Top 10 Online MSN Leadership Programs for 2025
Online MSN leadership programs are ideal for nurses interested in transitioning into a leadership role within the healthcare industry. Programs focus less on the physical aspects of patient care and more on finance, healthcare administration, and employee relations. To help you find a program that suits you, we've ranked the best online MSN leadership programs for 2026.
Popular Online Healthcare Leadership Programs
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Nurse.org’s Top 10 Online MSN Leadership Programs
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| Drexel University | $52,605 total | 45 credit hours | 2 years | CCNE |
| Duke University | $81,000 total | 36 credit hours | 2 years | CCNE |
| Johns Hopkins University | $67,830 total | 34 credit hours | 4 semesters | CCNE |
| Case Western University | $73,687 total | 31 credit hours | 2 years | CCNE |
| University of Pennsylvania | $75,856 - $75,569 total | 10 course units | 20 months | CCNE |
| University of Maryland | $35,188 - $62,434 total | 38 credit hours | 3.5 years | CCNE |
| Capella University | $20,895 - $25,110 total | 13 courses | 18 - 30 months | CCNE |
| Chamberlain University | $25,920 total | 36 credit hours | 2 years | CCNE |
| University of Southern Maine | $22,500 total | 36 credit hours | 12 months | CCNE |
| Texas State University | $53,360 total | 30 credit hours | 5 semesters | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
Drexel University offers a top-tier online Master of Science in Nursing Leadership degree. The program has 100% online coursework with a required in-person administration clinical practicum. Attending two courses per quarter, students can complete the program in just two years. The manageable course load is ideal for students who need to work throughout the program or have family commitments.
Program Highlights
- The program has no on-campus requirements
- Tuition lock for students who complete the program in 3 years
- #45 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs (U.S. News & World Report)
- #12 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans (U.S. News & World Report)
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Completed admission application
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Personal statement describing your interest in the program
- Current resume/CV
- Active, unencumbered RN license
Program Information
- Application Deadline: December 8th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: 800-2-DREXEL
- Email Address: CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu
- Specialties Offered: MSN Leadership in Health Systems Management
Why We Picked This School
Duke is currently among the top-ranked MSN leadership programs online. The online program allows students to learn from faculty with extensive and diverse nursing and healthcare leadership expertise. Its focus extends beyond nursing administration and also encompasses emerging roles in quality, safety, and provider practice management.
Program Highlights
- #1 Best Master’s in Nursing Administration Program (U.S. News & World Report)
- Life and nursing experience are considered for admission in addition to grades and test scores
- Merit-based scholarships are available to graduate students
Requirements
- General Statistics or Introductory Statistics with C grade or better
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
Program Information
- Application Deadline: December 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 415-3853
- Email Address: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
- Specialties Offered: MSN Nursing and Healthcare Leadership
Why We Picked This School
The MSN in Healthcare Organizational Leadership at Johns Hopkins requires 34 credit hours and 504 clinical hours for completion. Its curriculum prepares nurses to become effective leaders in healthcare environments. Students enrolled in this online MSN leadership program also have the option to earn an MBA degree concurrently, leveling up their skills and becoming more competitive in the job market.
Program Highlights
- Full and part-time attendance options available
- #2 MSN Leadership Program (U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
- Students have access to a cutting-edge research department throughout the program
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Goal statement
- Current resume/CV
- Personal interview
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Undergraduate statistics course with a B grade or better
Program Information
- Application Deadline: January 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (410) 955-4766
- Specialties Offered: MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership, MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership/MBA (Dual Degree)
Popular Online Healthcare Leadership Programs
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Why We Picked This School
Case Western offers a flexible, remote, synchronous didactic program, except for one in-person immersion experience. Additionally, students must complete 300 hours of in-person clinicals at an approved clinical site. Students have the opportunity to complete two DNP-level courses, which can count towards a DNP degree, saving time and money in the future.
Program Highlights
- Top 10 MSN Leadership program (U.S. News & World Report)
- One immersion experience at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing in Cleveland, OH
- Completion of two DNP-level courses that can be applied toward a DNP degree in the future
Requirements
- Three letters of recommendation
- Completed admission application and $75 fee
- Current resume/CV
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Personal essay
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Fall/Summer: March 15th
- Spring: October 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (216) 368-5981
- Email Address: kxc832@case.edu
- Specialties Offered: MSN Nurse Leadership
Full-time: $75,569 total
Why We Picked This School
Ranked among the best online MSN leadership programs, UPenn offers students an Ivy League education from a faculty stacked with the top healthcare administrators and practitioners nationwide. Students can complete the program in just 20 months of full-time attendance. However, they can choose to complete it at a slower pace to accommodate personal and work commitments.
Program Highlights
- Ivy League education at a fraction of the cost of other programs
- Top 10 of all MSN Leadership programs (U.S. News & World Report)
- Generous tuition reimbursement from local healthcare partners
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- College-level general statistics course
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Summer: March 16th
- Fall: May 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (215) 898-4271
- Email Address: admissions@nursing.upenn.edu
- Specialties Offered: MSN Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Non-Resident: $62,434 total
Why We Picked This School
The University of Maryland recently updated its MSN in Nursing Leadership curriculum. As of spring 2025, the program better aligns with the AACN core competencies for professional nursing education. Although this change significantly increased the required number of in-person clinical hours, it allows students to truly understand the role of a nurse leader.
Program Highlights
- Dedicated clinical placement team finds practicum placements for students
- The new curriculum utilizes a competency-based approach to MSN education
- Practicum hours increased from 135 to 500
Requirements
- Completed online admission application
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Personal essay
- One professional letter of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
Program Information
- Application Deadline
- Regular: November 1st
- Final: January 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (410) 706-1037
- Email Address: lerner@umaryland.edu
- Specialties Offered: MSN: Nursing Leadership and Management
GuidedPath: $25,110 total
Why We Picked This School
Capella consistently ranks among the top nursing schools in the country, and its online MSN in Administration and Leadership models that standard. Online students have access to vast resources, including scholarships, employer partnerships, and academic coaching.
Additionally, Capella has graduated over 140,000 individuals, allowing for an extensive alumni network. The FlexPath option is a self-paced MSN progam that allows students to earn their degree on thier own time.
Program Highlights
- Enrollment specialists and academic coaches customize programs to students’ goals and experiences
- FlexPath and GuidedPath learning formats tailor coursework to students’ needs and schedules
- Over 700 employer partnerships offering deep tuition discounts
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Completed admission application
- Background Check
- Active, unencumbered RN license
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 933-5901
- Specialties Offered: MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration
36 credit hours | 2 years
Why We Picked This School
Chamberlain offers an MSN Nurse Executive online degree with no test and flexible assignment deadlines. Minor due dates flex to meet a working nurse's schedule, and students receive a three-day grace period with major due dates, which are exceptional perks for working students.
Program Highlights
- Chamberlain students received over $81 million in scholarships and grants in 2024
- Largest nursing school in the US with a 100% doctorally prepared faculty
- Clinical practicum commitment ensures students secure practicum sites/preceptors
Requirements
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- One letter of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 751.5783
- Specialties Offered: MSN Nurse ExecutiveContent
Why We Picked This School
Designed for working professionals, this accelerated MSN program is the fastest on this list. It features 7-week online courses with six convenient start dates throughout the year.
Program Highlights
- Accelerated MSN leadership program that can be completed in just one year
- Over 150 graduate assistantships with stipends and tuition assistance
- Six entry terms throughout the year
Requirements
- BSN from a CCNE or NLN-accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- GRE/MAT scores (for applicants with a CGPA below 3.0)
- Active, unencumbered RN license in state where student completes practicum
- Undergraduate statistics course with C grade or better.
- Completed online admission application
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement/essay
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Spring Session 1: January 2nd
- Spring Session 2: March 4th
- Summer Session 1: April 29th
- Summer Session 2: June 17th
- Fall Session 1: August 12th
- Fall Session 2: October 7th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 800-4876
- Specialties Offered: MSN Nursing Administration and Leadership - Accelerated
Why We Picked This School
This part-time MSN Leadership online program allows students to continue working while they study and graduate in as few as 5 semesters. In total, students in this program complete 30 credit hours and 500 in-person clinical hours. Considered a lockstep program, it emphasizes coursework based on core management and executive competencies established by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
Program Highlights
- Lockstep program with emphasis on AONL and AACN competencies
- On-campus intensives meet 1-2 times per semester at the St. David’s School of Nursing in Round Rock, TX
- Upon program completion, students become eligible for several certification exams
Requirements
- Completed online admission application and fee
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Written professional essay and goal statements
- Active, unencumbered RN license in home state AND Texas
- Current resume/CV
- One full-time year of relevant nursing experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: June 15
- Spring: October 15
- Summer I: April 15
- Summer II: June 1
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (512) 245-2111
- Specialties Offered: MSN in Leadership and Administration
What to Expect in an Online MSN Leadership Program
Students can expect to take didactic courses online and complete a specific number of in-person clinical hours at an approved clinical site with a preceptor. Some online MSN leadership programs will also require students to attend on-campus intensives, so that is something to consider when choosing a program.
MSN Leadership programs combine nursing courses such as physical assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology with administrative classes such as finance, nursing leadership, quality improvement, and management.
Popular Online Healthcare Leadership Programs
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
FAQs
Additional Resources
- Top Nursing Leadership Roles & How to Become a Nurse Leader
- How to Become a Nurse Manager
- How to Become a Nurse Administrator
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