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Pro Tip
Online M.S.N. degrees might offer flexible, asynchronous coursework, but they also require in-person practicum experiences. Check whether you can fulfill this requirement at a site near you.
An online master’s in nursing education requires a significant investment of time and money, and it leads to a highly specific nursing career path. Make sure your prospective program fits into your schedule, budget and goals.
Consider Your Future Goals
An online Master of Science in Nursing with a nurse educator focus can lead to teaching and training roles at nursing schools and hospitals. If you’re ready to move into a lower-stress nursing job, this degree can help you make the transition. However, each program is different, so it’s important to choose the option that best meets your goals.
One of the main differentiating factors between programs is the field experience. Online M.S.N. programs generally include in-person internship or practicum experience at healthcare sites. This helps you put your skills into practice and helps prepare you for professional certification.
Check how many in-person hours are required. If you currently practice as a nurse, see if you can complete this component at your place of work. Keep in mind that some experiences require supervision by a faculty preceptor.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Per-credit tuition rates for the programs in this guide ranged from $395 to $825. The degrees required 32 to 41 credits, resulting in total tuition of $15,750 to $29,716.
The National Center for Education Statistics tracks tuition trends across the U.S. For the 2023–24 academic school year, public grad schools charged an average of $11,827 per year, while private graduate programs cost $20,515 per year. Over a two-year degree, these rates translate to about $23,650 or $41,030.
Make sure to fill out the FAFSA® to access opportunities like grants, scholarships and loans. You can pursue similar opportunities through schools and nonprofit organizations.