MSN Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota MSN Programs

Those who are working as registered nurses but would like to get more out of their career in healthcare may want to look into earning a master's degree. MSN programs in Minnesota are a great way to get ahead in a nursing career and to create more job opportunities. MSN graduates are able to carry out more advanced nursing roles.

For those who are interested in learning more about MSN programs in Minnesota, it is important to investigate all options, both online and on-site. Different schools offer various specialties that can be completed in various location and that have different timelines for completion. The first step in a more rewarding career is to decide which program best fits individual goals.

Online vs. Traditional Programs

Traditional MSN programs located across the state of Minnesota allow students to learn in a classroom environment. The advantage of these on-site programs is that they allow students to network with each other and with professors. Some students may find this face-to-face contact beneficial, and like that they can easily speak with professors in person when they do not understand something. The downside to these programs is that not everyone has access to one of them and that they require students to travel to classes.

The online format allows many programs to be available in Minnesota, as they can be completed anywhere in the country. Online MSN programs are created to mimic the traditional programs in order to facilitate learning. The major advantage to these programs is that they can be completed anywhere and at any time, with very little disruption to one's day to day schedule. While the coursework may not necessarily be any easier, being able to complete it from home makes it easier to balance with working full-time and other obligations.

Georgetown University is a name known by many who are aware of this D.C. school's great academic reputation. Georgetown provides one example of an accredited online MSN program that is available to Minnesota residents. The program allows students to choose from one of the following specializations: AG-Acute Care NP/CNS, Family NP, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Midwife/Women's Health NP. Each specialty area has its own curriculum which ranges from 35-49 credits and can be completed in 12-24 months full-time or 24-26 months as a part-time student (some specialties take longer to complete).

Another example of a CCNE accredited online program is that offered by Western Governors University. This MSN is offered in both Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership. Both of these pathways require students to complete 38 credits and students can earn the degree in 2-2.5 years

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria vary depending on the chosen college or university, but Minnesota applicants should expect the following:

  • BSN from an accredited program with 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Official transcripts
  • Completion of an undergraduate statistics course with 'C' or better
  • Current resume or CV
  • Personal goal statement or essay
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL for those who do not speak English as a first language

Tuition

Tuition varies by program, and is subject to change. Most colleges and universities charge per credit hour. Western Governors University charges students for each six-month period, so those who take longer to complete a degree pay more. Typically, the cost to earn an MSN from Western Governors University ranges from $9,750-$16,250.

Additional Resources

MSN Schools Near You & Online in Minnesota

College of St. Scholastica

  • 1200 Kenwood Avenue Duluth, MN 55811
    Programs: BSN, BSN to DNP, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, Health Information Management-Bachelor's, MSN, Nursing Administration, Psych Nursing - Certificate, Psychiatric Nursing, RN
    (218) 723-6000

Minnesota State University

  • 228 Wiecking Center Mankato, MN 56001
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, DNP, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    1(800)722-0544

Minnesota State University

  • 1104 7th Ave South Moorhead, MN 56563
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    1(800)593-7246