Master of Science in Nursing in Education
CHART YOUR COURSE
MSN in Education
Educate the next generation of nursing leaders with our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Education. The MSN in Education prepares professional nurses for roles in clinical and academic educational settings. You’ll learn to integrate your knowledge and professional nursing experiences with educational theories to deliver a comprehensive and collaborative nursing curriculum to support the needs of students pursuing their own careers in healthcare. Aligned with our Catholic heritage, our curriculum will prepare you to foster a holistic, patient-centered approach to nursing education. We’ve been educating nurses since our founding in 1899, and we know a thing or two about teaching graduates to meet the needs of the future.
Of the Nation’s RNs Hold a Master’s Degree1
Semester Program (Full-time Enrollment)
Total Credit Hours
Start Only (Aug./Sept.)
Our body of work
ABOUT OUR MSN IN Education
Our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Education is designed for nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and want to pursue roles in clinical or academic nursing education. Our program’s learning outcomes ensure that graduates are well-equipped to lead curriculum design grounded in educational theory and responsive to the needs of nursing students and the healthcare industry.
The need for qualified, well-rounded nurses grows larger each day. At the same time, those nurses need experienced educators to support them as they work toward their healthcare careers. Learn how to share your experience and knowledge to shape the next generation of nursing leaders. Our MSN in Education supports your growth and ability to combine your experiences as a professional nurse with the curriculum necessary to educate student nurses. Nurse leaders who have the experience and ability to think holistically and collaboratively to support the needs of nursing students and the healthcare industry are needed more than ever. Learn to hone your skills to support curriculum development and promote a holistic educational experience through our MSN-Ed program!
Upon completion of the MSN Education track, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National League for Nursing’s (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator certification exam. NLN now offers three nurse educator certifications. More information may be found on the NLN’s website.
Priority Application Deadline: Application materials (including all transcripts from all prior undergraduate and graduate institutions attended) must be received by July 1. No GRE required!
The Higher Learning Commission has approved the institution’s request to offer the Master of Science in Nursing in Education.
Don’t have a BSN? Are you a Registered Nurse but don’t have your BSN yet? Don’t worry! Our online, one-year RN to BSN program can get you ready in no time!
APPROVED BY THE IOWA BOARD OF NURSING (IBON)
On January 15, 2025, the Iowa Board of Nursing gave interim approval for Mercy College of Health Sciences to offer the Master of Science in Nursing in Education.
Faculty in the MSN program are highly motivated and skilled healthcare practitioners comfortable with the latest technology and evidence-based practices in their specialty areas of healthcare. All hold a doctorate and have more than 23 years of clinical experience combined! As a student, you will receive an exceptional level of personalized instruction from experienced educators dedicated to your success.
I love that the class sizes at Mercy College are small enough to work closely with those in my cohort. It is beneficial to be able to build relationships with faculty that help us grow into better healthcare professionals.
Arianna E., BSN Candidate (Accelerated), Tampa, FL
The Master of Science in Nursing follows our Graduate Tuition rate, calculated on a per credit hour basis.
STEP ONE: COLLEGE ADMISSION
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing in Education program, you must first be admitted to Mercy College of Health Sciences as a graduate student.
Students must meet the following requirements for graduate program admission:
- Prior completion of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, or equivalent degree from another country (as determined and approved by NACES-approved evaluation agency)
- Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
+ Students who do not meet the GPA requirement may qualify for a holistic admissions review
Complete our FREE online Mercy College application. Early application is encouraged.
STEP TWO: MSN PROGRAM ADMISSION
To be considered for admission to the MSN program, you must meet the criteria below and submit the following documents with your application:
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program (CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA)
- A CV or current resume
- A personal statement (250 word minimum)
- Clinical compliance
- Out of state applicant?* Please notify the Associate Dean or the Dean of Nursing for review of state regulations.
*Due to regulatory variations by state, Mercy College will review requirements held in your state of residence prior to enrollment to determine if limitations are present.
The following courses are required to earn your Master of Science in Nursing in Education. Students admitted to the program will follow the below recommended full-time course sequence. For graduate courses, students enrolled full-time will take 8 credit hours or more in a semester.
Nursing Core Courses
MAT 500 – Statistical Methods (3 cr)
NUR 504 – Translating Research into Evidence Based Practice (3 cr)
NUR 512 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr)
NUR 514 – Advanced Physical Assessment (3 cr)
NUR 516 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr)
NUR 524 – Quality Improvement And Patient Safety (2 cr)
NUR 644 – Clinical Prevention and Population Health (3 cr)
Education Track Courses
NUR 540 – Theories of Nursing Education (2 cr)
NUR 630 – Curriculum Design in Nursing Education (3 cr)
NUR 650 – Innovative Teaching-Learning Strategies (3 cr)
NUR 670 – Assessment and Evaluation Strategies (3 cr)
NUR 680 – Role of the Nurse Educator in Clinical and Academic Education (4 cr)
NUR 690 – Nurse Educator Immersion (2 cr)
TOTAL: 37 CREDITS FOR MASTER’S DEGREE
The Master of Science in Nursing in Education program offers one start date per year in the fall. The fall semester begins at the end of August or early September. View our full academic calendar for exact semester start dates. Other programs, pre-requisites, and Core requirements may be completed at Mercy College of Health Sciences year-round, including our one-year online RN to BSN program.
1American Association of Colleges of Nurses 2018 Nursing Fact Sheet
