MS in Nursing
View your nursing career from a new perspective while developing skills for nurse leadership in patient-centered health care delivery or educational settings. At Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, our CCNE-accredited nursing programs help practicing RNs and motivated nursing students earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree that prepares them for meaningful work in leadership roles — all while studying online.*
Voted as one of the best online Nursing School master’s programs nationally for 2023, according to The Princeton Review®. Here, your education can pave the way for work that gives you a sense of purpose.
Voted as one of the most Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs for 2023-2024 according to NP Schools for demonstrating a remarkable commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to aspiring nurse practitioners.
Request more information or apply now to take the next step.
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master's degree program in nursing and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The pre-licensure baccalaureate program is also approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.
Purpose-driven graduate Nursing programs that fit your busy schedule
Enjoy the flexibility of an online Master of Science in Nursing program studying alongside other motivated students who strive to impact patient outcomes and advance in their careers along the way. This program will allow you to:
- Complete your degree wherever, whenever — in as few as two years: Enroll full time, or spread out courses to fit your schedule, as long as you complete the program within five years. No on-campus residency required (with the exception of our Nurse Practitioner programs).
- Immediately apply what you learn in the workplace: Courses blend content with professional experience, so you can see its impact in your daily professional life.
- Learn from distinguished faculty who have firsthand experience: Our professors have worked in hospital settings and in leadership roles across the country and challenge students to apply coursework as real-world problem solvers.
- Set yourself apart with an area of specialty: Follow a track that suits your goals, like one in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education.
- Get more value for your degree: With a competitive cost per credit, educational partnerships with various organizations and employers that provide associated students with partner tuition rates, and tuition reimbursement programs through their employers, students can save at SJC.
Ready to take your career to a new level? Apply now.
How much will this program cost?
Total Cost: $28,686 to $33,792*
*Excludes the cost of textbooks, online fee and nursing clinical fees. Assumes no transfer of credit, and, at the graduate level, that all preparatory requirements have been met. Prices are subject to change. Click here for full tuition and fee details.
How long will it take?
- MSN*: Full-time, 2 yr and 3 mo. Part-time, between 3.5 and 4 yr depending on track chosen.
* These timelines assume all prep classes have been met and that the student takes no breaks between terms. Full-time is two courses per term, part-time is one course per term.
State information for clinical rotations
Where SJC’s online nursing master’s program is able to conduct clinical rotations, by state.
Saint Joseph’s College is approved to offer clinical rotations in the following states.
| Alaska | Arkansas | California |
| Colorado | Connecticut | Florida |
| Georgia | Hawaii | Illinois |
| Indiana | Iowa | Kansas |
| Kentucky | Maine | Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Michigan | Missouri |
| Nebraska | New Hampshire | New Jersey |
| New Mexico | New York - only RN-BSN, MSN Nurse Educator, MSN Nurse Administrator and dual degrees are approved for clinical rotations |
North Carolina |
| Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina |
| South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas |
| Utah - only RN-BSN, MSN Nurse Educator, MSN Nurse Administrator, dual degrees, AGACNP, AGPCNP, and FNP tracks are approved for clinical rotations |
Vermont | Virginia |
| Washington | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
Students are encouraged to verify license eligibility in the state(s) they plan to practice.
Faqs
Frequently asked questions about the Master of Science in Nursing online program
Are there prerequisites for MSN programs?
The online Master of Science in Nursing degree requires a BSN.
How do I apply to an MSN program?
The application process is simple. First, complete your free online application — there is no fee to apply. Next, provide additional application materials, such as official transcripts, career statements, references and other necessary documents to the admissions office. Admissions requirements are outlined in the online MSN program course catalog.
If you have questions, we welcome you to contact our online education admissions staff for one-on-one guidance through the process.
Do I need to take the GRE exam?
No. Saint Joseph’s College does not require students take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) for any online graduate program.
Do I need to be an RN to apply?
Yes. Master of Science in Nursing applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited institution at the time of graduation. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791, and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) require a Master of Science in Nursing degree for teaching in RN preparation programs.
Also required is a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Minimum cumulative GPA for the post-master’s certificate is 3.5. The applicant must also hold an active, unrestricted and unencumbered RN license in the U.S.
When can I start?
At Saint Joseph’s College, you choose when you start. Courses are offered in cohort for 12 weeks, aligning with four terms each year (in March, June, September and December).
Current nursing students can learn more about our nursing clinicals in mysjc.
Let your sense of purpose advance your nursing career
At SJC, we’ll help you realize your potential as a role model and innovative leader in the field of nursing. Request more information today to learn more about our programs or apply now to take your seat in class.
Student stories
Curriculum
Master of Science in Nursing online program specializations
Core curriculum in the MSN online program includes courses in informatics, leadership, population health, organizational leadership, public policy and research — giving students the tools they need to be thought leaders in the nursing profession. As students enter a specialization track, course selections are tailored to that specific topic.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track— 48 credits
Diagnose and treat acutely ill patients, and make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. In this track, you will gain skills for diagnosing and treating acute conditions and will apply those skills in a variety of inpatient/hospital settings, clinics and emergency departments. You will experience one-on-one clinicals and be eligible to sit for the American Nursing Credentialing Center and/or the American Association for Critical Care national board certification exams. Post Master's certificate available.
Family Nurse Practitioner/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner Track— 48 credits
See the full picture for your patients and their families. Follow this track if you are interested in providing primary care for patients working in collaboration with other health care professionals in a practice setting. To enroll, you must have earned a BSN from an accredited institution and currently hold an active, unrestricted RN license. Post Master's certificate available.
Administration Track— 45 credits
Apply your strategic mindset and your business acumen in a track is designed for chief nursing officers, operational leaders and anyone performing supervision.
Education Track— 42 credits
Use your experience to influence the next generation of health care practitioners. This track is designed for RNs who want to build their skills for staff development roles or those in nursing education (clinical, simulation, didactic or online with students of all ages).
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Diagnose and treat common acute and chronic illnesses in adult and adolescent patients. In this track, you will gain skills for diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions and will apply those skills in a variety of primary care settings. You will experience one-on-one clinicals and be eligible to sit for the American Nursing Credentialing Center national board certification exam. Post Master’s certificate available.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Follow this track if you are interested in providing mental health services for patients working in collaboration with other health care professionals in a practice setting. To enroll, you must have earned a BSN from an accredited institution and currently hold an active, unrestricted RN license. Accepting admissions for the October 2022 term. Post-master’s certificate available later in 2023.
Dual degrees and certificate programs
Looking to expand the breadth of your nursing leadership education? Combine your MSN with the MHA or MBA to earn dual credentials. If you already hold your bachelor’s degree, you can follow the MSN administration track and complete both degrees in a total of 60 credits (rather than 42 credits per degree).
Looking for a post-graduate education? Focus your studies toward specific career skills by earning a graduate or post-graduate certificate. We offer:
- Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Have more questions about which track is right for you? Contact admissions.
With so many great options to choose from, how do you choose the right one?
Check out our Guide to Your Next Nursing Career Move. This guide will walk you through some career scenarios and will give you the differences between the tracks.
Some of our faculty
MSN-FNP, DeSales University
BSN, Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales
BSN, Felician University
ASN, Brookdale Community College