Program Overview
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Duke University School of Nursing empowers future nursing leaders to tackle complex global health challenges. Our MSN programs equip you with advanced skills and knowledge for rewarding careers in a diverse range of settings.
Program Overview
The MSN program offers eight clinical advanced practice nurse majors and three non-clinical health care systems majors, with several MSN specialties and certificates to further expand your career potential. Our accredited nursing programs provide a robust curriculum that combines foundational coursework with study in population-specific areas of practice.
Curriculum
The curriculum ensures nursing master’s degree graduates acquire the expertise to drive positive change and improve health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Flexible, distance-based learning allows working professionals to pursue their MSN degrees while maintaining their current work-life balance. Additionally, for clinical program students, on-campus intensives provide valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and interaction with our expert nursing faculty.
MSN Clinical Programs
Our innovative clinical nursing master’s degrees combine the latest evidence-based practices with high-fidelity simulation labs to prepare you for top-of-scope practice. Clinical placements ensure you gain valuable, real-world experience close to home, with clinical partnerships at more than 2,000 locations worldwide:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN Health Care Systems Majors
Our nonclinical health care systems MSN degrees prepare nurse leaders, educators, and administrators to inform, educate, and lead the next generation of nurses. With coursework in areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, MSN systems majors learn to develop innovative solutions and optimize health care processes:
- Health Informatics (Currently not accepting new students)
- Nursing and Healthcare Leadership (Currently not accepting new students)
- Nursing Education (Currently not accepting new students)
MSN Specialty Certificates
In addition to an NP, students may add another specialty. We offer specialty certificates for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students along with practicing nurse practitioners:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Orthopedics
Post-Graduate Certificates
Gain specialized knowledge with our post-graduate certificates. These certificates allow a master's degree holder, especially registered nurses from an ACEN or CCNE accredited school, to specialize in any of the majors we offer.
Faculty
Our internationally renowned faculty foster a supportive learning environment that prioritizes your academic and professional success. They bring their real-world experience as nurse practitioners into the classroom, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your field.
Meet Our MSN Faculty
- Anne Derouin, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, ANEF, Professor
- Kathleen Turner, DNP, RN, Associate Professor
- Karin Reuter-Rice, PhD, CPNP-AC, FCCM, FAAN, Professor
- Carolina Dimsdale, DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC, FAANP, Associate Professor
- Marilyn Oermann, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, Thelma M. Ingles Distinguished Professor of Nursing
- Lawrence Yang, PhD, Professor, Pauline Gratz Distinguished Professor
- Mary Lou Affronti, DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN, Professor
- Kais Gadhoumi, PhD, Assistant Professor
- Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, Professor
- Sophia Smith, PhD, MSW, FAOSW, Associate Professor
- Rémi Hueckel, DNP, CPNP-AC, CHSE, FAANP, Associate Professor
- Kara McGee, DMS, MSPH, PA-C, AAHIVS, Associate Professor
- Kathryn Kreider, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, Professor
- Valerie Sabol, PhD, MBA, ACNP-BC, GNP-BC, ANEF, FAANP, FAAN, Professor
- Margaret (Peggy) Bush, PhD, MBA, RPh, Professor
- Tonia Poteat, PhD, MPH, PA-C, AAHIVS, DFAAPA, Professor
- Jamison (Jamie) Lord, DNP, MSN, RNC, PMHNP-BC, Assistant Professor
- Christina Leonard, APRN, DNP, FNP-C, CNL, Associate Professor
- Mitchell Knisely, PhD, RN-BC, ACNS-BC, FAAN, Associate Professor
- Thomas Blodgett, PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC, Assistant Professor
- Margaret (Midge) Bowers, DNP, FNP-BC, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, FACC, Professor
- Debra (Debbie) Travers, PhD, MSN, RN, FAEN, FAMIA, Associate Consulting Professor
- Malinda Teague, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC, Assistant Professor
- Lem Scott, DNP, APRN, PMHNP, CNE, Assistant Professor
- Allison Stafford, PhD, RN, Associate Professor
- AnnMarie Walton, PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN, Term Chair for the Dorothy L. Powell Professorship, Associate Professor
- Deirdre Thornlow, PhD, RN, CPHQ, CNE, Associate Professor
- Staci Reynolds, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, CPHQ, FAAN, Professor
- Ragan Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, Associate Professor
- Marissa Abram, PhD, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN, Assistant Professor
- Maryellen Kelly, DNP, CPNP, MHSc, Associate Professor
- Schenita Randolph, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Associate Professor
- Elaine Kauschinger, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, FAANP, Assistant Professor
- Casey Brown, DNP, RN, AGPCNP-BC, AOCNP, Assistant Professor
- Devon Noonan, PhD, MPH, FNP-BC, CARN, FAAN, Associate Professor
- Michael Cary, PhD, RN, Associate Professor
- Ryan Shaw, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate Professor
- Blanca Iris Padilla, PhD, MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, Associate Professor
- Benjamin Smallheer, PhD, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE, FAANP, Associate Professor
- Sean Convoy, DNP, PMHNP-BC, Associate Professor
- Desi Newberry, DNP, NNP-BC, Associate Professor
- Kathryn Trotter, DNP, CNM, FNP-C, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, Associate Professor
- Michelle Webb, DNP, RN, CHPCA, Assistant Professor
- Brandon Knettel, PhD, Associate Professor
- Lisa Lewis, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, Associate Professor
- Cristina Hendrix, DNS, GNP-BC, FNP, FAAN, Associate Professor
- Alison Edie, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, Associate Professor
- Stephanie Ibemere, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor
- Amie Koch, DNP, FNP-C, RN, ACHPN, FAANP, Associate Professor
- Tara Albrecht, PhD, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, RN, Associate Professor
- Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, PhD, CNM, CNE, Associate Professor, Duke Ivy+ Provost Leadership Fellow
- Shari Rushton, DNP, MS, RN, CCM, CNE, Associate Professor
- Michael Zychowicz, DNP, ANP, ONP, FAAN, FAANP, FNAON, Professor
Admissions
The MSN program employs a holistic admissions strategy. We consider each candidate’s unique life experiences alongside their academic performance, grades, and test scores. This ensures that our nurse practitioner students represent the diversity of patients you will care for in your career.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
As part of our mission to meet the needs of nurse practitioners nationwide, Duke School of Nursing offers a variety of financial aid options for MSN students. These include a merit-based scholarship and federal loan opportunities to fund your MSN degree.
Accreditation
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Duke University School of Nursing are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Nurse Anesthesia DNP program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.