Best MSN Programs for Each Specialty/Degree

The US is home to hundreds of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. Choosing the best option for you depends on a host of factors, including your desired job. MSN programs lead to advanced nursing careers in clinical and nonclinical settings. 

This article identifies the best MSN program for each nursing specialty and degree, from nurse practitioners to educators and beyond. Read on to discover the top master's degree in nursing program in your field.

Best MSN Programs for Each Specialty & Degree

Methodology

Our ranking methodology at Nurse.org considered the following factors:

• Accessibility and affordability
• Program delivery (online, in-person, hybrid)
• Accreditation
• Admission requirements
• Program accolades and reputation
• Acceptance & graduation rates

1. Best Nurse Practitioner MSN Program

MSN nurse practitioner programs generally take two years to complete and include didactic and clinical training. The following program is the best MSN school for NPs.

University of South Carolina

U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of South Carolina as the nation's #1 online MSN program. The University offers seven different MSN programs, including Entry to Practice Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Leadership, and Nursing Informatics. In 2022, the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) students had 100% first-time pass rates on the ANCC Board Certification.

• Accreditation: ACEN
• Location: Columbia, SC
• Tuition Per Credit: Resident - $770.25 | Nonresident - $1,438
• Program Length: 3 to 8 semesters
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Hybrid
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (803) 777-7412
  • Email Address: NURSGRAD@mailbox.sc.edu

2. Best Certified Nurse Midwife MSN Program

Certified nurse midwife (CNM) programs prepare nurses to deliver babies and provide prenatal, postnatal, and gynecological care. The following program is the best MSN school for CNMs.

Vanderbilt University

Graduates of this CNM program earn a degree from the #1 Certified Nurse Midwife program, ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Vanderbilts doctorally prepared faculty focuses their curriculum on serving underserved populations. The program hosts in-person classes with only local clinical sites, so students must live near Nashville to attend.

• Accreditation: CCNE
• Location: Nashville, TN
• Tuition Per Credit: $1,939
• Program Length: 3 years
• School Type: Private
• Online Options Available? Hybrid
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (615) 322-4400 
  • Email Address: VUSN-Academics@vanderbilt.edu

3. Best Clinical Nurse Specialist MSN Program

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) degree takes 1-3 years to complete. The following school has the best CNS program in the US.

The University of Texas at Austin

U.S. News consistently ranks the Adult Gerontology CNS program as one of the nation's top MSN programs. This degree's curriculum allows students to gain valuable insight into the profession from current practicing CNSs. Faculty work closely with students to hone skills in hospital and non-hospital settings.

• Accreditation: CCNE
• Location: Austin, TX
• Tuition Per Credit: Resident - $1,418 | Nonresident: $2,035
• Program Length: 2 years
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? No
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (512) 471-7913
  • Email Address: nugrad@nursing.utexas.edu

4. Best Nurse Educator MSN Program

Nurse educators work in academic settings to prepare nursing students for clinical practice, administration, and leadership. The following school offers the best nurse educator program nationwide.

Duke University

U.S. News ranked Duke University the top nurse educator program in the country, so its reputation as the best comes as no surprise. As a top university in the South, Duke offers students a top-notch education at a reasonable cost. Students can take classes from anywhere but must complete an in-person practicum tailored to Duke's teaching goals.

• Accreditation: CCNE
• Location: Durham, NC
• Tuition Per Credit: $2,166
• Program Length: 2 years
• School Type: Private
• Online Options Available? Hybrid
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (919) 684-3786

5. Best Nursing Informatics MSN Program

Nursing informatics programs prepare nurses to work at the intersection of nursing and technology. The following school offers the top MSN program for nursing informatics.

University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh offers nursing informatics as an MSN major, minor, or post-professional certificate. Students may complete any of these pathways full- or part-time. While many complete the program in two years, including clinicals, they can pursue the degree at their own pace.

• Accreditation: ACEN
• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Tuition Per Credit: $1,231
• Program Length: 2 years
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (412) 624-4586
  • Email Address: sao50@pitt.edu

6. Best Nursing Leadership & Administration MSN Program

Nursing leaders are vital administrators who ensure coordination and communication within the unit or healthcare facility. The following university offers the best nursing leadership program nationwide.

University of Maryland - Baltimore

The University of Maryland consistently ranks as one of the country's top nursing programs and MSN programs. Students attending its Nursing Leadership & Administration MSN get to complete their practicums at some of the nation's top hospitals. 

The program is undergoing an overhaul that will take full effect in spring 2025. Changes include increasing the number of clinical hours from 135 to 150. The university is also revising the curriculum to help students better grasp leadership and management skills.

• Accreditation: CCNE
• Location: Baltimore, MD
• Tuition Per Credit: Resident: $873 | Nonresident: $1,549
• Program Length: 3.5 years (part-time)
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number:  (410) 706-0501
  • Email Address: admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu          

7. Best Public Health Nursing MSN Programs

Drexel University

The public health MSN focuses on working with communities to offer health services. The curriculum includes increasing awareness of public health crises and developing community care plans. 

Students can complete this 45-credit program in just two years, but some may require a slower pace. Drexel locks in a tuition rate for students who can complete the program in three years. Additionally, the university has strong connections with local healthcare organizations, offering deep discounts to members and employees.

• Accreditation: CCNE
• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Tuition Per Credit: $1101
• Program Length: 2 years
• School Type: Private
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Contact Information: 
  • Phone Number: (800) 2-DREXEL
  • Email Address: CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu

8. Best MSN/MBA Program

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins offers one of the country's premier MSN/MBA programs in conjunction with the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins. Throughout the program, students complete 65 credits and 504 clinical hours. They may attend synchronous and asynchronous classes in a full or part-time capacity. 

Since this program is so competitive, applying to backup programs is highly recommended.

• Accreditation: CCNE
• Location: Baltimore, MS
• Tuition Per Credit: $1,881
• Program Length: 2.5 years
• School Type: Private
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (410) 955-4766

9. Best MSN/MPH Program

New York University

NYU’s MSN/MPH students will complete 70 to 85 credits depending on their chosen concentration. Only available on a full-time basis, students can choose between nursing administration, education, education, midwifery, or one of four NP specialties.

• Accreditation: CCNE
• Location: New York, NY
• Tuition Per Credit: $2,308
• Program Length: 3 years
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Contact Information:
  • Phone Number: (212) 998-5300
  • Email Address: nursing.admissions@nyu.edu

How to Choose an MSN Program

You may ask yourself, how do I choose which MSN degree to get? Should I become an NP or a nurse educator? Do I want to go into leadership and administration? These are all excellent questions to consider before applying for different programs.

Several factors will contribute to choosing the best MSN program for you. These include:

• Your career goals
• Whether you prefer flexibility or set schedules
• Your preference for night and weekend work
• Your previous bedside experience

For example, pursuing a career in education or administration might suit you if you want to avoid weekend and holiday shifts. Alternatively, consider an NP position if you still want to work at the bedside while taking on more responsibility. 

Keep in mind that some MSN degree programs require specific bedside experience. Neonatal nurse practitioner programs, for example, require NICU nursing experience. You might not qualify to pursue this degree if you’ve only worked in geriatric units.

FAQs

• What is the best MSN degree to get?

  • The best MSN degree for you depends on your bedside clinical experience, general interests, and career goals.

• Is getting my MSN worth it?

  • Yes, an MSN is critical to advancing your nursing career and becoming an APRN. With an MSN, you'll take on more responsibilities, gain more autonomy, and earn a higher salary.

• How long does it take to get an MSN?

  • MSN degrees can take anywhere between 3 and 8 semesters to complete. Most programs require you to finish your degree in a maximum of five years.

• How hard is an MSN degree?

  • MSN programs are challenging because they teach nursing skills to foster independent advanced nursing professionals. You'll attend difficult classes like Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Anatomy and Physiology.