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Online Master of Nursing (MSN) Program
Classes Begin: January 5, 20262-4 years
Fully Online
Varies
CCNE-accredited
Drexel University’s accredited MSN online undeclared program option is designed to prepare nurses for leadership nursing positions in the rapidly growing and evolving healthcare landscape. With so many options available today, we understand selecting the right MSN concentration may be challenging. That is why we have designed a flexible online MSN option that allows you to take the five core MSN courses before selecting your concentration. This gives you the opportunity to explore your interests and ultimate career goals, while still progressing toward your MSN degree. Upon completion of the five core MSN courses, you will be able to seamlessly continue your MSN journey in one of our four concentrations: Clinical Nurse Leader, Leadership in Health Systems Management, Nursing Education, or Quality, Safety, and Risk Management in Healthcare.
What is an MSN Program?
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced-level degree that prepares registered nurses to enter positions in management, administration, and education. The degree may focus on one or more advanced nursing specialties such as nursing education, nursing leadership, clinical nurse leader, acute care, or primary care.
Online Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Program Features
- The master's degree in nursing at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Consistently ranked among the best online Master's in Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Experienced and board certified faculty from Drexel's acclaimed College of Nursing and Health Professions
- A highly-interactive learning method that challenges and engages while remaining convenient for working nurses
- Flexible scheduling of clinical practicum in a variety of settings
- Three-year tuition lock for those who complete the program within three years
Concentrations for the Online MSN Program
- Leadership in Health Systems Management
- Nursing Education
- Quality, Safety, and Risk Management in Healthcare
Drexel’s nurse practitioner programs are not available to undeclared MSN students. However, upon completion of an MSN advanced role program, you will have the option to apply for a post-master’s certificate in one of the nurse practitioner tracks.
What will earning an MSN do for my career?
An MSN degree provides you with graduate-level education designed to prepare you for leadership opportunities within many different types of healthcare environments. From health system management, nursing education, and quality, safety, and risk management, Drexel offers a diverse portfolio of online MSN programs that will prepare you for the next step in your career.
What kinds of jobs can you get with an online MSN degree?
- Unit Manager
- Nurse Administrator
- Director of Nursing
- Nurse Educator
- Quality Improvement Specialist
- Director of Risk Management
How much does a nurse with a MSN make per year?
Currently, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide salary statistics for all MSN categories. Most MSN specialties are contained within the registered nurse category. The median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 in 2024.
Upon review of popular salary sites, such as Payscale.com, we can estimate the median nursing salaries for the MSN categories listed below. Please note that salaries vary by geographic region.
Job Title
National Average Salary*
Registered Nurse
$93,600
Nurse Educator
$86,530
Clinical Nurse Manager
$91,935
Quality Improvement Coordinator (RN)
$81,506
Director of Risk Management
$131,978
*Data from bls.gov and payscale.com
Online Open Houses
Learn more about this and other nursing programs from our previously recorded online open house webinar series.
Questions? We're here to help!
For application related questions:
enroll@drexel.edu
For program related questions:
College of Nursing and Health Professions Program Team
CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
The MSN program at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
| Required Courses | ||
| NURS 500 | Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments | 3.0 |
| NURS 502 | Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 544 | Quality and Safety in Healthcare | 3.0 |
| RSCH 503 | Research Methods and Biostatistics | 3.0 |
| RSCH 504 | Evaluation and Translation of Health Research | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15.0 | |
Additional Requirements for Concentrations
Admissions Criteria
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Nurses with a non-nursing bachelor's may consider applying for the RN-BSN-MSN program to earn both a BSN and MSN concurrently, or apply to the RN to MSN Bridge Program
- BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation)
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- If your GPA is lower, you're still encouraged to apply, but should ensure that relevant professional experience is included on your resume. You must also provide two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study.
- A current, unrestricted United States RN license
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study
- If you have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, this requirement can be waived
- Personal statement (under 1,000 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of:
- Why you are pursuing your MSN,
- Your plans upon completion of the degree, and
- How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this program
- Resume including specific details of your responsibilities and job experiences
- A copy of your United States RN license (License verification from your nursing license registry website is acceptable)
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1169 per credit. (A 10% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1298 per credit)
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans, you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Scholarship Opportunities
At Drexel, we understand that developing a plan to finance your education is a critical step in your decision-making process. That's why we encourage students who require financial aid to fill out the FAFSA as early in the application process as possible. Learn more about Drexel's financial aid policies. In addition, nursing students are encouraged to visit the AACN to review the many scholarship opportunities that exist through the organization.
Academic Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2025
September 22, 2025
December 6, 2025
December 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
Winter 2026
January 5, 2026
March 14, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 21, 2026
Spring 2026
March 30, 2026
June 6, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 13, 2026
Summer 2026
June 22, 2026
August 29, 2026
August 31, 2026
September 5, 2026
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