Best Online MSN Programs in California

The West Coast state of California is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from stunning coastlines to vibrant cities and towering redwoods. Beyond its natural beauty, the state is also a hub for higher education and innovation, making it an ideal choice for nurses seeking Master of Nursing Science (MSN) programs tailored to their career goals.

Obtaining an accredited MSN is a crucial step for nurses aspiring to become advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners, in both rural areas and major metropolitan centers like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing career, explore the sections below to discover the range of MSN programs and bridge options in California, as well as admissions requirements and tips for finding the fastest and most affordable paths to earning your degree in The Golden State.

2025 - Best Online MSN Programs in California

RegisteredNursing.org is proud to present the 2025 rankings for the Best Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in California. These programs are celebrated for their academic excellence, flexibility, and dedication to preparing advanced nursing professionals. Rankings are determined using a rigorous methodology that evaluates factors such as academic quality, program accessibility, and student success. For a full breakdown of the methodology used in creating this list, visit our rankings methodology page.

1.

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University's online MSN program offers advanced training for nursing professionals looking to excel in their career. The School of Nursing at APU is dedicated to integrating faith, compassion, and academic excellence into their program, preparing students to provide holistic and patient-centered care. With flexible online courses and experienced faculty, APU's MSN program equips nurses with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the healthcare industry.

MSN Programs

• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Clinical Nurse Specialist Campus
• Family Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Master's in Healthcare Administration Online/Hybrid
• Master's in Nursing Education Degree Campus
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Campus

2.

California State University Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA

California State University Dominguez Hills offers a highly respected and accredited online Master of Science in Nursing program through its College of Health, Human Services, and Nursing. With a focus on evidence-based practice and leadership, this program prepares nurses for advanced roles in healthcare while emphasizing the importance of diversity and social justice in nursing practice.

MSN Programs

• Clinical Nurse Specialist Online/Hybrid
• Nurse Administrator Online/Hybrid
• Nurse Educator Online/Hybrid

3.

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

The University of California San Francisco's online MSN program is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum and cutting-edge technology. The School of Nursing, known as the "birthplace of nurse practitioner education," offers a variety of specialties such as family practice, psychiatric mental health, and pediatric nursing. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares students to become leaders in the healthcare field.

MSN Programs

• Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Campus
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist - Critical Care/Trauma Campus
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist - Oncology Campus
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Family Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Neonatal Nursing Campus
• Online MS Healthcare Administration & Interprofessional Leadership Online/Hybrid
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Campus
• MSN: Advanced Public Health Nursing (APHN) Campus
• Master Degree in Nursing: Health Policy Campus

4.

Samuel Merritt University

Oakland, CA

Samuel Merritt University offers a rigorous and innovative online Master of Science in Nursing program, known as the "MSN@SMU". The program is offered through the renowned School of Nursing and is rooted in the university's commitment to excellence and social justice. With a focus on hands-on experience and evidence-based practice, graduates of the MSN@SMU are well-equipped to become leaders in the nursing field.

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• ELMSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Campus
• Master of Science in Nursing — Case Management Campus

5.

Western University

Pomona, CA

Western University offers a comprehensive online MSN program through their esteemed nursing department, known as the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing. The program is designed to provide advanced education and training for nurses, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership development, and interprofessional collaboration. The curriculum is continuously updated to align with the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to make a meaningful impact in the field of nursing.

MSN Programs

• Administrative Nurse Leader (MSN-ANL) Online/Hybrid
• Clinical Nurse Leader (MSN-CNL) Online/Hybrid
• Ambulatory Care Nursing (MSN-AC) Online/Hybrid

RN to MSN Programs in California

RN to MSN program offer a streamlined path for registered nurses to earn a Master of Science in Nursing, bridging the gap between an associate or bachelor's degree and advanced practice roles. These programs combine undergraduate and graduate-level coursework, allowing RNs to specialize as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, healthcare leaders, or something else entirely. With flexible options such as part-time, online, and accelerated formats, RN to MSN programs cater to working nurses seeking career advancement and expanded clinical expertise through an affordable and fast pathway.

Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

• California RN license
• ADN or nursing diploma
• GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
• Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
• Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

There are a plethora of RN to MSN programs available in The Golden State. Check out schools such as the University of San Francisco (USF) and West Coast University (WCU) for examples, or check out the list below:

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in California

Even though you may be considering graduated school, you may also be having some reservations about the cost of tuition and and how long it might take you to complete your studies. In your research, however, you may be surprised at how many schools in California offer fast timelines to graduate and considerably low cost of tuition. Below are a few examples.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

While most MSN programs aren’t a huge time commitment considering the length of other types of nursing programs, graduating faster is usually preferred to graduating slower. MSN programs on average take about three or four years to complete, however, there are several programs located in California that can be completed in even less time. Here are a few to consider:

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

As a nursing student, you know that graduate school is just simply out of touch for many nurses with a limited budget. The fortunate news is that even though California one of the highest costs of living in the country, you can still find plenty of affordable options for MSN programs, especially if you’re already a legal resident of the state and can take advantaged of reduced in-state tuition rates. Below are a few examples of some of the cheapest MSN programs in the state.

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)

In many cases, a nurse may only decide to begin their career well after getting their bachelor’s degree in a different field. One unique thing about nursing school however is that this does not mean that the student needs to start from the very beginning of the nursing education trajectory. With an Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) program, you can achieve your MSN program in only four years without ever having to enroll in a BSN program. Here are some additional admissions requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
• GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
• Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
• Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
• Admissions interview

If you think you may qualify and are interested in applying for a MENP program, check out the University of the Pacific (UP) or Samuel Merritt University (SMU) for examples.

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

Earning an MSN also allows nurses to specialize in specific areas of practice, tailoring their education to align with their career goals. Specializations include fields like family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric-mental health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and nurse leadership. By focusing on a specialty, MSN graduates gain advanced knowledge and clinical skills, enabling them to provide expert care, pursue certification, and take on leadership roles within their chosen field. This targeted expertise enhances career opportunities and helps meet the growing demand for specialized healthcare providers. Take a look at these examples below:

What is MSN Accreditation?

The important thing you must consider as you begin applying to MSN programs in California is MSN accreditation. Accreditation ensures that a given program is approved by the state board and thus, students who graduate from it will be able to get licensed following the completion of the program. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the two primary accrediting bodies in the US.

2025 List of MSN Programs in California

Looking for a more specific fit? There are plenty more MSN programs available to Californians than just the ones listed above. See the full list of examples below:

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.