.

Which nursing master’s degree is best? 

• If you want to advance your career clinically, an NP will be the best route. For teaching or administrative positions, an MSN will probably be best.

Can I get my MSN without my BSN? 

• Yes. Many schools offer direct RN-MSN programs.

How many years does it take to get a master’s in nursing? 

• It takes 2-3 years to earn a master’s in nursing.

Do MSN nurses get paid more than BSN nurses? 

• An MSN-prepared nurse with a specialty role, such as a nurse manager or nurse educator, may make more than a BSN-prepared nurse. 

Do hospitals pay for your MSN? 

• Some hospitals do offer tuition reimbursement or assistance for MSN degrees. 

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Explore the 2021 Best Nursing Master's Programs

Browse tuition figures, acceptance rates and other information for the top nursing master's programs.

(iStockphoto) |

See the top 40 nursing master's programs.

College graduates and working nurses who want to continue their education or advance their career may benefit from enrolling in a nursing master's program. See which master's programs earned a top 40 spot in the 2021 U.S. News Best Nursing Schools rankings.

Arizona State University |

• 40 (tie). Arizona State University

Full-time enrollment: 37

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $11,720 (in-state), $23,544 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 47.8%

More about the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation .

(Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images) |

40 (tie). Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (MD)

Full-time enrollment: 5

2019-2020 tuition and fees: N/A

2019 acceptance rate: 100%

More about the Graduate School of Nursing at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences .

Karin Higgins | UC Davis

• 40 (tie). University of California—Davis

Full-time enrollment: 181

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $23,628 (in-state), $35,873 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 35%

More about the UC—Davis Nursing School .

(UNLV Photo Services) |

• 40 (tie). University of Nevada—Las Vegas

Full-time enrollment: 33

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $286 per credit (in-state), $429 per credit (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 20.8%

More about the UNLV School of Nursing .

Brad Stanley |

40 (tie). Wayne State University (MI)

Full-time enrollment: 43

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $926 per credit (in-state), $1,717 per credit (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 57.5%

More about the College of Nursing at Wayne State University .

Ed Pfueller | The Catholic University of America

36 (tie). The Catholic University of America (DC)

Full-time enrollment: 12

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,860 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 81%

More about the Catholic University of America School of Nursing .

(Indiana University-​Purdue University—​Indianapolis) |

• 36 (tie). Indiana University-Purdue University—Indianapolis

Full-time enrollment: 17

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $578 per credit (in-state), $1,553 per credit (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 60.8%

More about the IUPUI School of Nursing .

(Getty Images) |

• 36 (tie). Oregon Health and Science University

Full-time enrollment: 126

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $625 per credit (in-state), $809 per credit (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 90%

More about the OHSU School of Nursing .

University of San Diego |

• 36 (tie). University of San Diego

Full-time enrollment: 159

2019 acceptance rate: 24.9%

More about the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science .

George Washington University |

33 (tie). George Washington University (DC)

Full-time enrollment: 47

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,395 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 77.4%

More about the GW S chool of Nursing .

(Villanova University | Bowstring Studios)

33 (tie). Villanova University (PA)

Full-time enrollment: 118

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $940 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 80.5%

More about the Villanova College of Nursing .

VCU University Marketing. |

• 33 (tie). Virginia Commonwealth University

Full-time enrollment: 144

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $16,824 (in-state), $34,608 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 78.1%

More about the VCU School of Nursing .

Department of University Marketing |

• 30 (tie). Pennsylvania State University—University Park

Full-time enrollment: 25

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $21,960 (in-state), $37,694 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 73.9%

More about the P enn State—University Park College of Nursing .

Mark Simons | Purdue University

30 (tie). Purdue University—West Lafayette (IN)

Full-time enrollment: 49

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $11,243 (in-state), $32,393 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 73.8%

More about the Purdue School of Nursing .

(The University of Utah) |

• 30 (tie). University of Utah

Full-time enrollment: 40

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $707 per credit (in-state), $1,593 per credit (out-of-state)

More about the University of Utah College of Nursing .

Gary Wayne Gilbert |

• 27 (tie). Boston College

Full-time enrollment: 188

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,460 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 49.8%

More about the William F. Connell School of Nursing .

University of Miami |

• 27 (tie). University of Miami

Full-time enrollment: 53

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,200 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 55.6%

More about the Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies .

(Maricruz Kwon | UTHealth)

• 27 (tie). University of Texas Health Science Center—Houston

Full-time enrollment: 175

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $7,056 (in-state), $26,772 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 38.7%

More about the Jane and Robert Cizik School of Nursing .

University of Rochester |

26. University of Rochester (NY)

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,562 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 62.2%

More about the University of Rochester School of Nursing .

University of Tennessee Photography |

• 25. University of Tennessee—Knoxville

Full-time enrollment: 31

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $21,538 (in-state), $51,213 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 19.8%

More about the University of Tennessee College of Nursing .

(Raymond Boyd | Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images)

24. Rush University (IL)

Full-time enrollment: 293

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,015 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 14.2%

More about the Rush College of Nursing .

Marlayna Demond |

• 22 (tie). University of Maryland—Baltimore

Full-time enrollment: 217

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $824 per credit (in-state), $1,461 per credit (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 43.5%

More about the UM—Baltimore S chool of Nursing .

The University of Texas at Austin |

• 22 (tie). University of Texas—Austin

Full-time enrollment: 198

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $12,773 (in-state), $23,308 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 55.1%

More about the UT School of Nursing .

Office of Strategic Communication | University of Iowa

• 21. University of Iowa

Full-time enrollment: 2

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $967 per credit (in-state), $1,996 per credit (out-of-state)

More about the University of Iowa College of Nursing .

(Christa Renee) |

• 20. University of California—Los Angeles

Full-time enrollment: 338

2019 acceptance rate: 34.6%

More about the UCLA School of Nursing .

Roberta Dupuis-Devlin |

• 19. University of Illinois—Chicago

Full-time enrollment: 254

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $20,472 (in-state), $32,712 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 88.1%

More about the UIC College of Nursing .

NYU Photo Bureau |

• 17 (tie). New York University (Meyers)

Full-time enrollment: 244

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $35,166

2019 acceptance rate: 61.9%

More about the Rory Meyers College of Nursing .

Rutgers University-Newark |

17 (tie). Rutgers University—Newark (NJ)

Full-time enrollment: 7

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $907 per credit (in-state), $1,315 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 76.7%

More about the Rutgers School of Nursing .

(UAB Creative and Marketing) |

• 15 (tie). University of Alabama—Birmingham

Full-time enrollment: 149

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $656 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 67.2%

More about the UAB School of Nursing .

(Dan Addison) |

• 15 (tie). University of Virginia

Full-time enrollment: 164

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $17,808 (in-state), $29,076 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 62%

More about the UVA S chool of Nursing .

(uschools | iStockphoto)

14. Yale University (CT)

Full-time enrollment: 347

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $43,990

2019 acceptance rate: 45.5%

More about the Yale School of Nursing .

Dan Milner |

11 (tie). Case Western Reserve University (OH)

Full-time enrollment: 158

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $2,133 per credit

More about the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing .

Eileen Barroso | Columbia University

11 (tie). Columbia University (NY)

Full-time enrollment: 263

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $84,700

2019 acceptance rate: 56.3%

More about the Columbia School of Nursing .

(University of California—San Francisco) |

• 11 (tie). University of California—San Francisco

Full-time enrollment: 397

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $12,570 (in-state), $24,815 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 35.5%

More about the UCSF School of Nursing .

Scott Galvin |

• 9 (tie). University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Full-time enrollment: 108

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,326 per credit (in-state), $2,721 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 79.6%

More about the University of Michigan School of Nursing .

Vanderbilt University |

9 (tie). Vanderbilt University (TN)

Full-time enrollment: 470

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,642 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 66.1%

More about the Vanderbilt School of Nursing .

(Ohio State University) |

• 6 (tie). Ohio State University

Full-time enrollment: 550

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $973 per credit (in-state), $2,447 per credit (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 63.4%

More about the OSU College of Nursing .

University of Pittsburgh |

• 6 (tie). University of Pittsburgh

Full-time enrollment: 4

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $920 per credit (in-state), $1,098 per credit (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 68.4%

More about the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing .

Alex Alspaugh | University of Washington

• 6 (tie). University of Washington

Full-time enrollment: 20

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $17,556 (in-state), $30,345 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 97.5%

More about the UW School of Nursing .

Emory University |

5. Emory University (GA)

Full-time enrollment: 386

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,906 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 57%

More about the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing .

(F11photo | Getty Images)

• 3 (tie). University of Pennsylvania

Full-time enrollment: 119

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $44,376

2019 acceptance rate: 69.6%

More about the Penn School of Nursing .

• 3 (tie). University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill

Full-time enrollment: 157

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $20,352 (in-state), $41,670 (out-of-state)

2019 acceptance rate: 58.9%

More about the UNC School of Nursing .

Duke University Communications |

2. Duke University (NC)

Full-time enrollment: 405

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,838 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 35.2%

More about the Duke School of Nursing .

(Johns Hopkins) |

1. Johns Hopkins University (MD)

Full-time enrollment: 437

2019-2020 tuition and fees: $1,688 per credit

2019 acceptance rate: 52.7%

More about the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing .

See the Best Graduate Schools rankings.

Explore the complete 2021 Best Graduate Schools rankings, which include Doctor of Nursing Practice programs . You can also sign up for a free U.S. News account to receive content like this via email and stay up to date on education news by following U.S. News Education on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .

Best nursing master's programs

• 1. Johns Hopkins University
• 2. Duke University
• 5. Emory University
• 9 (tie). Vanderbilt University
• 11 (tie). Case Western Reserve University
• 11 (tie). Columbia University
• 14. Yale University
• 17 (tie). Rutgers University—Newark
• 24. Rush University
• 26. University of Rochester
• 30 (tie). Purdue University—West Lafayette
• 33 (tie). George Washington University
• 33 (tie). Villanova University
• 36 (tie). The Catholic University of America
• 40 (tie). Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
• 40 (tie). Wayne State University

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Types of Master’s Degrees in Nursing

• Master's Degree Nursing Options
• MSN Specializations
• MSN Options Summarized
• Master's in Nursing FAQ

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Earning a master’s in nursing (MSN) may be the next step in your nursing education whether you’re a nurse, have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) , or a non-nursing degree. This guide outlines various MSN pathways and specialties you can pursue. Discover the MSN degree that fits your unique circumstances and professional needs.

Popular Online MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Master of Science in Nursing Degree Options

Traditional and bridge nursing programs require experience before admission, while direct-entry programs are for students with non-nursing backgrounds. Dual-degree nursing programs allow enrollees to earn both an MSN and a master’s degree in a related subject, such as public health (MPH) or business administration (MBA).

During your decision-making process, carefully assess your eligibility, experience level, resources, and goals. The following overview will help you learn more about your options.

Baccalaureate to Master’s Degree

• Who It Is For: RNs with BSNs
• Program Length: 2-3 years

Most master’s in nursing programs require each applicant to hold a BSN and at least a year of clinical registered nursing (RN) experience. BSN-to-MSN programs usually last 2-3 years, depending on the curriculum and the student’s enrollment status.

Online, in-person, or hybrid master’s programs in nursing are often available. Many nursing graduate programs offer some courses online, but you may have to visit campus to complete exams or labs.

You must also complete clinical placements onsite at a healthcare or related facility. Distance learners usually complete nursing practicums at local facilities, but some programs require you to complete your practicums at partner sites. Some schools help you find your practicum site, while others do not. Check with individual programs to find out more about their clinical placement policies.

MSN Bridge Program

• Who It Is For: RNs with associate degrees in nursing (ADNs) who want to pursue master’s degrees, including advanced practice programs, NP programs , or general MSN degrees, like nursing educator or nursing administrator programs
• Program Length: 3 years

MSN bridge programs are a great option for ADN-level RNs seeking master’s degrees without completing a full bachelor’s program. These bridge programs combine the equivalent of the last two years of a BSN program with the master’s in nursing curriculum.

Direct-Entry Master’s Degree

• Who It Is For: Learners with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees
• Program Length: 18-36 months

Direct-entry graduate programs are designed for students with non-nursing bachelor’s or graduate degrees, allowing them to pursue a nursing master’s without a BSN. Each student must first take a condensed year of the BSN curriculum, pass the NCLEX-RN, and earn an RN license before advancing to the MSN portion of the program.

These programs leverage existing college credits, especially in STEM courses, toward an MSN. Direct-entry programs in nursing are available online, hybrid, and on-campus.

Dual Master’s Degree

• Who It Is For: RNs pursuing advanced leadership roles like nursing administrator or manager of clinical informatics
• Program Length: 3-4 years

Dual master’s degree programs combine two programs into one and include an MSN/MBA program or MSN/MPH program . They prepare candidates to pursue advanced leadership roles that require a deep understanding of nursing practice, the business of healthcare, and administration.

Types of Master’s Degree in Nursing Specializations

Schooling and post-graduation job outlooks vary. Set realistic expectations by researching your specialty.

For example, some specialties, like nurse-midwife, require students to pass their boards to practice.

You need a master of science in nursing to become an advanced practice nurse (ARPN), which includes nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, and clinical nurse specialist. After earning an MSN, you can earn a more advanced degree, such as a Ph.D. or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) , in any specialty.

Here are some of the specialized nursing professions you can pursue with an MSN:

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioner programs prepare you for advanced nursing careers. Graduates can sit for the national NP board certification exam in their specialties. NPs can specialize in many practice areas, such as adult-gerontology, family practice, women’s health, and mental health.

A nurse practitioner’s clinical responsibilities include health promotion and disease prevention. Depending on the practice authority in their state , NPs can perform many duties similar to medical doctors, such as ordering lab tests and prescribing medications. An NP makes an average annual salary of $128,490 as of May 2023, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Clinical Nurse Specialist

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) program prepares graduates for APRN careers in nursing research, mentorship, and education. They educate nursing staff on improving outcomes, educating patients, and employing evidence-based nursing care. Like NPs, they can also specialize in the patient populations, receiving advanced training in a specific clinical area, such as pediatrics, family care, or mental health.

Clinical nurse specialist programs are available online and can be completed in two years. According to Payscale , as of October 2024, the average CNS salary is $101,233 annually.

Certified Nurse-Midwife

The certified nurse-midwifery program focuses on individualized care and wellness during pregnancy, labor, and after delivery. Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) can perform prenatal and postnatal exams, deliver babies, write prescriptions, and help parents create birth plans.

Depending on state regulations, a CNM may work independently or under the supervision of a physician. Most CNMs work in hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, or private birthing centers. According to the BLS , the average annual salary for a certified nurse midwife was $131,570 as of May 2023.

Public Health Nurse

Public health MSN programs prepare graduates to educate people about health management, long-term wellness, and healthcare access. Graduates often work with low-income and underserved populations, conducting disease surveillance, monitoring outbreaks, assisting with public health crises, and working in vaccine clinics.

According to October 2024 Payscale data , a public health nurse makes an average hourly rate of $34.24 per hour. The average annual pay for public health nurses ranges from $52,000-$99,000 per year. You may only need an ADN to become a public health nurse , so MSN-level nurses may earn at the higher end of that salary range.

Nurse Educator

Nursing educator MSN programs prepare graduates to pursue careers as professors who teach lecture and lab classes or clinical preceptors who oversee nursing students at clinical sites. Nurse educator programs are offered in person, hybrid, and online formats.

Nurse educators guide nurses in implementing nursing best practices by combining their clinical experience with evidence-based practice knowledge. They teach both new and experienced nurses in healthcare organizations and higher education. According to the BLS , the average annual salary for nurse educators is $86,530.

Nursing Administrator

Graduates of MSN in nursing administration programs can pursue roles in nursing leadership or work in human resources in healthcare settings. Their duties include implementing nursing policies in healthcare settings, ensuring their nurses maintain up-to-date licenses and certifications, maintaining patient safety and quality care standards, and overseeing unit or organizational budgets.

Some online dual degree programs combine an MSN in nursing administration with a master of health administration degree. According to the BLS , the average annual salary for nursing and other healthcare administrators is $134,440 as of May 2023.

Nursing Informaticist

Nursing informatics employs technology to improve the quality of nursing care. Professionals with MSNs in nursing informatics analyze data, design reports, and assist nurse administrators in improving nursing practices. Coursework includes clinical health information systems, database management, data quality management, and statistics, with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data visualization. Practicums help students employ real-world informatics scenarios.

Nurse informaticists can collaborate with nursing units, along with information technology and healthcare administration departments. According to Payscale , the average annual salary for nursing informaticists was $85,32 as of September 2024.

Diabetes Nurse

Diabetes MSN programs prepare nurses to work in multidisciplinary teams to help diagnose, treat, and educate patients with diabetes. Diabetes nurses spend a lot of their time teaching patients the importance of diet and exercise, how to manage the disease at home, and how to manage their complex medication regimen.

According to ZipRecruiter data , as of October 2024, diabetes nurses make an average annual salary of $99,013. However, MSN-prepared nurses may earn more than average because they have more than the required minimum education.

Clinical Nurse Leader

Clinical nurse leader (CNL) programs cover data analysis, research, and effective communication, preparing graduates to manage nursing teams and monitor patient outcomes. CNLs support nurses through mentoring, training, and advocacy.

They implement policies to ensure facilities follow evidence-based practices and make adjustments based on quality assessments. CNLs can work in any healthcare setting, and their practice is unique to their work environment. According to Payscale data from September 2024 , CNLs make an average hourly rate of $39.03.

Community Health Nurse

Community and public health nurses educate the public and stakeholders on health and disease prevention. However, community health nurses are more likely to provide nursing and healthcare to members of the public and educate them on communicable and non-communicable diseases.

These nurses often work in clinics and government agencies, serving the community’s most vulnerable populations. A community health nursing curriculum addresses social causes of health, health promotion, nursing care for marginalized populations, and health education for people with varying levels of health knowledge. According to ZipRecruiter data , the average annual community health nurse salary was $78,995 as of October 2024.

Nursing Researcher

Nurse researchers typically work in academic medical centers or companies that conduct medical research, such as pharmaceutical or medical equipment companies. They monitor patients participating in medical research and may conduct original research on improving nursing quality.

The curriculum for nurse research programs emphasizes the ethical treatment of human subjects, advanced data gathering and analysis, evidence-based practices, and risk management. According to Payscale data , the average annual salary for a nursing researcher was $81,500 as of September 2024.

You can select from several types of MSN programs based on your education level and experience. These include:

• Baccalaureate to master’s degree programs
• MSN bridge programs
• Direct-entry master’s degree programs
• Dual master’s degree programs

After enrolling in an MSN program, you can choose a specialization that aligns with your passions and career goals. If the choices feel overwhelming, don’t worry! Start by narrowing your list of possible MSN programs and talk to advisors to help you find your ideal nursing path.

Master’s in Nursing Degrees: Frequently Asked Questions

Is a master’s in nursing worth it.

Yes! A master’s degree in nursing is often worth it for career advancement, higher salary, and increased job opportunities. However, really consider your career goals before you enroll in an MSN program. Pursuing higher education is an investment in time and money, and not all nursing roles require a master’s degree, so be sure it aligns with your plans and aspirations.

How many years does it take to get a master’s degree in nursing?

The length of an MSN program depends on the program type and your educational background. Typically, it takes 1.5-4 years to complete. Accelerated programs may shorten the time frame, while part-time or bridge programs for those with an ADN or a non-nursing degree may take longer.

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

The best MSN depends on your goals and preferences. For example, if you are interested in delivering babies and managing pregnancy care, an MSN in midwifery could be for you. Conversely, if you want to educate the next generation of nurses, an MSN in nursing education might be best for you.

Is an MSN the same as an NP?

No, an MSN is not the same as an NP. An NP program specifically prepares you to become a nurse practitioner, focusing on advanced clinical skills for diagnosing and treating patients. In contrast, an MSN program is more general and serves as an umbrella for various specializations, including but not limited to nurse practitioner roles. With an MSN, you can also specialize in leadership, education, administration, or informatics.

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