Master of Science in Nursing — Webster University Online (asynchronous)
If you have reached a point in your nursing career where you are ready to become a leader or educate the next generation of nurses, Webster University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program can help you reach that goal. Develop the advanced knowledge and skills to pursue opportunities in nursing education, management and healthcare administration in specialized tracks and complete your degree part-time while keeping your work schedule.
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MSN, ’25
An online MSN program offers experienced working nurses the chance to build on their knowledge while learning to guide other nurses and improve healthcare systems. Some nurses also pursue educator roles that allow them to help nursing students and professionals expand their skills.
These responsibilities require more than clinical experience. Nurse leaders and educators must understand how evidence, policy, technology, organizational priorities and collaboration affect the quality of care.
Webster’s online MSN is designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs) who understand the demands of nursing and are ready to take a greater role in healthcare delivery and nurse education. Part-time enrollment and eight-week courses provide a structured way to balance graduate education with personal and professional responsibilities.
The program is taught by experienced faculty members who remain active in the nursing community. The curriculum connects graduate-level nursing knowledge with situations you may encounter in your current role.
In Webster University’s MSN program, you learn to:
The 36-credit online MSN combines a 27-credit core with nine credit hours in either the Nurse Educator or Nurse Leader track. Both tracks require 36 credit hours, including two practicum courses that allow you to apply what you have learned.
Core courses include:
The Nurse Educator track prepares you to teach and support nurses in academic and healthcare settings. The curriculum focuses on teaching strategies, curriculum development, program design and the evaluation of learning. Graduates may pursue opportunities in staff development, clinical education, professional development or college and university instruction. Educational and professional requirements vary by position and employer.
The Nurse Leader track focuses on the responsibilities involved in managing nursing teams and improving healthcare delivery. You learn how nurse leaders allocate resources, support quality care and respond to challenges within healthcare organizations. Graduates may pursue positions such as nurse manager, unit manager, risk manager and chief nursing officer. Senior leadership positions may require additional professional experience or credentials.
Webster’s online MSN uses weekly modules that may include recorded lectures, readings, videos, case studies and podcasts. The MSN is a year-round, part-time program that you can complete in about 30 months while continuing to work. Webster offers courses in eight-week terms, helping you focus on a defined area of study.
Both MSN tracks include two practicum courses. These courses provide opportunities to apply your knowledge in a nurse educator or nurse leader role with approved clients and organizations. Your advisor and nursing faculty can explain the practicum approval process, placement expectations and any requirements you should consider before beginning the program.
Webster’s online MSN is designed for licensed registered nurses who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. To complete your online MSN application, you must provide:
Webster’s MSN faculty or staff may also request an interview. Admission decisions consider your academic record, professional performance, career goals, initiative and overall preparation for graduate nursing study.
Tuition, Financial Aid and Affordability
The cost of your online MSN includes tuition and applicable fees. Webster’s admissions and financial aid teams can review the current rates with you, estimate your costs and help you explore potential financial assistance.
Complete the FAFSA if you plan to seek federal student aid, and ask how part-time enrollment affects your eligibility. You may also want to ask your employer about tuition assistance, reimbursement programs or partnerships with Webster University.
Webster’s online MSN prepares you for roles in nursing education or leadership. Depending on your selected track, professional experience and employer requirements, opportunities may include:
Nurses in these roles work in many settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing schools, universities and public health organizations.
The median annual wage for post-secondary nursing instructors and teachers was $80,250 in 2025, according to federal occupational data.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track nurse leader salaries as a separate occupational category but reports that medical and health services managers earned a median annual wage of $123,860 in May 2025. This broader management category includes those who manage healthcare facilities, departments and clinical areas. Earnings vary by position, employer, location and experience.
The BLS also projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 24% over the next decade.
Want a master’s degree in nursing combined with an interest in leadership and healthcare administration? Webster offers a dual-degree master’s program that results in both a MSN and MHA and can be completed in about four years.
You’ll learn the business of healthcare and develop focused administrative skills, learning how to guide organizations toward greater efficiency, effectiveness, and positive patient and organizational outcomes.
Webster’s online MSN requirements include an unencumbered U.S. RN license and a BSN from an ACEN-, CCNE- or NLN CNEA-accredited nursing program. Applicants generally need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must submit an application, official transcripts, a résumé or CV and proof of nursing licensure. An interview may also be requested.
The online MSN is designed for working nurses and follows a part-time schedule. Online coursework and eight-week terms can help you fit your studies around professional and family responsibilities. You should also plan for the practicum requirements included in your selected track
Webster’s 36-credit online MSN is designed to be completed part time in about 30 months. The program operates year-round, with courses offered in eight-week terms across five terms each year.
The program includes two practicum courses within each track. These experiences allow you to apply what you have learned in a nurse educator or nurse leader role. Nursing faculty can explain how practicum sites are approved for online students.
The Nurse Educator track focuses on teaching, curriculum design and evaluating learning in academic or healthcare settings. The Nurse Leader track focuses on financial decision-making, organizational leadership and the management of nursing services. Both tracks include two role-specific practicums.
Yes. Webster University’s MSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Yes. Applicants must have a BSN from a nursing program accredited by ACEN, CCNE or NLN CNEA. Licensed nurses who currently hold an associate degree can explore Webster’s online RN-to-BSN program as a step toward meeting this requirement.
Webster accepts students for August and January starts. All application materials must be received by July 15 for the August term or Dec.15 for the January term.
You have already gained valuable knowledge through education and professional practice in nursing. An online MSN degree from Webster helps you build on that knowledge as you prepare for opportunities in nursing education and leadership. Webster’s admissions team can help you determine whether the Nurse Educator or Nurse Leader track best fits your goals.
Get high-quality training built on national standards. Our Master of Science in Nursing degree is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
