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Master's in Nursing Education Online MSN Program Track

Bonnie Fecowicz, who earn her degree from SNHU, wearing a white lab coat, working on a desktop computer at a desk with her framed SNHU diploma on the wall behind her.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a nursing education master's?

Combine your clinical expertise and passion for teaching with the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Education program at Southern New Hampshire University. This MSN program track can help prepare you to lead and teach future nursing professionals as an academic or clinical nurse educator in major universities, community colleges, hospitals and healthcare organizations.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Evidence-based practice and healthcare technology applications
  • Leadership and collaboration skills that can improve nursing practice
  • Advanced communication and advocacy strategy development
  • How to advance equitable health policies and regulations
  • Best teaching practices to develop and evaluate high-quality education
Bonnie Fecowicz, who earned her degree from SNHU, wearing a white lab coat in a hospital reading papers in an open folder she's holding

Courses & Curriculum Nursing education courses that help you prep the next generation

The online MSN Nursing Education track is aligned to the core competencies defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. The program provides the essential skills required by registered nurses to either transition into or supports the requirements of the nurse educator role. Graduates of the MSN Nursing Education track meet the educational requirements for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN).

The MSN Nursing Education track integrates hands-on learning throughout. You'll be required to complete a practicum experience, helping you apply your skills in an authentic healthcare setting.

Degree Courses

Master's in Nursing Education Degree Courses

The online MSN Nursing Education program offers an authentic learning experience that develops resume-building skills and knowledge required to teach the next generation of nurses.

Courses may include:

Course ID: NUR 508
In this course, learners will explore the roles of an MSN professional nurse. This includes the differentiation of the APRN role and scope of practice and development of a plan for career-long learning. Learners will evaluate practice experiences and explore the influence of healthcare systems, policy, and trends in shaping MSN professional practice. Learners will continue to form and cultivate their professional nursing identity, through critique, engagement and the development of interprofessional relationships.
Course ID: NUR 520
This course focuses on the principles and foundations in epidemiology and biostatistics for healthcare application. Students will evaluate basic concepts of disease transmission and study designs as they learn to quantify disease progression and assess risk factors of disease. Students will gain skills in the application of data collection, data analysis, and hypothesis testing to health data as a way to support health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical decision-making.
Course ID: NUR 531
Learners will develop key attributes of an MSN professional functioning in complex healthcare systems to promote a culture of safety and quality outcomes. Learners will challenge assumptions, be prepared to proactively take action based on timely and reliable information, and create solutions that anticipate needs across the four spheres of care. They will develop leadership, communication skills and strategies to promote interprofessional team collaboration and strengthen partnerships to improve outcomes across a variety of settings.
Course ID: NUR 550
In this course, students will translate evidence-based practice that is essential for continuous improvement in a variety of healthcare settings. Course topics include the use of scholarly inquiry, evaluation of existing clinical practice guidelines, critical analysis and synthesis of the best evidence to inform practice. Students will gain skills in utilizing various databases for retrieving scholarly evidence and best practices to improve healthcare outcomes. Students will apply evidence-based practices to the role of the MSN professional.
Course ID: NUR 634
In this course, students explore the use of teaching and learning assessment strategies for nurse educators. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based practice to enhance student learning in clinical, didactic, and online learning environments. Students will examine various teaching and learning methods, including using innovative education technologies. Topics in this course include feedback strategies, test construction and item analysis, and developing and using rubrics.
Course ID: NUR 690
In this practicum, students will synthesize prior learning and theoretical foundations of nursing education in the development of an implementable nursing education improvement project or change initiative. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through an assessment of a knowledge gap in nursing education, the development of recommendations, and the dissemination of a nursing education plan to a targeted audience. Students will engage in 135 hours of supervised, direct clinical practice experiences, divided between an academic and advanced nursing practice setting, to demonstrate synthesis and application of knowledge, skills, and behaviors of the nursing education role.

Visit the course catalog to view the full MSN in Nursing Education curriculum.

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Upcoming term starts: October 14, 2024 | January 06, 2024

Next term starts:
July 29, 2024

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

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You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)

MSN Admission Requirements:

  • Must maintain an active unencumbered registered nurse license. Licensure exam must be equivalent to NCLEX-RN examination. (If a student holds active licenses in more than one state/jurisdiction all licenses must be unencumbered.)
  • Must have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN, CCNE, and CNEA) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 but 2.67 or above may be eligible for provisional acceptance.
  • Completion of the MSN acknowledgement form.
  • Provisional acceptance may be extended to applicants with an undergraduate GPA between 2.67 and 2.99.

No BSN yet? No problem! SNHU offers an accelerated online RN to MSN pathway option that allows eligible registered nurses to achieve their MSN faster and for less money. The RN to MSN accelerated pathway can be applied to all 5 specialty tracks.

SNHU nursing programs are not authorized in the state of Washington or U.S. territories, and we are not accepting students residing in Washington state or U.S. territories into nursing programs at this time. Currently enrolled students who move into the state of Washington or a U.S. territory will not be able to continue in nursing courses until they move out of the state of Washington or the U.S. territory. Prospective students are encouraged to contact an admission counselor, and current students should contact their academic advisor, for more information.

Applicants and students are advised that their success in their chosen program may be dependent on an ability to meet the Nursing Program Health and Technical Requirements (PDF).

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Southern New Hampshire University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate programs

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with a nursing education master's degree?

Jobs for postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers are expected to grow in coming years.1 Those who earn an MSN in Nursing Education will be prepared to pursue several roles, from postsecondary teacher to simulation coordinator.

The evolving state of healthcare fuels a need for nurse educators – those who can help prepare nurses in a rapidly changing field – now more than ever.

Industries

The online MSN Nursing Education program offers an authentic learning experience that develops resume-building skills and knowledge required to teach the next generation of nurses in a variety of settings.

Teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to experienced nurses and nursing students.

Coordinate and manage the nursing program's simulation and skills lab.

Instruct and evaluate the clinical training of health sciences students.

Evaluate the effectiveness of curriculums established by school boards, states or federal entities.

Oversee student services, academics and faculty research in a specific education department.

Represent the educational needs of nurses and their impact on healthcare equity.

193k+

Openings projected each year – on average – for registered nurses through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

8%

Projected growth for postsecondary teachers through 2032, according to the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Tara Donovan '23
Tara Donovan '23

This degree will change my life because all I have ever wanted to do was give back to students what was so feely given to me by my professor. I will be able to be that person that goes above and beyond for a student to make that difference that may allow or encourage them to continue on with their education.

Tara Donovan '23

Frequently Asked Questions

A master's in nursing education can help position you for a few different career paths.

Primarily, nurse educators can teach in academic or hospital settings. Those who enter the field will educate nurses on the newest processes, standards, technology and safety measures that uphold regulatory requirements and improve patient care.

In the hospital setting, nurse educators are supporting working nurses through on-the-job training. Within academic settings, nurse educators can be found teaching pre-licensure or post-licensure students, helping prepare them for a rewarding career.

The impact of your nursing education MSN, however, will reach far beyond a single job title. As an educator, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of a changing healthcare system.

As the National Academy of Medicine points out, "[Nurse educators] need to be prepared to teach their students about the complex linkages among population health, social determinants of health and health outcomes."3

This, in part, means putting a face to the populations served, becoming more active in local communities and understanding the barriers between individuals and access to healthcare.

Salary expectations for those who have earned a master's in nursing education may vary. Several factors, such as experience, setting, geographic location and job role may impact your earning potential.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary teachers earned a median annual wage of $84,380 in 2022.1

There are several different types of online master's in nursing options. Nursing education is just one of many possible career tracks. And as the field evolves, plenty of new opportunities are growing with it.

You could, for example, pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in healthcare quality and safety, population healthcare or nurse executive leadership or a family nurse practitioner (FNP) degree.

Not sure which path is right for you? No problem. All of SNHU's MSN programs contain the same 5 core courses to start, so you have the option to switch tracks without losing credit. This gives you an opportunity to explore and decide later which direction you'd like to take.

At SNHU, most of our online MSN programs require 36 credits, which is 12 total courses. (The one exception is our MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner track, which requires 51 credits.)

That said, students have the option of taking two courses per term, which is considered full time, or one course per term, which is considered part time. Only you can decide which workload is right for you, but if speed is important to you, the full-time option could be the way to go.

At SNHU, we also understand that your schedule may change term by term, so you can decide as you go what the right balance is for you.

Adding to the flexibility of our programs – our graduate terms are 10 weeks long, with 5 term starts per year. The benefits here are two-fold. On one hand, you can keep going with minimal gaps from one term to the next, to keep the momentum. On the other, you can plan ahead on when you have week-long breaks between terms to get ready for the next term, or assess whether one course or two is best for your upcoming term.

Only you can decide if an MSN in nursing education aligns with your professional goals. That said, if your goal is to enter a role that is personally rewarding, with promising prospects for the future, this program could be an excellent pathway to your goals.

The MSN in Nursing Education at SNHU, for example, reflects "innovative teaching and learning practices, best practices in designing curriculum, individualized assessments and the ins and outs of learning through simulation," said Dr. Crissy Hunter, clinical faculty of graduate nursing programs at SNHU.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts job prospects for postsecondary teachers will grow 8% through 2022 – faster than the national average for all occupations.1 In addition, the BLS reports postsecondary teachers earned a median annual salary of $84,380 in 2023 — higher than the median annual salary for all workers the same year at $48,060.1

Nurse educators will be instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare. As the needs of the industry evolve, so do the roles and responsibilities of teachers.

Explore more content like this article

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm (viewed May 1, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (viewed May 1, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.