DEGREES & PROGRAMS
Online Nursing Master's Degrees Designed to Help You Better Serve Patients
Omar, B.S. Nursing grad
Nursing Master's Degrees Online (students must possess an active RN license to be eligible for all MSN programs at WGU)
BSN-to-MSN Programs
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for additional career opportunities.
- Time: 61% of grads finish within 23 months
- Tuition: $5,035 per 6-month term
- Courses: 15 total courses in this program
This program is ideal for current RNs who have a BSN and are ready for the next step in their education.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.
A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have...
A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have a BSN but seek the success a master's can bring:
- Time: 64% of grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $5,035 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Informatics System Analysis and Design
- Data Science and Analytics
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Leadership and Management
The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for nurses who take this path.
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.
A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs....
A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs.
- Time: 62% of grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $5,035 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 15 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for RNs who already have their BSN and are ready to progress in their career.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education
- Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
- Leadership and Management
Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your MSN – Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers.
RN-to-MSN Programs
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap...
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.
- Time: 62% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 37 months.
- Tuition: $5,325 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $5,035 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 32 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality. This program is ideal for current RNs who are interested in earning both their BSn and MSN in an accelerated program.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses with a BSN and MSN...
A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses with a BSN and MSN component, allowing them to go from RN to MSN.
- Time: 63% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 36 months.
- Tuition: $5,325 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $5,035 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 31 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for currently licensed RNs who are looking to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at an accelerated pace.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Informatics System Analysis and Design
- Data Science and Analytics
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Leadership and Management
The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for registered nurses who take this path.
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Education (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program...
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program component and is a substantial leap forward for an aspiring nurse educator.
- Time: 60% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 38 months.
- Tuition and fees: $5,325 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion, and $5,035 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 32 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for current RNs who are looking to earn both their BSN and MSN in a single, accelerated program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education
- Value-Based Nursing Care Outcomes
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
- Leadership and Management
Given the growing nurse educator shortage, earning your MSN with a focus in education is both a rewarding decision and a solid career move.
Nurse Practitioner Programs
Health & Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the FNP is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington.
- Time: It takes 2.5 years to complete the coursework and clinical components of this degree program.
- Tuition: $6,850 per six-month term.
- Courses: 16 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Leadership and Management
- Adult Primary Care
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Special Populations Primary Care
- Advanced Health Assessment
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Health & Nursing
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Time: It takes 2.5 years to complete the coursework and clinical components of this degree program.
- Tuition and fees: $6,955 per six-month term.
- Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their BSN and are ready to move forward in their career. This MSN program prepares students to become licensed as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in select states.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Assessment and Diagnostics
- Behavioral health
- Advanced Pharmacology
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
RN-to-MSN Option
- The RN to MSN program is an ideal fit for current RNs who want to earn both their BSN and MSN in a single bridge degree program.
- Earning both of these degrees takes roughly four years and lots of hard work.
- Work experience will be key in helping you be prepared for this rigorous program.
- Affordable tuition and the opportunity to accelerate coursework helps students graduate faster and spend less on both of these degree programs.
BSN-to-MSN Option
- The BSN to MSN program is an ideal fit for RNs who have a bachelor's degree and are looking to further their career with a master's degree.
- The BSN to MSN degree program takes approximately two years to finish.
- Work experience and your previous BSN coursework will help you find success in this program.
- WGU offers affordable tuition and the option to accelerate your program, helping you graduate faster and spend less.
NURSING MASTER'S DEGREES
Influence Patient Outcomes and Change Healthcare with an Online Master's Degree in Nursing
Leaders in nursing are focused on creating better patient outcomes, influencing crucial decisions, and improving communities. An MSN in nursing can give you the skills and credentials you need to lead in the industry. Join the force of nurse professionals who have taken the next step and are leading the industry to better patient outcomes and improved health. Advance your career with a master’s degree in nursing education, nursing leadership and management, or nursing informatics. You can also pursue a family nurse practitioner MSN program to move your career forward. Our Master's of Science in Nursing degrees are designed to be flexible and attainable for everyone, even those currently working full-time. WGU has options to get your MSN whether you have your BSN already or not!
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
WGU has been named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.
WGU has partnered with The DAISY Foundation to honor WGU nursing faculty with The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty.
Online. Nonprofit. Affordable.
Experience + Hard Work Could Help You Graduate Ahead of Schedule—and Under Budget
Our unique approach to education is an ideal match for experienced nurse or healthcare professionals like you, who have extensive real-world experience. At WGU, you earn your master's in nursing by demonstrating skills and knowledge in career-relevant subject areas through a series of assessments. If you already know the material or study hard to learn it faster, you can complete your assessments more quickly. With the personalized guidance and instruction of knowledgeable faculty, you’ll be able to earn your MSN in nursing or healthcare degree online, on your schedule, and on your budget.
COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION
Competency: Demonstrated knowledge, skill, or ability required to advance in a degree program.
At WGU, course competencies are defined by an expert council, including employers.
AT YOUR OWN PACE
At WGU, you are in charge of setting the pace. Spend time on areas where you need more understanding and accelerate in subjects where you already have knowledge.
Celebrating Nurse Leaders with a Special Scholarship
One thing the pandemic has shown us is just how much America needs nurses, especially nurse leaders. Named for Dr. Margaret McClure, the catalyst for today’s magnet hospital program, this $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to one recipient each quarter who has demonstrated activism or innovation in nursing that improves patient outcomes.
Transfer Graduate Credits to Your WGU Degree
WGU offers students the unique opportunity to transfer graduate coursework to their degree program. You may transfer up to 17 competency units (47%) of your MSN courses taken at the graduate level at an accredited institution to a WGU BSN to MSN degree program.
See How Our Students Are Making a Difference
Students and graduates of the Leavitt School of Health are unified by their service to caring for others. One grad, Rhonda, was also driven by duty. She found a way to connect her duty to serve and her calling to care. Discover how you can join thousands of students like Rhonda, focused on making a difference in the lives of patients.
What Students Are Saying About WGU
Our students say it best. See why their WGU experience means so much to them, and what makes us different.
"WGU is a great option for nurses who are looking to advance their careers but need further education and flexibility to do so.”
—Kathryn Kosmides
M.S. Nursing – Education (RN to MSN)
"At WGU there is no busy work. Everything is related to your degree and related to the work you'll be doing in your job."
—Natalie Hill
M.S. Nursing – Education (RN to MSN) grad
"Not only did my degree at WGU help me advance my career—it also helped save a rural hospital and the community's access to local, quality healthcare."
—Sarah Aronack
M.S. Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN to MSN)
Where WGU Nursing & Healthcare Graduates Work
Frequently Asked Questions about MSN Programs
The best MSN to get will really depend on your ultimate career goals. If you want to teach other nurses, a nursing education MSN is a great fit. If you want to move up in the ranks of nursing toward management positions, a nursing leadership MSN is a great fit. If you want to move into data analysis, a nursing informatics MSN is a good option. Start with determining what your dream career is, then find an MSN program that will help you be prepared to reach your goals.
On average nurses with a master's degree earn about $86,000 per year, much higher than the RN national average of $74,000 per year.
- Nursing education program
- Nursing leadership and management program
- Nursing informatics program
- Nurse practitioner programs
- Bridge programs allowing for you to earn your BSN and MSN at the same time
A master's degree in nursing can help you in many ways, including:
- Higher salary
- Preparation to move into a different job with different responsibilities
- Opportunity for promotion
- Benefit to your hospital moving toward magnet status
- Step towards even higher education, such as a doctorate degree
