25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Nursing Education Degrees

This college rankings article focuses on online Nursing Education and related degrees at the masters graduate level (e.g., MSN/ MS Nursing, etc.), and includes post-master’s certificates when available in any of the 25 colleges listed here.

There have been nursing shortages in the U.S. and elsewhere for some time now — possibly since as far back as the mid-1960s, for varying periods of time. However, there is currently also a shortage of the nurse educators and leaders who are involved in training new nurses, as well as employees of healthcare and other organizations/ agencies, and patients. The shortage of people in nursing education is due to retirement, career change and other reasons. As well, nursing in general is a fast-growing occupation, with 16-31% jobs growth predicted for some specialties. While students are applying to nursing schools, possibly in response to the clinical nurse shortage, there are apparently not enough faculty at some nursing schools to handle the potential increase in student nurses.

Careers in Nursing Education

For current and future nurses interested in becoming educators, a master’s degree in nursing education, or an existing MSN degree paired with a suitable post-master’s graduate certificate in nursing is a right step in the career path. This college ranking of online masters degrees in nursing education should help get you started in finding an affordable nursing school. A partial list of occupations and industries/ organizations that may be hiring graduates of an MSN Nursing Education degree is shown below.

administrative nurse faculty
case manager
clinical facilities
clinical nurse educator
clinical supervisor
college/ university lecturer/ nursing school faculty member
community colleges
community health agencies/ organizations
consultant – curriculum
consulting firms
continuing education specialist
government agencies
health care manager
health educator
healthcare organizations
home care agencies
hospitals/ clinics
long-term care facilities
nurse administrator
nurse educator
nurse leader
nursing faculty
nursing instructor
patient educator
patient/staff education departments
staff development manager
staff educator
teaching hospital faculty member

Also see our other rankings of online and traditional bachelors and masters nursing programs, listed on our Rankings page.

Notes

We use the average out-of-state tuition listed in NCES for affordability rankings of master’s programs. However, a given program’s actual costs may differ from what we list and is subject to change by the colleges in question. Check Web sites for up-to-date graduate tuition rates.
These master’s degree rankings do not factor in fees, which can vary for online programs.
As college accreditation can change or only be valid regionally, please verify accreditation of any college to which you are planning to apply.
This college rankings list uses the most recently reported data at time of writing; however, NCES data is subject to change as colleges report new information.
The Areavibes cost of living score is from Areavibes.com and represents the city/ town of the college in question. It is completely independent of each college’s on-campus housing costs.

Rankings: Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing Education

25: Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (source)

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a public university established in 1957 and located in Edwardsville, Illinois, about 26 miles roughly northeast of St. Louis, MO. It is part of the Southern Illinois University System and originally created as an extension of the main Carbondale campus.

SIUE offers five online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator; Post-master’s certificate: Nurse Educator. This MSN is a 36-credit program consisting of 12 courses, including two statistics-centered courses and three practicum courses. The program has a total of 270 hours required for the three face-to-face practicums. Note that clinical opportunities are not possible in all states, so online students should consider this before starting the program. The curriculum prepares graduates for roles as educators for student nurses. Program graduates qualify to sit for the NLN’s CNE exam after completing this MSN degree and also teaching for two years. Students already holding a master’s degree can take the post-master’s Nurse Educator certificate, which requires between 13-36 credits, depending on MSN coursework taken.

Sample courses: Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Specialty Nursing Practice for Nurse Educators: Seminar; Curriculum Theory, Design and Program Evaluation in Nursing Education; Health Policy and Advanced Nursing Practice; Instructional Design, Assessment and Evaluation for Nursing Education; Research in Advanced Nursing Practice; Synthesis for Teaching in the Nurse Educator Role; Teaching and Learning Theory, Development and Socialization in Nursing Education; Theoretical Foundations of Nursing

%grads taking only distance edu: 11%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 7%.
In-state tuition: $6,544.
Out-of-state tuition: $12,830.
Student population: 13972.
# undergrads: 11421.
# grads: 2551.
Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: C+.

24: University of Wyoming

William Robertson Coe Library, University of Wyoming (source)

The University of Wyoming (UWYO) is a public research university that was established in 1886. Its main campus is in Laramie, Wyoming, about 145 miles north and slightly west of Denver, Colorado.

UWYO offers around a dozen online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing (MSN) Nurse Leader with Nurse Educator Concentration. This MSN is a part-time, 36-credit program consisting of eight Leadership courses. Students taking the optional NE concentration also take several Education courses, including an Education practicum. The curriculum prepares students for both nurse leadership and educator roles. The timeline is three years of study and clinical experiences, and some on-campus presence is required. A GRE is not required for admission. Note: UWYO has phased out their older MSN Nurse Educator program, with the last cohort entering in Fall 2015.

Sample courses: Advanced Leadership Strategies; Becoming a Leader; Business of Healthcare; Educational Leadership; Evidence-Informed Decision-Making; Health Policy for Rural and Global Population Health; Leadership within Healthcare Systems; Population Health; Rural Leadership Service-Learning Experience; Science of Quality Improvement and Safety; Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Leadership

%grads taking only distance edu: 19%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 7%.
In-state tuition: $4,176.
Out-of-state tuition: $12,474.
Student population: 12820.
# undergrads: 10124.
# grads: 2696.
Campus setting: Town: Remote.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

23: University of Mary

Welder Library, University of Mary (source)

University of Mary is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1959 and located in Bismarck, North Dakota, about 196 miles roughly west of Fargo, ND. Original name: Mary College. Affiliation: Catholic Church

UM offers 17 online master’s degrees, including concentrations/ specializations. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN Nurse Educator – BSN to MSN. This MSN is a 42-credit program consisting of 17 courses, including Thesis courses and practicum experiences, as well as grad orientation courses. The program prepares graduates for nurse leadership roles in education, either at colleges/ universities, or in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, health agencies, etc. A total of 500 hours of leadership and education experience is combined together. There are three start dates per year.

Sample courses: Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators; Advanced Pathophysiology for Nurse Educators; Critique and Design of Nursing Research; Evidence Based Practice and Strategic Healthcare Decision Making; Graduate Student Assessment Nursing; Healthcare Across the Population; Healthcare Law and Policy; Influential Nursing Leadership; Leadership and the Future of Nursing; Principles of Pharmacology for Nurse Educators; Professional Roles in Advanced Nursing; Seminar in Nursing Education I, II

%grads taking only distance edu: 28%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 47%.
In-state tuition: $12,100.
Out-of-state tuition: $12,100.
Student population: 2809.
# undergrads: 2036.
# grads: 773.
Campus setting: Rural: Fringe.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

22: Wheeling Jesuit University

Acker Science Center, Wheeling Jesuit University (source)

Wheeling Jesuit University is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1954 and located in Wheeling, West Virginia, about 59 miles roughly southwest of Pittsburgh, PA. Original name: Wheeling College.

WJU offers four online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN with Nursing Education Specialist Track; Graduate certificate: Nursing Education Specialist Track. This MSN is a minimum 39-credit program consisting of five Core MSN courses and six NE speciality courses, including Capstone and Practicum courses. The specialty courses are divided into education courses and clinical courses. The program prepares graduates for roles as educators or faculty members in nursing programs. Students who already hold an MSN have the option of taking the 18-credit post-master’s certificate in Nursing Education, which includes a Capstone and a Practicum.

Sample courses: Comprehensive Health Assessment; Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Technology; Evaluation; Health Care Delivery Systems and Economics; Health Care Policy and Politics; Health Promotion; Nursing Research I; Nursing Theories

%grads taking only distance edu: 62%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 4%.
In-state tuition: $11,970.
Out-of-state tuition: $11,970.
Student population: 1575.
# undergrads: 1187.
# grads: 388.
Campus setting: City: Small.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

21: Walden University

Walden University (source)

Walden University is a private, for-profit/ PBC (Public Benefit Corporation) established in 1970 and located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was founded by two teachers from New York, Bernie and Rita Turner.

WU offers 50+ online master’s degrees and a large selection of graduate certificates. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN Nursing Education. This MSN offers three tracks, the choice of which determines the total number of credits required. The tracks are (1) BSN to MSN (holding a bachelor’s in nursing), (2) RN to MSN (holding a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing); (3) RN to BSN to MSN dual degree. The curriculum listed below is for option 1, which requires 51 quarter credits (qc) and consists of 11 course, including a Practicum. The overall program prepares graduates for roles as nurse educators who design, develop and implement programs that train nurses to implement evidence-based practice.

Sample courses: Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning; Advanced Pathopharmacology; Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Evaluation; Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice; Foundations for Graduate Study; Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership; Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health; Specialty in Clinical Nursing; Teaching Learning Strategies: Integrating Technology Into Nursing Education; The Role of the Nurse Educator; Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology

%grads taking only distance edu: 100%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
In-state tuition: $11,895.
Out-of-state tuition: $11,895.
Student population: 52188.
# undergrads: 8960.
# grads: 43228.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: No.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

20: University of Texas at Tyler

Performing Arts Center, University of Texas at Tyler (source)

University of Texas at Tyler is a public institution established in 1971 and located in Tyler, Texas, about 98 miles roughly southeast of Dallas, TX. Original name: Tyler State College.

UTT offers 16 online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN Nursing Education; Graduate certificate in Nursing Education. This MSN is a 37-credit program consisting of 13 courses, including two Capstones. The program, which can be taken full- or part-time. It prepares grads for the CNE national certification exam or for doctoral studies. Alternately, students can take the 9-credit (three courses) grad certificate in Nursing Education.

Sample courses: Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Nursing Pharmacology; Advanced Pathophysiology; Capstone I, II; Evaluation in Nursing Education; Health Care Informatics; Health Policy/ Population Health; Nursing Education Curriculum; Nursing Education Roles/Strategies; Organizational Sys. Leadership; Translational Science I, II

%grads taking only distance edu: 64%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 19%.
In-state tuition: $4,662.
Out-of-state tuition: $11,726.
Student population: 8036.
# undergrads: 5849.
# grads: 2187.
Campus setting: City: Small.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

19: Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University (source)

Thomas Edison State University is a public institution established in 1972 and located in Trenton, New Jersey, about 33 miles roughly northeast of Philadelphia, PA. Original name: Thomas Edison State College.

TESU offers 12 online master’s degrees and 12 graduate certificates. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing (MSN) with Nurse Educator Specialty; Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate. This MSN is a 36-credit program consisting of four Core courses (12cr), three Direct Care/ Elective courses (9cr), three NE specialty courses (9cr) and two Practicums (6cr). The program prepares students for “teaching roles in healthcare and academic settings” and awards a certificate upon the completion of this MSN. Alternately, current RNs already holding a master’s degree can take the grad certificate alone (12-15 credits), which includes the same two Practicum courses as in the MSN — each of which requires 120 supervised hours.

Sample courses: Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Curriculum Theory and Development in Nursing Education; Evidence-Based Nursing Practice; Health Policy; Nurse Educator: Seminar and Practicum I, II; Nursing Informatics: Concepts and Issues; Nursing Leadership in a Global Community; Testing, Assessment and Evaluation; Theoretical Foundations and Instructional Strategies in Nursing Education

%grads taking only distance edu: 100%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
In-state tuition: $11,610.
Out-of-state tuition: $11,610.
Student population: 21495.
# undergrads: 20143.
# grads: 1352.
Campus setting: City: Small.
Campus housing avail.: No.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

18: University of Texas at El Paso

University of Texas at El Paso (source)

University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a public university established in 1914 as the Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy. It is part of the University of Texas System and is located in El Paso, Texas, some 550 miles northwest of San Antonio, TX, and about 270 miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

UTEP offers 10 distance master’s degrees, several of which are offered online. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN in Nursing Education. This MSN is a 33-credit program consisting of 11 courses. The program prepares graduates for educator roles and the skills and knowledge for “curriculum design and development, teaching methods, educational needs assessment, and learner-centered theories and methods.”

Sample courses: Advanced Health Assessment; Curriculum Development; Effective Teaching Strategies; Evaluation of Learning; Health Law Policy and Ethics; Integrated Concepts in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology; Managing Health Care Outcomes; Mentored Experience Clinical Populations; Mentored Experience Educator Role; Nursing Research Appraisal and Application; Nursing Theories

%grads taking only distance edu: 21%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 15%.
In-state tuition: $4,336.
Out-of-state tuition: $11,517.
Student population: 23079.
# undergrads: 19817.
# grads: 3262.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

17: Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University (source)

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is a public university that was established in 1901 and was first known as the Girls Industrial College. TWU’s main campus is located in Denton, Texas, some 40 miles northwest of Dallas, TX.

TWU offers 20 online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing Education. This MSN is a 40-credit program consisting of six Core courses (20cr) and six NE specialty courses, including a project and a practicum. Students can choose the site of practical experiences near their place of residence, from an approved list.

Sample courses: Advanced Assessment/Differential Diagnosis; Advanced Pathophysiology; Clinical Specialization; Curriculum Design and Management in Nursing; Educational Communication and Technologies of Instruction; Evaluation Models for Curriculum Management; Health Promotion and Policy; Measurement and Assessment in Nursing; Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice; Research in Nursing ; Teaching Practicum in Nursing; Theoretical Basis for Nursing Education; Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

%grads taking only distance edu: 44%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 19%.
In-state tuition: $4,380.
Out-of-state tuition: $11,400.
Student population: 15071.
# undergrads: 9680.
# grads: 5391.
Campus setting: City: Midsize.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: C+.

16: Regis University

Carroll Hall, Regis University (source)

Regis University is a 4-year, private, non-profit university based in Denver, Colorado It was founded in 1877 as Las Vegas College and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church (Jesuit).

Regis offers 35 online master’s degrees, including concentrations/ specializations. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN Leadership in Health Care Systems: Education Focus (MSN-EF; blended program); RN to MS Nursing with Focus in Education (MSN-E). The Regis MSN-EF is a 42-credit program (nine Core and six EF courses) with 8-week courses and three start dates yearly. The program prepares graduates with the skills to design a curriculum, develop courses, and teach, mentor and evaluate students in both clinical and academic settings. Regis also offers an RN-to-MSN program that allows current RNs to earn both a BSN and an MSN on an accelerated schedule. Both MSN programs require a total 210 practicum hours. The RN to MSN has a study timeline of 24-36 months.

Sample courses: Advanced Apps. of Research for Evidence-Based Practice; Advanced Health Assessment of the Patient and Family; Advanced Nursing Practice: Leadership and Theoretical Frameworks; Advanced Pharmacology for Advanced Practice; Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan; Comprehensive Evaluation; Curriculum Development; Ethics for Nurse Leaders; Evaluation Methods in Health Care Education; Foundations of Financial Management for Nursing Leaders; Health Care Organizations and Systems Leadership; Health Care Policy; Leadership in Health Care Systems Practicum; Population Health and Interprofessional Collaboration Practicum; Teaching and Learning Strategies in Health Care (3 semester hours)

%grads taking only distance edu: 46%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 5%.
In-state tuition: $10,800.
Out-of-state tuition: $10,800.
Student population: 9208.
# undergrads: 5009.
# grads: 4199.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: D+.

15: Angelo State University

Angelo State University (source)

Angelo State University is a institution established in 1928 and located in San Angelo, Texas, about 90 miles roughly southwest of Abilene, TX. Original name: San Angelo College. Affiliation: Texas Tech University System.

ASU offers 13 distance master’s degrees, some of which are online. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing (MSN) with Nurse Educator (NE) Specialization; Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate. This MSN is a 39-credit program consisting of nine Core courses (27cr) – including a 50-clock-hour Assessment course — and four NE courses (12cr) – including a Practicum requiring 150 clock hours. The curriculum prepares graduates for various roles including faculty members at nursing schools and teaching hospitals. Alternately, nurses already holding an MS Nursing degree who are interested in pursing an educator role can take ASU’s 12-credit (four courses) post-master NE certificate, which includes a 150-clock-hour Practicum.

Sample courses: Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pathophysiology; Curriculum in Nursing Education; Evaluation in Nursing Education; Evidenced-Based Practice and Theory for Advanced Nursing; Health Policy and Ethics; Informatics and Healthcare Technology for Advanced Nursing; Leadership and Practicum in Nursing Education; Leadership and Roles in Advanced Nursing; Pharmacotherapeutics; Population Health Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing; Research Foundations for Advanced Nursing; Teaching Strategies in Nursing Education

%grads taking only distance edu: 68%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 9%.
In-state tuition: $3,726.
Out-of-state tuition: $10,746.
Student population: 6494.
# undergrads: 5359.
# grads: 1135.
Campus setting: City: Small.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

14: Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Aerial view of the island campus, Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi (source)

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi is a public institution established in 1947 and located in Corpus Christi, Texas, about 143 miles roughly southwest of San Antonio, TX.

TAMUCC offers eight online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator; Post-master’s certificate: Nurse Educator. This MSN is a 37-credit program consisting of 12 courses, including a Practicum. Up to 12 credits can be transferred. The curriculum prepares graduates for roles in nursing education, including for a selected specialty (though not in clinical terms). Students will identify and select their own mentor for clinical experiences. For nurses already holding an MSN, TAMUCC offers a post-masters Nurse Educator grad certificate that prepares candidates for teaching in either academic or clinical nursing education roles.

Sample courses: Advanced Pharmacological Concepts for Nursing Educators; Advanced Physiology with Pathophysiological Applications; Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation in Nursing; Diverse Care Environments; Education Practicum for the Nurse Educator; Health Assessment for Advanced Practice; Instructional Teaching Strategies; Intro to Advanced Role; Nursing Curriculum Planning, Development, and Evaluation; Nursing Research; Science in Nursing; Theory and Concepts for the Nurse Educator

%grads taking only distance edu: 21%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 27%.
In-state tuition: $3,568.
Out-of-state tuition: $10,588.
Student population: 11256.
# undergrads: 9076.
# grads: 2180.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

13: Concordia University-Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin (source)

Concordia University-Wisconsin is a private, nonprofit university established in 1881 and located in Mequon, Wisconsin, about 20 miles roughly north-northeast of Milwaukee, WI. It was originally founded as Concordia College Milwaukee and is part of the Concordia College System (CCS).

CUW offers just under 40 online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN Nurse Educator Track. This MSN is a 39-credit program consisting of eight Core courses (24cr), one Elective (3cr) and five NE Specialization courses (13cr) including a Capstone (1 of 13 credits). The curriculum prepares graduates for teaching in either associate and bachelor’s nursing programs, or in the education department of other organizations, particularly health care.

Sample courses: Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan; Advanced Physical Assessment for Nurse Educators; Culturally Congruent Care for Advanced Nursing; Evaluations and Testing in Nursing; Evidence Based Nursing Practice; Foundations of Healthcare Informatics; Genetics, Immunology, an Microbiology For Advanced Nursing Roles; Global Perspectives/Primary Care; Health Policy and Issues in Advanced Nursing; NEI – Role Transition for Nurse Educators; NEII – Instructional Design in Nursing Education: Classroom Teaching; NEIII – Instructional Design in Nursing Education: Clinical Teaching; Nurse Educator Capstone; Pharmacotherapeutics; Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Collaboration

%grads taking only distance edu: 40%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 31%.
In-state tuition: $9,864.
Out-of-state tuition: $9,864.
Student population: 8161.
# undergrads: 4377.
# grads: 3784.
Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.

12: Wayland Baptist University

Bookstore, Wayland Baptist University (source)

Wayland Baptist University (WBU) is a private, nonprofit university established in 1908 and located in Plainview, Texas, about 77 miles roughly south of Amarillo, TX. It was originally founded as Wayland Literary and Technical Institute and is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

WBU offers 11 online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing (MSN). This MSN is a 36-credit program consisting of 12 courses, including a Practicum. The curriculum prepares graduates to teach in nursing programs or as an educator in healthcare and other organizations. Topical focus includes “curriculum development, teaching strategies , evaluation, and adult learning.” Students can transfer up to 12 credits.

Sample courses: Applied Learning Theories in Nursing Education; Classroom Management in Nursing Education; Curriculum Development in Nursing Education; Evaluation of Learning in Nursing Education; Foundations of Adult Learning in Nursing Education; Foundations of Economics and Finance Theory and Practice; Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing Education; Organizational Structure and Systems Leadership in Nursing; Research Methods in Nursing Education; Role Development in Nursing Leadership; Teaching Strategies in Nursing

%grads taking only distance edu: 47%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 23%.
In-state tuition: $9,720.
Out-of-state tuition: $9,720.
Student population: 5536.
# undergrads: 3981.
# grads: 1555.
Campus setting: Town: Remote.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

11: Clarkson College

Clarkson College (source)

Clarkson College is a private, nonprofit college established in 1888 and located in Omaha, Nebraska, about 190 miles roughly north-northwest of Kansas City, MO. It got its start as a school of nursing. Currently, degree programs are primarily health sciences-related but also include some business and education. Affiliation: Episcopal Church.

CC offers four online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing (MSN) with Specialty in Nursing Education (NE). This MSN is a 39-credit program consisting of 8 Core courses (17cr, 1-3cr each), NE Specialty courses (18cr) and three evidence-based research project (1-2cr each = 4cr). The curriculum prepares graduates for roles as an educator, combining “clinical practice of medicine and health care with classroom instruction.”

Sample courses: Application and Evaluation of Theory in Nursing; Applied Statistics; Curriculum Development for the Nurse Educator; Evaluation Strategies for the Nurse Educator; Evidence-Based Practice Research Project I-III; Health Care Delivery Systems and Managed Care; Nursing Education Practicum; Nursing Law and Ethics; Pharmacology, Pathophysiology and Health Assessment Overview for Nurse Educators; Research Design and Methods I; Role Transition; Teaching and Learning Strategies for the Nurse Educator; Theories and Concepts of Advanced Practice Roles; Theories of Learning for the Nurse Educator

%grads taking only distance edu: 92%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 5%.
In-state tuition: $9,630.
Out-of-state tuition: $9,630.
Student population: 1221.
# undergrads: 744.
# grads: 477.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

10: Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Mount Carmel College of Nursing (source)

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1903 and located in Columbus, Ohio, about 175 miles roughly east of Indianapolis, IN. Affiliation: Catholic Church.

For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, MCCN offers: MS Nursing (MSN) with Nursing Education (NE) Track; Graduate certificate, Nursing Education. This MSN is a 34-credit program consisting of five Core courses (13cr), three Direct Care Core courses (9cr) and five NE courses (12cr). The latter group includes two Practicums totaling 200 clinical hours. Course are mostly three credits each, with some worth 1-2cr. The timeline is seven semesters (approx. three years).

Sample courses: Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology; Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation; Curriculum and Program Development; Educator Practicum; Family Health Practicum; Leadership in Advanced Nursing Roles; Nursing Research and Evidenced Based Practice; Quality, Safety and Effectiveness; Theoretical Foundations of Nursing; Theoretical Foundations of the Instructional Process

%grads taking only distance edu: 18%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 38%.
In-state tuition: $9,480.
Out-of-state tuition: $9,480.
Student population: 1084.
# undergrads: 927.
# grads: 157.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

9: Ferris State University

Library, Ferris State University by Michael Barera (source)

Ferris State University is a public institution established in 1884 and located in Big Rapids, Michigan, about 57 miles roughly north-northeast of Grand Rapids, MI. Original name: Big Rapids Industrial School.

FSU offers five online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN with Concentration in Nursing Education (MSN-NE); Graduate certificate in Nursing Education. This MSN is a 37-credit program consisting of six Core courses (18cr), three NE concentration courses (9cr) and four Practicum and Prep courses (10cr). The curriculum prepares graduates for teaching in a nursing program at the associate or bachelor level. Students have the option of taking 1-4 courses at a time, allowing them to study at an accelerated pace, if desired. Alternately, FSU offers a grad certificate in Nursing Education that requires 12 credits, the courses for which overlap with the MSN-NE.

Sample courses: Advanced Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology; Clinical Practicum I, II; Clinical Practicum Prep I, II; Clinical Prevention and Population Health; Critique of Evidence for Practice; Curriculum Design in Nursing Education; Health Care Systems, Policy and Advocacy; Intro to Advanced Nursing Roles; Organization and Systems Leadership; Quality Improvement and Safety; Teach Methods in Nursing Education

%grads taking only distance edu: 13%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 6%.
In-state tuition: $6,324.
Out-of-state tuition: $9,480.
Student population: 14600.
# undergrads: 13373.
# grads: 1227.
Campus setting: Town: Distant.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

8: Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Hodson Hall, Indiana Wesleyan University (source)

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a 4-year, private, non-profit university based in Marion, Indiana, about 52 miles roughly southwest of Fort Wayne, IN. It was founded in 1920 as Marion College and is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. The student body represents over 80 Christian denominations.

IWU offers 80+ online degrees at all levels. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing (MSN) – Nursing Education. This MSN is a 41-credit hybrid program with some in-person presence required. It prepares graduates to teach at the university level or through community outreach. The timeline is 22 months, and students can take either a BSN-to-MSN or RN-to-MSN option. Online students need to be licensed nurses in the state in which they will take their practicum experience.

Sample courses: Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Biostatistics and Epidemiology; Course Design and Development; Ethics and Health Policy; Evidence Based Communication; Health Assessment for the Nurse Educator; Innovative Teaching Strategies; Integration of Theory Into Nursing Education Practice; Introduction to Professional Development for Advanced Practice in Nursing Education; Leadership in Nursing Education; Program Evaluation and Assessment; The Art of Teaching; Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice; Utilization of Research for Evidence Based Practice

%grads taking only distance edu: 57%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 26%.
In-state tuition: $9,265.
Out-of-state tuition: $9,265.
Student population: 14943.
# undergrads: 10392.
# grads: 4551.
Campus setting: Town: Distant.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

7: American Sentinel University

Aurora Municipal Center (source)

American Sentinel University is a private, for-profit institution established in 1988 and based in Aurora, Colorado, about 10 miles roughly east of Denver, CO. It was formed from the merger of two schools, the older one founded in 1988.

ASU offers five online master’s degrees, plus concentrations/ specializations. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing (MSN), Nursing Education Specialization. This MSN is a 36-credit program allowing up to 18 transfer credits. Courses run eight weeks each. The curriculum, which prepares graduates for teaching nursing, consists of six Core courses (18cr) and six NE specialization courses (18cr). including a Capstone. The program uses three types of Practice Experiences (PEs) in order for students to build knowledge and skills. This includes real-world application, simulations, and off-campus assignments.

Sample courses: Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Physical Assessment; Assessment of Learning; Curriculum Design and Learning Outcomes; Distance Education; MSN Role Development; Organizational Dynamics of Higher Education; Research Design; Teaching to Diverse Learning Styles; Theoretical Foundations

%grads taking only distance edu: 100%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
In-state tuition: $8,910.
Out-of-state tuition: $8,910.
Student population: 3173.
# undergrads: 1712.
# grads: 1461.
Campus setting: City: Large.
Campus housing avail.: No.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: B.

6: Oklahoma Baptist University

Oklahoma Baptist University (source)

Oklahoma Baptist University is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1910 and located in Shawnee, Oklahoma, about 40 miles roughly east-southeast of Oklahoma City, OK. Affiliation: Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.

OBU offers four online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN Nursing Education Track (MSN-NE); RN to MSN with Nursing Education Track; Graduate certificate in Nursing Education. The OBU MSN-NE is a 35-credit, 18-month program for students holding a BSN, which prepares graduates for roles as a nurse educator. The curriculum consists of nine Core courses (including two Capstones) and four NE track courses. Students already hold an MSN can choose the 10-credit post-master’s certificate in Nursing Education, which overlaps with the MSN-NE specialty courses, including two Practicum courses. For students with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing, OBU offers an RN to MSN program, which also has a Nurse Educator option. Students desiring to gain a BSN as well will be required to take undergraduate courses as well as the graduate courses, increasing total credits needed for completion.

Sample courses: Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Nursing Practicum I, II; Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology Applications; Curriculum Design and Evaluation; Curriculum Development; Health Care and Nursing Informatics; Nursing Leadership and Health Care Policy; Nursing Research: Evidence for Nursing Practice; Philosophical Foundations of Professional Nursing; Strategies and Evaluation; Strategies for Teaching in Nursing

%grads taking only distance edu: 5%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 5%.
In-state tuition: $8,100.
Out-of-state tuition: $8,100.
Student population: 1979.
# undergrads: 1921.
# grads: 58.
Campus setting: Town: Distant.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

5: Wilmington University

Wilmington University (source)

Wilmington University (WilmU) is a private, nonprofit university established in 1968 and located in New Castle, Delaware, about six miles roughly southwest of Wilmington, DE, and about 38 miles roughly southwest of Philadelphia, PA. It was originally founded as Wilmington College. The university has 14 locations (campuses and learning centers) collectively in Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey, as well as an online division. All degree programs can actually be completed online.

WU offers 19 online master’s degrees, plus concentrations/ specializations. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN Nursing Leadership with Educator Concentration. This MSN is a 36-credit program with a time frame of 2-3 years (maximum five). Students will build upon research techniques, an awareness of current health care needs (individual, family, community), ethical decision-making, understanding of health care policies at local through global levels, and more. The core program consists of four courses (12 credits), plus four courses in the Educator concentration (12 credits), and a Nurse Leadership Portfolio requirement.

Sample courses: Clinical Teaching and Evaluation; Contemporary Concepts in Advanced Practice Roles; Curriculum Development; Evidence Based Practice in the Health Professions; Instructional Technology for Nurse Educators; Nurse Leadership Portfolio; Politics and Policy in the Healthcare System; Teaching and Learning in Nursing

%grads taking only distance edu: 33%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 15%.
In-state tuition: $7,992.
Out-of-state tuition: $7,992.
Student population: 14467.
# undergrads: 8810.
# grads: 5657.
Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
Campus housing avail.: No.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: D+.

4: Briar Cliff University

Stark Student Center, Briar Cliff University (source)

Briar Cliff University is a public institution established in 1930 and located in Sioux City, Iowa, about 101 miles roughly north-northwest of Omaha, NE. Original Name: Briar Cliff College. Affiliation: Roman Catholic/ Franciscan.

BCU offers online master’s degrees in six topic areas. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN Nurse Educator. This MSN is a 44-credit program consisting of 15 courses, including a practicum, and a total of 280 clinical hours. The curriculum prepares graduates to take roles to educate nurses using the compassionate principles of Franciscan tradition.

Sample courses: Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Human Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Cultural Competence in Health Care; Curriculum and Instruction; Evidence-Based Practice; Foundations Of Advanced Nursing Practice; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Throughout the Lifespan; Heath Care System: Paradigms, Policy And Ethics; Research Methods for Advanced Practice Nursing; Teaching and Evaluating Learning in Colleges of Nursing; Teaching in Colleges of Nursing Practicum; Theoretical Foundations For Advanced Nursing Practice; Theoretical Foundations in Higher Education

%grads taking only distance edu: 95%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
In-state tuition: $7,920.
Out-of-state tuition: $7,920.
Student population: 1135.
# undergrads: 1041.
# grads: 94.
Campus setting: City: Small.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

3: Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Thogmorton Center for Allied Health, Central Methodist University (source)

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1854 and located in Fayette, Missouri, about 117 miles roughly east of Kansas City, MO. Original name: Central Methodist College. Affiliation: United Methodist Church.

CMU offers two online master’s degrees. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing with Nurse Educator Specialization. This MSN is a 34-credit program consisting of four Core courses (12 credits) and seven NE specialization courses (22 credits). The curriculum, which allows up to nine transfer credits, prepares graduates for nursing education roles in health care settings. Topics covered include accountability, evaluation and design of curriculum, etc.

Sample courses: Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Professional Role – Nurse Educator; Curriculum Development; Evaluation Methods; Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Education; Instructional Strategies; Issues and Trends in Post-Secondary Education; Nurse Educator Practicum; Theoretical Frameworks

%grads taking only distance edu: 29%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 19%.
In-state tuition: $7,584.
Out-of-state tuition: $7,584.
Student population: 4537.
# undergrads: 4291.
# grads: 246.
Campus setting: Town: Distant.
Campus housing avail.: No.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

2: Charleston Southern University

Lightsey Chapel Auditorium, Charleston Southern University (source)

Charleston Southern University is a private, nonprofit institution established in 1964 and located in Charleston, South Carolina, about 293 miles roughly southeast of Atlanta. Original name: Baptist College. Affiliation: Southern Baptist Church.

CSU offers seven online master’s programs. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MSN with Nurse Educator Emphasis; post-master’s certificate in Nursing Education. This MSN is a 30-credit program consisting of 10 courses running five weeks each. Students have between 12-16 months for completion. The curriculum prepares graduates for faculty positions to teach in nursing programs, as well as for educator roles in hospitals and clinics. There is also a part-time study option (39 credits), as well as a 14- to 19-credit certificate for students already holding an MSN.

Sample courses: Advanced Concepts; Evaluation in Nursing Education; Evidence-based Research in Nursing ; Healthcare Informatics; Issues in Nursing Education; Leadership and Professional Role Development; Nursing Curriculum Design ; Nursing Education from a Faith Perspective; Quality and Safety in Nursing Education; Teaching Methodologies in Nursing; Teaching Practicum in Nursing; Theoretical Frameworks of Nursing Education

%grads taking only distance edu: 21%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 9%.
In-state tuition: $7,500.
Out-of-state tuition: $7,500.
Student population: 3367.
# undergrads: 2967.
# grads: 400.
Campus setting: City: Small.
Campus housing avail.: Yes.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: D+.

1: Grantham University

Grantham University (source)

Grantham University is a private, for-profit online university that was established in 1951. Grantham is headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, some 20 miles southwest of Kansas City, KS, and about 180 miles northeast of Wichita, KS. Original name: Grantham Radio License School.

GU offers 15 online master’s degrees, including concentrations/ specializations. For online master’s degrees in Nursing Education, they offer: MS Nursing (MSN) with Specialization in Nursing Education. This MSN is a 37-credit program consisting of 12 3-credit core courses and a 1cr grad orientation course. The curriculum, which includes a Capstone and a Practicum, prepares graduates for roles in nursing education in academic and healthcare environments, builds knowledge of emerging trends , and skills such as leadership and management, human diversity, social issues, disease prevention, health promotion and more.

Sample courses: Assessment and Teaching to Diverse Learning Styles; Concepts of Distance Education; Curriculum Design and Learning Outcomes; Diverse Populations and Healthcare; Foundations of Advanced Practice Nursing; Healthcare Systems; Legal and Ethical Issues of Advanced Practice Nursing; Modern Organizations and Healthcare; Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice; Organizational Dynamics of Higher Education

%grads taking only distance edu: 100%.
%grads taking some distance edu: 0%.
In-state tuition: $3,900.
Out-of-state tuition: $3,900.
Student population: 12577.
# undergrads: 10878.
# grads: 1699.
Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
Campus housing avail.: No.
Areavibes.com cost of living score: C+.