Program Overview

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Online Nurse Educator Master's Degree Program

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nurse Education is designed to equip students with the advanced clinical expertise and teaching skills needed to shape the next generation of nurses. This fully online program prepares students to lead in academic and clinical education settings, combining evidence-based practice with innovative teaching strategies.

Program Overview

The online nurse educator master's program at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) allows students to gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials to lead the next generation of nurses. The program is designed for working nurses who want to make a lasting impact in the lives of students and healthcare professionals.

Why Study Nurse Education at PNW?

• Expert PNW Faculty: Learn from experienced faculty who are dedicated to student growth as a skilled, confident nurse educator.
• Flexible Online Learning: Earn an MSN 100% online and complete practicum hours where students work.
• Accelerated Completion: Graduate in as little as 12 months of full-time study or less than 2 years of part-time study.
• Nationally Recognized College of Nursing: Designated as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence and an Indiana Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: a JBI Affiliate Center.

Program Accreditation

The baccalaureate, master's, and post-master's certificate nursing programs at Purdue University Northwest are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Program Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate program in nursing
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale or equivalent "B" average
• Current U.S. RN (Registered Nurse) licensure
• International degree-seeking applicants whose native language is not English must also meet Purdue University graduate school requirements

Curriculum

The PNW's Nurse Educator Master's Degree curriculum has earned a certification of quality from Quality Matters™ (QM). The interactive, engaging courses have been evaluated by a team of experts, meet rigorous standards for online instruction, and support student learning and success.

Core Courses

• NUR 50100 – Foundations Of Advanced Practice In Nursing
• NUR 51000 – Research And Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
• NUR 53100 – Theoretical And Ethical Reasoning In Advanced Practice Nursing

Advanced Courses

• NUR 50710 – Pathophysiologic Concepts And Pharmacologic Interventions For Nurse Educators
• NUR 50310 – Advanced Health Assessment For Nurse Educators

Education Courses

• NUR 66000 – Curriculum Development In Nursing
• NUR 66100 – Theories And Principles Of Teaching And Learning In Nursing Education
• NUR 66200 – Teaching Strategies For Nursing
• NUR 66300 – Assessment And Measurement In Nursing Education

Program Outcomes

• Support nursing education through teaching and mentorship.
• Lead care teams to improve healthcare for diverse populations.
• Make informed, patient-centered decisions using evidence and experience.
• Cultivate a nursing philosophy rooted in empathy and professionalism.

Tuition and Fees

• Cost per credit: $512.16
• Total nursing credits: 35 credits
• Practicum: 135 clock hours
• Total tuition: $17,925.60 (with transfer credits and scholarships)

Faculty

• Cari Furst, Ph.D., RN, CNE, SCRN: Professional/Clinical Instructor of Nursing
• Angela M. Schooley, Ph.D., RN, CNE, ACUE: Associate Professor of Nursing
• Beth Vottero, Ph.D., RN, CNE, ANEF: Professor of Nursing

National Recognition

PNW's online nursing programs earned top 100 rankings in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Online Programs, including a No. 88 placement for MSN programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Online MSN General Questions

• The program can be completed in less than two years.

Online MSN Admission and Enrollment

• Requirements for admission include graduation from an accredited baccalaureate program in nursing, minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0, and current U.S. RN licensure.

Online MSN Transfer Questions

• A maximum of 9 semester hours or equivalent of graduate credit may be used as transfer credit from another university.

Online MSN Cost and Payments

• Students may be eligible for a $1,000 graduate scholarship if employed by one of the Purdue University Northwest partner hospitals or if they previously completed the PNW RN-to-BSN.
• Payment options include self-pay, financial aid, and tuition assistance/reimbursement.

Related Programs

• Nursing: Nurse Executive MSN
• Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist MSN