Top Ten: The Best Online Masters Degrees for Nursing

Considering a career in nursing? Browse your options

For the majority of professionals already in the nursing field, some level of formal education has already been achieved. Typically, practicing nurses hold an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Despite the demanding rigors undergraduate programs place on their students, many decide to pursue higher levels of educational standards. A masters degree in nursing is the next step these individuals seek.

Master’s programs are primarily designed for aspiring educators who will go on to instruct both new students and professional peers. Coursework generally incorporates special education from the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). These courses are often competency-based programs, providing the skills necessary to teach in many environments such as hospitals, schools, businesses, and community clinics. They also emphasize assessment, evaluation, measurement, dealing with various styles of learning, and creating unique curricula.

The following list features the Top Ten rankings for online masters degrees in nursing. Each school was thoroughly reviewed and highly regarded by respected publications as well as leaders in the medical community. These respected schools boast top rankings on U.S. News and World Report’s online education honor roll, multiple specialization options, renowned faculty and staff and a number of other unique characteristics.

1. Johns Hopkins University: Master of Science in Nursing
Cost: $33,168.00 per year full time

2. Loyola University New Orleans: Master of Science in Nursing
Cost: $744.00 per credit hour

3. Duke University: Master of Science in Nursing
Cost: $1,358.00 per credit

4. Drexel University: Master of Science in Nursing
Cost: $800.00 per credit

5. Clarkson College: Master of Science in Nursing
Cost: $437 per credit hour

6. University: Master of Science in Nursing
Cost: Between $21,000 and $36,000 per year full time

7. University of Texas-Tyler: Master of Science in Nursing
Cost: EST. $338.23 per credit at 9 credits, non-residents $689.00 per credit at 9 credits

8. Sacred Heart University: Master of Science in Nursing
Cost: $600.00 per credit hour

9. University of Florida: Master of Science in Nursing
Cost: $11,954 per year for residents and $29,347 per year for non-residents

10. University of San Francisco: Master of Science in Nursing
Cost: $1,130.00 per unit

Source: Top 10 Best Online Masters Degree in Nursing Programs