MSN Programs in California

California MSN Programs

There are many fantastic MSN programs in California, and those programs are made to teach students how to work in special fields of nursing. These sectors may include management, research, education, and much more. In 18 to 24 months, an individual can get an MSN degree and be on his or her way to a new and rewarding career.

Before starting an MSN program in California, an individual must have a bachelor's degree. A BSN degree gives an individual the knowledge base that is needed for an MSN, and MSN classes expand on those concepts. For those who want land one of the highest paying jobs in the industry, an MSN degree may be the correct path.

Online vs. Traditional Programs

Nurses in California who want to go back to school for their MSN degrees have to decide whether they want to learn in a traditional classroom setting or in an online environment. Some students feel that they learn better in a traditional classroom environment where they can ask questions during class and interact with other students.

One tradition MSN program should consider offered by West Coast University in North Hollywood, California. West Coast University offers 5 specializations that a student can pursue: Generalist, Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Strategic Innovation Management.

The other option for students in California who want to get an MSN degree is for them to enroll in an online MSN program. Online education is great for students who currently work full-time or who do not live near any schools offering traditional MSN programs.

The number of credits a student has to take in order to earn an MSN degree is determined which school and specialization he or she has chosen. For example, at Kaplan University, a student must complete anywhere from 65-100 credits to complete the MSN program. At Chamberlain College of Nursing, a student must complete 36 credit hours to get an MSN degree.

Admission Requirements

Every school has different admission requirements, but the requirements between schools are often similar. To be admitted to West Coast University, for example, an individual must:

  • Have a BSN degree
  • Be a licensed RN
  • Pass the HESI A2 at the 90% level or acceptable GRE scores
  • Have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA in his or her bachelor's degree program
  • Tuition

    Tuition costs vary depending on which school and specialization a student chooses. For example, an MSN degree from West Coast University can cost anywhere from $28,297 to $41,570. Cappella University's online program costs $21,000 for tuition.

    Additional Resources

MSN Schools Near You & Online in California

Azusa Pacific University

  • 901 E. Alosta Ave Azusa, CA 91702
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, LPN to BSN, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (626) 969-3434

California State University at Chico

  • 400 West 1st Street Chico, CA 95929
    Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (530) 898-4636

California State University

  • 5241 N. Maple Ave. Fresno, CA 93740
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (559) 278-4240

University of California – Irvine

  • Campus Dr. and West Peltason Dr. Irvine, CA 92697
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN
    (949) 824-5011

California State University at Long Beach

  • 1250 Bellflower Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90840
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, Nursing Administration, Public Health Nursing, Radiation Therapy, RN, RN to BSN
    (562) 985-4111

California State University

  • 5151 State University Drive Los Angeles, CA 90032
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (323) 343-3000

Samuel Merritt College

  • 3100 Telegraph Ave Oakland, CA 94609
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, BSN, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Physician Assistant, RN
    (510) 869-6511

Western University of Health Sciences

  • 309 E Second St. Pomona, CA 91766
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, MSN, Physician Assistant, RN, RN to MSN
    (909) 623-6116

California Baptist University

  • 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (877) 228-3615

Sonoma State University

  • 1801 East Cotati Ave. Rohnert Park, CA 94928
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (707) 664-2880

California State University at Sacramento

  • 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, EMT Paramedic, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (916) 278-6011

California State University

  • 5500 University Parkway San Bernardino, CA 92407
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (909) 537-5000

University of San Diego

  • 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN to DNP, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, Nursing Administration, Nursing PhD, Pediatric Nursing, RN, RN to MSN
    (619) 260-4600

San Francisco State University

  • 1600 Holloway Avenue San Francisco, CA 94132
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (415) 338-1111

University of California – San Francisco

  • 55 Laguna Street San Francisco, CA 94102
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, DNP, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to MSN
    (415) 252-3016

University of San Francisco

  • 2130 Fulton Street San Francisco, CA 94117
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, BSN to DNP, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, MSN, RN, RN to MSN
    (415) 422-5555