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

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, clinical nurse leadership, 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
Clinical Nurse Leader
Clinical Trials Manager

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 $70,000 in May 2017.

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

$70,000

Clinical Nurse Educator

$73,032

Clinical Nurse Leader

$76,711

Clinical Nurse Manager

$80,495

Clinical Research Nurse

$68,175

*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.

View a Sample Plan of Study [PDF]

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 2023-2024 is $1101 per credit. (A 10% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1223 per credit)

For the academic year 2023-2024, 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 with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

Additional Equipment/Lab Fees

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

2023-2024 Academic Year

Term

Classes Begin

Classes End

Exams Begin

Exams End

Fall 2023

September 26, 2023

December 9, 2023

December 11, 2023

December 16, 2023

Winter 2024

January 8, 2024

March 16, 2024

March 18, 2024

March 23, 2024

Spring 2024

April 1, 2024

June 8, 2024

June 10, 2024

June 15, 2024

Summer 2024

June 24, 2024

August 31, 2024

September 3, 2024

September 7, 2024

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Online Master of Nursing (MSN) Program