The Top MSN Nursing Programs in San Diego
- Best San Diego MSN Programs and Schools
- Program Overview
- Applying to a San Diego MSN Program
- Program Accreditation
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) can lead to an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career. Enrolling in an MSN program in San Diego comes with the added advantage of living and working in California’s second-largest city, located along the Pacific coast. Warm weather, miles of sandy beaches, and a laid-back attitude offer MSN candidates plenty of opportunities to relax and destress between classes.
An MSN allows nurses to take on more responsibility, work as nurse practitioners, and command higher earnings. Before applying to an MSN program in San Diego, check out our top-ranked degrees using metrics that we believe matter most to MSN candidates.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best MSN programs in San Diego, 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.
Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our full ranking of the best San Diego MSN programs.
Popular Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Learn More About the Best MSN Programs and Schools in San Diego
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$38,800
- Out-of-state$38,800
- In-State$11,880
- Out-of-state$11,880
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled4,319
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$19,140
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate39%
- Students Enrolled36,637
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
University of San Diego
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$52,120
- Out-of-state$52,120
- In-State$27,936
- Out-of-state$28,404
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate53%
- Students Enrolled8,815
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
How Do San Diego MSN Programs Work?
MSN programs in San Diego meet accreditation requirements. Of the various nursing master’s degrees available, the one you choose should be based on how you intend to use your education. For example, you may focus on becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), researcher, or educator.
The coursework in a San Diego MSN program varies based on your specialty. Programs prepare the candidate for an advanced clinical, administrative, teaching, or leadership role in nursing. General skills include critical thinking and decision-making, skills necessary for any advanced practice role.
Fundamental coursework can include pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, statistics, pathophysiology, and physical assessment. Candidates may also take research courses to learn how to analyze medical research and design a research project.
Several MSN programs in San Diego offer students the opportunity for flexible scheduling. This allows candidates to work while in school but may slow the pace of the coursework and completion time.
Applying to a San Diego MSN Program
The application process to the top MSN programs in San Diego may vary by school. Pay close attention to admission stipulations and complete each requirement. The following are often required for admission to San Diego MSN programs.
- Admission Materials: Completed application, current RN license, GPA of 3.0 on all science prerequisite work, a bachelor’s-level statistics course, proof of completion of a bachelor’s degree, three letters of recommendation and/or statement of purpose, and potential personal interview
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher
- Other Requirement: Prior education requirement varies. RN-to-MSN programs may take RNs with an associate degree, and direct-entry MSN programs take students with a bachelor’s degree in a focus other than nursing.
Why Is San Diego MSN Program Accreditation Important?
Graduate nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). However, midwifery programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
Accreditation assures the student of the program quality and supports the reputation of the educational institution with state nursing boards, employers, and professional organizations. Government grants and loans can only be used at accredited MSN programs.
To become board certified as a nurse practitioner, the candidate must have graduated from an accredited institution. Most employers are seeking APRNs from accredited programs, and these candidates have greater employment and advancement opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego MSN Programs
Your specific career goals and financial situation determine the answer to this question. The strong job market in San Diego is expected to grow in the coming years. However, the cost of education in California is also substantial, and the program typically takes two years to complete.
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