The Best Online MSN/MBA Dual Degree Programs
Credit: Monkey Business Images / ShuttershockCombining a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree with a master of business administration (MBA) prepares nurses for management roles and higher earning potential. By combining advanced nursing practice with graduate-level management courses, MSN/MBA programs build the clinical and leadership skills necessary to transform healthcare settings and organizations.
Our guide introduces the best online dual MSN/MBA programs so you can find a program that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals.
The Best Online MSN/MBA Dual Degree Programs
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Johns Hopkins offers a dual MSN in healthcare organizational leadership-MBA program. The flexible, primarily online program is available full or part time. The curriculum combines asynchronous and synchronous coursework with 504 clinical hours and emphasizes the medical, economic, regulatory, and ethical aspects of healthcare organizational leadership.
Courses include advanced nursing health policy, business microeconomics, operations management, leadership and organizational culture, and theories and practice in contemporary healthcare. Some MBA courses may require on-campus attendance.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - master of business administration dual degree
- Campus: Baltimore, Maryland
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,881 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; two years of work experience; undergraduate statistics; MBA math course
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022-23): 86% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $107,164 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$58,720
- Out-of-state$58,720
- In-State$58,720
- Out-of-state$58,720
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled31,270
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Miami University-Oxford
- Oxford, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students at Miami University can earn their MSN-MBA dual degree primarily online and choose a family nurse practitioner (FNP) or nurse executive leadership concentration. Core courses for both tracks cover clinical prevention and population health; individual and organizational leadership; informatics, quality, and safety; research and evidence-based practice.
FNP-track courses focus on advanced primary care for families, while nurse executive leadership classes prepare business-minded changemakers. Learners complete clinical FNP or nurse executive leadership capstones in healthcare settings.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - master of business administration dual degree
- Campus: Oxford, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Tuition: $795 per credit hour for MSN students; $995 per credit hour for MBA students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 2.75 GPA; for FNP/MBA track, completion of 1,000 hours of RN clinical experience before first clinical/practicum course
- Minimum Time Commitment: 32 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 92% first-time pass rate
- In-State$14,342
- Out-of-state$35,371
- In-State$13,396
- Out-of-state$32,698
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled19,318
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Union University
- Jackson, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Christian-focused Union University's MSN-MBA program admits qualified students enrolled in the MSN nursing administration program. The fully online curriculum prepares nurse leaders for positions in hospitals or academia.
MBA courses include ethical management, organizational behavior, and managerial economics. MSN administration includes nursing administration, nursing quality management, and resource management courses.
Learners without a business background must complete a course in graduate business foundations. The dual degree program allows the transfer of 12 MSN nursing administration credits toward the 36-hour MBA total.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - master of business administration dual degree
- Campus: Jackson, Tennessee
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $712 per credit for MSN students; $723 per credit for MBA students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited program; current Tennessee or compact state RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 undergraduate hours
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 90% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $105,418 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$15,520
- Out-of-state$15,520
- In-State$11,618
- Out-of-state$11,618
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled2,794
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Utah University
- Cedar City, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Nurses interested in guiding the future of healthcare can earn a leadership and administration MSN-MBA dual degree at Southern Utah University. Designed for healthcare professionals, the program is entirely online and focuses on accounting, finance, marketing, and operations.
Students take nursing leadership theory and business foundations courses first, then complete the program's remaining 51 credits. Distance learners can log the required 90 clinical hours at their workplaces. Graduates qualify to take the nursing leadership certification exam.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - master of business administration dual degree
- Campus: Cedar City, Utah
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Tuition: $485 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 2.5 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 92% first-time pass rate
- In-State$6,006
- Out-of-state$19,822
- In-State$7,574
- Out-of-state$23,784
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled13,611
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Kent State University at Kent
- Kent, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The fully online MSN-MBA program at Kent State prepares experienced nurses for leadership roles as middle or executive healthcare managers or entrepreneurs. Coursework includes advanced nursing informatics, economics of healthcare, and program development and evaluation for nurse administrators. Culminating capstone seminars and practicums occur at healthcare organizations under the guidance of faculty mentors.
Candidates for admission submit separate applications for the MSN and MBA. Applicants outside Ohio should make sure the program is offered in their state.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - master of business administration dual degree
- Campus: Kent, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Tuition: $572 per credit hour for in-state MSN residents, $582 per credit hour for out-of-state MSN students; $830 per credit hour for in-state MBA residents, $840 per credit for out-of-state MBA students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA; GRE scores; B grades in two qualitative undergraduates courses (e.g., advanced algebra and statistics)
- Minimum Time Commitment: Not specified
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 90% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $105,388 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$12,471
- Out-of-state$21,578
- In-State$12,071
- Out-of-state$22,522
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled25,636
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mary
- Bismarck, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The online MSN-MBA dual degree in healthcare administration at the University of Mary integrates clinical and administrative skills to prepare nurses for leadership roles. Students can finish the accelerated online program in less than 2.5 years.
Core courses include healthcare across the population and resilient nursing leadership. Specialty topics span contemporary issues in healthcare, law and the managerial environment, and managerial accounting. Learners complete team-based capstone projects in consultation with nurse leaders in clinical practice.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - master of business administration dual degree
- Campus: Bismarck, North Dakota
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $580 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 2.75 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months or less
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021-22): 94% first-time pass rate
- In-State$18,340
- Out-of-state$18,340
- In-State$12,244
- Out-of-state$12,244
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled3,841
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Purdue Global's online MSN-MBA dual degree program takes about 2.5 years to complete 28 courses and a practicum. The curriculum blends online coursework with hands-on experiential learning at students' workplaces or other approved locations. Purdue Global assists distance learners with finding clinical placements.
The program's executive leader concentration offers preparation for nurse executive or advanced nurse executive certification. Coursework includes advanced nursing roles, business communications, epidemiology and health promotion, and financial management.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - master of business administration dual degree
- Campus: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Tuition: $420 per credit for MSN students; $485 per credit for MBA students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program; minimum 2.5 GPA; C grades in undergraduate statistics and nursing research courses; criminal background check
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $110,217 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$13,356
- In-State$8,730
- Out-of-state$9,700
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled43,458
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Spring Arbor University
- Spring Arbor, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Grounded in Christian faith, Spring Arbor University's MSN-MBA program offers working nurses a flexible online format with asynchronous courses. Students take one seven-week class at a time with a week off in between. Completion time averages 2.5 years, and each enrollee works with a success coach.
Concentration areas include cybersecurity and data, executive leadership, healthcare administration, human resource development, and organizational consulting. The program prepares learners to take nurse manager or nurse executive certification exams.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - master of business administration dual degree
- Campus: Spring Arbor, Michigan
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $767 per credit for MSN students; $766 per credit for MBA students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- In-State$30,440
- Out-of-state$30,440
- In-State$8,093
- Out-of-state$8,093
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled2,685
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Midway University
- Midway, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Midway University's MSN-MBA concentrates on healthcare administration. The dual-degree program emphasizes solving problems in a global business environment and practicing within a culturally and ethnically diverse society.
Online courses include informatics and population health fundamentals, graduate business, professional role transition, quality improvement, and safety. A practicum allows students to work closely with practicing nurse administrators and executives. Learners also complete healthcare administration and nursing education research projects.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - master of business administration dual degree
- Campus: Midway, Kentucky
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $475 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program; current RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 92% first-time pass rate
- In-State$24,500
- Out-of-state$24,500
- In-State$7,314
- Out-of-state$7,200
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled1,823
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
- Marion, IN
- 4 year
- Online
The healthcare systems leadership MSN-MBA at Indiana Wesleyan University features entirely online coursework and hands-on practicums at student-selected sites approved by the program. The faith-based, holistic curriculum focuses on preparing transformative change agents with strong principles and fiscal knowledge. Learners complete 61 credits in about three years.
MSN courses include collaborative leadership, epidemiology, care of populations, and evidence-based communication. MBA topics cover business statistics, financial reporting and analysis, and leadership and organizational change.
- Program: Master of science in nursing - master of business administration dual degree
- Campus: Marion, Indiana
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Tuition: $595 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program (or non-nursing bachelor's with an RN license and 10 years of experience); current, unencumbered RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- Median Earnings Four Years After Graduation: $109,768 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$8,453
- Out-of-state$8,453
- In-State$9,715
- Out-of-state$9,715
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled10,008
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2024.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in an MSN/MBA Dual Degree Program
The right MSN/MBA program should match your academic and professional goals. Review each program’s admission requirements, accreditation status, curriculum, specialization, and program length to identify favorable matches.
Admission Requirements
Specific admission requirements can vary from one institution to the next. Research prerequisites, minimum GPAs, and other requirements to determine if you meet their standards.
Specializations
MSN programs require dual-degree students to select a specialization. Make sure the MSN specialization you want is available at the schools that interest you. If unsure, identify and apply to programs offering various specializations.
Program Curriculum
Review each program’s curriculum to determine if it offers courses that will help you meet your goals. While core courses may be similar, pay attention to electives and clinical opportunities that interest you.
Clinical Experience
Online MSN/MBA programs require students to complete clinical requirements, but these vary by program and specialty. Check the length of the school’s clinical requirement, including when to complete it and whether your program will help you find your site.
Accreditation
Students should only apply to accredited MSN/MBA programs. Accreditation ensures that programs adhere to quality standards. Accredited schools are also more likely to offer leading-edge and current nursing theory and practice.
Program Length
MSN/MBA dual degree programs typically take full-time students 3-4 years to complete. If you can only enroll part time, you’ll spend longer completing your degree. Part-time students should speak to a program advisor about the school’s enrollment options to ensure the program works with their schedule.
School Graduation Rate
Graduation rate reveals the percentage of undergraduates who complete their degree within an acceptable time limit. This metric can help you assess the quality of the school and its programs.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Exploring the format of a school’s online programs allows you to choose one that makes sense for your learning style and schedule. Online programs may still include on-campus requirements, such as practicums.
Why Is MSN/MBA Dual Degree Program Accreditation Important?
Accredited nursing and business programs meet high educational standards. Choosing an accredited program can improve the quality of your education, your eligibility for licensure, and your job opportunities.
Our ranking only includes MSN programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accredited nursing programs benefit nurses in several ways:
- Employers require job candidates to hold a nursing degree from an accredited program.
- Accredited programs meet eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs, board certification, and licensure.
- Accredited programs do not accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools.
- Doctoral programs only accept applicants who hold degrees from accredited institutions.
How Online MSN/MBA Dual Degree Programs Work
Earning an MSN/MBA degree online prioritizes flexibility. But how does online nursing school work? Distance learners complete nursing and business courses online, while meeting clinical requirements in person.
Nursing students may take synchronous courses, asynchronous courses, or a combination of both. Synchronous courses occur in real-time. Asynchronous courses let learners view lectures and complete assignments on their schedule.
Most programs incorporate core MSN and MBA courses, which cover topics, such as financial management and strategic leadership. These dual degree programs typically offer a specialization in nursing administration or leadership.
Applying to an MSN/MBA Dual Degree Program
Review the admission requirements and application materials to ensure your eligibility before applying to an MSN/MBA dual degree program. Many institutions seek applicants who meet the following general requirements:
- Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program, and at least one year of clinical experience.
- Application Materials: General admission materials include transcripts from your BSN program, 2-3 letters of recommendation, an admissions essay, and a resume.
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 GPA or higher
Paying for an MSN/MBA Dual Degree
MSN/MBA degrees are more expensive than traditional MSN programs because they require more credits. Costs can vary widely depending on the program and whether you take classes on a full- or part-time basis.
Nursing students use many financial assistance options to pay for nursing school. Filling out the FAFSA can help you qualify for federal student loans and need-based scholarships and grants. MSN scholarships support RNs seeking a graduate degree. Your university may also award financial aid to students. Finally, nurses may qualify for loan repayment programs based on where they work after completing their degrees.
What Can You Do with an MSN/MBA Dual Degree?
Nurses with an MSN/MBA dual degree can pursue various nursing leadership roles. The program prepares nurses for work in human resources, healthcare informatics, public health advocacy, and hospital finance, among others.
Healthcare managers, such as nursing administrators and nursing directors, benefit from strong demand. Employment in healthcare management roles could grow by 29% from 2023-2033, according to BLS projections. And executive roles, such as chief nursing officer, offer a high earning potential.
| Job Title | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse administrator | Nurse administrators manage nurses and other healthcare professionals in hospitals, outpatient settings, and long-term care facilities. Duties include budgeting, hiring, and scheduling. These nurses typically do not deliver direct patient care. | $96,540 |
| Nursing director | Nursing directors manage nurses, other medical staff, and the department’s budget. Nursing directors work in in-patient and outpatient acute care or extended care facilities. | $102,220 |
| Clinical informatics manager | Clinical informatics managers analyze clinical data to improve efficiency and patient outcomes. They plan and develop data-driven programs that benefit clinical care. | $105,973 |
| Nurse consultant | Nurse consultants evaluate clinical and administrative practices and recommend improvements for healthcare organizations. They draw on clinical expertise and leadership skills to improve quality. | $95,965 |
| Chief nursing officer | Chief nursing officers are nurses functioning at the executive level of nursing and work in hospitals or other healthcare settings. The responsibilities of this top-level position involve administrative, organizational, and leadership skills. | $149,791 |
Frequently Asked Questions About MSN/MBA Dual Degrees
A dual MSN/MBA program combines graduate courses in nursing and business. Students explore advanced nursing practice while developing organizational leadership and management skills. These programs prepare RNs for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, such as nurse administrators and nurse executives.
Explore Other Master’s and Dual-Degree Nursing Programs
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Earning an MSN degree is a rigorous yet rewarding achievement for nurses. Review different master’s degree programs for nursing to advance your career.
Dual Degree Nursing Programs: How Do They Work?
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