The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

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Updated November 30, 2023

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Review some of the best online MSN nursing education programs and explore what to look for when deciding to pursue the role of educator.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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An online master of science (MSN) in nursing education combines clinical experiences and teaching fundamentals. Graduates can pursue nurse educator roles in academic or patient care settings. Learn about the best online MSN nursing education programs and what to consider when choosing the right one for you.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best ADN-to-MSN (RN to NP) bridge programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Featured Online MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Why Is Online MSN in Nursing Education Accreditation Important?

The following reasons highlight the importance of attending an accredited nursing program:

  • Accreditation ensures the high quality of the program.
  • The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredits programs that appropriately prepare students for their role as nurses.
  • Graduates from accredited programs are more attractive to employers, leading to more employment opportunities and a higher earning potential.
  • Students enrolled in unaccredited programs may not be eligible for federal financial aid.
  • Doctoral programs expect applicants to have a degree from an accredited program.
  • Accredited programs may not accept transfer credits from unaccredited ones.

The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs & Schools

See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.

#1 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

Texas A & M University-College Station

  • College Station, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Texas A&M's College Station offers an online MSN in nursing education comprising 36 credit hours, which can take a minimum of seven semesters to complete.

The program also requires 45 clinical hours that take place in two separate on-site visits. Because of the on-campus requirements, the university highly recommends students reside in the state for the entirety of the program.

Upon graduation, students qualify to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam offered by the National League for Nursing.

  • Program(s): MSN in nursing education
  • Campus: College Station, Texas
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition: $805 per credit for in-state residents; $1,335 per credit for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: BSN; active RN license; completion of an undergraduate level statistics course with a minimum grade of "C"
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 98.2% (2021)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,395
Out-of-state
$36,849
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,775
Out-of-state
$19,048
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
70,418
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

The online MSN nursing education program at Western Governors University comprises 15 courses totalling 36 credit hours, which can be completed over four six-month terms. 

The curriculum consists of core nursing courses and specialty classes in nursing education. Because tuition is per term rather than per credit, students can elect to take as many online MSN core courses as they can in each term.

The university also offers an online RN-to-MSN bridge program, with a specialty in nursing education bridge program for nurses who hold an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma. Upon completion, graduates will have a BSN and an MSN. 

  • Program(s): MSN in nursing education
  • Campus: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Tuition: $4,370 per six-month term with a minimum of four six-month terms; $4,000 per six-month term for the undergraduate portion of the RN-to-MSN bridge program
  • Admission Requirements: BSN; an active RN license
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months; 42 months (RN-to-MSN bridge program)
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 91.6% (2021)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $86,990 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
147,866
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

Stony Brook University

  • Stony Brook, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Stony Brook University provides RNs with the opportunity to earn an MSN in nursing education in 36 months by completing 45 credit hours.

The curriculum includes core classes in organizational leadership; quality improvement, safety, and healthcare technologies; and healthcare policy and advocacy. General nursing courses focus on research, pharmacology, health assessment, and pathophysiology.

Courses specific to nursing education include the facilitation of adult learning; curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation; teaching strategies; and theory and practice in nursing education.

  • Program(s): MSN in nursing education
  • Campus: Stony Brook, New York
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $471 per credit for in-state residents; $963 per credit for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; undergraduate courses in health assessment and statistics; one year of relevant experience (preferred)
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 95.5% (2021)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $105,660 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,740
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
26,782
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

  • Edinburg, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The MSN in nursing education program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley comprises 36 credit hours that can be completed in as little as 20 months.

While the program is offered entirely online, upon acceptance, all students are assigned an advisor who will prepare them for their first semester and guide them throughout their education.

The curriculum consists of two categories of courses — required and practice — and a capstone requirement. The required courses include subject areas, such as pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology, and informatics. Practice courses include curriculum development, delivery of nursing education, evaluation, and instructional design.

  • Program(s): MSN in nursing education
  • Campus: Edinburg, Texas
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition: $724 per credit for in-state students; $1,132 per credit for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; completion of an undergraduate statistics course
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 20 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 93.4% (2021)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $106,420 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,233
Out-of-state
$17,049
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,458
Out-of-state
$13,820
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
32,441
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

The University of West Florida

  • Pensacola, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of West Florida offers a two-year MSN in nursing education program that comprises 39 credit hours with course lengths ranging from 8-16 weeks. Twelve of the 39 credits are in MSN core courses, while the other 27 credits include nursing education specialization courses.

Core courses focus on foundations of nursing science, population health promotion, leadership and policy strategies, pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology, and evidence in advanced nursing practice.

Education courses include advanced nursing practice for educators, advanced clinical practicum, education practicums, and education seminars.

  • Program(s): MSN in nursing education
  • Campus: Pensacola, Florida
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition: $425 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a "C" grade or better
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 91.5% (2019)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,088
Out-of-state
$22,166
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
13,061
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

Cedarville University

  • Cedarville, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The MSN nurse educator program at Cedarville University comprises 41 credit hours and can be completed on either a full- or part-time basis. Those who enroll as full-time students can complete the program in two years.

Credit hours are broken down as follows: 12 in core nursing courses, nine in direct care, 17 in nurse educator specialty courses, and three in a graduate-level Bible course.

Students are also required to complete 100 clinical hours of direct care and 200 practicum hours. Practicum hours include classroom, clinical, and simulation teaching; designing curriculum; and collaborating with professional educators and nursing faculty.

  • Program(s): MSN nurse educator
  • Campus: Cedarville, Ohio
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Higher Learning Commission
  • Tuition: $648 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and nursing research
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 84.4% (2021)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,364
Out-of-state
$32,364
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,065
Out-of-state
$9,065
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
4,461
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

Texas Christian University

  • Fort Worth, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Texas Christian University offers a two-year and three-year track MSN nurse educator program. The required 34 credits include 29 semester hours of didactic coursework, two semester hours of a clinical practicum, and three semester hours of a teaching practicum.

Students who enroll in the MSN nurse educator program at TCU choose one of two populations on which to focus their studies: adult gerontology or pediatrics. While most of the curriculum remains the same for both options, students must complete their clinical practicum in their chosen population focus.

  • Program(s): MSN nurse educator
  • Campus: Fort Worth, Texas
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition: $1,870 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; basic life support certification from the American Heart Association; one year of clinical experience (preferred)
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 93.3% (2021)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$51,570
Out-of-state
$51,570
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$32,220
Out-of-state
$32,220
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
11,379
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

  • Lancaster, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The MSN nursing education program at the Pennsylvania College of Health and Sciences comprises 34 credits and takes two years to complete. Students will complete three semesters per year in the fall, spring, and summer.

The curriculum includes core courses in pharmacology; pathophysiology; healthcare policy and finance; and health promotion and disease prevention in a diverse society. Education courses cover curriculum design, teaching strategies, assessment, and the role of educators in clinical and academic settings.

The college also offers a post-master's certificate in nursing education for nurses who already possess an MSN. The certificate program consists of five courses (15 credit hours) and can take as little as a year to complete.

  • Program(s): MSN in nursing education
  • Campus: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Middle States Commision on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $915 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; completion of undergraduate courses in health assessment and statistics
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 93.8% (2022)
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,386
Out-of-state
$29,386
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,128
Out-of-state
$16,128
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
2,011
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
61% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#9 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

Duquesne University

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Duquesne University's MSN in nursing education program requires 36 credits hours and 225 clinical hours. It typically takes students two and a half years to earn their degree.

Courses include pharmacology, pathophysiology, population-based health promotion, healthcare ethics, evidenced-based practice and policy development, historical and contemporary nursing foundations, and advanced clinical nursing.

Education courses include subject matter in educational theory; curriculum design and evaluation; and trends and innovations in the teaching of nursing.

  • Program(s): MSN in nursing education
  • Campus: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Tuition: $58,860 total 
  • Admission Requirements: BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; one year of full-time experience; completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a 
  • 'C" grade or better
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 95.6% (2022)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $88,740 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$41,892
Out-of-state
$41,892
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,048
Out-of-state
$24,048
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
8,830
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#10 The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

Union University

  • Jackson, TN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The MSN nursing education program at Union University offers a full-time and a part-time track, both of which require the completion of 41 credits. Full-time students can finish the program in four semesters (16 months), while part-time students can finish in seven semesters (28 months).

Courses include nursing statistics, health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, informatics, prevention and population health, collaborative strategies, and nursing ethics. Education classes focus on curriculum design; educational and clinical strategies in nursing; and educational assessment and evaluation.

Students must also complete 100 clinical hours, 80 hours of a nursing education practicum, and 160 hours of a nursing education residency.

  • Program(s): MSN in nursing education
  • Campus: Jackson, Tennessee
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition: $665 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credit hours; a science GPA of 3.0
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 93% (2021)
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $90,410 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$22,080
Out-of-state
$22,080
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,625
Out-of-state
$10,625
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
3,071
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How Online MSNs in Nursing Education Work

When compared to 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.

Online courses are either synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous courses happen in real-time with students and instructors interacting at a scheduled time. Asynchronous courses contain lessons that students complete on their time through the use of videos, podcasts, and other online tools.

While you might not have to complete any courses on campus, depending on your program, your teaching practicum will be in person. Practicums allow for the practical application of what you learned in your courses to a real-life educational setting under the supervision of an instructor or mentor.

Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online MSN in Nursing Education

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 do not want to waste time applying to programs with prerequisites you do not meet.


Program Curriculum

When focusing on a specific specialization such as nursing education, most programs will follow a similar curriculum. However, certain schools may offer students a variety of courses to choose from. Look for a program with courses that align with your professional goals.


Clinical Experience

Most nursing education programs require students to complete a teaching practicum designed to give them experience teaching under the supervision of a mentor. Schools typically assist with placement for a teaching practicum. You want to know when and how long these practicums are to make sure they fit your schedule.


Accreditation

Accreditation indicates that the program meets the highest education and training standards. Choosing a program that is not accredited can limit professional and academic opportunities.


Program Length

Knowing the program’s length helps you 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 limits their ability to simultaneously hold a job. 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 require certain on-campus requirements. All schools will require students to complete their practicum in person. Decide what works best for you by determining 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.

Applying to an Online MSN in Nursing Education

Before applying to an online MSN program for nursing education, you want to make sure you meet the conditions for acceptance. Graduate nursing programs look for candidates with the right academic and experiential backgrounds.

While admission is highly competitive and schools may look for specific prerequisites, many programs seek applicants who meet the following conditions:

  • Admission Requirements

    Applicants must have an unrestricted and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license, a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited hospital-based program, and at least two years of clinical experience.
  • 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 an Online MSN in Nursing Education

One of the most important contributing factors in choosing a program is the cost. The cost of operating buildings, maintaining on-site faculty and staff, and providing health-related services is often subsidized with tuition and fees. Because online students do not use all of these resources, schools may offer lower costs for remote programs.

To help pay for their nursing degrees, students have access to various financial aid options. They can apply for scholarships, grants, or loans to help reduce the financial burden. Scholarships and grants provide funds based on merit, need, or academic performance, while loans are borrowed money that must be paid back after the program's completion.

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 MSNs in Nursing Education

Is an MSN in nursing education worth it?

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 preparing future generations of 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, nurse educators, compared to all other MSN jobs, are the lowest paid, especially in academic institutions. According to the Payscale, nurse educators earn an average salary of $78,910 as of October 2022.

How long does it take to become a nurse educator?

It can take 8-10 years to become a nurse educator from start to finish. This includes the four years needed to earn a BSN, two years of clinical experience, and 2-4 years to complete an MSN program.

What do nurse educators do?

Nurse educators work in nursing schools, hospitals, and community health settings preparing the next generation of nurses and ensuring ongoing education for experienced nurses. They can also work in academic settings. Their main responsibilities include developing lesson plans, providing direct instruction, and assessing and evaluating learning outcomes.

Can I become a nurse educator online?

Yes, you can become a nurse educator online. However, students must complete a teaching practicum in person. Some schools may also require a certain number of on-campus visits throughout the program.


Related Pages


Page last reviewed: October 10, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.

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