What can you expect in an MSN program?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program often marks a defining moment in a nurse’s career, when he or she decides how to focus their career and whether to pursue direct or indirect patient care. With a number of specializations from which to choose, 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, and improve the overall health of patients and communities. Choose a specialization that aligns your coursework and curriculum with your personal and professional goals. In-demand specializations include Public Health Nursing, Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Informatics, Nurse Executive, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.

How do you choose the best MSN program?

Master of Science in Nursing degree-seekers have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the program that is best for them. However, five key factors should always be considered before deciding: accreditation, specializations, flexibility, diversity, and support. First, look for an MSN 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. As you search for the best degree program, also be sure to look for one that offers a number of specializations, allowing you to match your education to your career goals. Flexible scheduling is important as well—which is why online degree programs are such a popular choice for working professionals. It’s also important for you to be able to connect with other professionals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which can greatly enhance your MSN experience. Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong support team that is invested in helping you succeed.

Are all MSN programs accredited?

Accreditation is an important factor to consider when researching MSN programs. Walden University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 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?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of advanced practice registered nurses is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations—52% from 2019 to 2029. 1 This growth is projected to include a variety of settings within the field, many of which an MSN degree can prepare you to serve. These settings can include: Hospitals Physicians’ offices Home healthcare services Nursing care facilities 1 Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6

What makes one MSN program different from another?

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs differ from university to university. Walden University, for example, graduates more MSN students than any other university in the U.S. 1 Didactic coursework in Walden’s MSN degree program is 100% online, which allows you to earn your degree on a schedule that works for you. Also, 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 the program and beyond. 1 Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS database. Based on the most recent year of completions survey data available, using CIP code family 51.38 “Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing” for Master’s degrees (Award level 7). Available at https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-dat a (Retrieved February 2020; may consist of or include provisional release data).

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

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Advance your career with a Master of Science in Nursing and make a bigger impact in the lives of your patients.

Next start dates

Course-Based Courses with a set schedule March 01, 2021
Tempo Competency-Based Learning Go at your own pace February 01, 2021

Accreditations

CCNE Accredited

Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career

Whether you want to work directly with patients or influence care on a broader scale, our CCNE-accredited MSN program can help you reach your goals. A master’s in nursing degree allows registered nurses (RNs) to pursue advanced clinical and leadership training.

Learn from the leader

No other school graduates more MSN students than Walden.¹

Expert Faculty

The College of Nursing's didactic faculty all hold doctoral degrees and possess real-world experience in a variety of nursing areas with diverse patient populations.

Enroll with or without a bachelor’s degree

There’s nothing standing in your way. Start your master’s in nursing online with a hospital diploma or associate degree in nursing.²

A degree on your terms

Opt for our course-based format or choose our flexible, competency-based format designed to work around your busy schedule.

Tailor your studies

Choose from direct patient care and indirect patient care specializations to align with your desired career path.

Refine your skills

i-Human patient simulation software and strength-finding tools make your learning experience personalized, interactive, and effective.

Program Savings

Receive up to a $3,500 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on March 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

Tempo Competency-Based Learning™: Receive up to a $1,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on February 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

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With a degree from Walden University, you can make a greater difference

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

Two Ways to Learn

Choose from two degree completion options.

The course-based format may be a good option for you if you prefer an instructor-led approach and learning on a predetermined schedule.

Tempo Competency-Based Learning^™ is an alternative way to earn your Walden degree. It’s different from our standard course-based learning because you can work at a pace that makes sense for you, and progress once you’ve shown you understand a subject. With Tempo Learning^®, you have the flexibility of online learning, plus the ability to personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your program. See below which specializations are offered in Tempo Competency-Based Learning in addition to our standard course-based learning.

Specializations

Choose the Specialization That's Right for You

Nurse Practitioner: Does your passion lie in providing direct patient care? Choose from four specializations that prepare you to pursue certification and credentialing as a nurse practitioner.
Specialty Practice: Position yourself for advanced leadership or educator roles in one of several critical areas of nursing and healthcare.

Learning Paths

Choose the BSN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Choose the RN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) entering the MSN program with a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing.

Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

In this specialization, you can gain the knowledge and clinical skills to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to individuals 13 years or older with complex acute and exacerbations of chronic medical conditions.

BSN to MSN RN to MSN

Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

This specialization explores strategies for improving health outcomes through effective communication and collaboration.

BSN to MSN RN to MSN

Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

This online Family Nurse Practitioner specialization focuses on evidence-based techniques that can enhance the quality of care and outcomes for your patients.

BSN to MSN RN to MSN

Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care

Positively impact the well-being of patients from birth to age 21 in pediatric primary care settings with our pediatric nurse practitioner specialization.

BSN to MSN RN to MSN

Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Learn to assess, diagnose, provide therapy, and prescribe medications for patients with psychiatric disorders, medical organic brain disorders, and substance abuse problems.

BSN to MSN RN to MSN

Specialty Practice

Nursing Education

Influence the future of healthcare as a nurse mentor with the MSN-Nursing Education specialization.

BSN to MSN - Course-Based BSN to MSN -Tempo RN to MSN - Course-Based RN to MSN-Tempo

Specialty Practice

Nurse Executive

Develop greater administrative expertise and harness your experience to serve as a leader and role model in your organization with the MSN Nurse Executive specialization.

BSN to MSN - Course-Based BSN to MSN -Tempo RN to MSN - Course-Based RN to MSN-Tempo

Specialty Practice

Nursing Informatics

Help improve healthcare delivery by integrating data to support clinical decision-making and using technology to create more efficient processes.

BSN to MSN - Course-Based BSN to MSN -Tempo RN to MSN - Course-Based RN to MSN-Tempo

Specialty Practice

Public Health Nursing

Public Health Nursing prepares you to assume leadership roles in assessing communities and populations; identifying high-risk populations; and developing culturally sensitive, acceptable, and realistic population-based nursing interventions.

BSN to MSN RN to MSN

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.

What's the Career Impact of Earning Your MSN?

Develop Your Talents. Inspire Change.

As a nurse with a passion for helping people, you want to do more to elevate patient care. Now is the time to move confidently toward your goals, because Walden is here for you.

A master’s in nursing degree from Walden can empower you with the skills and credentials to turn your aspirations into impact. Choose from eight specializations to distinguish yourself in the field, whether you want to treat patients or serve in the boardroom. With an advanced nursing degree, you can open the door to better job prospects, more autonomy, and greater personal reward.

What Can I Do With an MSN?

Depending on your specialization, a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Walden can pave the way to a number of career options, including:

Psychiatric nurse practitioner
Nurse manager
Director of nursing
Family nurse practitioner

Nursing instructor
Mental health nurse
Nurse educator
Nurse supervisor

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

Testimonials

I chose Walden because of its faculty commitment to students and its commitment to social change. I want to master the tools I need to better myself and the community in which I serve.

Cynthia Hickman MSN / PhD in Health Services Graduate

I chose Walden because it offered the MSN with a specialization in Nursing Informatics I was looking for, and it was all online. I was not in a position to be able to attend other graduate schools on-site like many programs required.

Phillip Odle MSN Graduate

I chose Walden because, after pursuing local universities, what Walden offered was better for my professional and personal life.

Shellie VonCannon MSN Graduate

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)