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
Click to OpenOffered as
MSN
Format
Hybrid (In-Person & Online)
Credits
Varies by program. See below for details.
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, 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 advanced clinical practice or leadership.
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.
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 Dwyer 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
Program courses are offered online with only one on-campus health assessment course required, in addition to an in-person clinical practica that can be completed in your home state of residence for the MSN and DNP programs.
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 health systems leadership, graduates will be equipped to address complex challenges and opportunities as transformational leaders. The program offers a robust foundation in systems management and leadership, tailored for nurse managers, directors, and executives, with a focus on organizational issues, communication, and personal leadership development.
Outlook & Outcomes for MSN Degrees
Why Earn Your MSN at Widener?
Foster Relationships and Grow Your Network with a Dynamic Cohort
Jump on the opportunity to join a dynamic MSN cohort, where you'll connect with a diverse group of nursing faculty and peers right from the start. This collaborative environment not only enriches your learning experience but also helps you build a valuable professional network early on.
Begin with our comprehensive core curriculum to establish a solid foundation in nursing principles, then seamlessly transition into specialized pathways tailored to your interests and career goals.
Nursing majors also 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.
Learn via Online Courses that Support Busy Professional & Personal Lives
Our courses are delivered entirely online, with the exception of one in-person Health Assessment Lab. This approach offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal commitments while pursuing your education.
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.
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 goal is to help students think critically, lead with compassion, and apply evidence-based strategies to real-world healthcare challenges. I believe leadership in nursing extends beyond formal titles—every nurse has the power to create meaningful change. Through active learning, reflective practice, and a commitment to ethical leadership, I guide students in building the confidence and skills needed to navigate today’s complex healthcare environments.
Recent News
Widener Announces $10 Million Gift, Unveils the Jack & Nancy Dwyer School of Nursing
Jack ’78 and Nancy Dwyer’s gift -- the biggest in Widener’s history -- will rename the nursing program and advance its mission of graduating nurse leaders.
A Legacy of Care: Chester Community Clinic Marks 15 Years
When the Chester Community Clinic first opened in September 2009 its purpose was simple: serve the community and give students an exceptional learning experience. Years of dedication to quality care and strategic transformation have established the clinic as an anchor in the community and a celebrated national model for student-led pro bono care and education.
Widener Nursing Programs Empower Future Nurse Leaders
Undergraduate and graduate nursing students are gaining the leadership skills and experiences needed to advance their careers and transform the health care industry.
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.
Apply by August 15th for matriculation in the fall semester.
Please note: All MSN programs admit students once per year for the fall term. We encourage you to plan ahead and submit your application by the deadline to be considered for admission.
International students whose visa status requires in-person coursework may be ineligible for this program. Coursework is predominantly completed online. The application requires an active RN license. For questions, please email admissionsintl@widener.edu.
Financial Aid
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%.
