Top Online MSN Nursing Administration Programs for 2026
An online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Administration is ideal for nurses pursuing leadership roles like nurse manager, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer. We’ve ranked the best online MSN Nursing Administration programs for 2026 so you can compare and find the right program for you.
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
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.
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
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
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.
Top Online MSN Nursing Administration 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 |
| William Patterson University | $604 per credit hour | 10 months | CCNE |
| George Washington University | $1,630 per credit hout | 14 months | CCNE |
| Duke University | $2,250 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Capella University | Less than $15,000 total | 14 months | CCNE |
| University of North Carolina - Charlotte | $309.59 - $1,186.59 per credit hour | 16 - 27 months | CCNE |
| University of South Carolina | $23,185 - $24,175 total | 4 - 7 semesters | CCNE |
| University of Connecticut | $1,200 per credit hour | 4 - 6 semesters | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
Students can complete this budget-friendly MSN Nurse Administrator online program in less than a year. The program overview notes how WPU uniquely integrates MBA courses into this MSN degree. So, graduates have a firm grasp on nursing leadership skills in addition to much-needed business knowledge.
Program Highlights
- Ranked 23rd on US News & World Report’s “Top Public Schools, Regional Universities North” list in 2025
- The program includes MBA courses offered by the Cotsakos College of Business
- Graduates are eligible to sit for nursing administration board certifications from the ANCC and AONE
Requirements
- Online application and fee
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Current RN employment
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Personal statement
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Summer 1: April 26th
- Summer 2: June 21st
- Fall 1: August 16th
- Fall 2: October 11th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (833) 960-0139
- Email Address: graduate@wpunj.edu
$1,630 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
Among the nation's top nursing schools, GWU's online MSN in Nursing Administration teaches core management and leadership principles for nurses. Graduates learn how to improve healthcare delivery through collaboration, quality improvement, and shared decision-making. The degree also focuses on using research and nursing theory as the basis of advanced nursing practice.
Program Highlights
- Ranked #5 for Best Online Master’s Programs 2026 - MSN Veterans
- Ranked #10 for Best Online Master’s Programs 2026 - MSN Leadership & Management
- Ranked #12 for Best Online Master’s Programs 2026 - Grad Nursing
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Statement of purpose
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Priority: December 1st
- Final: June 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (202) 994-7901
- Email Address: nursing@gwu.edu
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
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.
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
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
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.
$2,250 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
Widely renowned as one of the best universities in the US, Duke students learn from top educators and healthcare providers. The program's accolades speak for themselves, and it is easily the most highly desired program in the country.
Program Highlights
- Ranked #1 Best Master’s Nursing Administration Program according to U.S. News & World Report 2025
- Students learn from providers at Duke University Hospital, the #1-ranked hospital in North Carolina
- Ranked #6 in online master’s programs for veterans
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Personal statement
Program Information
- Application Deadline: December 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 415-3853
- Email Address: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
$15,000 total
Why We Picked This School
Capella offers two distinct learning paths for students attending the online MSN Nursing Administration program. The paths provide students with more flexibility and directly impact the program length and cost.
FlexPath equips students with complete control over the speed of the program, allowing them to move through courses at their own pace. GuidedPath, the alternative, provides a more traditional set schedule with specific deadlines.
Program Highlights
- Partnership with more than 700 healthcare organizations to offer tuition savings and discounts
- Students receive a Program Journey, which is a specialized map that guides them through the program
- Two distinct online learning options - FlexPath and GuidedPath
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Personal statement
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 933-5901
$309.59 - $1,186.59 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
UNC-Charlotte's online MSN Nurse Administrator program combines didactic coursework with in-person clinical experiences. Full-time students can complete this program in just sixteen months, while part-timers can graduate in 27.
Program Highlights
- Ranked #21 Best Online Master’s in Nursing according to U.S. News & World Report 2025
- Ranked #3 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree according to U.S. News & World Report 2025
- Students utilize VR technology via the BodySwaps platform to practice clinical skills and gain patient-centered experience
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Statement of purpose
- “C” grade or higher in a statistics course
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $309.59 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,186.59 per credit hour
- Program Length:
- Full-Time: 16 months
- Part-Time: 27 months
- Application Deadline
- Fall: August 1st
- Summer: May 1st
- Spring: December 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (704) 687-8622
- Email Address: online@charlotte.edu
$23,185 - $24,175 total
Why We Picked This School
USC's accelerated MSN combines online courses with in-person practicums that students can typically complete at their workplaces. The university offers full and part-time options, increasing students' flexibility to work while attending this graduate program.
Program Highlights
- Ranked #2 Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs Offering Nursing Administration/Leadership according to U.S. News & World Report
- Students have access to the Center for Teaching Excellence to ensure success and provide guidance throughout the program
- Students at USC have earned over $10.2 million in research funding, with sponsored awards increasing by 19% over the last year
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Personal statement
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $23,185 total
- Non-Resident: $24,175 total
- Program Length:
- Full-time: Four semesters
- Part-time: Seven semesters
- Application Deadline:
- Spring: October 31st
- Summer: February 28th
- Fall: June 30th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (803) 777-9080
- Email Address: NURSGRAD@mailbox.sc.edu
$1,200 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
UConn offers one of the best online MSN Nurse Administrator programs in the United States. Students learn nursing leadership and administration skills from an actively practicing, highly experienced faculty. Additionally, graduates may apply two courses from this MSN towards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Program Highlights
- Ranked #12 Online Nursing Administration & Leadership Program according to U.S. News & World Report 2025
- Two courses in the MSN program can be applied toward UConn’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Personal statement
Program Information
- Program Length:
- Full-time: 4 semesters
- Part-time: 6 semesters
- Application Deadline: April 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (860) 486-3716
- Email Address: nursingadmissions@uconn.edu
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
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.
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
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
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.
What to Expect in an Online MSN Nursing Administration Program
Online MSN Nursing Administration programs are specifically for nurses who wish to become nurse managers or enter administrative positions. Courses focus on leadership, management, healthcare systems, quality improvement, research, and ethics. These programs hold didactic classes entirely online, and students typically complete clinicals in their place of employment or local area.
FAQs
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Additional Resources
- Types of Master's in Nursing (MSN) Degrees
- Best Online Master's in Nursing (MSN) Programs
- Top Online MSN/MBA Programs
