Master's in Nursing

UNCG’s M.S.N. programs provide advanced education and training in specialized areas of nursing practice, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to excel in your career and make meaningful contributions to healthcare. Each of our M.S.N. concentrations offer unique opportunities for career advancement, specialization, and leadership development, as well as considerably increased earning potential in this always in-demand field. Whether you’re seeking to become a nurse leader, advance your clinical practice, or advance your nursing career, we have a pathway tailored to your goals.

M.S.N. Program Distinctions

Affordability: UNCG offers affordable tuition and fees, with scholarships available to eligible students. We’re committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for all.   

National recognition: UNCG’s M.S.N. programs have earned national recognition for their quality and excellence. Ranked among the top nursing degree programs in the country by authoritative sources like U.S. News & World Report, you can trust you’re receiving a top-tier nursing education that will set you apart in the field.  Additionally, UNCG’s School of Nursing is recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center for Excellence in Nursing Education.

Flexibility: We understand the demands of balancing work, school, and personal life. That’s why many of our M.S.N. concentrations offer flexible scheduling options, including online courses and part-time plans of study, allowing you to pursue your degree with ease.  When you earn your M.S.N. online with UNCG, 100% of your didactic (classroom) courses are online, and your required clinical hours can be completed in a location convenient to you (in consultation with your faculty and the program clinical coordinator).

Expert faculty: Learn from experienced nursing professionals and educators who are dedicated to your success. Our faculty bring real-world experience and expertise to the classroom, providing you with valuable insights and guidance throughout your academic journey.  

State-of-the-art facilities: Learn in our cutting-edge classrooms, labs, and simulation facilities, including AI-powered virtual reality equipment, and gain hands-on experience in real-world simulations.  

Research opportunities: UNCG is dedicated to advancing life-changing research that shapes the future of healthcare. Our esteemed Nursing faculty conduct a range of research programs which you can play a pivotal part in.  

The M.S.N. Student Experience

UNCG’s School of Nursing takes pride in fostering a supportive, collaborative environment with a holistic approach to learning, led by respected, experienced faculty with a deep commitment to your academic and future career success. As an M.S.N. student, you join a wide-ranging network of alumni and enjoy ample opportunities to network with your peers and nursing professionals, as well as collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research.  

Skills You’ll Learn with Our M.S.N. Program

Technological mastery: Learn at the forefront of nursing and healthcare technology, exploring the use of artificial intelligence and computing systems in managing diverse aspects of nursing.  

Whole-life expertise: Develop your competencies in addressing the unique healthcare needs of a truly diverse range of populations, from early childhood through older adulthood. 

Leadership: Become a respected and effective nurse leader with advanced knowledge in nursing management.  

Adaptability: Be prepared to deliver effective healthcare in a wide range settings, for a variety of populations.  

Wellness advocacy: Gain the expertise to advocate for and influence community wellness with a focus on care, interventions, and outcomes across the lifespan.  

Advanced diagnostic problem-solving: Build a wealth of health knowledge across a range of patient populations and medical needs, and the expertise to analyze complex health issues and solutions.  

After Graduating with your Master’s DEGREE in Nursing

Your M.S.N. experience doesn’t end when you graduate with your degree. As an alumnus of our distinguished School of Nursing program, you join a far-reaching network of fellow UNCG nursing alumni, professionals who embody our ethos of giving back to communities and extending opportunities to fellow nurses. All of our programs center lifelong learning and professional development, ensuring you’ll be equipped to meet the ever-evolving needs of this dynamic profession, no matter where your career takes you. And if you’re ready to pursue your nursing education further, UNCG offers a range of post-graduate certificates and advanced degree programs designed to develop you into an even more effective nursing professional.  

Career Opportunities for Master’s Degree in Nursing Graduates

Earning your Master’s in Nursing with UNCG’s M.S.N. degree program opens a range of higher-level nursing opportunities to you, many with substantially higher salaries. Some of the roles you can qualify for (depending on your chosen concentration) include:  

  • Clinical nurse educator  
  • Academic nursing faculty  
  • Nurse leader or manager 
  • Family nurse practitioner 
  • Program director  

Our MSN graduates enjoy a range of opportunities across a variety of healthcare, educational, and administrative settings, from community-centered healthcare, to major hospital systems, to leading academic institutions, and beyond.  

FAQs about the M.S.N.

UNCG’s School of Nursing employs a holistic approach to admissions that takes into account the full picture of your qualifications, not just your credentials. However, current unrestricted North Carolina nursing licensure is required (applicants from other U.S. states and territories and international applicants will need to obtain an NC licensure before admission), along with typical graduate nursing degree requirements. You can find the latest information here.  

UNCG’s M.S.N. — Nursing Leadership & Management concentration is available in a fully online coursework format, giving you the flexibility to learn on your schedule. Your required in-person clinical hours can be completed where you live or work, in consultation with our dedicated placement advisor. Our program is top-ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation’s Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs.  

Your M.S.N. program length depends on which concentration you choose, and whether you’re a full-time or part-time student. Our Nursing Leadership and Management concentration is designed to be completed in six semesters. The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration can be completed in five semesters. And our direct-entry Prelicensure Entry-Level M.S.N. can be completed in 24 months. You can find more information on required credit hours to complete your M.S.N. degree here.  

UNCG’s M.S.N. program offers extremely competitive tuition and fees, with a range of financial supports such as scholarships available to help reduce your overall cost. The School of Nursing is committed to making our programs accessible and affordable to all, and we’ll work with you to ensure you can take advantage of the outstanding value our programs offer. For the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees, visit Spartan Central.  

Earning your M.S.N. can bring you a significant salary advantage over nurses with a B.S.N. degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses with an M.S.N. degree can earn nearly double that of an average RN.  

In order to earn your M.S.N., you’ll need your B.S.N. first (with the exception of Prelicensure Entry-Level M.S.N. students). You’ll save considerable time and tuition costs, with only two years’ part-time study required beyond your B.S.N. to earn your M.S.N.   If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s or higher degree in a non-nursing field, you may qualify for our Prelicensure Entry-Level M.S.N, and prepare to become a registered nurse in as little as 24 months.  

If you’ve already earned your B.S.N. and have an unrestricted North Carolina RN license, you can qualify for any of our M.S.N concentrations except the Prelicensure Entry-Level MSN

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Program Details

Degree Type: Master's

College/School: School of Nursing

Program Type: Majors & Concentrations

Class Type: In Person,Online

Catalog Name: Nursing, M.S.N.

Contact Us

Dr. Wanda Williams
UNCG School of Nursing
336-553-6049
wmwilliams@uncg.edu