MSN Programs in Illinois

Illinois MSN Programs

MSN programs in Illinois are graduate degree programs that help students reach the most advanced levels of the nursing profession. There are specific skills needed for education, research, and management that are simply not covered at the baccalaureate level.

Online vs. Traditional MSN Programs

Students in Illinois have the choice between taking an online MSN program and enrolling in a traditional on-campus program. There are many factors that contribute to one type of program being a better fit than another for a particular individual.

Traditional on-campus MSN programs are best for students who live near a campus that offers an MSN program and who are able to attend class on a rigid schedule. These students also have direct contact with their instructors and classmates, which many students view as a benefit.

Online programs can allow students to complete assignments on a more flexible schedule. These programs are often preferred by students who need to make their own schedules, or who cannot commute to a traditional on-campus program.

Admission Requirements

The requirements to get into an MSN program vary depending on the school that an individual wants to go to. Many schools require students to:

  • Complete and submit an application
  • Pay an application fee
  • Have graduated from a BSN program with at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Submit letters of recommendation
  • Produce a writing sample or essay
  • Submit his or her GRE scores
  • Submit proof that he or she is a licensed RN
  • Submit a resume or CV

Specific Program Examples

The number of credits that a student must completed in order to get an MSN degree is determined by the school and program that the student chooses. For example, at Indiana Wesleyan University, a student must take 60 credits to complete the MSN/MBA Cappella University's Nurse Educator program is a 56 credit course. Additionally, a student must complete between 65-100 credits at Kaplan University throughout the MSN program.

Additional Resources

MSN Schools Near You & Online in Illinois

Olivet Nazarene University

  • One University Avenue Bourbonnais, IL 60914
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (815) 939-5011

Chicago State University

  • 9501 South King Drive Chicago, IL 60628
    Programs: BSN, Health Information Management-Bachelor's, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (773) 995-2000

North Park University

  • 3225 W Foster Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, MSN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (773) 244-6200

Rush University

  • 1653 W. Congress Parkway Chicago, IL 60612
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, MSN, Nursing PhD, Physician Assistant, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (312) 942-5000

University of Illinois at Chicago

  • 601 South Morgan Street Chicago, IL 60607
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, BSN to DNP, DNP, Health Information Management-Bachelor's, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN
    (312) 996-7000

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

  • SIUE Edwardsville, IL 62026
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nursing Administration, Physician Assistant, Psych Nursing - Certificate, Psychiatric Nursing, Public Health Nursing, RN, RN to BSN
    1(888)328-5168

University of St. Francis

  • 500 Wilcox Street Joliet, IL 60435
    Programs: BSN, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (815) 740-3400

McKendree College

  • 701 College Road Lebanon, IL 62254
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (618) 537-4481

Resurrection University

  • 3 Erie Court Oak Park, IL 60302
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, MSN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (708) 763-6530

Blessing-Rieman College

  • 11th & Oak Quincy, IL 62301
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, LPN to BSN, MSN, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN
    (217) 228-5520