The Top Nursing Schools in New Jersey for an MSN

Seton Hall University is one of the most respected Catholic universities in the country. The environment is collaborative and diverse and looks not just at academic development, but ethical development as well. College of Nursing students can become true leaders in their field, who are able to make a positive impact on communities around the world. The faculty members are outstanding and focus on offering challenges to their students through a curriculum that centers on values and through settings that use the latest technological advancements.

• Campus: South Orange, NJ
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $1,033 per credit
• Minimum time commitment: 25 to 48 credits
• Online availability: Yes
• Degree requirements: GPA of 3.0 minimum, resume, transcript, letters of recommendation, personal statement, statistics course, interview, RN license, BSN
• Programs: MSN Case Management/Health Administration, MSN Health Systems Administration, MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN School Nursing

At Monmouth University, students are instructed by highly committed faculty members. They make sure that students learn not just the skills they need to be the best advanced practice nurses, but they also look at an idealistic and realistic teaching and learning experience that is orientated on the future. Students will learn how to promote affective, psychomotor and cognitive abilities both in themselves and in the people they work with. Additionally, students need to be committed to their own professional and personal growth and to lifelong learning.

• Campus: West Long Branch, NJ
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $1,004 per credit, $264 per credit for senior students
• Minimum time commitment: 36 to 48 credits
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: Baccalaureate degree, GPA of 3.0 minimum, prerequisite courses, clinical experience, GRE, interview, background check, BSN, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, health assessment, resume, RN license
• Programs: MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, MSN Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN Nurse Administration, MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN School Nursing, MSN Nurse Education, MSN Forensic Nursing

At Stockton University, the MSN program is designed for those who already are RNs with a BSN and wish to focus on adult-gerontology primary care. During the program, students will gain all the skills and knowledge they need in order to diagnose, assess and treat their patients, as well as evaluate their overall health needs and problems. There is a very strong emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion, which are two elements that are becoming increasingly important in today’s aging population. Students use self-directed learning, which makes them true critical thinkers. As such, graduates are guaranteed to have all the necessary skills they require in order to become employed as an advanced practice nurse.

• Campus: Galloway, NJ
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $570.59 per credit for in state students and $878.34 per credit hour for out of state students
• Minimum time commitment: Between 2 and 4 years
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, resume
• Programs: MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Saint Elizabeth University has a tradition of turning students into true leaders in their field. They do this through critical inquiry and scholarships. Nurses who graduate from the Saint Elizabeth University know how to become true leaders in their field and they fully understand the social responsibility required of someone who works in the field of health care. Nurses will learn how to restore poor health, as well as how to promote and maintain good health in their patients. They will gain experience in the full range of health care settings. Students are also encouraged to be committed to their lifelong learning. Students are able to study both full time and part time, although they are encouraged to take the part time route.

• Campus: Morristown, NJ
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: $1,088 per credit
• Minimum time commitment: 37 credits
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: Transcripts, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, BSN, RN license
• Programs: MSN Nurse Educator

Fairleigh Dickinson offers a range of different MSN programs. These have been designed for those who already hold a BSN and wish to further their career opportunities. During the course, students will get all the skills and knowledge they need to perform their duties properly in an innovative way. Students are also able to study towards their MSN online if they opt for the nursing education track.

• Campus: Madison and Teaneck, NJ
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $1,186 per credit hour
• Minimum time commitment: Between 30 and 43 credits
• Online availability: Yes for MSN Nursing Education
• Degree requirements: Transcripts, entrance examination, letters of recommendation, interview, TOEFL if applicable, BSN, RN license, GPA of 3.0 minimum, health assessment, work experience
• Programs: MSN Nursing Education, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (also with Administrative or Education Focus), Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Forensic Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, non-clinical Nursing Information Systems

At Felician College, there is a strong understanding of the importance of advanced practice nurses in the field of health care. Additionally, there is an understanding that many health problems today are caused by poor behavior and choices. Those RNs who wish to become better at what they do are able to study towards various MSN specializations, most of which include prescriptive practice. As such, graduates are able to take on much of the work normally performed by physicians. Much of the curriculum is offered through online classes in a hybrid format, meaning that students only have to attend classes for a few courses. It is possible, through this format, to complete a program in just two years.

• Campus: Lodi and Rutherford, NJ
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $945 per credit hour
• Minimum time commitment: Between 36 and 46 credits
• Online availability: Yes – hybrid classes
• Degree requirements: RN license, CPR certification, liability insurance, health clearance, criminal background check, RN with one year experience minimum, BSN, GPA of 3.0 minimum, two professional references, transcripts, TOEFL if applicable, undergraduate course
• Programs: MSN Education, MSN Executive Leadership, MSN Family or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

At Ramapo College of New Jersey, students can take part in an MSN in Nursing Education program. Students can choose either non-tenure or tenure tracks. Once they have graduated, students can work in undergraduate learning institutions or in health care institutions.

• Campus: Mahwah, NJ
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: $582.45 per credit hour for in state residents and $748.70 for out of state residents
• Minimum time commitment: 33 credits
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: Transcripts, personal statement, 2 letters of recommendation, resume, RN license, one year experience minimum, undergraduate statistics course, criminal background check
• Programs: MSN Nursing Education