Advance Your nursing career with our online MSN in Nursing Leadership program
Whether you’re just getting started, or ready to lead at a higher level, this program helps you build confidence, gain experience, and transform care. Become a confident nurse manager, director, educator, or informaticist — with clinical experiences and certifications that set you apart.
Lead, Educate, and Transform Healthcare
The University of San Diego’s online MSN in Nursing Leadership (MSN-NL), equips nurses with the expertise, leadership experience, and faculty mentorship needed to step into higher-level roles. Developed in partnership with the nationally ranked Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, this flexible program helps you build the expertise and leadership competencies employers are looking for while balancing work and life.
With 500 practicum hours, specialized coursework in Nursing Education or Informatics, and skills applicable across hospitals, healthcare systems, and academic settings, graduates gain the knowledge and confidence to drive healthcare innovation, mentor the next generation, and improve patient outcomes.
Program Snapshot
Application Deadline
December 1
Program Length
20 months
Total Units
36
Format
Online
Why Choose USD’s
MSN in Nursing Leadership?
- Flexible Online Format: Fully asynchronous courses are designed to fit the schedules of busy nurses. Students also benefit from faculty mentorship and a wealth of online learning resources.
- Tailored Clinical Placements: Gain 500 practicum hours in a setting aligned with your career goals, including a final capstone practicum that integrates competency-based learning.
- Specialty Coursework: Enhance your expertise with tracks in Nursing Education or Informatics, qualifying for additional certifications and leadership roles.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced educators and healthcare leaders dedicated to your success.
- Dedicated Student Support: Receive personalized guidance from enrollment to graduation.
Curriculum and specialty tracks
The MSN-NL program consists of 36 units of coursework spread across five semesters, offering a focused and relevant learning experience for professionals aspiring to take on management and leadership positions in nursing.
The curriculum includes four clinical practicums, where students will develop SMART goals and gain mentorship from preceptors in various nursing leadership roles within clinical settings.
Additionally, students can choose a specialty track, requiring an additional 9-10 units of coursework over an additional two terms:
Nursing Education
45 units • 28 months
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
45 units • 28 months
Combine nursing science with data and technology to optimize healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. Students will gain expertise in technology integration, data management, and healthcare leadership, preparing them to lead innovations in healthcare informatics.
Who is the MSN-NL Program for?
The MSN-NL program is designed for registered nurses at all levels of management who are ready to step into leadership roles. Whether you’re transitioning from bedside care to management, seeking advanced credentials, or aiming to shape future generations as a nurse educator, this program provides the training you need to reach your goals.
Admission Requirements
The MSN-NL program seeks candidates with strong leadership and critical-thinking skills who aspire to advance into high-level administrative or leadership roles within healthcare.
If you have clinical care experience and want to influence healthcare policies, improve patient care systems, and lead teams, we invite you to visit our admissions page for full details.
Accreditation
The MSN-NL program is offered through USD’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, founded in 1973. The school offers a range of comprehensive graduate-level degrees aimed at developing experienced, knowledgeable nursing professionals. The Hahn School empowers graduates to become change-makers, taking on leadership roles 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.
Learn it Today. Use it Tomorrow.
With the MSN in Nursing Leadership from the University of San Diego, you’ll gain the expertise and leadership competencies to drive innovation, expand your influence and take on greater responsibility in healthcare while advancing health equity and improving patient outcomes.
Are you ready to advance your career? Take the next step today by connecting with a member of enrollment advising team. They’ll help answer your questions and guide you through the application process.