Earn your MSN in Nursing Leadership online
Advance your career while working full-time. Build the leadership, business, and advocacy skills to become a confident nurse manager, director, educator, or informaticist — with clinical experiences and certifications that set you apart.
When Nurses Lead, Health Follows
Step into your next role with the University of San Diego’s MSN in Nursing Leadership (MSN-NL), offered through the nationally-ranked Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science.
Our flexible online program empowers nurses to lead healthcare transformation, guide teams through uncertainty, and improve patient outcomes. Built for working professionals, this 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 expertise, leadership experience, and faculty mentorship needed to step into higher-level roles.
Why choose USD’s MSN in Nursing Leadership?
- Flexible for Working Nurses: Complete instructor-led, asynchronous courses while maintaining a full-time job.
- Hands-On Clinical Leadership: Gain 500 practicum hours in placements arranged by USD, customized to your interests.
- Certification Advantage: Curriculum prepares you to pursue Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification, opening doors to advanced leadership roles.
- Specialty Tracks: Tailor your degree with 9 additional units in Nursing Education or Informatics, qualifying for additional certifications and leadership roles.
- Dedicated Student Support, Faculty Mentorship, and Alumni Network: Receive personalized guidance from enrollment to graduation. Learn from active nurse leaders and connect with USD’s growing network of healthcare professionals.
Program Snapshot
Priority Deadline
November 3
Program Length
20 months
Total Units
36
Format
Online
Priority Deadline
Applying 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 academic journey.
- Increased Admission Changes: Secure your spot in the program while more seats are available, enhancing your chances of acceptance.
- Stree-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 the admissions committee.
Don’t wait—take the first step toward your future today!
Curriculum and Career Pathways
The MSN-NL program consists of 36 units of coursework spread across five terms, offering a focused and relevant learning experience for professionals aspiring to take on management and leadership positions in nursing.
Students take four hands-on clinical practicums throughout the program, completing a total of 500 hours. USD partners with you to arrange clinical placements that align with your interests.
Specialty Track Options
Students can choose to add on a specialty track, complementing their core nursing leadership curriculum. Specialty tracks require an additional 9 units of coursework over two additional terms and take 28 months to complete.
Nursing Education
Prepare to mentor and teach, qualifying for faculty and educator roles while addressing the national faculty shortage.
Informatics
Learn to harness data and technology to improve care, streamline operations, and lead innovation.
Graduates pursue careers such as Nurse Managers, Directors of Nursing, CNL-certified leaders, Clinical Educators, Nurse Informaticists, and beyond.
Admissions Snapshot
- One year of clinical experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3.0 GPA (flexible for experienced nurses)
- Active, unencumbered RN license required
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.
Be the leader healthcare needs. 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.