Graduate Studies

Master's in Nursing Education (MSN)

Prepare to lead the next generation of nursing professionals and make an impact on the health care industry with a master's degree focused on nursing education.

Nursing educator teaching students

Program Overview

In our nursing education master’s program, you’ll take the inside track to a future in an advanced nursing practice role as a nurse educator. You’ll receive a broad foundation through core nursing courses as well as clinical and teaching practicums that will equip you to emerge as a nurse educator in clinical and academic environments.

You’ll join a nationally recognized program led by expert faculty whose research and expertise are guiding the field of nursing education.

When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply to take the Certified Nurse Educator examination offered by the National League for Nursing.

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 in Nursing Education Program Options

The program uses a hybrid of online and in-person coursework to create a foundation in advanced nursing practice with core and specialty courses. including two practicums

View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements.

Students can enroll for the program at either our Main Campus in Chester or Central Pennsylvania campus in Harrisburg.

The program can be completed in 18–24 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 hold an MSN and are interested in pursuing nursing education 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.

View our post-master's certificates

View our post-doctoral certificates

An accelerated MSN to PhD option is available. Visit the Loading... to view program requirements and admissions information. 

Many area health care systems offer their employees discounted tuition rates for Widener's graduate nursing programs.

View our educational partners

Admissions & Aid

Applicants must submit the following:

  • Completed 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. NP, CNS, or NED option requires PA State Board of Nursing licensure prior to start of clinical/practicum as appropriate.
  • Personal Statement
  • Current resume
  • 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

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.

View application materials on 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.

Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)

Students participating in the MSN-to-PhD pathway who aim to become full-time nurse educators are eligible to apply for the nurse faculty loan program, made possible by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This program is an exceptional way to make affording a graduate education within reach for nursing professionals who wish to become educators.  

If accepted into the loan program, 85% of the monies borrowed over the course of the loan will be forgiven after 4 years of full-time academic nursing employment (or 2 half-time positions). Students are eligible to borrow up to $35,000 per academic year for up to 5 years. A small stipend may also be awarded to assist with the cost of books. 

Students who participate in the program agree that they will secure a full-time (or two half-time) positions in academic nursing. Students may be eligible to take up to two years to find employment in your designated field. 

How and When to Apply

If you have been accepted and choose to attend Widener University, you will receive information about the application program directly from the School of Nursing. Students apply to the program once a year.

Nursing Education MSN Program Highlights

Leverage classroom and clinical experiences to prepare for your role as an advance nursing practitioner.

Recognized for Advancing Nursing Education

1 of 6 schools nationwide designated as a Center of Excellence for Advancing the Science of Nursing Education.

National Center of Nursing Excellence

The National League for Nursing named Widener a Center of Excellence for advancing the science of nursing education.

College of Distinction Nursing 2023-2024 Logo

College of Distinction for Nursing

Recognized for top-quality teaching and successful outcomes.

Founders Hall midday shot

Renowned in the Region

Our School of Nursing was ranked 7th in Pennsylvania among private colleges.

Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Best Master of Science in Nursing

Recognized as the best hybrid MSN program based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation.

Founders Hall, home to Widener's School of Nursing, at dusk

Top 30 in Nation

Our School of Nursing is proud to rank #28 out of more than 1,100 private institutions evaluated across the nation.  

Source: Nursing Schools Almanac

 

Nursing education graduate student

Flexible Hybrid Course Format

Our program makes you the priority. A flexible hybrid course delivery system offers in-person and online classes at both the Main Campus in Chester and Harrisburg Campus to ensure that you can still meet the demands of your career and personal life. Minimal on-campus courses are required as part of this program.

Nursing education faculty mentor

Faculty Mentorship

Thrive in a nursing community that is guided by expert faculty with close mentorship and one-on-one support. As you complete courses led by nursing leaders, you'll build a network that will follow you long after graduation.

Nursing education master's student

Real-World & Clinical Experience

You’ll gain clinical experience tailored to your course of study with practicum experiences in higher education. On campus, you’ll have access to practice your skills in real-world scenarios in our state-of-the-art simulation and testing center.

Nursing education students

Interdisciplinary Education & Research

Through collaboration with schools and departments across campus, you’ll enhance your understanding of the curriculum and how the science of nursing can be applied to other disciplines.

Clubs & Organizations

Nursing majors have the opportunity to join multiple clubs and organizations across campus to expand their network, including the International Council of Nurses, Sigma—International Honor Society of Nursing, and many more.

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

You will graduate with the expertise you need to lead as nurse educator.

Recent Employers & Industry Connections

Outlook & Outcomes

Potential Careers

  • Clinical educator
  • Clinical instructor
  • Clinical professor
  • Nurse educator
  • Nurse leader
  • Staff development educator

Recent Employers

  • Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Jefferson University Hospitals
  • Main Line Health Systems
  • Virtua Health System
  • Kennedy Health

Student Stories

Jeremiah McFarland, standing outside a hospital, wearing blue scrubs

"When I’m in a patient’s room assessing and giving medications, I hear my professors’ voices. They’ve made me the best nurse I could possibly be and continue to grow into. Widener has made such an incredible impact in my life."

Jeremiah McFarland

Class of 2019 and 2024

Take the Next Steps

Apply

We’re glad you made the decision to apply. All applications and supplemental materials are submitted through the online application system. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.