Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)

 

Become a Leader in the Medical Field with a Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing has been ranked as the most trusted profession nationwide and has been for two decades. If you’re currently a registered nurse who holds a bachelor’s degree, West Chester University has Master of Science in Nursing program to help you advance your career.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our MSN program offers both spring and fall start dates and 100% online coursework to fit with your schedule. A mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes provide both accountability and flexibility while allowing you to connect with faculty and classmates.

WCU’s Master of Science in Nursing offers Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Nurse Educator tracks which allow you to pursue your passions and specialize in an in-demand area of nursing.

Our MSN program provides a strong foundation in advanced clinical practice, leadership, and evidence-based care that seamlessly prepares graduates for doctoral study. At WCU there is a clearly defined pathway from the MSN to the DNP program, allowing students to build upon their master’s-level competencies and advance their expertise in systems leadership, quality improvement, and population health. This streamlined progression supports lifelong learning and positions graduates for the highest level of nursing practice.

Whether you choose to pursue your MSN full-time or part-time you’ll have access to faculty experts, opportunities for research, and will take on clinical placements with experienced professionals.

 

Tracks in Our Health Sciences Master's Nursing Program

Nurse Education

Learn to teach and prepare licensed practical nurses (LPN) and registered nurses (RN) for entry into practice positions through the Nurse Educator track. This track also prepares you to teach in various patient care settings to provide continuing education to licensed nursing staff. Nurse Educators are eligible to teach in undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs—with further education, where they teach nurses to become leaders in complex healthcare and educational organizations.

Adult Gerontology CNS

WCU's Adult -Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles focused on improving outcomes for adult and older adult populations across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, along with systems leadership, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement. Graduates are prepared to serve as expert clinicians, consultants, educators, and leaders who enhance patient care, support nursing staff, and drive organizational excellence

 

Benefits of Earning Your Graduate Degree at West Chester University

Accreditation & Job Growth

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the MSN program prepares graduates for a job market projected to grow by 5% through 2034, with master’s level nursing positions expected to grow even more. Nurses with an MSN can command salaries more than 20% higher than RNs, depending on their specialty.

Accomplished Faculty and Small Classes

Our faculty are experienced clinical experts who bring advanced practice knowledge and real-world insight into the classroom and clinical setting. They actively integrate current evidence, clinical judgment, and systems leadership to prepare nurses for excellence in advanced nursing roles. You’ll have opportunities to connect with faculty on a personal level thanks to WCU’s small classes and collaborative coursework.

Practicum Placement

As a student in WCU’s Master of Science in Nursing program, you’ll complete practicum hours as part of your requirements. Practicum placements are available throughout the region and are based on your track, securing placements with either a Clinical Nurse Specialist or a Nurse Educator in the field.

Affordable Tuition

Affordability is part of WCU’s mission, and our tuition is among the most affordable in the region. To help put your graduate studies within reach, WCU also offers employee reimbursement options, payment plans, and graduate assistantships.

Personalized Career Advising

As a graduate student at WCU, you’ll have full access to the Twardowski Career Development Center (CDC). The experts at the CDC will help you explore career options, write your résumé, perfect your interviewing skills, and create a job search strategy. The CDC also hosts employment fairs on campus throughout the year.

 

What Can You Do with a Master of Science in Nursing?

Our graduates go on to work as educators, clinical nurse specialists, school nurses, staff nurses, and nurse leaders and are employed in hospitals, schools, pharmaceutical companies, and the community.

Our graduates enjoy excellent employment rates within 6 months of graduation.

Nursing positions are expected to grow by at least 5% through 2034. With an ageing population, there’s never been a better time to consider an advanced nursing degree.

Where are our graduates?

 

What Will You Study as a Student in the Master of Science in Nursing Program?

WCU’s MSN program includes a core curriculum with coursework in areas like decision-making, leadership, and pharmacology. Additional coursework is track-dependent and will include practicum experiences.