Earn your degree from the U.S. leader in nursing master’s education
As a nurse, you see the healthcare disparities firsthand—and you’re ready to challenge the status quo. With an MSN in Public Health Nursing online program from Walden, you can take the lead in promoting health awareness and equitable access in your community. Gain the interdisciplinary perspective and skills to help empower entire populations to live healthier lives. Prepare to shift from direct patient care to managing community health initiatives, particularly for underserved populations.
With Walden’s Practicum Pledge®, if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to find a match,1 so you can start your MSN in Public Health Nursing online program with confidence.
IMPACTFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Practice new skills and build your confidence through immersive, interactive learning experiences—both in person and virtual.
BENEFIT YOUR COMMUNITY
Apply your new knowledge in a practicum project that addresses a real public health issue.
BE READY FOR WHAT'S NEXT
Be confident knowing our coursework is aligned with standards established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
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.
Featured MSN in Public Health Nursing Courses
Advanced practice nurses frequently apply epidemiologic concepts to inform evidence-based practice. Students in this course are provided with an overview of epidemiologic methods in the study of the distribution and etiology of disease and health-related conditions in human populations. Students examine select population health issues such as chronic and infectious diseases and effects of disasters and emergencies. Throughout this course, students gain a deeper understanding of the various research designs and methodologies professionals use in epidemiologic research and their relevance to population-based nursing practice. Consideration is given to study designs, primary and secondary data sources, epidemiologic measures, sources of error, and ethical issues relevant to research. Students apply epidemiologic methods to the development of a program proposal for a population health issue.
The focus of this course is on the competencies required of the public health professional in planning for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of community health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Attention is given to needs assessment, logic models, and collaboration with stakeholders. Strategic approaches to planning, implementation, and evaluation with particular attention to study design and sampling are addressed. Health behavior theories are considered in the development of health promotion programs, the application of evaluation findings, and prioritization of community concerns and resources.
In this course students will continue to develop specialized knowledge and skills in advanced public health nursing (PHN) and the delivery of population health care within the context of inter-professional practice. Students will gain a greater understanding of the use of data in planning interventions, evidence-based public health, and the role of advocacy for policy and social change. The focus of the course will be on the assessment and development of culturally-competent interventions targeted at community and population levels through a practicum experience.
Public health nursing is shaped by social, behavioral, cultural, and demographic factors that impact health care at multiple levels. In this course, students will develop an understanding of the history of public health and public health nursing, public health law and ethics, system infrastructure, and issues related to health equity and health disparities. Students will analyze theories and research that will assist them to understand the social determinants of health and develop models to assess and deliver health care to populations to promote a culture of health.
The development of leadership strategies that supports the public health care system delivery of population health is imperative to quality outcomes. This course addresses the application of principles of leadership and management in a public health setting. And the skills needed for nurses to provide effective leadership across agency partnerships at the community, state, national, and international levels. A special focus will be placed on developing collaborative partnerships, systems thinking, evidence-based decision-making, organizational problem-solving, public health finance, professional accreditation, emergency preparedness, and global health competencies. Students will complete a practicum with a public health-related agency focused on program evaluation and the use of management and leadership skills.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
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.
Featured MSN Public Health Courses
This course introduces students to the online learning environment and the professional role of the baccalaureate prepared nurse. Course content assists students in recognizing and reinforcing the role of nurses as well-equipped, ethical, empathetic, and well-informed leaders capable of effecting change at various levels. Students will be inspired to reflect on both the future of nursing and practice as change agents.
This course introduces the concepts of evidence-based practice and research principles in nursing. The foundational elements of the research process and understanding of ethical research principles are explored. The concepts are applied to demonstrate their impact on providing safe, quality, patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.
This course addresses the baccalaureate prepared nurse’s role in advancing population health. Students will focus on strategies to reduce health inequities, identify social determinants of health, improve health promotion, and disease prevention for culturally diverse, vulnerable populations; thereby improving the health of local, national, and global communities. Students consider the role of nursing in strengthening population health through effective collaboration across healthcare settings.
This course will explore established and emerging principles of safety and quality improvement science. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how quality is measured, tracked, and improved in healthcare. The objective of this course is to empower the nursing professional to use knowledge and skills in the science of quality improvement and improve clinical outcomes for patients and their families.
The Capstone course provides students an opportunity to apply previously learned knowledge and skills with their baccalaureate education in the identification and implementation of a scholarly nursing project. Students will complete 100 hours in a clinical practice setting and develop an evidence-based, patient-centered nursing project focused on a health care environment of their choosing. This course will culminate with a presentation of their project to peers and others in the practice and academic community.
BSN to DNP/PhD in Nursing
If you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor’s in nursing degree, you can use these tracks to get started on your doctoral nursing degree.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Requirements
If you’re ready to become a catalyst for improved health equity and health outcomes in your community, an MSN in Public Health Nursing online program is a great next step. We’re ready to help you get started with a streamlined admissions process:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
Program Admission Considerations (RN-MSN): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN)
Program Admission Considerations (BSN-MSN): A bachelor's degree or higher
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts
More information for international applicants.
Personalized Practicum Support
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 online MSN program.
Tuition Breakdown
The road to nursing leadership should be accessible to all who aspire to earn an MSN in Public Health Nursing online from Walden. From partner savings to our Believe & Achieve Scholarship®, explore ways to reduce your costs:
Tuition Savings
Transfer Credits
Transfer Credits
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 53 quarter credit hours | $500 per quarter hour | $26,500 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $1,080 |
$27,580* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$5,000 | ||
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
†*Represents BSN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours | $430 per quarter hour | $11,180 |
| 53 MSN quarter credit hours | $500 per quarter hour | $26,500 | |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $1,440 |
$39,120* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$5,000 | ||
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 35 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109..
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
†*Represents course-based learning format, RN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
Career Opportunities
You’re a dedicated nurse—and a social justice warrior. An MSN in Public Health Nursing online can prepare you to become a nurse leader and health advocate.
Medical and Health Services Manager
These managers plan, direct, and coordinate services as they adapt to constant changes in healthcare.
Expected growth: 29%1
Estimated annual wage: $67,900-$157,6401
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the MSN program with a specialization in Public Health Nursing will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of this MSN in Public Health Nursing online program, you will:
Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
Iteratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.
Meet Your Academic Team
Our nursing community thrives under the guidance of our faculty, whose rich healthcare experience and teaching passion set a foundation for excellence.
You Might Also Be Interested In
MSN in Public Health Nursing FAQ
This specialty practice is for registered nurses who want to shift from direct patient care to managing community health initiatives. The MSN Public Health Nursing specialization provides a curriculum that trains nurses to recognize the need for practical solutions to challenges within community health systems, assess the efficacy of programs, and advocate for public health programs that improve health outcomes.
Public health nurses are part public health specialist and part healthcare provider. Their role is to improve the overall health of a larger population. To do this, they help develop, initiate, and manage public health programs; prevent disease, advocate for wellness initiatives and for public health policies; educate the community on important health matters; and provide direct healthcare to individuals in need.
The MSN with a specialization in Public Health Nursing is a program that develops nurses who can meet the need for solutions at the community and systems level, develop and advocate for public health programs that improve population outcomes, and assess the efficacy of these programs. Nurses in public health careers require a unique combination of clinical knowledge and strong community relationships to create the programs and policies needed to address health concerns in vulnerable populations.
Walden’s MSN Public Health Nursing specialization can help position you to work as a nurse leader within your community. An MSN in with a specialization in Public Health Nursing will provide you with the skills necessary to evaluate the needs of diverse populations and design/lead programs that provide education on disease prevention and health promotion to diverse communities. Public health nurses work with individuals, families, and populations in a range of settings, including health departments, schools, homes , community health centers, wellness centers, correctional facilities, work sites, mobile health services, industry, and rural or urban healthcare facilities.
Public health nurses do not work in typical healthcare environments for nurses. Instead, they often work for county or city health departments, identifying and addressing healthcare needs within the community. They also work at private and public health agencies, federal health-related organizations, and mobile units that provide healthcare services. Public health nurses are prepared to take leading roles in improving health outcomes for entire populations, particularly those in underserved communities.
Yes, Walden’s MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In fact, three of Walden’s nursing degree programs are CCNE accredited: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.
Walden’s online classrooms feature current learning technologies, media, and support materials. Through interactive simulations, engaging case studies, and access to a robust online library, you will be academically prepared to pursue public health nursing. In addition, Walden offers a support staff dedicated to your success, including Student Success Advisors, graduation counselors, and practicum coordinators.
Walden’s fully online MSN Public Health Nursing specialization was developed by experts in the nursing field. Our teaching faculty are active practitioners, and all faculty hold doctoral degrees. The program covers realistic and relevant scenarios to help you develop the skills needed to thrive in the area of public health nursing.