Potential Careers
- Certified registered nurse practitioner
- Certified nurse specialist
- Nurse educator
- Nursing executive
Graduate Studies
MSN Degrees: Master's in Nursing Programs
Advance your career with a master of science in nursing degree from a nationally ranked, accredited program. You'll prepare to succeed in the ever-evolving health care field.
At a Glance
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Offered as
MSN
Format
Varies by program. See below for details.
Credits
Varies by program. See below for details.
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
- Harrisburg, PA
Explore Our MSN Programs
Advance your nursing career with Widener's flexible and rigorous MSN program. Our nationally recognized nursing faculty have years of clinical expertise and are dedicated to supporting your professional and personal growth. Widener's master's degree offers a variety of concentration options to help you achieve your goals, whether in education, leadership, or advanced clinical practice.
You’ll benefit from close mentorship and guidance from professors who are advancing the science of nursing. Our flexible course delivery system is designed for working practitioners, ensuring you can complete program requirements at a pace that fits your schedule.
Students enrolled within the Widener University School of Nursing may be considering licensure (NCLEX) and/or advanced practice certification. Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification. To view Widener’s licensure qualifications by state, please visit the School of Nursing Licensure by State webpage or visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) directly.
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.
Master's in Nursing Program Options
Widener's AGACNP MSN program equips advanced practice nurses to serve as healthcare providers for individuals across the lifespan, addressing acute, critical, and complex health care requirements. Through a combination of coursework and mandatory clinical experiences, you will develop proficiency in diagnostic reasoning, decision-making, clinical management, inter-professional practice, and leadership across diverse demographic groups.
This master's program offers flexibility, allowing students to complete it on a full-time or part-time basis, at their own pace, within a five-year timeframe following matriculation.
Explore the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Widener
Embark on an exploration of the advanced position as a clinical nurse specialist, propelling yourself toward leadership in enhancing patient care outcomes and healthcare quality. Investigate advanced nursing practice concerning the administration of care for late adolescents, adults, and senior adults in wellness and within acute care settings, encompassing emergency and critical care environments.
The master’s in adult-gerontology CNS program can be completed in 30–36 months at the student’s pace or within the five-year time limit post-matriculation.
Explore Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist at Widener
The MSN option for Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) CRNP underscores primary care for individuals and families throughout their entire life. You will be equipped to deliver primary care in diverse settings, such as family practices, community health centers, hospital outpatient clinics, urgent care facilities, and ER fast-track. Our program underscores a comprehensive approach to family health management through interdisciplinary teamwork.
Upon completion of the program, you will qualify to apply for certification exams with either the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Explore Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) CRNP at Widener
In our master's program for nursing education, you'll embark on a path towards an advanced nursing practice role as a nurse educator. You'll acquire a comprehensive base through core nursing courses, along with clinical and teaching practicums, positioning you to emerge as a proficient nurse educator in both clinical and academic settings.
Become part of a nationally acknowledged program spearheaded by seasoned faculty whose research and expertise are shaping the landscape of nursing education.
In our master's program for executive nurse leadership, you will collaborate with seasoned nursing and business professionals to cultivate the expertise needed to lead effectively across all levels of healthcare systems. This program adopts a hybrid format, integrating online and on-campus coursework.
Featuring classes from both the School of Nursing and the School of Business Administration, you will gain insights into enhancing health outcomes for both individual patients and populations. Achieving improved outcomes will involve employing ethical and relationship-based business practices in conjunction with effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered leadership and healthcare delivery models.
Outlook & Outcomes for MSN Degrees
Why Earn Your MSN at Widener?
Experience Flexible Powerhouse Programs
Our flexible course delivery system makes it possible for you to fit any one of our master's programs into your busy life. Using a hybrid approach, classes are offered in-person and online so that they can work with your schedule.
Cultivate Academic Excellence through Faculty Mentorship
Partner with nursing professors who bring years of clinical experience to the classroom. You’ll benefit from a student nursing community that is guided by close mentorship and one-on-one support from our full-time faculty. As you complete courses led by nurse leaders, you'll build a network that will follow you long after graduation.
Foster Relationships & Grow Your Network
Nursing majors have the opportunity to join multiple clubs and organizations across campus to expand their network, including the Sigma—International Honor Society of Nursing, National League for Nursing (NLN), and many more.
Master's Degrees in Nursing Program Highlights
With an MSN degree, you'll leverage classroom and clinical experiences as you advance in your career.
Our Faculty
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.
I believe that an education with a foundation in science is essential for entry into nursing or advanced practice nursing. Nursing clinical reasoning skills grow as students apply an understanding of disease as the loss of normal function.
Students have great variation in their manner in which they acquire, process, manipulate, store, and retrieve learned information. It is a faculty priority to assist students with the development of metacognitive strategies to assist learning success and retention.
Recent News
Nursing Simulation that Shapes Clinical Excellence
Nursing’s Center for Simulation continues to deliver high-quality simulated learning for undergraduate and graduate students with the latest technology innovations and updated facilities.
Widener Community Emerges from the Pandemic Stronger and More Resilient
Widener is more flexible, capable, and effective as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adapting to remote operations has positioned faculty, staff, and students with the agility to stay connected and continue to advance the university's mission.
Telehealth Programming Connects Nursing Students to Evolving Industry
In response to the growing demand for virtual patient care during COVID, the graduate nursing program at the university’s Harrisburg campus is preparing students for this latest industry shift through newly incorporated telehealth programming.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
- 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. NP or CNS option requires PA State Board of Nursing licensure prior to start of clinicals or as appropriate.
- Personal Statement.
- Updated 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.
- August 15—for matriculation in the fall semester
- December 15—for matriculation in the spring semester
- April 15—for matriculation in summer sessions
Up to 2 courses may transfer into a Widener graduate nursing program.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
How to Apply as a Graduate International Student
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
- If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States
Learn more about applying as an international student
English Proficiency Requirements for Nursing Students
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.
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.
Financial Aid
RA: Grad & CS Financial Aid Description
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
RA: Admissions Standard Tuition Disclaimer
Graduate Admissions Office
-
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
-
Hyatt Hall, Office #316
- (610) 499-1229
- jcgilbert@widener.edu