Requirements
and Restrictions
Learning Work?
or Live Event
Online Master’s in Nursing Education (MSN)
Classes Begin: January 5, 20262 years
Fully Online
45
CCNE-accredited, U.S. News & World Report Top 5 Program
Drexel's CCNE-accredited online Master’s in Nursing Education (MSN) readies you for the role of nurse educator in either a professional development or academic setting. The curriculum incorporates core graduate level concepts (patient safety, ethics, advocacy, and research), advanced clinical concepts, and contemporary education content to prepare nurses for diverse roles in education. The program includes all nurse educator competencies and prepares graduates to successfully pass the Certified Nursing Educator Exam.
In addition, you're given a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the art and science of simulation with a course that teaches you how plan, create, facilitate, evaluate, and revise simulation scenarios to fit the needs of learners in various educational settings. This course is great preparation for the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator Exam.
MSN Nursing Education Program Features
- 45 Quarter Credits (equivalent to 30 semester credits)
- Ranked #3 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs: Nursing Education by U.S. News & World Report
- Ranked #12 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the master’s degree in nursing at Drexel University
- Learn from an experienced, board-certified faculty who are actively involved in nursing education from Drexel's acclaimed College of Nursing and Health Professions
- An online format that is highly interactive, engaging, and challenging while remaining convenient for working nurses
- You can schedule your clinical practicum in a variety of settings, customizing it to fit your future career goals
- Virtual, immersive simulation residency
- Three-year tuition lock for those who complete the program within 3 years
Do I Need to Come to Campus?
No, you will not be required to come to Drexel's campus during this program. However, during the IPS 617 course, you will be required to participate in a 3-Day Virtual Experience via Zoom. These are full class days and will take place during Week 3 of the quarter in which IPS 617 is taken. (This week is subject to change.)
What is an MSN in Nursing Education?
The MSN in Nursing Education is a Master of Science in Nursing program that allows you to use your nursing experience as a basis to teach both students and other nurses. It weaves advanced clinical foundations with theories specific to adult learning. At the completion of the program, you'll have the ability to apply everything you learned in a practicum experience.
In education-focused courses, you'll study material that is central to curriculum design and methods to assess nursing courses and programs. While learning to think critically, the program also focuses on clinical and classroom teaching tactics. Contemporary nursing trends including online teaching, simulation, and learning technologies are also focused on in the curriculum. This program will prepare you to provide quality instruction in traditional classrooms, clinical environments, the simulation lab, and the online learning environment using innovative and engaging technology.
What is a Certified Nurse Educator
Certified Nurse Educators have successfully completed an academic nurse educator certification program through the National League for Nursing (NLN). The NLN offers two such certifications:
- Certification for Nurse Educators
An academic nurse educator is involved with planning curricula, teaching, and evaluating students. They may also serve as an advisor, performing other activities in the capacity as faculty member in nursing schools. - Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator
An academic clinical nurse educator is involved with teaching the clinical components of nursing programs.
These credentials are a mark of professionalism that indicates expertise in this role. It shows students, peers, and the academic and healthcare communities that a nurse educator is a leader and role model.
What Can You Do with A Master’s Degree in Nursing Education?
A master’s degree in nursing education is the typical entry-point to a teaching career in nursing. The MSN: Nursing Education degree program will prepare you for roles in both higher education and professional development. As a graduate of this program you will be prepared to teach in classrooms, clinical settings, online, and simulation labs, and to hold positions such as:
- Nursing Faculty
- Clinical Instructor
- Simulation Educator
- Hospital Nurse Educator
- Professional Development Specialist
- Certified Diabetes Educator
- Public Health Educator
- Community Health Education Coordinator
- Professor, Researcher
If this sounds like your calling, it is a great time to pursue your master’s in nursing education online. Per recent data by BLS.gov, there were 67,900 nurse educators in the workforce, yet demand is expected to increase by 24 percent through 2026. This forecast is much faster than other occupations.
What’s the Salary for a Nurse Educator with an MSN?
Nursing instructors and teachers at the postsecondary level earn median annual salaries of $81,350. Salaries do fluctuate by location, experience, and workplace setting.
Job Title
Average Salary
Health Specialties Teacher
$97,370
Nursing Professor/Researcher
$73,490
Community Health Program Coordinator
$39,540
Health Promotion Specialist
$54,220
Nursing Educator
(General Hospitals)
$89,390
Online Open Houses
Learn more about this and other nursing programs from our previously recorded online open house webinar series.
Questions? We're here to help!
For application related questions:
enroll@drexel.edu
For program related questions:
College of Nursing and Health Professions Program Team
CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
The MSN: Nursing Education program at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Graduate students who utilize student loans (FAFSA) have to maintain a minimum enrollment of 4.5 credits for a term or two courses per Quarter.
| Core Courses | ||
| NURS 500 | Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments | 3.0 |
| NURS 502 | Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 544 | Quality and Safety in Healthcare | 3.0 |
| RSCH 503 | Research Methods and Biostatistics | 3.0 |
| RSCH 504 | Evaluation and Translation of Health Research | 3.0 |
| Required Track Courses | ||
| IPS 617 | Simulation in Healthcare Education | 4.5 |
| NURS 591 | Foundations of Nursing Education | 3.0 |
| NURS 606 | Curriculum Design for Higher Level Cognition | 3.0 |
| NURS 613 | The Role and Responsibility of the Nursing Professor | 3.0 |
| NURS 615 | Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation | 3.0 |
| NURS 616 | Teaching Methods in Nursing Education | 3.0 |
| Practicum | ||
| NUPR 618 | Nursing Education Practicum I | 3.0 |
| NUPR 619 | Nursing Education Practicum II | 3.0 |
| Support Course | ||
| NURS 574 | Advanced Integrative Clinical Concepts | 4.5 |
| Total Credits | 45.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation)
- Nurses with a non-nursing bachelor's may consider applying for the RN-BSN-MSN program to earn both a BSN and MSN concurrently, or apply to the RN to MSN Bridge Program.
- BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation)
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- If your GPA is lower, you're still encouraged to apply, but should ensure that relevant professional experience is included on your resume. You must also provide two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study.
- While specific clinical work and/or volunteer experience is not required, it may make your application more competitive.
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
- Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study
- If you have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, this requirement can be waived
- Personal statement describing your interest in the program and particular specialty
- Resume
- Copy of your United States RN license
- Additional requirements for International Students
An admissions interview may be required.
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1169 per credit. (A 10% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1298 per credit)
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans, you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Scholarship Opportunities
At Drexel, we understand that developing a plan to finance your education is a critical step in your decision-making process. That's why we encourage students who require financial aid to fill out the FAFSA as early in the application process as possible. Learn more about Drexel's financial aid policies. In addition, nursing students are encouraged to visit the AACN to review the many scholarship opportunities that exist through the organization.
Academic Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2025
September 22, 2025
December 6, 2025
December 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
Winter 2026
January 5, 2026
March 14, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 21, 2026
Spring 2026
March 30, 2026
June 6, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 13, 2026
Summer 2026
June 22, 2026
August 29, 2026
August 31, 2026
September 5, 2026
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