Real-World Experience
Gain real-world experience at the region’s top hospitals as you develop leadership skills that will build the foundation for a career in executive nurse leadership.
Master’s Degree
Master's in Nursing Leadership (MSN)
Take the next step to advance your career as an executive nurse leader in health care and health system settings through Widener's hybrid MSN program.
Program Overview
In our executive nurse leadership master’s program, you’ll partner with experienced nursing and business professionals to develop the skills to lead at every system level in health care. The program is offered in a hybrid format combining online and on-campus coursework.
With courses in both the School of Nursing and School of Business Administration, you’ll learn how to improve health outcomes for patients and populations. Improved outcomes will be accomplished through effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered leadership and health care delivery models using ethical and relationship-based business practices.
After you graduate, and have two years of nurse leadership experience, you’ll be eligible to apply for certifications offered by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and/or the American Nurses Association.
The master's degree program in nursing at Widener University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
MSN Leadership Program Options
View the Loading... for information on the curriculum and coursework.
The executive nurse leadership master’s program is a hybrid program with in-person clinical practica in the student's home state of residence. The program can be completed in 24-36 months of full-time study or at the student’s pace for part-time study within the five-year time limit post matriculation.
Students who are registered nurses can enroll in an accelerated track to earn a master's degree through the RN-to-MSN program option.
After completing this program, students have the option to transfer the nine business course credits towards a master’s of business administration degree.
Students who hold an MSN and are interested in pursuing nursing leadership should consider a post-master's certificate. The School of Nursing offers a number of post-master's and post-doctoral certificates in different areas of study.
Many area health care systems offer their employees discounted tuition rates for Widener's graduate nursing programs.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Complete online application
- Application fee of $35
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent from an accredited program
- Minimum of 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in a BSN program
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education
- Completion of an undergraduate statistics/research course with a grade of C or better
- Two recommendations, preferably from professional nurses with graduate degrees, regarding applicant’s practice and potential for graduate work in nursing.
- Valid U.S. license as a registered nurse; PA State Board of Nursing licensure prior to start of clinical practicum or as appropriate
- Personal Statement
- Updated resume
- Interview with program director
- International applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and U.S. permanent residents are required to submit the results of an English proficiency test taken with 2 years, unless they are from a TOEFL-exempt country
View English Proficiency Requirements - International applicants who will be seeking licensure in the U.S. should work with Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to utilize their credentials evaluation service
Applicants who meet all admission criteria except the 3.0 grade point average are eligible to complete two courses as a nonmatriculated student. The student should complete the application and contact the advisor to discuss course selection. If the applicant completes two nonmatriculated courses and attains a grade of B or better admission will be considered.
Loading... in the course catalog.
The School of Nursing requires a passing score on the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Qualifying Examination. The CGFNS Qualifying Examination is a prerequisite for taking the Registered Nurse Licensing Examination in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Application materials are available from the CGFNS website.
- August 15—for matriculation in the fall semester.
- December 15—for matriculation in the spring semester.
- April 15—for matriculation in summer sessions.
MSN Nurse Executive Program Highlights
Leverage classroom and real-world experiences to prepare for your role as an executive nurse leader.
Interdisciplinary Education & Research
With opportunities to collaborate with the School of Business and other schools, you’ll enhance your understanding of how to meet the needs of patients and the systems that care for them.
Faculty Mentorship
Thrive in an online learning community that is guided by expert faculty with close mentorship and one-on-one support. As you complete courses led by nursing and business leaders, you'll build a network that will follow you long after graduation.
Clubs & Organizations
Nursing majors have the opportunity to join multiple clubs and organizations across campus to expand their network, including the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL), National League for Nursing (NLN), and many more.
Faculty
You’ll benefit from close faculty mentorship from full-time professors who aren’t just teaching the courses but are creating the science of nursing education.
My approach to teaching nursing and inquiry is based on realistic situational realistic pragmatism. The most significant learning occurs when practical and meaningful educational situations relate to nurses’ practice and experience.
As an experienced nurse and nurse educator, my teaching philosophy emanates from my personal experiences as well as from a primarily constructivist paradigm, viewing learners as adults who build on their own life experiences. I believe that students learn in different ways, and as such, it is the responsibility of the educator to maximize their learning potential through active learning strategies that engage and challenge them.
I ascribe to a pragmatic philosophy of teaching and learning. I believe that nursing education must be practical and logically aligned to the diverse needs of the population we serve.
Your Inside Track to Success
Your Inside Track to Success
You will graduate with the expertise you need to lead as an executive nurse leader.
Outlook & Outcomes
Graduate Admissions
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Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
School of Nursing Graduate Programs Office
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Founders Hall, 3rd Floor, Chester, PA 19013
- 610-499-4213
- mnursing@widener.edu
Jill C. Gilbert
Assistant Director of Admissions and Enrollment
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Hyatt Hall, Office #316
- (610) 499-1229
- jcgilbert@widener.edu