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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online


Define your path, find your voice, and play a bigger role in healthcare’s transformation.
Define your path, find your voice, and play a bigger role in healthcare’s transformation.

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Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

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Nurse smiling at a parent and child during an appointment.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online

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Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
  • 02 Step 2: Contact Information

Why Choose Walden for Your Online Nursing Education?

ENHANCED PRACTICUM SUPPORT

With Practicum Pledge™, you benefit from our collaborative, dedicated process to help you find a right-fit, on-time practicum match.

SET YOUR PACE AND COSTS

Available in select specializations, Tempo Learning® lets you personalize the length, cost, and pacing of your MSN online program.

BUILD SKILLS—AND CONFIDENCE

Engage in both in-person and virtual learning experiences that are personalized, interactive, and effective.

SOCIAL CHANGEMAKER FOCUS

Learn a holistic approach to patient care and take an active role in creating positive, sustainable change for healthcare delivery.

STANDARDS-ALIGNED CURRICULUM

Our online MSN program is aligned with standards established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

HONORING COMPASSIONATE NURSES

Walden proudly partners with The DAISY Foundation to recognize, inspire, and encourage exemplary nurses.

Personalized Practicum Support

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After you register for the Walden University Practicum Pledge™ (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure your site and preceptor to help you find a match. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your degree journey.

CCNE-Accredited Nursing Programs That Inspire Confidence

In nursing, confidence is everything—and we want you to have confidence in Walden’s CCNE-accredited nursing programs. Accreditation signals program quality, and assures an educational experience aligned with the demands of today’s nursing field. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Be ready for what’s next with a Walden degree.

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Program Details

Learning Tracks

We have a path to success for every level in your nursing career.

  • Apply with or without a bachelor’s degree. If you’re a registered nurse (RN) with a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing, choose our RN to MSN track.
  • If you’re an RN who already has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, our BSN to MSN track is designed just for you.
  • Is a doctoral degree part of your plan? Choose our BSN to DNP or BSN to PhD in Nursing track if you’re an RN who already has a bachelor’s in nursing.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this master’s program, you must have a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing or higher and a valid RN license. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply.

More information for international applicants.

With Tempo Learning, you may be able to complete your MSN degree in as few as 14 months for as low as $13,000 for select specializations.*

*Represents BSN-MSN option, Tempo Learning® format, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Scholarship Details for more information.

Program Outcomes

What's the Career Impact of Earning Your MSN?

 

Resources

Success Stories

Meet Anna, a nurse who went to the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis in New York. Listen to her story of tragedy and resilience, and learn more about how she’s achieving her dream of becoming a family nurse practitioner.

With a degree From Walden University, you can make a greater difference.

Anna Slayton

FAQ About Walden's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

What can you expect in an MSN online program?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program often marks a defining moment in a nurse’s career; it’s when they decide how to focus their ambitions and whether to pursue direct or indirect patient care. With a number of specializations to choose from at Walden, you can learn how to:

  • Positively influence the quality of patient care.
  • Develop innovations and apply them to healthcare practices.
  • Use education to lead other nurses.
  • Improve the overall health of patients and communities.

Choosing an online MSN specialization allows you to align your coursework with your personal and professional goals. Walden’s MSN specializations are Public Health Nursing, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Nurse Executive, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.

How do you choose the best MSN program?

If you’re looking to earn your master’s degree in nursing (MSN) online, you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the right program for you. However, five key factors should always be considered before deciding:

  1. Accreditation: First, look for an MSN online program that is accredited. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation affirms the quality of a university’s MSN program and support services, as well as the university’s commitment to continuous assessment and improvement.
  2. Specializations: As you search for the best online MSN program, be sure to look for one that offers a number of specializations, allowing you to match your education to your career goals.
  3. Flexibility: Flexible scheduling is important as well, which is why Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online programs can be a good choice for working professionals.
  4. Diversity: It’s also important to be able to connect with other professionals who have diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This can greatly enhance your master’s in nursing (MSN) online experience.
  5. Support: Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong and accessible support team that is invested in helping you succeed in your program. 

We think you’ll discover that Walden University meets the above criteria and more.

Are all MSN programs accredited?

Accreditation is an important factor to consider when researching MSN programs. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

CCNE is a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Programs that are CCNE-accredited must meet rigorous academic and professional standards, with the ultimate goal of preparing effective nurses who make an impact in their field. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.

What can you do with a master’s in nursing (MSN)?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations—45% from 2022 to 2032. Nurse educators are also needed, with jobs expected to grow by 18% from 2022 through 2032, according to BLS. 1 Depending on your specialization, an MSN from Walden can pave the way to a number of career options, including:

Psychiatric nurse practitionerNursing instructor 
Nurse managerMental health nurse
Director of nursing Nurse educator 
Family nurse practitionerPediatric nurse practitioner

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this master’s in nursing (MSN) online program.

1Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) | Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners | Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

What makes one MSN program different from another?

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs differ from university to university. For example, more nurses graduate from Walden with their master's than any other university in the U.S. Didactic coursework in Walden’s MSN program is 100% online, which allows you to earn your degree on a schedule that works for you. Walden does not require travel for health assessments like other universities often do, and students can attend on a part-time or full-time basis. In addition, you can choose from a variety of specializations, benefit from small class sizes, and receive support throughout your program and beyond.

What support does Walden provide for finding a nursing practicum site?

All of our MSN students can benefit from the Walden University Practicum Pledge™. If you can’t identify a nursing practicum site and preceptor, register for Practicum Pledge™ (after meeting other requirements1). Our dedicated Field Placement Team will then partner with you to secure your site and preceptor. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your online MSN journey.

What’s the Career Impact of Earning Your MSN?

Transform Your Life—and the Lives of Others 

From telemedicine to data analytics, the healthcare landscape is changing fast. Walden’s MSN online program prepares you with the skills and confidence to find your unique place in this exciting evolution. It’s not just about what’s next in healthcare; it’s about what’s next for you. Become a next-generation nursing innovator and a catalyst for positive social change.

 Choose from nine online MSN specializations to align your program with your goals, whether you want to treat patients or serve in the boardroom. With a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), you can open the door to more autonomy and greater personal reward while positively impacting your patients and community.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

Walden University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to provide the academic degree required to apply for national certifications. Because no graduate program can guarantee that graduates will achieve national certification, we encourage students to consult the appropriate credentialing center for the specific requirements. It is an individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information about certification programs, students should contact the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.nursingworld.org/ancc, or other certification websites.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, the baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Walden is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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