If everything’s bigger in Texas, so are the opportunities for Registered Nurses to specialize in a particular area by completing a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree. Whether they want to become Family Nurse Practitioners or specialize as Mental Health NPs, licensed RNs are bound to find an online, on-campus, or hybrid program that aligns with their priorities.

To earn a Master of Science in Nursing in Texas, students can choose from fast-moving bridge options (RN/BSN to MSN), stand-alone programs, and alternative direct entry programs.

RN to MSN and BSN to MSN Programs

Licensed Registered Nurses in Texas can choose from several bridge pathways to earn their MSN. Some RN to MSN programs, which are designed for RNs with only an associate's degree, enable students to complete coursework online while attending clinicals on the weekends. Others include simulations to maximize the online learning experience, and others are still entirely in-person. The BSN to MSN is the most direct path to earning an advanced degree and typically allows for specialization within the program.

Typical Program Length:

  • Approximately 5 full-time semesters for an RN to MSN
  • At least 3 full-time semesters for a BSN to MSN

Typical Admissions Requirements:

  • ADN or BSN from an accredited university (degree level may vary by program)
  • Minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Application with letter of intent
  • Current, unencumbered license as an RN in Texas
  • Some clinical experience
  • Resume and letters of recommendation
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (some universities)

Accelerated & Master's Entry Nursing Programs

Sometimes, the path to becoming a licensed nurse isn't so straight and narrow. For career changers with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, Texas has made it easier to enter the nursing profession. The University of Texas in Austin offers an Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing (AE-MSN) designed for such professionals. The in-person-only program is an intense crash course in nursing, allowing students to specialize in Adult-Gerontology, Mental Health, or Pediatrics. Students also gain the competencies needed to sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN.

Typical Program Length:

  • 2.5 to 3 years of full-time study

Typical Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a non-nursing field
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher and submission of official transcripts
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score
  • Completion of prerequisite courses in science and statistics
  • Application, resume, and statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation

2024 List of MSN Programs in Texas

How can you earn a high-level salary in nursing in the state of Texas? By graduating from one of the more than 10 colleges that offer a RN to MSN program and earning your Master's of Science in Nursing degree. Salaries are directly related to the skills obtained while taking the MSN program and the job opportunities that are open once you have obtained your degree. Job opportunities such as nursing administrator, oncology nurse, critical care nurse, and other specialty patient-centered avenues are available to successful graduates who have completed the RN to MSN programming and clinical hours.

MSN Programs By City:

Abilene, TX

2149 Hickory St
Abilene, TX 79601
(325) 671-2399

Arlington, TX

Austin, TX

Beaumont, TX

Canyon, TX

College Station, TX

400 Bizzell St
College Station, TX 77843
(979) 845-3211

Corpus Christi, TX

6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5774
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
(361) 825-2753

Denton, TX

Edinburg, TX

1201 W University Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539
(888) 882-4026

El Paso, TX

MSN Programs
5001 El Paso Drive
El Paso, TX 79905
(915) 215-8000

Galveston, TX

Houston, TX

MSN Programs
4800 Calhoun Rd
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 743-2255

6901 Bertner
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 500-2000

Lubbock, TX

Prairie View, TX

P.O. Box 519
Prairie View, TX 77446
(936) 261-3311

Round Rock, TX

MSN Programs
1555 University Blvd.
Round Rock, TX 78665
(512) 716-2900

San Angelo, TX

2601 W. Avenue N
San Angelo, TX 76909
(180) 094-6862 x7

San Antonio, TX

Tyler, TX

3900 University Blvd
Tyler, TX 75799
(903) 566-7000

Wichita Falls, TX

3410 Taft Blvd
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
(940) 397-4000

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