The Top RN-to-MSN Programs in Maryland

At Bowie State University MSN graduates are true experts in their field and will have advanced and specialized knowledge in terms of how to care for entire populations and individual patients. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, and graduates often end up working in research, health policy development and management. Additionally, they work particularly with disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.

• Campus: Bowie, MD
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: $426.66 per credit hour for in state students, $732.66 for out of state students
• Minimum time commitment: Less than five years
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: BSN, one year experience, GPA of 2.75 minimum, RN license, three letters of recommendation, resume, personal statement, CPR certification
• Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

At Notre Dame University of Maryland, students can take part in accelerated MSN degree programs. Their focus is on nursing administration and nursing education. These programs involve weekly meetings with other students, and the rest is done through distance learning and individual study.

• Campus: Baltimore, MD
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: $620 per credit
• Minimum time commitment: 38 credits
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: Transcripts, RN license, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, GPA of 3.0 minimum
• Programs: MSN Leadership in Nursing Administration and in Nursing Education
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

At Coppin State University, the MSN degree program follows seamlessly from the BSN program. Students are given the advanced practice skills they require in order to become direct care professionals, with a specific clinical specializations. The curriculum includes advanced theory and students will learn how to perform research and take responsibility for the assessment, promotion, management and diagnosis of health issues affecting the populations they serve. The focus is specifically on the health needs and trends seen in the urban communities of Baltimore City.

• Campus: Baltimore, MD
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $292 per credit hour for residents and $536 for non residents
• Minimum time commitment: 48 credits
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: BSN, elementary statistics, GPA of 3.0 minimum, GRE, RN license, three professional recommendations, personal interview
• Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

Johns Hopkins School of Nursing prepares its MSN program students to become managers, leaders and advanced practice nurses in a health care delivery setting that places the patient centrally. The program allows for a broader perspective to be developed and students will need to take innovate approaches to interdisciplinary health care issues.

• Campus: Baltimore, MD
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $1,451 per credit
• Minimum time commitment: 36 to 37 credits
• Online availability: Yes for Clinical Nurse Specialist and Health Systems Management
• Degree requirements: BSN, RN, TOEFL if applicable
• Programs: MSN Nurse Practitioner (Family Primary Care, Adult-Gerontological Primary Care, Adult-Gerontological Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Health Systems Management, Public Health Nursing, Dual Degree (MSN/MPH)
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

At Morgan State University, MSN students are expected to continue the studies they started when working towards their bachelor’s degree. This includes things such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, contexts of health care, advanced pharmacology, health care policy and law, epidemiology, leadership and management, health care information management, evidence-based practice and nursing research. Graduates will also work in community health settings, allowing them to work with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

• Campus: Baltimore, MD
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $447 per credit for residents and $802 for non residents
• Minimum time commitment: 45 credits
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, two years work experience, GPA of 3.0 minimum, statistics course
• Programs: MSN Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

Salisbury University expects a lot from their MSN students. The program is highly scientific and creates graduates with advanced knowledge and skills, ready to take on positions of leadership and management or go on to become nurse educators. The full-time faculty members are highly distinguished and all of them lead by example. The course itself is delivered in flexible formats, including distance learning, face-to-face meetings and evening classes. The relationships between students and faculty members are really strong, also thanks to the interactive learning environment that is provided. Every student will develop an individual progression plan that looks at their learning experiences that fit in with their own goals and personal interests.

• Campus: Salisbury, MD
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $358 per credit hour for residents and $647 per credit hour for non residents
• Minimum time commitment: 2 years
• Online availability: No
• Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, transcripts, CPR certificate, resume, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, TOEFL if applicable
• Programs: MSN Nurse Educator
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

Stevenson University offers online, accelerated MSN degree programs. These have been designed specifically for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The university recognizes that there is a high demand for properly qualified nurses on state and national levels. The programs are delivered in blocks of eight weeks for the convenience of the students. The curriculum includes analytical and theoretical knowledge that is required to make a true contribution to the profession of nursing. Students have to take part in a practicum that is delivered by nurses who are already experienced in the specialty that students are interested in.

• Campus: Stevenson, MD
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $610 per credit hour
• Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on program. All courses are delivered in blocks of eight weeks.
• Online availability: Yes
• Degree requirements: BSN, transcripts, writing samples, letters of recommendation, resume, GRE
• Programs: MSN Nurse Education, MSN Leadership & Management, MSN Population Based Care Coordination
• School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid