Best MSN in Nursing Administration – 2025

The University of North Florida's MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration transforms experienced nurses into strategic healthcare leaders. This comprehensive online program cultivates advanced leadership competencies through evidence-based practices and organizational management techniques. Students explore critical domains of healthcare administration, developing skills to drive systemic improvements and enhance patient care delivery. The curriculum is meticulously designed to prepare nurses for high-level executive roles, with a focus on developing critical thinking, strategic planning, and innovative healthcare solutions. Graduates emerge with comprehensive knowledge to navigate complex healthcare environments and lead transformative organizational change.

• Online program format.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• Focus on leadership and management.
• Admits up to 20 students each fall.
• Optional in-person experiences for locals.
• Requires BSN for admission.
• Evidence-based curriculum.
• Improves healthcare delivery skills.
• Graduate level nursing education.
• Focus on organizational management.

UNF's online Nursing Management & Leadership MSN is an advanced professional development pathway for nurses seeking executive-level impact. The program strategically develops leadership competencies through comprehensive coursework addressing complex healthcare service management. Students gain sophisticated skills in strategic planning, organizational evaluation, and innovative healthcare delivery models. The curriculum prepares nurses to tackle emerging healthcare challenges by emphasizing interprofessional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and progressive leadership approaches. Graduates are equipped to drive meaningful improvements across diverse healthcare settings, positioning themselves as forward-thinking healthcare administrators.

• Fully online master's program
• Maximum 15 students admitted
• ANCC Nurse Executive certification prep
• Evidence-based healthcare management
• Flexible full/part-time enrollment

The University of North Florida's online Nursing Management and Leadership MSN represents an advanced educational pathway for ambitious registered nurses. This 35-credit program comprehensively prepares nurses to excel in leadership roles through a holistic, evidence-based curriculum aligned with contemporary healthcare standards. Students develop sophisticated skills in staff development, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered care strategies. The program emphasizes quality improvement methodologies, professional advocacy, and adaptive leadership techniques essential for navigating complex healthcare environments. Graduates emerge as visionary leaders capable of implementing transformative changes and driving organizational excellence across diverse clinical contexts.

• Online Master's program
• 35 total credit hours
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• 1+ year RN experience required
• Current RN licensure mandatory
• Prepares for non-executive leadership
• Aligned with AACN essentials

Texas A&M International University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration, a 31-credit hour program tailored for nurses aiming for leadership roles. This ACEN-accredited program, with in-state tuition at $11,377, can be completed in 10 months, featuring a curriculum that covers healthcare policy, organizational behavior, and leadership. It includes a 180-hour practicum, preparing graduates for executive positions. Admission requires a BSN, an unencumbered RN license, and a 3.0 GPA in upper-division nursing courses.

• 100% Online Delivery
• 31 Credit Hours Total
• 10-Month Accelerated Format
• ACEN Accredited Program
• In-State Tuition $11,377
• Six Annual Start Dates
• 180-Hour Leadership Practicum
• Prepares for Nurse Executive Roles

The RN to MSN in Nursing Administration at Texas A&M International University is an 18-month, 54-credit hour online program designed for RNs seeking leadership roles. With affordable in-state tuition of $19,818, the ACEN-accredited curriculum focuses on healthcare policy, organizational behavior, and leadership, including a 180-hour practicum. This program prepares graduates for executive positions and requires a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and an unencumbered RN license for admission.

• 100% Online Program
• 18-month Accelerated Format
• Total Cost: $19,818 (In-State)
• 54 Total Credit Hours
• ACEN-Accredited Program
• 180-Hour Leadership Practicum
• No RN Work Experience Required
• 2.5 Minimum Undergraduate GPA
• Leadership Career Preparation

Endicott College offers a specialized M.S. in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Administration, designed for healthcare professionals aiming for leadership roles. This 100% online program spans 33 credit hours, emphasizing administration, healthcare economics, and patient care delivery. It stands out for its no GRE requirement, affordability at $896 per credit, and the ability to complete it in just 18 months. The curriculum is enriched with an internship opportunity, cohort model support, and guidance from experienced faculty, making it ideal for working nurses seeking to enhance their administrative skills and advance their careers.

• 100% Online Courses
• 33 Credit Hour Program
• No GRE Required
• 18-Month Completion
• Cost Per Credit: $896
• Total Degree Cost: $29,570
• Cohort Model Support
• Personalized Advisory Support
• Experienced Faculty
• Internship Opportunity

The University of St. Francis provides an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program focused on Nursing Administration, ideal for RNs aiming for leadership positions. This program emphasizes the development of managerial and strategic skills necessary for overseeing nursing teams and healthcare services. With a curriculum centered on evidence-based practice, healthcare law, and financial planning, students are prepared to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare administration. The program's online format offers flexibility for working professionals, with a completion time of 24-48 months and a cost of $799 per credit hour. Accredited by CCNE, it ensures a quality education with new cohorts starting each semester.

• Flexible online delivery format
• $799 per credit hour
• 24-48 month program length
• Prepares nurses for leadership roles
• Evidence-based practice focus
• CCNE accredited program
• New cohorts every semester

Southern Utah University's online Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership and Administration is designed for healthcare professionals aiming to elevate their careers into leadership roles. This program, completed in just 10 months, combines 30 credit hours of coursework with 90 clinical hours, all for a total tuition of $14,790. It's tailored for RNs holding a BSN and a minimum 2.5 GPA, offering the flexibility to study online while working. Graduates are well-prepared for positions such as Director of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer, equipped with the skills to innovate and lead in healthcare settings.

• 100% Online Program
• 10-Month Accelerated Format
• Total Tuition: $14,790
• 30 Total Credit Hours
• 90 Clinical Hours
• RN License Required
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Prepare for Leadership Roles

Southern Utah University offers a unique Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, blending nursing leadership with critical cybersecurity skills. This 14-month online program requires 42 credit hours and a total tuition of $20,706, aimed at RNs with a BSN and a minimum 2.5 GPA. It prepares nurses to address cybersecurity challenges in healthcare, focusing on protecting patient data and managing risks. Graduates can pursue advanced roles like Director of Nursing, armed with both leadership and cyber defense capabilities.

• Online MSN with cybersecurity focus
• 14-month accelerated program
• 42 total credit hours
• Total tuition $20,706
• Requires BSN and RN license
• Leadership and cyber skills
• Multiple career advancement paths

Arkansas State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Nurse Administration, tailored for nurses aiming to ascend into leadership positions. This fully online program is structured for efficiency, requiring 34 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 14 months, making it ideal for working professionals. The curriculum is designed to blend advanced nursing practices with critical administrative skills, including healthcare policy, budgeting, and organizational leadership. With an affordable tuition of $11,560 and accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), it stands as a cost-effective option for aspiring nurse administrators. Admission prerequisites include a BSN and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

• 100% online nursing program
• 34 total credit hours
• Completion in 14 months
• Total tuition $11,560
• ACEN accredited program
• BSN required for admission
• Prepares for nursing leadership roles
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required

Seton Hall University's M.S.N. in Nursing Administration and Executive Nurse Leadership is designed for nurses aiming to ascend into leadership roles within the healthcare sector. This online program blends advanced nursing practices with executive leadership skills, preparing graduates to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare administration. The curriculum covers healthcare policy, financial management, and strategic planning, ensuring students are well-equipped for certification exams such as ANCC and ACHE. With a part-time, 35-credit structure over three years, it caters to working professionals seeking flexibility. The program boasts experienced faculty, hands-on practicums, and a supportive learning environment, making it a standout choice for aspiring nurse executives.

• 100% online program
• 35 total credits
• Part-time 3-year curriculum
• Certification exam preparation
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Faculty with executive experience
• Immersive administrative practicums
• Diverse research initiatives
• Strong student mentorship

Binghamton University's MS in Nursing with a concentration in Adult-Gerontological Nursing is a hybrid program tailored for nurses aiming to advance into educator or administrator roles. This two-year, 46-credit curriculum delves into health and illness management for adult and older adult populations, blending online and on-campus learning. Highlights include advanced physical assessment, research methods, and 540 clinical hours, preparing graduates for leadership in healthcare. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, NCLEX-RN, and current RN licensure.

• Two-year full-time program
• 46 total credit hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Nurse educator/administrator tracks
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• NCLEX-RN required
• Current RN licensure needed
• 540 total clinical hours
• Part-time option available

The MS in Nursing at Binghamton University, focusing on Community Health Nursing, equips nurses to address population health challenges through a hybrid format. Over two years and 46 credits, students explore community health issues, engaging in clinical experiences to enhance outcomes for diverse populations. The program offers flexibility with full or part-time options, preparing graduates for roles as nurse educators or administrators. Prerequisites include a BSN, 3.0 GPA, NCLEX-RN, and active RN license.

• Two-year hybrid program
• 46 total credit hours
• Community health nursing focus
• Nurse educator/administrator tracks
• Advanced clinical practice
• Requires 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• NCLEX-RN exam required
• Flexible full/part-time options
• Clinical hours included
• Multiple instructional methods

Roberts Wesleyan University offers a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration, tailored for RNs aiming to ascend into leadership roles within healthcare settings. This fully online program, requiring 39 credits, is structured for completion in 18-20 months, accommodating the schedules of working professionals. It emphasizes ethical leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare management, preparing graduates for positions such as Chief Nursing Officer or Nurse Manager. The program boasts CCNE accreditation, small class sizes, and unique opportunities like Lean Six Sigma certification and mentorship, enhancing career prospects. With no entrance exam required, it's accessible to those with a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, and at least one year of nursing experience.

• 100% Online Program
• 18-20 Months Completion
• 39 Total Credits
• No Entrance Exam Required
• 3.0 GPA Recommended
• One Year Nursing Experience
• Small Class Sizes
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Lean Six Sigma Certification
• Mentorship Opportunities

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Administration and Organization Systems Leadership (NAOSL), designed for RNs aiming to ascend into leadership roles within healthcare settings. This 100% online program, accredited by CCNE, emphasizes advanced competencies in clinical practice, research, and leadership. With two specialized tracks, students benefit from a flexible curriculum that accommodates working professionals, featuring monthly virtual meetings and practical learning opportunities in local healthcare environments. The program boasts doctorally-prepared faculty and personalized progression plans to ensure student success in the dynamic field of nursing administration.

• 100% online program format
• CCNE accredited nursing program
• Two emphasis options available
• Doctorally-prepared faculty
• Monthly synchronous virtual meetings
• Individualized progression plans
• Practical learning in local settings