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.

While pursuing one of our MSN degrees at Widener you will have access to our state-of-the-art nursing facilities. In our MSN programs, we offer our students plenty of clinical practice so that once they graduate with a master's degree in nursing they are ready to take on real-world experiences.

Program Overview

In our flexible, powerhouse nursing MSN program, you'll be on the inside track to advance your career. This nationally recognized program is led by expert faculty with years of clinical experience who are committed to your professional and personal success.

Widener's master's degree in nursing program offers several concentrations: 

  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    Provide advanced healthcare services to critically ill and unstable patients in the adult-gerontology population (12 years or older).
  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
    Step into an advanced nursing role by becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). This program will prepare you to provide care to patients in the adult to gerontology populations in acute care settings, including emergency and critical care environments.
  • Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) CRNP
    Become a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) to care for individuals and families across the life span. In this program, you'll learn how to practice critical thinking, decision making, evidence-based practice, cultural competence and leadership skills in a number of settings. 
  • Nursing Education
    Develop your skills to become a nurse educator in both clinical and academic environments.
  • Executive Nurse Leadership
    Earn a degree that will allow you to transform the health care environment by leading as a nurse executive at the micro and macro systems setting.

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.

Admissions Requirements for MSN Programs

  • 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.

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

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

View our educational partners

Master's Degrees in Nursing Program Highlights

With an MSN degree, you'll leverage classroom and clinical experiences as you advance in your career.

National Center of Nursing Excellence

The National League for Nursing named Widener a Center of Excellence for enhancing student learning and professional development.

Recognized for Advancing Nursing Education

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

College of Distinction Nursing 2022-2023 logo

College of Distinction for Nursing

Recognized for top-quality teaching and successful outcomes.

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.

Nursing students in clinicals

Renowned in the Region

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

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

 

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.

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.

Clubs & Organizations

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.

Faculty

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

Recent Employers & Industry Connections

  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  • Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Cooper University Hospital
  • Main Line Health System
  • Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  • Crozer Keystone Health System
  • Christiana Care Health System
  • Einstein Medical Center
  • St. Christopher's Hospital for Children

Outlook & Outcomes for MSN Degrees

Potential Careers

  • Certified registered nurse practitioner
  • Certified nurse specialist
  • Nurse educator
  • Nursing executive

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.