MSN Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina

North Carolina MSN programs are a great opportunity for nurses who want to advance in their careers. A master's is among the highest degrees one can earn as a nurse, and it can easily transform a career for the better. For those who are looking for a positive change of pace and would like the tools to take on more responsibility in a nursing role, the first step is to find an MSN program that is going to help the individual to achieve his or her goals.

While there are several great campus-based MSN programs in North Carolina, one does not necessarily have to attend one of them in order to study in this state. Nurses can also remain in NC and earn a master's degree online, allowing them to enroll in online programs all over the country. There are many different options both on-campus and online, so it is important to choose the one that best fits.

Online vs. Traditional Programs

Those who wish to earn an MSN degree in North Carolina have a variety of options to choose from. One can choose from the various NC colleges and universities offering this program, or from the countless online programs.

MSN programs offered by North Carolina colleges and universities are a great option for those who prefer to learn in a classroom alongside other students. This traditional program format allows students to network with each other and to interact with professors and preceptors in person. The downside to this type of program is that students must attend classes on campus at the scheduled time. For some, this works well, but this may conflict with many students' personal schedules.

Those who need more flexibility from an MSN program might benefit from one of the online options. There are many programs to choose from, and they can be completed from anywhere in the country at any time. This format is great for nurses who are employed full-time and struggling to balance a hectic schedule. Two examples of programs offered online are South University and Grand Canyon University.

South University offers the following three different MSN areas of study: Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Informatics. Each specialization requires students to complete 48-52 credits, including a capstone course. South also offers an MSN Nurse Practitioner program, which requires students to complete 62 credits. Students in this program can specialize in either the Adult Health Care Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner track.

Grand Canyon University offers many master's degree programs for nursing students, including Clinical Nurse Specialist with an Emphasis in Adult-Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN with Emphasis in Health Care Informatics, and MSN with Emphasis in Nursing Education. The curriculum depends on the track chosen, but most require students to complete 36-53 credits and up to 650 clinical hours.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary, but applicants in North Carolina should expect the following:

  • BSN from an accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Successful completion of undergraduate statistics and nursing research courses with 'C' or better
  • Official transcripts
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Essay or goal statement
  • Current resume/CV
  • Tuition

    Tuition varies by programs, and this information is subject to change. Students at South University pay $20,928-$27,032 for tuition, excluding additional fees, depending on the track chosen.

    Additional Requirements

MSN Schools Near You & Online in North Carolina

Gardner-Webb University

  • 110 South Main Street Boiling Springs, NC 28017
    Programs: ADN, BSN, DNP, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (704) 406-4000

Presbyterian Healthcare System

  • 200 Hawthorne Lane Charlotte, NC 28204
    Programs: ADN, BSN, MSN, Nursing Administration, Radiography, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (704) 384-4000

University of North Carolina

  • 9201 University City Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28223
    Programs: BSN, DNP, MSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (704) 687-8622

Western Carolina University

  • 1 University Drive Cullowhee, NC 28723
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, EMT Paramedic, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, Health Information Management-Bachelor's, MSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (828) 227-7317

Duke University

  • Duke University Durham, NC 27708
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, BSN to DNP, DNP, MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nursing PhD, Physician Assistant, RN, RN to MSN
    (919) 684-8111

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

  • 1000 Spring Garden Street Greensboro, NC 27412
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN
    (336) 334-5000

University of North Carolina Wilmington

  • 601 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403
    Programs: BSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner - certificate, MSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (910) 962-3000