MSN in Nursing Leadership
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At a Glance
100% online coursework designed for working nurses. Keep your full-time role and advance your career in just 20 months.
Clinical Practicum Placements
Gain hands-on, leadership-focused training customized to your career goals. USD secures your site so you can focus on learning.
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Advance your Nursing career with a degree that opens more doors
Success in nursing leadership requires a combination of transformational growth, professional development, and strategic decision-making skills. However, transitioning into higher-level roles can be challenging. At the University of San Diego, our online MSN in Nursing Leadership (MSN-NL) program is designed to support this transition, equipping nurses with the clinical leadership experience, advanced business acumen, and mentoring from expert faculty.
Offered through the nationally ranked Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science and accredited by the CCNE, the MSN-NL program builds leadership competencies and supports certification eligibility, such as the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and others.
The MSN-NL program empowers practicing RNs to lead change and elevate patient care through evidence-based leadership, administrative expertise, and system-level strategies. Designed for nurses advancing into leadership roles as well as seasoned leaders at all levels, the program helps you build the leadership, business, and advocacy skills needed to lead teams, shape patient care, mentor future nurses, and transform healthcare systems.
With a curriculum tailored for today’s healthcare landscape, you’ll gain the strategic, ethical, and operational expertise employers seek, preparing you to make an impact across hospitals, community care, nursing education, informatics, policy, and beyond.
Why Choose USD’s MSN in Nursing Leadership?
USD’s MSN-NL program is designed for working nurses who want to move into leadership. Whether you’re aspiring to become an educator, informaticist, unit director, or Chief Nursing Officer. You’ll gain:
- Leadership and business competencies, including budgeting, healthcare operations, strategy, and change management.
- Hands-on clinical leadership experience tailored to your career goals, with concierge-style placement support.
- Flexible, instructor-led courses delivered online so you can balance full-time work, school, and life.
- Personalized faculty mentorship and a supportive community committed to your success.
Flexible for Working Nurses
Our program is built for full-time professionals. All courses are asynchronous but instructor-led, giving you flexibility without sacrificing connection. Most students work 30–40 hours per week while completing their degree. With year-round start dates, you can begin at a time that works for you.
Who is the MSN-NL Degree for?
This program is ideal for nurses at all levels – charge nurses, team leads, unit supervisors, and seasoned RNs – particularly those with strong leadership and critical-thinking skills who aspire to:
- Assume greater responsibility in healthcare settings
- Expand into health system leadership, informatics, education, or policy
- Bridge clinical expertise and strategic decision‑making
- Prepare for industry-recognized certifications to expand career options
- Make a broader impact through system reform, education, or technology
- Qualify for the CNL certification and others to broaden career options beyond direct patient care
What can you do with a nursing leadership degree?
A nursing leadership degree can open doors to a variety of career opportunities in various healthcare and private sector settings. Graduates of the MSN-NL program are likely to go on and work in a wide range of positions related to healthcare management, administration, or education. Possible career paths include:
- Nurse Manager
- Director of Nursing
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Clinical Educator
- Nursing Faculty/Instructor
- Infomatics Architect
- Healthcare Consultant
- Policy Advisory
- Community Health Program Director
- Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
Curriculum and Specialty tracks
Core Structure
- The MSN-NL program consists of 36 units spread across five terms (average completion: ~20 months)
- The curriculum includes four 14-week clinical practicums that are integrated with coursework (500 hours total)
- Asynchronous format – one 7-week course at a time, taken year-round (spring, summer, and fall)
- Part-time friendly schedule: ~15-25 hours/week
Through courses in transformational leadership, healthcare finance, strategic planning, and quality and safety management, students develop the business, administrative, and advocacy skills needed to thrive in leadership roles. The program curriculum emphasizes transformational leadership, policy influence, and data-driven decision making, preparing graduates to confidently guide teams and healthcare systems while advancing patient outcomes.
Clinical Practicums
- Begin in the second term
- Are mentored by expert preceptors, where students set SMART goals and apply leadership strategies in real-world settings
- Include a capstone clinical practicum, which integrates all competency-based learning materials and activities from the program
Clinical leadership practicums are arranged by USD — not you — so you can focus on your studies. Students have a voice in selecting sites based on career interests, whether that’s business operations, administration, policy, or education.
Stand Out With A Specialty Track
Students can choose one of two optional specialty tracks, each requiring an additional 9 units of coursework over an additional two terms (average completion ~28 months):
Nursing Education
Gain the expertise to train the next generation of nurses, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to promote patient safety, health, and well-being. Qualify for faculty and clinical educator roles, and play a vital part in addressing the nationwide nursing faculty shortage.
Informatics
Blend nursing science with data and technology to lead healthcare process optimization and innovation to improve patient outcomes. Gain expertise in technology integration, data management, data management, and healthcare leadership.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, MSN-NL graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge, competency, and skills within the following domains:
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Apply knowledge from nursing, other disciplines, sciences, and liberal arts to advance the practice of professional nursing and promote health equity. |
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Deliver person-centered care to individuals and significant others based on scientific knowledge to promote positive outcomes and health care equity. |
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Promote population health that spans the healthcare continuum. |
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Engage in scholarship for the nursing discipline to improve health outcomes and transform healthcare. |
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Provide safe, quality care using safety science principles to enhance quality and minimize harm to patients and providers. |
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Engage in interprofessional partnerships through Intentional collaboration to optimize care, enhance the healthcare experience, and strengthen outcomes. |
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Coordinate resources within a complex health system to provide diverse populations with safe, quality, and equitable care. |
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Use informatics and communication technologies to provide care, gather data, drive decision-making, and support professional practice. |
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Cultivate a sustainable, ethical, professional identity that reflects nursing’s attributes and values and self-awareness of implicit bias. |
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Foster participation in activities and self-reflection to nurture personal, professional, and leadership development. |
Dedicated Mentorship and Support
Nursing is a close, compassionate community — and the MSN-NL program embodies that spirit. We believe in the power of collaboration, which is why students receive personalized guidance and support throughout the program and beyond.
USD’s nursing programs foster a nurturing, inclusive environment where students can grow into caring and effective nursing leaders. Faculty are highly accessible, and the program directors provide coaching, mentorship, and open office hours to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
Experienced, Student-focused Faculty
The faculty involved in the MSN-NL program have extensive experience in nursing leadership, clinical practice, and academic instruction. Many have held leadership positions in professional nursing organizations and served on academic editorial boards, bringing real-world expertise and connections to the virtual classroom.
Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
Program tuition for USD’s MSN-NL degree is competitive with other top institutions. Federal financial aid can help fund your education, and scholarships and grants may also be available.
How to Apply
Learn more about the application process, including detailed instructions on how to apply.
Admission requirements
The MSN-NL program seeks candidates with strong leadership potential and clinical experience who aspire to advance into various levels of administrative or leadership roles within healthcare.
USD offers rolling admission with start terms in spring, summer, and fall – we’re ready when you’re ready.
Accreditation
The MSN-NL program is offered through USD’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Founded in 1973, the Hahn School provides a range of comprehensive graduate-level degrees aimed at developing experienced, knowledgeable nursing professionals; empowering graduates to become changemakers across the country and around the world.
Each of the University of San Diego’s academic programs is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WASC). Accreditation is an important quality indicator for college and university degree programs, and regional accreditation is generally regarded as the gold standard that assures you will receive a rigorous education and be able to apply for federal financial aid.
The MSN in Nursing Leadership at the University of San Diego is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a degree or work experience in healthcare required for admission?
Yes, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related professional field from an accredited institution, along with an active, unencumbered RN license. While work experience is not required, it can strengthen your application by demonstrating your understanding of the field.
Do you require any nursing entrance exam requirements?
No, we do not require any nursing entrance exams. However, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a related professional field from an accredited institution and provide proof of an active, unencumbered RN license. You can find the complete list of requirements on the admissions page.
Do you provide clinical placements for MSN-NL students?
Yes! We take great pride in our robust clinical placements, which are customized to meet students where they are. These experiences provide valuable hands-on training while focusing on leadership development to prepare you for advanced nursing roles.
How many units is the MSN-NL program?
The MSN-NL program is 36 units, which equates to approximately 20 months. Choosing a specialization track will require additional units and extend the program duration.
How much is the tuition for the MSN-NL program?
Tuition for the MSN-NL program is $995 per unit. With a total of 36 units, the full cost is $35,820. If you choose a specialization track, additional units will be required, which will increase the overall cost.
Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time to correct errors. Please note that the displayed tuition covers only the cost of courses, and additional expenses such as books and other fees are not included.
What specialty tracks are available within the program?
Students may choose a specialty track in either Nursing Education or Informatics, which will require an extra 9–10 units over an additional two terms.
Are there any state restrictions for applicants?
Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license at the time of application. This program is authorized in the following states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Montana
- Virginia
Is a GRE or GMAT required for admission to the MSN-NL program?
No, the GRE or GMAT is not required. However, if your GPA is below 3.0 or the admissions committee recommends it, submitting test scores may strengthen your application.
What are the benefits of the priority application deadline?
Applying to our master’s program by the priority deadline offers you significant advantages:
- Early Consideration: Be among the first to have your application reviewed and receive your admission decision sooner, giving you more time to prepare for your next academic journey.
- Increased Admission Chances: Secure your spot in the program while more seats are available, enhancing your chances of acceptance.
- Stress-Free Planning: Eliminate the last-minute rush by submitting your application early, allowing you to focus on the next steps.
- Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your dedication and preparedness by applying early, making a strong impression on our admissions committee.
Don’t wait—take the first step toward your future today by submitting your application by the priority deadline!