Many nurses in Wisconsin aspire to advance their careers by pursuing more independent and rewarding roles. However, meeting the educational requirements can sometimes feel like a challenge. For instance, becoming a nurse practitioner requires earning a Master of Nursing Science (MSN) to qualify for licensure. The good news is that MSN programs in Wisconsin are often affordable and can be completed relatively quickly, whether you're in vibrant cities like Milwaukee and Madison or more serene rural areas. A variety of programs cater to diverse needs and career goals. Below are some tips for finding the fastest and most cost-effective MSN programs in the Badger State, along with advice to simplify your application process.

2025 - Best Online MSN Programs in Wisconsin

RegisteredNursing.org has identified the Best Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Wisconsin for 2025. These programs are celebrated for their academic excellence, flexible learning formats, and commitment to advancing nursing education. Rankings are based on a comprehensive methodology evaluating program quality, accessibility, and student success. For more details, visit our rankings methodology page.
1.

Concordia University Wisconsin

Mequon, WI

Concordia University Wisconsin offers a rigorous and comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing program with a focus on preparing nurse leaders who are equipped to tackle the changing landscape of healthcare. The university's nursing department is committed to providing evidence-based education and promoting a culture of compassionate care, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making and interprofessional collaboration.

MSN Programs
2.

Bellin College

Green Bay, WI

Bellin College offers a comprehensive MSN program through its esteemed nursing department that is rooted in evidence-based practices and patient-centered care. Students receive hands-on training in advanced nursing skills and are taught by experienced faculty who are dedicated to fostering clinical competence and leadership skills in their students. The college's state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative learning environment provide a supportive and dynamic setting for students to excel in their MSN studies.

MSN Programs
3.

University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Green Bay, WI

The University of Wisconsin - Green Bay offers highly regarded MSN programs through its esteemed nursing department. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration, the department prepares students to become leaders in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry. With a focus on hands-on experience and cutting-edge research, graduates are equipped to make a positive impact on patient care and the nursing profession.

MSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs in Wisconsin

For registered nurses in Wisconsin seeking a faster path to advanced degrees, RN to MSN programs offer an ideal solution. Tailored for nurses with an ADN, these programs build on your existing education and professional experience, providing an accelerated and cost-effective route to earning your MSN.

Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

  • Wisconsin 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

If you’re looking for a good example of RN to MSN programs in Wisconsin, take a look at either the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh (UWO) or Marian University (MU).

Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Wisconsin

While Wisconsin offers a range of MSN programs, finding options that are both fast and affordable can greatly benefit nurses aiming to advance their careers. Below, we'll highlight some of the quickest MSN programs in Wisconsin, along with those that provide the best value for your investment.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

The time required to complete an MSN program in Wisconsin largely depends on your enrollment status and the program type. Full-time students can often complete their MSN in as little as two years, while part-time students may take up to six years. This flexibility makes MSN programs an efficient and accessible pathway for nurses seeking advanced education. With accelerated and online options available, many students can further shorten this timeline, making it an ideal choice for those eager to advance their careers quickly. If you're looking to save as much time as possible in Wisconsin when getting your nurse practitioner degree, one great school to consider is The University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh which offers a 100% online program.

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

MSN degree programs are often considered one of the most cost-effective pathways for nurses pursuing graduate-level education, thanks to their relatively short duration. In Wisconsin, the affordability of an MSN program depends on various factors, including the school you choose, program size, and additional expenses like living costs, textbooks, and technology fees. Establishing residency in Wisconsin before enrolling can also help reduce tuition costs by qualifying for in-state rates. By carefully researching and comparing programs, prospective students can find options that align with both their budget and career goals. One of the most affordable MSN programs located in Wisconsin is offered by Concordia University which offers a tuition of $12,000 to $18,000.

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

If you hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, an Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) program in Wisconsin offers an excellent pathway to transition into nursing. These programs allow you to pursue an MSN without first obtaining a BSN, saving both time and money compared to traditional routes. MENP programs are designed to efficiently equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for advanced nursing roles. Below are the typical admissions requirements for MENP programs to help guide you through the application process.

  • 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

Both Carroll University (CU) and the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (UWM) offer MENP programs.

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

One of the most appealing aspects of pursuing a graduate nursing degree in Wisconsin is the wide range of specialties available to tailor your studies. Specializing not only enhances your expertise but also strengthens job security and increases your earning potential. One example of a specialized nurse practitioner program in Wisconsin is Alverno College, which offers a Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program.

What is MSN Accreditation?

MSN accreditation in Wisconsin ensures that programs meet the rigorous standards established by esteemed accrediting organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation confirms that the curriculum, faculty, and program outcomes adequately prepare students for advanced nursing roles, licensure, and certification. Graduating from an accredited MSN program is crucial, as students from non-accredited programs are ineligible for licensure or certification—essential milestones for advancing in the nursing profession.

2025 List of MSN Programs in Wisconsin

Check out the full list of MSNs located in Wisconsin below:

MSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Eau Claire, WI

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

  • Master's - Nursing, Family Health-Education - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 39-40 total graduate credits
    • Hybrid learning format
    • 525 clinical hours
    • Family Health focus
    • GPA requirement 3.00+
    • Wisconsin RN licensure required
    • Thesis or scholarly project option
    • Four semester completion
  • Master's - Nursing, Family Health-Administration

    Concentration: Family Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • 39-40 total credit hours
    • Leadership and administration focus
    • Approximately 525 clinical hours
    • Requires 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Wisconsin RN licensure required
    • Scholarly project or thesis option
    • Advanced nursing research courses

Fond Du Lac, WI

Marian University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Track

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • 46-credit MSN program
    • Full-time 2.5 years completion
    • Part-time 3 years completion
    • On-campus classes every other week
    • State-of-art Health Professions center
    • 90% certification pass rate
    • Fall/Spring start dates
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Administration Track

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online didactic courses
    • 35-credit comprehensive curriculum
    • No on-campus time required
    • Completion in 8 semesters
    • 225-hour practical experience
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Unencumbered RN license needed
    • Professional goal statement required

Green Bay, WI

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management in Health Systems

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 34-credit graduate nursing program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • No entrance exam required
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • RN license mandatory
    • Part-time completion options
    • Professional practicum experiences
    • Leadership project capstone

Madison, WI

Edgewood College

  • Master's - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program
    • 48 total credits
    • 3-year completion time
    • Full/part-time options
    • DNP pathway available
    • RN licensure required
    • 3.0 minimum GPA
    • Flexible course scheduling
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE-accredited program
    • Psychiatric Mental Health focus
    • 51 credits
    • 3 years (full-time)
    • Part-time option available
    • Fully online
    • Two program tracks
    • MSN or MSN to DNP

Mequon, WI

Concordia University-Wisconsin

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 41-credit online MSN program
    • Minimum 750 clinical hours
    • BSN degree required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA
    • Two years nursing experience preferred
    • Fall admission deadline: July 1
    • Spring admission deadline: November 1
    • No GRE required
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 41-credit online MSN program
    • 750 clinical hours required
    • Two admission cycles annually
    • Fall deadline: July 1
    • Spring deadline: November 1
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • No GRE exam needed
    • Christian principles integrated
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 41-credit online MSN program
    • Minimum 750 clinical hours
    • CCNE accredited program
    • BSN required for admission
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA needed
    • Specialization in Adult Gerontology
    • Christian principles guided
    • No GRE required
  • Master's - MSN Healthcare Informatics

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible format
    • No GMAT/GRE required
    • Advanced data analysis skills
    • Improve healthcare processes
    • Patient-focused data strategies

Milwaukee, WI

Alverno College

  • Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 39-credit FNP specialty track
    • 600 clinical practice hours
    • Flexible online/hybrid format
    • $1,000 per credit hour
    • CCNE accredited program
    • 5-7 semester program length
    • BSN degree required
    • Unencumbered RN license needed

Marquette University

  • Master's - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • Advanced practice nursing specialization
    • Care for patients 13 and older
    • Health promotion focus
    • Clinical assessment skills
    • Comprehensive patient management
  • Master's - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Advanced pediatric healthcare practice
    • Independent patient care skills
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Primary care specialization
    • Holistic child health approach
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Health Systems Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Online coursework with immersion experiences
    • Focus on healthcare systems leadership
    • Develops strategic change management skills
    • Prepares nurses for executive roles
  • Master's - Advanced Practice Nursing: Nurse-Midwifery

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/campus learning
    • 100% AMCB certification rate
    • 49-credit MSN program
    • Tuition $1,400 per credit
    • Accredited by ACME
    • Clinical placements in Wisconsin
    • No GRE required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Master's - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Advanced pediatric clinical training
    • PALS certification required
    • One year acute care experience recommended
    • BSN prerequisite
  • Master's - Dual Pediatric Primary Care and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 250 hours clinical residency
    • 1000 total clinical hours
    • Multiple degree tracks
    • $1,400 per credit tuition
    • Two years pediatric RN experience required
    • High-fidelity simulation labs
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA

Milwaukee School of Engineering

  • Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • PMHNP track
    • Blended format
    • 21-month program
    • 46 credits
    • 630 practicum hours
    • Holistic care focus
    • Psychotherapy
    • Alternative approaches

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

  • Master's - Master of Nursing

    Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader - Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited nursing master's program
    • Two program entry pathways
    • Clinical simulation center training
    • 42 total graduate credits
    • Over $500,000 in scholarships
    • Urban healthcare focus
    • Advanced nursing leadership training

Oshkosh, WI

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader - Campus Based - Website

    • Full or Part-Time Options
    • Evidence-Based Practice Focus
    • Leadership Role Preparation
    • CNL Certification Required
    • Graduate Rate Tuition

Waukesha, WI

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader - Campus Based - Website

    • Full or Part-Time Options
    • Evidence-Based Practice Focus
    • Leadership Role Preparation
    • CNL Certification Required
    • Graduate Rate Tuition