Program Overview

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Online Master's in Nursing Education (MSN)

The Online Master's in Nursing Education (MSN) program at Drexel University is designed to prepare nurses for the role of nurse educator in either a professional development or academic setting. The curriculum incorporates core graduate-level concepts, advanced clinical concepts, and contemporary education content to prepare nurses for diverse roles in education.

Program Features

• 45 Quarter Credits (equivalent to 30 semester credits)
• Ranked #3 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs: Nursing Education by U.S. News & World Report
• Ranked #12 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the master's degree in nursing at Drexel University
• Learn from an experienced, board-certified faculty who are actively involved in nursing education from Drexel's acclaimed College of Nursing and Health Professions
• An online format that is highly interactive, engaging, and challenging while remaining convenient for working nurses
• You can schedule your clinical practicum in a variety of settings, customizing it to fit your future career goals
• Virtual, immersive simulation residency
• Three-year tuition lock for those who complete the program within 3 years

What is an MSN in Nursing Education?

The MSN in Nursing Education is a Master of Science in Nursing program that allows you to use your nursing experience as a basis to teach both students and other nurses. It weaves advanced clinical foundations with theories specific to adult learning. At the completion of the program, you'll have the ability to apply everything you learned in a practicum experience.

What Can You Do with A Master's Degree in Nursing Education?

A master's degree in nursing education is the typical entry-point to a teaching career in nursing. The MSN: Nursing Education degree program will prepare you for roles in both higher education and professional development. As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to teach in classrooms, clinical settings, online, and simulation labs, and to hold positions such as:

• Nursing Faculty
• Clinical Instructor
• Simulation Educator
• Hospital Nurse Educator
• Professional Development Specialist
• Certified Diabetes Educator
• Public Health Educator
• Community Health Education Coordinator
• Professor, Researcher

Salary for a Nurse Educator with an MSN

Nursing instructors and teachers at the postsecondary level earn median annual salaries of $81,350. Salaries do fluctuate by location, experience, and workplace setting.

• Health Specialties Teacher: $97,370
• Nursing Professor/Researcher: $73,490
• Community Health Program Coordinator: $39,540
• Health Promotion Specialist: $54,220
• Nursing Educator (General Hospitals): $89,390

Curriculum

This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

Core Courses

Course	Description	Credits
NURS 500	Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments	3.0
NURS 502	Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care	3.0
NURS 544	Quality and Safety in Healthcare	3.0
RSCH 503	Research Methods and Biostatistics	3.0
RSCH 504	Evaluation and Translation of Health Research	3.0

Required Track Courses

Course	Description	Credits
IPS 617	Simulation in Healthcare Education	4.5
NURS 591	Foundations of Nursing Education	3.0
NURS 606	Curriculum Design for Higher Level Cognition	3.0
NURS 613	The Role and Responsibility of the Nursing Professor	3.0
NURS 615	Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation	3.0
NURS 616	Teaching Methods in Nursing Education	3.0

Practicum

Course	Description	Credits
NUPR 618	Nursing Education Practicum I	3.0
NUPR 619	Nursing Education Practicum II	3.0

Support Course

Course	Description	Credits
NURS 574	Advanced Integrative Clinical Concepts	4.5

Total Credits

45.0

Admissions Criteria

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • If your GPA is lower, you're still encouraged to apply, but should ensure that relevant professional experience is included on your resume.
• While specific clinical work and/or volunteer experience is not required, it may make your application more competitive.

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended
• Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study
  • If you have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, this requirement can be waived
• Personal statement describing your interest in the program and particular specialty
• Resume
• Copy of your United States RN license
• Additional requirements for International Students

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year is $1169 per credit. For the academic year, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

Academic Calendar

Academic Year 2025-2026

Term	Classes Begin	Classes End	Exams Begin	Exams End
Fall 2025	September 22, 2025	December 6, 2025	December 8, 2025	December 13, 2025
Winter 2026	January 5, 2026	March 14, 2026	March 16, 2026	March 21, 2026
Spring 2026	March 30, 2026	June 6, 2026	June 8, 2026	June 13, 2026
Summer 2026	June 22, 2026	August 29, 2026	August 31, 2026	September 5, 2026