The Best Online MSN/MBA Dual Degree Programs
- Best Programs
- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- Applying to an MSN/MBA Dual Degree
- Career Opportunities
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
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 a higher earning potential compared with other nursing professionals. 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.
Popular Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online MSN/MBA Dual Degree Programs
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- In-State$10,080
- Out-of-state$13,356
- In-State$8,730
- Out-of-state$9,700
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled43,458
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Spring Arbor University
- Spring Arbor, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
- 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
- In-State$8,453
- Out-of-state$8,453
- In-State$9,715
- Out-of-state$9,715
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- 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 you need to find your placement.
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. | $100,890 |
| 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. | $105,650 |
| 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. | $92,380 |
| 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. | $147,530 |
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
The Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for 2025
A master of science in nursing can expand your career paths and boost your earning potential. Discover the top MSN online programs to advance your nursing career.
Types of Master’s Degrees in Nursing
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?
Earning a dual nursing degree online can increase nurses’ professional marketability and earning potential through diversifying their skill set.