Master of Science in Nursing / Nurse Leadership - Online
Earn your MSN in Nurse Leadership in 15 months with our online CCNE-accredited program, featuring didactic coursework and applied leadership experiences.
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) / Nurse Leadership Program Overview
Midwestern University’s Nurse Leadership program prepares registered nurses to lead change, strengthen healthcare organizations, and improve outcomes across complex healthcare systems. The Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Leadership (MSN-L) for nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing is a 15-month program (5 quarters) of didactic coursework offered in a distance learning format, with a leadership experience component scheduled in the last two quarters of the curriculum. Online coursework and applied leadership experiences help students develop competencies aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (A.A.C.N.) Essentials and the American Organization of Nurse Leader Core Competencies, providing a foundation for leadership practice and future pursuit of leadership certifications.
- Comprehensive leadership curriculum: Students explore systems thinking, strategic planning, organizational change, healthcare finance and policy, workforce management, evidence-based practice, quality and safety, population health, and informatics. The curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making and sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.
- Engaging online learning: Experienced nursing faculty guide students through applied coursework that connects leadership principles with challenges in healthcare organizations, academic and community settings, and public health agencies.
- Personalized faculty support: Small student cohorts provide opportunities for individualized guidance, meaningful collaboration, and ongoing support from instructors and faculty advisors.
- Applied leadership practicum: Through faculty-guided, practice-based experiences, students evaluate healthcare delivery, manage resources, lead collaborative teams, and implement and evaluate improvement initiatives. The MSN-L includes 240 practicum hours that support the integration of leadership knowledge and skills into professional practice.
Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership opportunities across healthcare, academic, community, public health, and professional settings. The program also provides a foundation for doctoral education and continued professional advancement. Preparation supports pursuit of nurse leadership certifications; eligibility depends on each certifying organization’s education, professional experience, and continuing-education requirements.
Note: This program was formerly titled Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Nurse Leadership in Global Health
Authorized States
The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) / Nurse Leadership program is currently authorized to enroll students residing in Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. Authorization in additional states is anticipated.
Learn More
Learn more about the requirements and find quick links to relevant catalog content to guide you in your application process.
To be considered for admission to the M.S.N. Nurse Leadership program, applicants must submit the following documented evidence:
- Completion of a baccalaureate degree in nursing granted by an institutionally accredited college or university.
- A current, active Registered Nurse license in at least one U.S. state or territory, with no practice restrictions, probation, or suspension on any current or past state license.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae describing clinical, educational, or administrative nursing practice relevant to successful completion of an advanced nursing degree.
- A competitive undergraduate GPA. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is preferred unless the published program policy establishes a different minimum.
- A letter of intent for graduate school admission.
The College of Health Sciences at Midwestern University offers an accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)-Nurse Leadership program that prepares registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing to lead teams, drive organizational change, and improve healthcare outcomes. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles across complex healthcare organizations and interprofessional systems.
According to the American Nursing Association, nurse leaders make a difference by driving positive changes in national and global legislation. MWU's Nurse Leadership program can help you accomplish this.
Nurse leader positions are expected to increase by 16% over the next five years. They can earn between $96,000 - $146,000 per year (variance is based on region and/or experience), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Leadership program at Midwestern University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
In addition, the Nurse Leadership program has been approved by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
Academic Course Catalog
Explore details regarding your specific College/Program.
Hear Our Stories
Arik Shimek, M.S.N., Nurse Leadership, Class of 2023
“This program was very interesting to me because it has a unique lens and perspective. This global lens is important in understanding that human health is just one piece of the puzzle. I think Midwestern does a great job of wearing that into the curriculum.”
Program Stats
Growth Projected through 2035
*According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2025.
Annual Salary Range
Salary range is $100,520 - $136,130. Variance is based on region and/or experience (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).