Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | Online Degree Program | Capella University (2024)

School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Take your nursing expertise to the next level with an accredited online MSN program designed to fit your life and goals.

  1. Home
  2. Master’s
  3. Nursing
  4. MSN

A flexible Master of Science in Nursing

The accredited* Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced nursing practice in a variety of specialized roles. Capella faculty and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board ensure your curriculum is developed with the insight and support of industry leaders.

MSN MSN in Care CoordinationMaster of Science in Nursing MSN MSN in Nursing EducationMaster of Science in Nursing MSN MSN in Nursing InformaticsMaster of Science in Nursing MSN MSN in Nursing Leadership and AdministrationMaster of Science in Nursing MSN RN-to-MSN Care CoordinationMaster of Science in Nursing MSN RN-to-MSN Nursing EducationMaster of Science in Nursing MSN RN-to-MSN Nursing InformaticsMaster of Science in Nursing MSN RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and AdministrationMaster of Science in Nursing MSN MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerMaster of Science in Nursing MSN MSN in Family Nurse PractitionerMaster of Science in Nursing

Online Master of Science in Nursing overview

Our CCNE-accredited* online MSN program is designed to help registered nurses reach for their professional goals with flexible, online specializations.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all ouraccreditationsandrecognitions.

*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program
at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Why Capella?

  • Flexibility
  • Quality curriculum
  • Student experience
  • Cost & savings

With FlexPath, you can earn your MSN in 14 months and under $15,000.*

*Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies and other fees apply. Available in select programs.

Two online learning formats fit your life

FlexPath

  • Take one or two courses at a time
  • Set your own deadlines. You can finish a course and move on to the next one without having to wait for a new term
  • Complete as many courses as you can in each 12-week billing session
  • Available in select programs

Explore FlexPath >>

GuidedPath

  • Work on assignments with fixed weekly deadlines
  • Take up to three classes per quarter
  • Follow a set schedule of 10-week quarters

Explore GuidedPath >>

1 of nursing alumni agree that FlexPath provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degrees.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023

1 of nursing alumni are satisfied with their Capella education.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023

Expert advisory board

The Capella School of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board helps ensure that your curriculum is developed with the insight and support of industry leaders.

Distinguished faculty

Our expert faculty members have designed curricula to enable our learners and graduates to impact patient, system and population outcomes.

1 of alumni agree that Capella faculty were well qualified and did a good job.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023

“I’ve had several faculty members who truly became mentors for me. Their support, guidance and feedback have helped me to make the absolute most of my learning experience and mesh schoolwork with real-world issues and situations.”

Isabel Francis

MSN graduate

Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.

MSN outcomes

In this program, graduates are prepared to:

  • Lead organizational change to improve the experience of care, population health and professional work life while decreasing the cost of care.
  • Evaluate and apply the best available evidence for use in clinical and organizational decision-making. Perform ethically in personal and professional interactions.
  • Drive process improvements to lead a culture of safety and quality.
  • Design person- and population-centered care to improve health outcomes and advance health equity.
  • Integrate strategies to improve communication and collaboration among team members to optimize care and strengthen outcomes.
  • Integrate knowledge of existing and emerging information, communication and healthcare technologies to improve safety and quality, and decrease the cost of care.
  • Evaluate how health policy, advocacy, legal standards and ethical practice advance the nursing profession.
  • Communicate effectively, in an appropriate form and style, consistent with organizational, professional and scholarly standards.

Expand your knowledge of healthcare systems, policies, patient education and health promotion with specialized courses in:

  • MSN Care Coordination
  • MSN Nursing Education
  • MSN Nursing Informatics
  • MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration
  • RN-to-MSN Care Coordination
  • RN-to-MSN Nursing Education
  • RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics
  • RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration

MSN – Nurse Practitioner

Expand your potential in the field of advanced nursing practice with online specializations like Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner.

MSN services and resources

Education isn’t one-size-fits-all – that’s why support is available to you at every step. From choosing your program and starting classes, to coursework assistance and graduation, our support teams are here for you.

Join the over 20,000 nurses that have chosen Capella University for their nursing degree.

Academic support

  • One-on-one enrollment and advising support
  • Writing center, online library and tutoring services
  • Expert faculty with real-world knowledge

Financing support

  • Assistance with the financial aid process
  • Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning

Career support

  • Resume help, interview prep and employer database of job listings
  • One-on-one career coaching
  • Learner & Alumni Networking platform to connect in your field

Personal support

  • Disability Services
  • Student communities and peer-to-peer mentoring
  • 24/7 tech support

Only you can make your degree happen – but our teams of experts are ready to help whenever you need it.

Alumni Association

Once you graduate, you’ll have a community of Capella students, alumni and faculty you can tap into for career advice and networking.

1 of nursing alumni agree that their degree has positioned them to achieve their professional ambitions.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023

Career Development Center

Explore your career options, navigate your job search, move toward your goals with help from our Career Development Center. We offer a variety of resources, including one-on-one career coaching. Start planning early.

Reduce your tuition

Scholarships & grants

Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.

  • Capella Progress Rewards aren’t need-based – they’re simply our way to support your commitment to your education. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
  • Capella University has partnered with Optum® to help prepare and support nurses for the future of healthcare through credible flexible education for nurse practitioner students. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Previous experience

Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university or getting credit for prior learning (CPL).*

*All transfer and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.

FlexPath: Your pace. Your price.

With FlexPath, you can earn your MSN in 14 months and under $15,000.*

*Based on fastest 25% of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies and other fees apply.

Employer benefits

Tuition discounts and scholarships are available for eligible employees of our partner organizations.

More than 600 healthcare organizations invest in their employees by partnering with Capella University to offer tuition savings and other educational benefits.

Military discounts

Capella offers a tuition discount to eligible active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, veterans, their spouses and dependents.

Program specializations

Various factors impact your time and cost to complete your degree, such as your program specialization. For more information, visit the MSN specialization pages.

RN-to-MSN

  • RN-to-MSN Care Coordination
  • RN-to-MSN Nursing Education
  • RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics
  • RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration

MSN

  • MSN Care Coordination
  • MSN Nursing Education
  • MSN Nursing Informatics
  • MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration

MSN – Nurse Practitioner

  • MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

Frequently asked questions

Additional nursing resources

8 skills to demonstrate career readiness

Learn which technical and soft skills can help showcase readiness in a chosen field.

Read this blog post »

7 job interview tips for nursing

Discover tips to help you set yourself apart as a nursing candidate in job interviews.

Read this blog post »

Nursing program guide

Get the details on every nursing program offered at Capella University – including available learning formats, financing options and more, all in one place.

Ready for the next step?

Learning online doesn’t mean going it alone. We’re here to help, from enrollment assistance and financing guidance to faculty and academic coaches. You’ll have a supportive community that’s as passionate about your education – and your success – as you are.

Call Us: 1-866-933-5901

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | Online Degree Program | Capella University (2024)

FAQs

Is MSN the same as Master of Science in Nursing? ›

Though the majority of schools grant the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, some offer the Master of Nursing (MN) or MS in Nursing in keeping with university policy. The MSN, MN, and MS in Nursing are comparable degrees and prepare students at the same level of competency.

Is an MSN in nursing worth it? ›

An MSN is a valuable degree that can open doors to leadership positions, advanced practice roles, and countless other fulfilling career options in the healthcare industry. It can offer you the chance to specialize in a particular area of nursing and gain expertise in your chosen field.

How many years is a MSN degree? ›

The length of most master's in nursing programs is two to three years, but completion times vary based on a student's schedule and preferences. For example, many who pursue a master's degree in nursing already are healthcare professionals, so they may choose to take classes part time while they work.

What does an MSN in nursing education do? ›

Most MSN in Nursing Education programs prepare students to work in a university or healthcare setting. However, nurse educators can also find employment in the private business sector, including for certifying organizations, primary healthcare companies, insurance companies, and more.

Are MSN called doctors? ›

For example, California and Georgia forbid nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals from using the "doctor" title. Most states allow practitioners with doctorate degrees to use the title “doctor” as long as they immediately clarify their role and qualifications.

What is a nurse with a MSN called? ›

Becoming an APRN often requires further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Types of APRNs include nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists. The University of St.

Does a MSN make money? ›

Although salaries vary, nurses with an MSN generally earn a higher salary than nurses with a BSN. In 2022, the median annual salary for a registered nurse was $81,220, while the average salary for nurse anesthetists, midwives, and practitioners (roles that usually require an MSN) was $125,900.

How much more does a MSN make than a BSN? ›

MSN-holders make thousands more per year than those with BSNs. Nurses with BSNs bring in less than $53,000 for the lowest 10% to more than $116,000 for the highest 10%. The lowest 10% of MSN-educated nurses earn less than $84,000, and the highest 10% make more than $190,000.

Is MSN higher than NP? ›

In order to practice as a nurse practitioner, you need to earn both a BSN and a graduate degree. One of the most common graduate degrees pursued by aspiring nurse practitioners is the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which is really going to be the lowest level of education you can complete and work as an NP.

What is the best nursing master's degree to get? ›

Here are eight of the most in-demand, highest-paying MSN specializations:
  1. Family Nurse Practitioner. ...
  2. Nurse Educator. ...
  3. Nurse Anesthetist. ...
  4. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. ...
  5. Nurse Administrator. ...
  6. Nurse Midwife. ...
  7. Nursing Informatics. ...
  8. Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Is it hard to get a master's in nursing? ›

Advanced degrees in nursing are tough

It can certainly be done, as thousands of students prove each year, but it's not an endeavor to be taken lightly.

Which is higher MSN or RN? ›

An MSN is often a requirement for most advanced nursing roles. The degree can set the stage for progressing to positions that allow greater autonomy and authority — including being able to prescribe medications. Advanced nursing roles may offer more stable working hours than many RN positions.

What is a nurse with a master's called? ›

Master's in Nursing (MSN)

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who is educated at the master's level or higher, and represents a step up in responsibilities and autonomy compared to registered nurses.

Which MSN degree pays the most? ›

The highest paid nursing speciality is certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). CRNAs assist patients undergoing surgeries or procedures with pre-surgery consults concerning the medications they take, their allergies, and any illnesses.

Is the MSN Nursing Education hard? ›

The short answer- yes! MSN programs are hard, especially Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs. These programs focus on advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Most MSN degrees require a minimum of two years of relevant experience before applying to a program.

Is it better to get an MSN or MHA? ›

If you wish to pursue more leadership and administrative roles in the different levels of nursing, such as a hospital CEO or policy coordinator, you may find the MHA an ideal pathway. If you wish to pursue an advanced clinical position, such as a CNP or CRNA, then an MSN may suit your career path.

What is Masters of Science in nursing? ›

What is an MSN degree? A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is a graduate-level degree for advanced practice registered nurses. It is most often completed after a nurse obtains their bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field and registered nurse license.

What does MSC stand for in nursing? ›

Master of Science in Nursing.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 5496

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.