Top Non-Nursing Master's Degrees for Nurses

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA can equip nurses with the business acumen needed for leadership and management positions in healthcare organizations. Currently one of the hottest degrees in healthcare, earning an MBA allows for exceptionally high career growth opportunities and earning potential.

MBA Jobs

The most common jobs associated with individuals with an  MBA in healthcare administration are:

• Policy analyst
• Clinical director
• Hospital chief executive officer
• Medical records manager
• Health and social services manager
• Chief nursing officer (CNO)
• Chief financial officer (CFO)
• Medical manager
• Nursing home administrator
• Health information manager
• Healthcare administrators
• Pharmaceutical project manager

MBA Salary

Medical and health service managers earn a median salary of $117,960 per year, $56.71 per hour, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Unfortunately, the BLS doesn't differentiate between the salaries of those with and without an MBA.

2. Master of Science (MS) in Management Science

This degree focuses on quantitative analysis and decision-making, which can be valuable in healthcare planning and operations. Throughout the program, students learn business analytics, operations management, project management, information systems, supply chain management, and decision science.

MS in Management Jobs

The most common jobs associated with individuals with an  MS in Management Science are:

• Management consultant
• Project manager
• Operations manager 
• Social media manager
• Chief executive officer (CEO)
• Human Resources manager

MS in Management Salary

Payscale reports individuals with an MS in Management Science earn an annual salary of $111,000.

3. MS in Finance

This non-nursing master’s degree can lead nurses to roles in healthcare finance, budgeting, and financial planning. Students learn financial theories, practical applications, and industry insights while navigating complex financial situations.

MS in Finance Jobs

The most common jobs associated with individuals with an  MS in Finance are:

• Payroll specialist
• Wealth manager
• Financial analyst
• Accountant
• Forensic accountant
• Personal financial consultant

MS in Finance Salary

Payscale reports individuals with an MS in Finance earn an annual salary of $81,000.

4. MS in Marketing

An MS in Marketing can be useful for nurses interested in healthcare marketing, patient education, or public health campaigns. Students receive in-depth instruction over a two-year program, gaining invaluable experience in branding, strategy, market research, product management, and international marketing.

MS in Marketing Jobs

The most common jobs associated with individuals with an  MS in marketing are:

• Director of marketing
• Chief marketing officer (CMO)
• Advertising manager
• Promotions manager
• Content specialist 
• Market research analyst
• Public relations manager

MS in Marketing Salary

ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $49,574 for individuals with an MS in Marketing. 

5. Master of Public Health (MPH)

An MPH prepares nurses for roles in public health agencies, community health organizations, and global health initiatives. An individual with an MPH degree is responsible for educating, implementing, evaluating, and raising awareness of health best practices.

MPH Jobs

Common jobs for those with an MPH degree include: 

• Public health nurse
• Dietician
• Public health  educator
• Epidemiologist
• Substance abuse counselor
• Healthcare administrator
• Chief nursing officer (CNO)
• Clinical research manager

MPH Salary

ZipRecruiter reports the average annual salary of $120,688 or $58 per hour for individuals with an MPH degree.

6. Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

An MHA focuses on the management and leadership of healthcare organizations. The goal of these programs is to prepare students with the knowledge needed to work as high-level healthcare executives and senior managers for hospitals or other medical corporations.

MHA Jobs

Some jobs you can get with an MHA degree include:

• CEO
• Chief operations officer (COO)
• Clinic director
• Clinic manager
• Department or division director
• Department or division manager/supervisor
• Facility manager
• Healthcare consultant
• Health services manager
• Hospital administrator
• Hospital admissions director
• Long-term care director
• Long-term care manager
• Medical records manager
• Nurse manager
• Nursing director
• Operations manager
• Practice manager
• Program manager
• Social worker

MHA Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median salary for medical and health service managers as $117,960 per year, $56.71 per hour.

7. MS in Human Services

This degree can be useful for nurses interested in social work, counseling, or community-based healthcare programs.

MS in Human Services Jobs

Possible jobs for those who completed an MS in Human Services include:

• Social worker
• Nurse case manager
• Counselor
• Program administrator
• Community and social service manager
• Health educator
• Higher education counselor

MS in Human Services Salary

Payscale reports an average annual salary of $75,000 for individuals with an MS in Human Services degree.

8. MS in Health Data Science

An MS in Health Data Science is a non-nursing master’s degree for nurses with strong math skills who want to work in healthcare data analysis. It combines data science, computer science, and healthcare, allowing you to focus on analyzing large amounts of data, developing predictive models, and contributing to healthcare research.

MS in Health Data Science Jobs

Typical jobs for those with an MS in Health Data Science include:

• Clinical data manager
• Chief quality officer (CQO)
• Director of pharmacy informatics
• Health informatics data analyst 
• Healthcare economist
• Data analyst
• Researcher
• Health data scientist 
• Health informatics specialist
• Data manager
• Data scientist 
• Biostatistician
• Public health analyst
• Healthcare consultant
• Epidemiologist

9. Law Conversion Courses (Diploma or LLM)

Law conversion courses can be a good fit for nurses interested in healthcare law or policy. Not all law conversion courses result in a degree. Instead, students may take courses that provide foundational legal knowledge of the healthcare system, often resulting in a diploma or certification.

Law Jobs

After completing law conversion courses, common jobs include:

• Legal nurse consultant
• Paralegal
• Healthcare litigation associate
• Medical legal assistant
• Healthcare administrator
• Health lawyer
• Rick manager
• Forensic psychologist

Law Salary

ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary for a legal nurse consultant, the most common career, as having an average annual salary of $87,681.

10. Computing Master's Conversion Course

Nurses with an interest in technology can pursue an MS in Computer Science or an MS in Information Technology. Conversion courses cover basic programming concepts, data structures, and software engineering principles for those with non-computer backgrounds.

Computing Master's Jobs

Typical jobs include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Data scientist
• Information  security analysts
• IT consultant
• Cybersecurity professional 

Computing Master's Salary

Those who have completed computing master’s conversion courses earn an average annual salary of $68,408, according to ZipRecruiter.

11. Graduate-Entry Medicine (GEM)

Some universities offer accelerated medical programs for graduates with non-medical bachelor's degrees. GEM programs are accelerated, and students can complete them in as little as four years. These programs are highly competitive and designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and relevant coursework.

GEM Salary

Individuals who complete a GEM program go on to become medical doctors (MDs). The BLS reports the average annual salary of physicians at $239,200 or $115 per hour.

1. Healthcare Administrator

A healthcare administrator oversees a hospital or healthcare facility’s day-to-day operations. Their duties include managing staff, handling the budget, and ensuring that the hospital is up to date with compliance while still delivering high-quality patient care. 

• Salary: $94,295 annually or $45 per hour (ZipRecruiter)
• Requirements: Any of the following degrees: Associate of Healthcare Administration Degree, Bachelor of Healthcare Administration Degree, Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management, Doctor of Health Administration (DHA), PhD in Healthcare Administration

2. Clinical Informatics Specialist

Clinical informatics specialists study how information technology applies to healthcare and then apply that knowledge to troubleshoot software and hardware problems, train staff on the EMR system, and analyze and optimize data.

• Salary: $103,597 annually or $50 per hour (ZipRecruiter)
• Requirements:  Any of the following degrees: Bachelor of Computer Science, Master’s in Health Informatics, Master’s in Computer Science

3. Public Health Manager

A public health manager oversees public health programs and initiatives in a specific area. As a manager, you will also have administration duties, including planning and implementing programs, managing budgets, hiring and recruiting staff, as well as collaborating with other healthcare professionals. 

• Salary: $59,525 annually or $29 per hour (ZipRecruiter)
• Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in public health is ideal, but healthcare administration, biology, or another science can also be beneficial. As a manager, a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) is often required. 

4. Policy Advisor

A policy advisor promotes beneficial policy changes or developments within organizations. They develop, manage, and monitor policies and programs in the healthcare sector.

• Salary: $104,760 annually or $50 per hour (ZipRecruiter)
• Requirements: At minimum, a bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, or economics.

5. Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

Medical science liaisons specialize in a therapeutic area or disease process, such as oncology or cardiology. They develop relationships with healthcare providers and other leaders in the field to ensure the correct and effective use of medical devices, medications, and products.

• Salary: $154,635 annually or $74 per hour (ZipRecruiter)
• Requirements: PhD, PharmD, or MD degrees.

6. Case Management Director

A case management director directs and oversees a team of case managers, which includes training, hiring, scheduling, budget management, and multidisciplinary collaboration.  

• Salary: $123,611 annually or $59 per hour (ZipRecruiter)
• Requirements: At minimum, a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field such as nursing, social work, or healthcare administration. To work as a director, a master’s degree in healthcare administration or management may be required. 

7. Quality Improvement Coordinator (QIC)

A quality improvement coordinator evaluates, monitors, and enhances the quality of care in healthcare facilities. QIC ensures that healthcare facilities comply with healthcare regulations. 

• Salary: $60,833 annually or $29 per hour (ZipRecruiter)
• Requirements: At minimum, will need a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, public health, and/or nursing to become a quality improvement coordinator. A master's degree in healthcare administration or nursing can strengthen your understanding and make you more marketable.