Purdue Global logo
844-PURDUE-GStudent Login
Request InfoApply Now
All Degree Programs
Degree Programs
  • Master's Degrees
  • Bachelor's Degrees
  • Associate's Degrees
  • Certificate Programs
Single Courses
  • Continuous Learning Courses
View All Aviation Programs
Aviation Management
  • Bachelor of Science
Professional Flight
  • Bachelor of Science
View All Business Programs
Accounting
  • Master of Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Associate of Applied Science
  • Graduate Certificate
Applied Manufacturing
  • Bachelor of Science
Applied Supply Chain Management
  • Bachelor of Science
Business Administration
  • Master of Business Administration
  • ExcelTrack Master of Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science
  • ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
  • Associate of Applied Science
Finance
  • Master of Science
  • Bachelor of Science
Human Resources
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Management and Leadership
  • Master of Science
Organizational Management
  • Bachelor of Science
Professional Focus + Google Data Analytics
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google IT Support
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google Project Management
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google UX Design
  • Certificate
Project Management
  • Graduate Certificate
Small Group Management
  • Associate of Applied Science (For Military Students)
Sustainability
  • Bachelor of Science
View All Communication Programs
Communication
  • Bachelor of Science
Professional Focus + Google Data Analytics
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google IT Support
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google UX Design
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google Project Management
  • Certificate
View All Criminal Justice Programs
Crime Scene Technician
  • Certificate
Criminal Justice
  • Master of Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
  • Associate of Applied Science
Diversity and Inclusivity
  • Programs and Courses
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • Master of Science
Public Administration
  • Master of Public Administration
View All Education Programs
Early Childhood Administration
  • Bachelor of Science
Early Childhood Development
  • Associate of Applied Science
Education
  • Master of Science
Educational Psychology
  • Master of Science
Higher Education
  • Master of Science
Instructional Design and Technology
  • Master of Science
  • Graduate Certificate
Leadership and Innovation
  • Doctor of Education
Applied Behavioral Analysis
  • Master of Science
  • Postgraduate Certificate
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Postbaccalaureate Certificate
View All Fire and Emergency Management Degree Programs
Emergency Management
  • Bachelor of Science
Fire and Emergency Management
  • Bachelor of Science
Fire Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Associate of Applied Science
View All Health Sciences Degree Programs
Health and Wellness
  • Bachelor of Science
Health Care Administration
  • Master of Health Care Administration
  • Bachelor of Science
  • ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
Health Education and Promotion
  • Master of Science
  • Bachelor of Science
Health Informatics
  • Master of Health Informatics
Health Information Management
  • Bachelor of Science
Health Science
  • Doctor of Health Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Associate of Applied of Science (For Military Students)
  • Associate of Science (For Military Students)
  • Military Physician's Assistant Preparation (MPAP)
Medical Billing and Coding
  • Certificate
Nutrition
  • Bachelor of Science
Professional Focus + Google Data Analytics
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google IT Support
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google Project Management
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google UX Design
  • Certificate
Public Health
  • Master of Public Health
View All Human Services Degree Programs
Diversity and Inclusivity
  • Programs and Courses
Human Services
  • Master of Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Associate of Applied Science
Professional Focus + Google Data Analytics
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google IT Support
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google Project Management
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google UX Design
  • Certificate
Sustainability
  • Bachelor of Science
Youth and Family Services
  • Certificate
View All Information Technology Degree Programs
Analytics
  • Bachelor of Science
  • ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
Applied Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science
Applied Data Analytics
  • Master of Science
Applied Manufacturing
  • Bachelor of Science
Cloud Computing
  • Bachelor of Science
  • ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
Cybersecurity
  • Master of Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
Information Technology
  • Master of Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
  • Associate of Applied Science
Professional Focus + Google Data Analytics
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google IT Support
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google Project Management
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google UX Design
  • Certificate
View All Legal Studies Degree Programs
Law Degrees
  • Executive Juris Doctor
  • Juris Doctor
Legal Studies
  • Master of Science
Legal Support and Services
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Associate of Applied Science
Paralegal
  • Postbaccalaureate Certificate
The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.
Try Our Military Credit Estimator
Air Force / Space Force
  • AU-ABC
  • General Education Mobile (GEM) Program
  • AAS in Health Science
  • AS in Health Science
  • BS in Organizational Management
  • BS in Professional Studies
Army
  • AAS in Criminal Justice
  • AAS in Health Science
  • AAS in Small Group Management
  • AS in Health Science
  • BS in Organizational Management
  • BS in Professional Studies
Coast Guard
  • AAS in Small Group Management
  • AAS in Criminal Justice
  • AAS in Health Science
  • AS in Health Science
  • BS in Organizational Management
  • BS in Professional Studies
Marines
  • AAS in Criminal Justice
  • AAS in Health Science
  • AS in Health Science
  • BS in Organizational Management
  • BS in Professional Studies
Navy
  • AAS in Criminal Justice
  • AAS in Health Science
  • AS in Health Science
  • BS in Organizational Management
  • BS in Professional Studies
View All Nursing Degree Programs
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Postgraduate Certificate
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Postgraduate Certificate
Executive Leader
  • Graduate Certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
  • Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
Nurse Educator
  • Graduate Certificate
Nursing and Business Administration
  • Dual Master's Degrees
Nursing and Health Care Administration
  • Dual Master's Degrees
Nursing and Public Health
  • Dual Master's Degrees
Nursing
  • Master of Science
  • ExcelTrack Master of Science
  • Master of Science (DNP Path)
  • Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN)
  • Associate of Science
Nursing Practice
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Postgraduate Certificate
View All Professional Studies Degree Programs
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
  • Graduate Certificate
Professional Studies
  • Master of Professional Studies
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Associate of Science
View All Psychology and ABA Degree Programs
Addictions
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Applied Behavioral Analysis
  • Master of Science
  • Postgraduate Certificate
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Educational Psychology
  • Master of Science
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Graduate Certificate
Professional Focus + Google Data Analytics
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google IT Support
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google Project Management
  • Certificate
Professional Focus + Google UX Design
  • Certificate
Psychology
  • Master of Science
  • Bachelor of Science
View All Public Policy Degree Programs
Environmental Policy and Management
  • Bachelor of Science
Public Administration
  • Master of Public Administration
Sustainability
  • Bachelor of Science
Paying for School
Tuition and Fees
Ways to Save on Tuition
Time and Tuition Calculator
Financial Aid Overview
Financial Aid Process
Student Grants and Loans
Outside Scholarships
Financial Aid Awards and Disbursements
Financial Aid FAQs
Military Benefits and Aid
Military Tuition Reductions
Military Educational Resources
Benefits for Military Spouses
Admissions
Academic Calendar
General Requirements
Returning Students
Transfer Students
DREAMers Education Initiative
Student Identity
Technology Requirements
Work and Life Experience
Student Experience
Online Experience
Student Life
Military
Graduation
Alumni Engagement
International Students
Academic Support
Career Services
Faculty
Faculty Highlights
Student Accessibility Services
Student Resources
Transcript Request
About
About Purdue Global
Accreditation
Approach to Learning
Career Opportunities
Contact Us
Culture and Engagement
Purdue Global Commitment
Cybersecurity Center
Leadership and Board
Facts and Statistics
Newsroom
Researcher Request Intake Form
Blog
Catalog
Education Partnerships
Request InfoApply Now
Homedegree ProgramsnursingOnline Master Degree Nursing

Online Master's Degree in Nursing

Request Information

Complete this form to receive the Purdue Global program guide.

You did not agree to let Purdue University Global and Kaplan North America, LLC use your data to contact you. 

If you do not wish to opt-in, and do not want Purdue University Global and Kaplan North America, LLC to contact you, you can go to www.purdueglobal.edu or call 844.787.3834 for information.

Earn Your Degree as Early as:
February 7, 2028*
Admissions Requirements
Courses
Ways to Save on Tuition
Career Outcomes
12-24
Total Courses
$420
Cost Per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
15 hours
Weekly Course Effort

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Overview

Come back and move your career forward with a flexible online MSN built for working nurses.

  • Earn a respected degree accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
  • Build on your nursing education and practical experience and prepare to move into leadership and independent practice opportunities.
  • Develop expertise in organizational theory, health care finance, health policy, human resources, information technology, health care systems, and more.
  • Prepare to sit for industry certification exams.
  • Pursue one of six specialty tracks:
    • Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
    • Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
    • Executive leader
    • Family nurse practitioner primary care
    • Nurse educator
    • Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

Review College Scorecard data for this program.

video thumbnail of Purdue Global student
 
Purdue Global MSN graduate Sharon Brown discusses how earning her degree online inspired her to pursue her DNP.
See Program Degree Plan and Policies
CCNE Accredited logo

CCNE Accredited

The master's degree in nursing program at Purdue Global is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.CCNEAccreditation.org).

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Expert Faculty

Learn from practicing professionals who have advanced degrees in nursing and bring you the latest information and techniques.

View Nursing Faculty

Note: Residents of TN may not enroll in this program. Residents of the following states and territories may not enroll in the nurse practitioner population focus areas: HI, LA, NY, OR, UT, and Guam. In addition, residents of DC or WA may not enroll in the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner population focus area or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner focus area.

Some pathways are not available to international students. See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Calculate Your Time and Cost

Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.

Get Started

What Courses Will I Take?

The Master of Science in Nursing curriculum prepares you to fill advanced practice and nursing leadership roles. Courses are reviewed and revised by industry experts to ensure they reflect the most recent developments in health care.

Specialty Tracks

Choose a concentration or population focus area designed to provide further knowledge in your chosen specialty and your specific advanced role:

  • Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
  • Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
  • Executive leader
  • Family nurse practitioner, primary care
  • Nurse educator
  • Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

Sample Courses

  • Advanced Nursing Roles
  • Scientific and Analytic Approaches to Advanced Evidence-Based Practice
  • Epidemiology and Health Promotion
  • Health Policy, Ethical, and Legal Perspectives of the Health Care System
  • Promoting Optimal Models and Systems for Health Care Delivery
See All Nursing Courses

Core Curriculum or Concentration

6
Core Courses
6–12
Elective Courses
12–24
Total Courses
60–90
Total Quarter Credits

NP Population Areas

6–12
Core Courses
6–12
Elective Courses
6–12
Total Courses
30–60
Total Quarter Credits

1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours

Admissions Requirements

A bachelor's degree with a major in nursing and an approved criminal background check is required. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Additional requirements apply. Refer to the program-specific policy page in the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

View Admissions Requirements

Specialty Tracks

Choose a concentration or population focus area designed to provide further knowledge in your chosen specialty and your specific advanced role. Each option includes a guided clinical experience.

Population Focus Areas

Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner population focus area

The adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner population focus area is designed to prepare registered nurses as practitioners for professional practice in the medical, surgical, and critical care management of acutely ill adult patient populations. Graduates may expect to practice in acute and complex care settings in roles such as a hospitalist in a medical-surgical unit or an intensivist in a general or specialty critical care unit.

Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners function within the interprofessional acute care team providing direct care management including diagnosis and treatment planning. This population focus area also includes an online skills lab that incorporates a virtual reality (VR) headset for a virtual lab experience, allowing you to work remotely with faculty and staff.

Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner population focus area

The adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner population focus area is designed to educate you on the topics of how to best provide primary care as a member of an interprofessional team and improve the availability of evidence-based, culturally relevant health care in diverse communities. The curriculum helps you develop the skills to evaluate the health and wellness of individuals, families, and their communities.

The nurse practitioner is expected to possess skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing acute and chronic health conditions, delivering primary and preventive care, and participating in the development of appropriate policy and evidence-based practice.

Family nurse practitioner primary care population focus area

The family nurse practitioner population focus area is designed to educate you on the topics of how to best provide primary care as a member of an interprofessional team and improve the availability of evidence-based, culturally relevant health care in diverse communities. The curriculum helps you develop the skills to evaluate the health and wellness of individuals, families, and their communities.

The nurse practitioner is expected to possess skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing acute and chronic health conditions, delivering primary and preventive care, and participating in the development of appropriate policy and evidence-based practice.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner population focus area

The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner population focus area is designed for master’s prepared nurses who want to obtain further knowledge to provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health care through the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of psychiatric mental health disorders, medical organic brain disorders, substance abuse problems, and complex co-occurring disease processes and disorders across the lifespan.

Graduates may expect to practice in acute care and primary care settings in hospitals, community mental health centers, home health care, partial hospital care, residential settings, prisons, or private practices as well as in collaborative practices with other specialties.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners function within the interprofessional acute care or primary care team providing direct care management including diagnosis, treatment planning, conducting therapy, prescribing psychotropic medications, and providing emergency psychiatric services. This population focus area also incorporates a virtual reality (VR) headset for a virtual lab experience to augment and enhance concepts presented in the program.

Concentrations

Executive Leader Concentration

The executive leader concentration is designed to prepare you to pursue managerial positions and leadership roles in hospitals, community health, long-term care facilities, and other health care systems. The program focuses on the principles of personnel management, policy development and implementation, budgeting, and the use of information technology.

Nurse Educator

The nurse educator concentration prepares nurses to effectively teach patients and their families, create staff development, and evaluate educational programs.

Note: Residents of the following states and territories may not enroll in the nurse practitioner population focus areas: HI, LA, NJ, NY, ND, OR, TN, UT, Guam, Puerto Rico. In addition, residents of DC or WA may not enroll in the acute care adult-gerontology nurse practitioner population focus area. Some pathways are not available to international students.

Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Prepare for Industry Certifications

Nursing credentials demonstrate your adherence to a higher standard and may be a condition for employment in nursing. As of July 2025, 93.7% is the average pass rate for nurse practitioner students who graduated in 2024 and are known to have attempted a certification exam through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

Upon completion of the master’s degree in nursing program, you may be eligible to pursue industry-recognized certifications in your selected specialty area.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): Family Nurse Practitioner
  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): Family Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification
  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Gain Real World Experience

Faculty- and preceptor-supported clinical practice experiences in your community provide knowledge and mentoring specific to your area of interest.

Contact an Admissions Advisor for information on the number of clinical hours required in your specialty area.

Accelerate Your Master’s Degree With ExcelTrack®

Forget what you know about earning a degree. ExcelTrack® is personalized learning that gives you more control over your education, getting you to the same degree faster, for less money.

View ExcelTrack® MSN

Ways to Save on Time and Tuition

Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.

Transfer Credits

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions.

Financial Aid

Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.

Grants and Loans

Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.

Corporate Partner Benefits

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

Military Tuition Reduction

Graduate tuition savings for military include a 17–30% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 14% per credit for veterans for graduate programs.

Prior Military Experience

Earn credit for your military training. We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

View the total cost of attendance for your program.

Possible Behavioral Interview Questions for This Field of Study

  • Share an experience where you mentored or supported a colleague, peer, or nursing student. How did you approach it, and what impact did it have?
  • Tell me about a time during your MSN program when you identified an opportunity to improve a process or patient outcome. What actions did you take, and what was the result?
  • Tell me about a situation where you had to manage competing priorities during your MSN program such as clinicals, coursework, and personal responsibilities. How did you stay organized and meet your goals?
  • Can you share an example of a time when you educated a patient who was resistant to following your medical advice? What strategies did you use?

Sample Skills Developed and Used in This Field

  • Ethical Standards and Conduct
  • Management
  • Communication
  • Primary Care
  • Compassion
  • Patient Education
  • Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
  • Treatment Planning
  • Electronic Medical Record Management
  • Leadership
  • Care Coordination
  • Teamwork
  • Critical Thinking
  • Digital Literacy
  • Professionalism

Choosing a Master’s Degree in Nursing

Accelerate your nursing career and position yourself for more advanced roles. Discover the value of pursuing a master’s degree in nursing.

Telemedicine, Nursing, and the Future of Health Care

Where will technology take the health care system? Learn about the growing trend of telehealth, how nurses deliver these services, and more.

How Do Online Nursing Programs Work at Purdue Global?

Interested in our flexible nursing programs? Discover the ease of pursuing an online degree at Purdue Global and build your pathway to success.

What Is a Nurse Executive?

Accelerate your nursing career in a thrilling and influential management role. Learn the key qualities of achieving this distinguished honor.

Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the online Master of Nursing and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

Prepare yourself for success with a master’s degree in nursing.

View Brochure

MSN Dual Degree Options

Our MSN offers dual degree programs that let you combine your master’s in nursing with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH), or Master of Health Care Administration (MHCA). Gain a competitive edge in your career by building on your nursing experience with a specialization in these in-demand areas of focus.

MSN-MBA
MSN-MPH
MSN-MHCA

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Nursing Faculty Bios
99%

Faculty members who have advanced degrees

58%

Faculty members who have terminal degrees

477

Faculty publications in 2024–2025

More Than 44,000

Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2024–2025

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2025. 2024–2025 academic year.

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

Connect with an AdvisorApply Online Today
NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Estimated Graduation Date and Average Completion: Estimated graduation date is based on the assumption that you will enroll in time to begin classes on the next upcoming start date, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Completion time is based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.

Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Additional certification or licensing may be required to work in certain fields.

Nurse Practitioner Pass Rate: Purdue Global School of Nursing, July 2025. As of July 2025, 93.7% is the average pass rate for nurse practitioner students who graduated in 2024 and are known to have attempted a certification exam through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

Nursing Licensure: Graduates of a nurse practitioner pathway who pass the relevant certification exam may be academically eligible for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse in any state in which the program is available for enrollment. Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states. Refer to Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams.

Please note that most states require nurses to be nationally certified and to have completed an accredited graduate nursing program in order to obtain licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse. Each national certification provider and state Board of Nursing will have eligibility requirements in addition to these educational requirements, such as passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they are eligible for state Board of Nursing approval and certification as an advanced practice registered nurse in their state. Students can obtain additional information from their state's Board of Nursing, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

All Degree ProgramsPaying for School AdmissionsAbout Purdue GlobalEducation PartnershipsPurdue Global Law SchoolCareer Opportunities
Online ExperienceStudent LifeAlumni EngagementGraduationTransfer StudentsMilitary Experience
National Student Clearinghouse®CatalogStudent StoreTranscript RequestStudent LoginConsumer Information
Contact UsCareer ServicesStudent ResourcesStudent Accessibility ServicesHEERF Info

Purdue Global logo
Purdue's online university for working adults.
Request InfoApply Now

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
© 2025, Purdue University Global, a public, nonprofit institution. 

Privacy PolicyTerms of UseSite MapAccessibilityCookie Preferences