The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs
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- Best MSN in Nursing Education Programs
- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- Applying
- Paying
- Career Opportunities
- FAQ
Credit: rubberball / Brand X Pictures / Getty ImagesThe best online masters in nursing education programs offer a flexible path for nurses seeking to become nurse educators. The program equips nurses with advanced knowledge and skills necessary to teach in academic or clinical settings, focusing on evidence-based practices, curriculum development, and educational technology.
Discover the top-ranked online master’s in nursing education programs, admission criteria, what to expect, and what you can do with your degree.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,395
- Out-of-state$36,849
- In-State$6,775
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled70,418
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$6,380
- Out-of-state$6,380
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled147,866
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,740
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled26,782
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,233
- Out-of-state$17,049
- In-State$6,458
- Out-of-state$13,820
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled32,441
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled13,061
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Cedarville University
- Cedarville, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,364
- Out-of-state$32,364
- In-State$9,065
- Out-of-state$9,065
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled4,461
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Christian University
- Fort Worth, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$51,570
- Out-of-state$51,570
- In-State$32,220
- Out-of-state$32,220
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled11,379
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment95%
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
- Lancaster, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,386
- Out-of-state$29,386
- In-State$16,128
- Out-of-state$16,128
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled2,011
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Duquesne University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$41,892
- Out-of-state$41,892
- In-State$24,048
- Out-of-state$24,048
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled8,830
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Union University
- Jackson, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$22,080
- Out-of-state$22,080
- In-State$10,625
- Out-of-state$10,625
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled3,071
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an Online MSN in Nursing Education Program
When deciding on an online MSN program, it’s important to consider several key characteristics. Knowing a program’s admission requirements, accreditation, length, and format lets you determine if the school is the right fit. You can then avoid applying to programs that don’t meet your academic and professional needs.
Admission Requirements
Although nursing schools may have similar admission requirements, some want applicants to meet specific criteria for previous academic, clinical, and professional experiences. You want to save time applying to programs with requirements you meet.
Program Curriculum
Most nursing education programs follow a similar curriculum. However, certain schools may offer different specializations or electives. Look for a program with courses that align with your professional goals.
Clinical Experience
Knowing the specifics of your clinical rotation and teaching practicum is crucial to ensure you fulfill the program requirements and gain hands-on experience. These logistics include when, where, and how of your clinical placements. Some programs offer placement assistance for distance learners, which can significantly reduce the stress associated with the process. This helps students secure appropriate, high-quality clinical rotation and teaching practicum sites essential for educational and professional development.
Accreditation
Accreditation indicates that the program meets the highest education and training standards. An accredited program can qualify you for financial aid, job opportunities, and further education.
Program Length
Knowing the program’s length helps determine if the time commitment works for you. Most online programs offer part- and full-time options. Full-time students complete the program faster, but it can limit their ability to also work full-time. Part-time students can stay employed, but it will extend the length of the program.
School Graduation Rate
A nursing school’s graduation rates are based on the percentage of students who complete their program within a certain timeframe. Higher graduation rates are an indication of a high-quality program.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Some programs are completely online, while others have on-campus requirements. All accredited programs require students to complete their clinical and practicum in person. Determine if you can meet any on-campus requirements, if your schedule allows you to attend in-person practicums, and if the delivery format fits your needs as a student.
Why Is Online MSN in Nursing Education Program Accreditation Important?
It is crucial to choose an accredited online master’s in nursing education program to ensure you receive a quality education that prepares you for the industry. Accreditation validates a program has met rigorous academic and professional standards. Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. All the programs included in our rankings are accredited. Other reasons that accreditation is important:
- Mandatory for nursing licensure and certification
- Validates the quality of the education to prepare nurses for a professional career
- Credits can transfer to another accredited program
- Advanced nursing education programs require graduation from an accredited program
- Only students in an accredited program are eligible for federal financial aid
- Employers typically prefer and require degrees from accredited programs
How Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs Work
Unlike in-person programs, online programs can be completed entirely online or with minimal campus visits. On-campus requirements may include meeting with instructors, attending lectures, or completing labs, practicums, and clinicals.
Online courses are either synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous courses happen in real time, with students and instructors interacting at scheduled times. Asynchronous courses contain lessons students complete independently through videos, podcasts, and other online tools.
You must complete all practicum and advanced nursing clinicals in person. Practicums allow you to apply what you learned in your courses to a real-life setting under the supervision of an instructor or mentor.
Applying to an Online MSN in Nursing Education Program
Candidates applying to an online master’s in nursing education program require an active registered nurse (RN) license and relevant work experience. Prospective students must submit the required documentation to the program demonstrating their academic aptitude and probability of completing the online program. Some programs may also require GRE scores and an interview.
- Admission Requirements: Applicants must have an unrestricted and unencumbered RN license, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited hospital-based program, and at least two years of clinical experience. Some schools offer an ADN-to-MSN bridge program for those with an associate degree in nursing (ADN).
- Admission Materials: General admission materials include post-secondary transcripts, professional references, a written statement of professional goals, and a resume.
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 GPA or higher
Paying for Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs
Several factors can affect your out-of-pocket costs for an online master’s in nursing education program, including whether you’ll pay in-state and out-of-state tuition. Many online programs offer in-state tuition to online students regardless of residency. The program’s length, additional institution fees, and on-campus requirements also impact the student’s out-of-pocket costs. Flexible programs that allow students to work help them manage expenses.
Candidates in an online master’s in nursing education program may seek several forms of financial aid. Grants are typically need-based, and students are not required to repay the money if they meet the grant provisions. Scholarships are a different type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid and are awarded competitively. Students who are currently working should determine whether their employer offers tuition reimbursement.
Students can apply for public or private loans from banks or through federal financial aid programs. Students who qualify for federal funding may also qualify for work-study programs within the community. Finally, students can consider government assistance programs that either help pay for their education in exchange for a specified number of years of service after graduation or repay current loans for a service commitment.
What Can You Do as a Nurse Educator?
A nurse educator’s primary responsibility is preparing future generations of nurses for employment. Nurse educators typically work in healthcare facilities or educational institutions, including universities, community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools.
Those who work in healthcare facilities are responsible for helping nursing staff develop and maintain skills, keeping up to date on new regulations, advising nursing staff on best practices, evaluating nursing students, and interacting with patients, families, and coworkers.
Nurse educators who work in academic settings develop curricula, teach classes through lectures and discussions, assess student performance, evaluate educational programs, and conduct research on best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSN in Nursing Education
Determining if an MSN in nursing education is worth it depends on the individual. Nurse educators often benefit from high job satisfaction, knowing they are helping to prepare future nurses. They can work in various settings, including academic and patient care. Working in nursing education can also be less stressful than clinical nursing.
However, compared to all other MSN jobs, nurse educators are the lowest paid, especially in academic institutions. According to the Payscale, nurse educators earn an average salary of $84,252 as of June 2024.
Page last reviewed on June 11, 2024. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
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