By TED Staff
December 2021
If you are considering an online master’s degree in nursing education, now is a great time.
Nursing is an essential and honorable career, and the best nurses exude integrity, professionalism, and compassion. The best ones also continue to learn, to add to their skills and their store of knowledge. If you’re a registered nurse who’s considering a return to school for an advanced degree, you would do well to think about obtaining an MSN, a master’s degree in nursing, and specifically an MSN with education track. The nursing profession is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified staff, and the same problem exists for faculty in nursing schools where the average age is 55. Now is an excellent time to enter the field of nursing education. From experienced teachers of nursing, you can learn how to inspire and develop the nurses of tomorrow. Teaching positions are available at four-year institutions, community colleges, education departments of hospitals, and, importantly, as instructors in online programs.
An online program may, in fact, be best for you if you are, like most students who are in an advanced nursing program, deeply involved in your own day-to-day life of working and maintaining other responsibilities. Online classes were created for just such circumstances. While going to school “electronically,” you can set your own pace within the structure of your own home life schedule. The diploma you will be awarded at the end of your coursework is the same that will be given to students in traditional brick-and-mortar colleges and universities–but you will avoid the expense and frustration of traveling to and from the classroom each day. Another incentive to earn that advanced degree is the financial reward. According to Payscale, a nurse educator’s average salary in 2021 is $76,951 per year. RNs average an annual salary of $65,522.
That’s why Top Education Degrees put together this ranking of the best nursing education master’s degrees that can be completed entirely online. To begin, we compiled a list of any and every university offering just such a degree program. We then narrowed down our list to just the 20 best by focusing on the points-based ranking system below. In the event of a tie in points, we placed the program with the lower annual out-of-state tuition cost in the higher-ranking position.
Student to Faculty Ratio:
10:1 and lower: 5 points
11:1 to 12:1: 4 points
13:1 to 15:1: 3 points
16:1 to 20:1: 2 points
21:1 and higher: 1 point
Estimated Program Cost (for out-of-state student):
Under $20,000: 5 points
Under $30,000: 4 points
Under $40,000: 3 points
Under $50,000: 2 points
Under $60,000: 1 point
Overall Graduation Rate:
90% and above: 5 points
75% and above: 4 points
50% and above: 3 points
25% and above: 2 points
24% and below: 1 point
20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
10% and above: 5 points
8%-9%: 4 points
6%-7%: 3 points
4%-5%: 2 points
3% and below: 1 point
Note: If you reside outside of the state from which you plan to enroll in an online degree program that will lead to an advanced nursing license, you are responsible for ensuring that your chosen program fulfills all requirements for an advanced license in the state in which you plan to work. Online nursing students must check with the state licensure organization responsible for granting their license in order to guarantee their own eligibility.
#20. Western Governors University
Online Master of Science in Nursing Education
Salt Lake City, Utah
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $16,540
Total Points: 7
Western Governors University offers an online MS in Nursing in Nursing Education. Field experiences must be completed in a facility near you, and WGU will help arrange that. You’ll be expected to complete at least eight competency units every six months, with each course being 3-4 units. Western Governors University charges a flat rate of $4,135 every six months, instead of per credit hour. Application for the online MSNE degree requires a BSN degree, an unencumbered RN license, a resume, and a small fee.
#19. Excelsior College
Online Master of Science in Nursing Education
Albany, New York
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $24,510
Total Points: 6
The capstone project of Excelsior College’s online MSN degree program is one that exhibits the full range of the student’s growth in graduate school with the unveiling of an educational project, an online course, and the presentation of the project itself. The 38-credit hour program requires no GRE scores, but asks for transcripts, copy of RN license in the United States, and a small application fee. Excelsior College charges $645 for each credit hour. Coursework includes Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical Assessment, Transformational Nursing, and Program and Curriculum Development in Nursing Education.
#18. University of Texas at Tyler
Online Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Education track
Tyler, Texas
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $33,552
Total Points: 9
The University of Texas at Tyler offers 100% online MS in Nursing with a focus on Nursing Education. The 36-credit hour program has three emphases: Nursing Educator Curriculum Development, Evaluation in Nursing Education, and Nursing Educator Role Strategies and Practicum. Two of the courses offered are Translational Science and Health Policy-Population Health. To apply, submit GMAT scores, transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0, resume, a copy of RN license, three letters of recommendation, and an admissions essay. The University of Texas at Tyler charges about $980 for each credit for students who are not residents of Texas.
#17. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Online Master of Science in Nursing Education
Greensboro, North Carolina
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $36,974
Total Points: 10
The University of North Carolina Greensboro’s online MS in Nursing Education is a 38-credit hour program. It is available to residents who hold a current unrestricted RN license in North Carolina or in a state covered by a multi-state nurse licensure compact. The curriculum includes Pedagogical Strategies for Advanced Nursing Education and Advanced Application of Nursing Concepts in Client Care in Clinical Focus Area. The cost per credit hour is $973 for a student who is both outside of North Carolina and a legal resident of another state. Admission to the online Master of Science in Nursing Education program at the University of North Carolina Greensboro requires transcripts and a small fee.
#16. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Online Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator track
Galveston, Texas
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $43,880
Total Points: 11
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has an online MS in Nursing with a track for Nurse Educator. The degree consists of 40 credits, which most students stretch over seven semesters. Courses include Theoretical and Research Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice and Pathophysiology. On-campus orientation is required each semester for 2-3 days. To apply to the online MSN nursing educator program, you must have a minimum of one year of recent nursing experience, an RN license active and valid in the state where you participate in clinical learning experiences, 3.0 GPA, resume, transcripts, personal statement, and professional reference. The University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston charges $1,097 for each credit hour for non-Texas residents.
#15. Saint Xavier University
Online Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator track
Chicago, Illinois
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $28,500
Total Points: 11
Saint Xavier University offers an online MS in Nursing with a track for nurse educators. The 38-credit degree includes courses such as Educational Theory for Adult Learners, Nursing Inquiry, and Student Evaluation Techniques. Each credit hour costs $750, regardless of residency. Admission to the online MSN, Nurse Educator track requires transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, copy of current RN license, one letter of recommendation, personal goals statement, resume, and 3-5 years of relevant experience. Saint Xavier University emphasizes that the coursework serves as preparation for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. For nurses who already have an MSN, the track is offered as a (12 hour) stand-alone certificate.
#14. Ball State University
Online Master of Science in Nursing w/ a concentration in Nurse Educator
Muncie, Indiana
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $19,836
Total Points: 11
Ball State University has a 100% online, 36-credit hour MS in Nursing with a concentration option in Nurse Educator. The degree is comprised of three focuses: research core of 6 credits, nursing core of 11, and education role core of 19. Each credit hour costs $551 for students who are not residents of Indiana. Applicants must reside in and complete all clinical hours in a state where Ball State University School of Nursing is authorized to offer their online MSN in nursing with nurse educator concentration program. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, along with an RN license active in the state of practice, proof of having worked a minimum of 500 hours as an RN, and a small fee.
#13. University of West Georgia
Online Master of Science in Nursing w/ role option in Education
Carrollton, Georgia
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $16,320
Total Points: 11
University of West Georgia Online has a 35-credit MS in Nursing with education role option. The program may be completed in as few as two years (four semesters). The application process requires a BSN degree, an unencumbered RN license, GPA of 3.0 in upper division RN courses, two letters of recommendation, and a professional resume/CV. Courses include Curriculum Development in Nursing Education and Introduction to Health Systems Leadership. The charge for each credit is $462 when pursued full time.
#12. Eastern New Mexico University
Online Master of Science in Nursing w/ an emphasis in Education
Portales, New Mexico
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $10,726.20
Total Points: 11
Eastern New Mexico University’s online MS in Nursing can be completed in just two years. The 36-credit hour program consists of a 12-credit core and a 24-credit education emphasis. Two of the required core courses are Research Methods in Nursing, and The Nurse Leader: New Perspectives on the Profession. Two courses from the Education emphasis are Integrated Concepts of Disease Management and a clinical capstone course. Eastern New Mexico University charges $297.95 per credit hour for students who are not residents of New Mexico. Admissions asks for GRE/GMAT scores, writing proficiency exam, qualifying or field exams, and letters of recommendation.
#11. Ferris State University
Online Master of Science in Nursing w/ a concentration in Nursing Education
Big Rapids, Michigan
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $24,383
Total Points: 12
Ferris State University offers an online MS in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education. The 37-credit degree consists of three components: a basic set of nursing core courses, concentration-specific courses, and an Integration of Knowledge practicum. About 20 students are accepted for admission each semester. The charge per credit hour for Ferris State University’s online MSN is $659. Courses required in the Education Concentration include Curriculum Design in Nursing Education, Teaching Theories and Methodologies in Nursing Education, and Advanced Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapies. Submit transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of reference, CV, copy of current RN license, and a writing sample.
#10. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Online Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Education track
Las Vegas, Nevada
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $23,892
Total Points: 12
University of Nevada, Las Vegas has an online MS in Nursing with a track for Nursing Education. The degree requires two or three day-long orientation sessions on campus at the start of each fall semester. The 33-hour program has 18 core courses — one of which is Advanced Pathophysiology and Genetics — and 14 required education courses, including Developing and Evaluating Curriculum for Nursing Education. Each credit hour costs about $724. To apply to UNLV’s Nursing Education degree, submit a current, unencumbered RN license for your state of residence; transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a goals statement.
#9. University of Memphis
Online Master of Science in Nursing, Education track
Memphis, Tennessee
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $23,880
Total Points: 12
The University of Memphis offers an online MS in Nursing with an education track. The program is 40-credit hours. Each credit costs $597 for a student who is not a resident of Tennessee. In the education focus, courses include Advanced Pathophysiology and Healthcare Policy. In the clinical focus are Advanced Critical Care Nursing and Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. Admission requires an active RN license, a minimum 2.8 GPA, three letters of recommendation, a personal letter of interest, professional resume, and a small application fee. This application does not require GRE scores.
#8. University of South Alabama
Online Master of Science in Nursing w/ a subspecialty in Nursing Education
Mobile, Alabama
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $22,000
Total Points: 12
University of South Alabama offers an MS in Nursing with a subspecialty in Nursing Education. The degree can be completed entirely online. Coursework includes classes such as Instructional Design and Technology for Nursing Educators, Curriculum and Outcomes Evaluation in Nursing Education, and Current Topics in Nursing Education, to name but three. All students, regardless of residency, pay $524 per credit. Prospective students should submit transcripts, a CV, a personal goals statement, and a small fee.
#7. Fort Hays State University
Online Master of Science in Nursing for Nurse Educators
Hays, Kansas
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $10,747.80
Total Points: 12
Fort Hays State University has a MS in Nursing for Nurse Educators that is 100% online. It is important to note that applications cannot be accepted from residents of Tennessee, Alabama, Utah, and Washington. The 36-credit hour program costs $298.55 per credit hour, regardless of residency. Advanced Health Assessment Practicum for Educators and Administrators, Research in Nursing, and Apprenticeship: Teaching Practices are three of the courses offered. To apply to the online MSNE program at Fort Hays State University, submit transcripts showing a 3.25 GPA, current RN license, and personal goals statement. Completed applications are reviewed monthly.
#6. Angelo State University
Online Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator track
San Angelo, Texas
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $10,725
Total Points: 12
Angelo State University’s online 39-credit Master of Science in Nursing degree is open only to residents of the state of Texas. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited school, a current, unencumbered RN license, transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0, three professional references, personal statement, resume, and an application fee. Angelo State University charges $275 for each credit of the degree program. Coursework includes Informatics and Health Care Technology, Advanced Nursing, Advanced Health Assessment, and Population Health and Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing.
#5. Duke University
Online Master of Science in Nursing w/ a major in Nursing Education
Durham, North Carolina
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $66,168
Total Points: 13
Duke University has an online Master of Science in Nursing with a major in Nursing Education. The 36-credit hour program charges $1,838 for each credit hour, regardless of residency. Core courses consist of eleven credit hours, and include Nurse as Scholar I and II and Population Health in a Global Society. To apply to Duke University’s online MSN with a major in nursing education program, submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a CV, and a small application fee.
#4. Stony Brook University
Online Master of Science in Nursing Education
Stony Brook, New York
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $25,425
Total Points: 13
Stony Brook University has a Master of Science in Nursing Education online degree. Prospective students should know that this degree does consist of some on-site requirements. Courses are categorized into six areas: core; research; pharmacology; health assessment; pathophysiology; and nursing education. The 45-credit hour program charges $565 per credit for an out-of-state student. The application process asks for a one-year minimum of relevant work experience, three letters of recommendation, a copy of current RN license, and transcripts showing at least a 3.0 GPA. Once admitted to Stony Brook University’s MSNE online program, students should submit a clinical practice portfolio and a fee for portfolio evaluation.
#3. Texas Woman’s University
Online Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education
Denton, Texas
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $18,104
Total Points: 13
Texas Woman’s University offers a 40-credit hour,100% online MS in Nursing in Nursing Education. The degree includes a practicum coordinated in your area. The nursing education curriculum includes Research and Quality Improvement in Nursing, Measurement and Assessment in Nursing, and Clinical Specialization – Nurse Educator. The cost per credit hour is $452.60. Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest university primarily for women, and graduates more new health care professionals than any other university in Texas. The online MSNE admission process calls for a current, unrestricted RN license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of your bachelor’s degree.
#2. Lamar University
Online Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education
Beaumont, Texas
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $13,098
Total Points: 13
Lamar University’s nursing website promises that their online MSN in nursing education degree will teach core material, teaching methods, skills, and strategies to equip graduates to “develop the next generation of outstanding nurses.” The 37-credit hour program consists of courses like Theoretical Foundations, Role Development, Learning Theories, Nursing Educator Practicum I and II, and Advanced Pathophysiology. The application for the online degree calls for transcripts, copy of an unrestricted RN license, GRE scores, and a small fee.
#1. University of Saint Mary
Online Master of Science in Nursing w/ a specialization in Nursing Education
Leavenworth, Kansas
School Profile
Estimated Program Cost: $14,145
Total Points: 14
The University of Saint Mary, founded in 1923 by the Sisters of Charity, focuses on building community and educating the whole person. Their online Master of Science in Nursing offers a specialization in Nursing Education. The degree totals 23 credit hours, each of which costs $615, regardless of residency. The eight required courses include Advanced Patho-Pharm for the Nurse Educator, Curriculum Design and Evaluation, and a capstone thesis. Admission to the University of Saint Mary’s online MS in Nursing asks for a copy of the RN license, minimum 3.0 GPA, a 300-500 word statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, CV, a background check, and signing an Academic Honesty Agreement.
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