In this article, we highlight the 20 most affordable online master’s in nursing education degree programs.
The demand for nurses has always been strong. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports an expected shortage of nursing school faculty and nurse educators that could impact enrollment in nursing schools nationwide. To overcome this, schools are offering online degrees in nurse education. This means that current RNs may enroll in online master’s degree in nursing education programs without leaving their current job. They can obtain a whole new set of skills.
Featured Programs
Earning a master’s in nursing education can be valuable for RNs interested in working as educators in:
- academic settings
- health organizations
- hospitals
- medical communities.
Earning a master’s in nursing education can help lead to career advancement and salary increases. Salary.com lists the average salary for a nurse educator in a collegiate setting as $84,150 per year.
Ranking Methodology
We examined 74 colleges and universities that offer a master’s in nursing education online. These schools either offered:
- nurse educator programs 100% online
- required between one and three campus visits
From the list of schools, we selected the 20 most affordable. We listed the schools in order of affordability based on the most recently published graduate tuition/fees rate. These were provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator). Since tuition rates are subject to change, it is important to contact the school or program directly before applying.
Below is our list of the 20 most affordable online master’s in nursing education programs.
#20 – Tennessee State University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Nashville, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,966
Tennessee State University offers an affordable master’s in nursing education. It’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing and approved by the Tennessee State Board of Nursing. The online MSN provides three areas of specialization:
- family nurse practitioner
- holistic nursing
- nursing education
Course requirements for the nursing education specialty include:
- nursing education and organizational operations
- nursing theory,
- pathophysiology
- role development
The program is delivered in a hybrid format, with some of the classes taught online and others in the classroom. Two practicum courses are required to complete the degree. U.S. News and World Report has recognized the university among the best national universities, although the ranking was not published in 2016.
#19 – East Tennessee State University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Johnson City, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,951
The Regents online degree program at East Tennessee State University offers an online master’s in nursing education. The program equips nurses with the skills necessary to fill shortages in the health care industry. There are four areas of specialty, including nursing education. This highly focused concentration offers:
- a foundation in teaching and learning principles
- curriculum and program development
- methods to evaluate learning
Nursing students graduate equipped to work as educators in various healthcare settings. Courses include:
- advanced nursing research
- advanced pharmacology
- curriculum design and education theory
- evaluation methods in nursing education
East Tennessee’s nursing program has been ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 122nd Best Nursing School in the country. The school’s online graduate nursing program is ranked #103.
#18 – Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Columbus, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,918
Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers an online MSN with specialization options in nursing education. The program is designed for working nurses and may be completed on a part-time basis. The part-time completion track takes three years to finish. Course requirements include:
- leadership in advanced nursing roles
- nursing research and evidenced based practice
- quality and effectiveness
- theoretical foundations of nursing
A nurse educator practicum is required and includes 150 hours of hands-on experience. The online master’s in nursing education degree prepares students for post master’s graduate certification programs and the school’s doctor of nursing practice degree.
#17 – Ball State University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Muncie, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,760
The online master’s in nursing education program at Ball State University requires no campus visits. It’s administered entirely online. The program’s clinical component may be completed in the student’s own geographic area. The program is designed for professional nurses who desire to take an educational role as a nurse educator in:
- health settings
- classrooms
- universities
The nurse educator concentration requires a 225-hour practicum, which is taken during the last semester. The practicum may be completed in the student’s own regional area, working two days per week. The program is comprised of three core areas:
- educator role
- nursing
- research core
Ball State is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as having one of the top 25 best online graduate nursing programs in the country.
#16 – University of North Dakota
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,225
The Nursing and Professional Disciplines department at the University of North Dakota offers an accredited master’s in nursing education program. It’s designed to prepare graduates for nursing faculty and patient education positions. A post-master’s certificate option is also available. Depending on the student’s scheduling needs, the program is offered full-time and part-time. It has graduation options of two or three years. All courses are offered online so that working nurses may continue gaining experience while attending school. The University of North Dakota is nationally ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #180 among the best national universities and #100 among the top public schools.
#15 – Briar Cliff University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Sioux City, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,215
Students who want to earn an affordable master’s in nursing education have a number of options at Briar Cliff University. The School of Nursing offers an online MSN nurse educator program that is 100% online. All coursework outside of clinicals and practicums takes place online. The school works with each graduate nursing student to find clinical preceptors in their own community so that travel is not necessary. Course topics explore:
- curriculum and instruction
- foundations of advanced nursing practice
- health care administration
- theoretical foundations in higher education
There are 160 clinical hours required for graduation. Briar Cliff University is a regionally ranked institution by U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 edition of Best Colleges. The school is ranked #38 among the best regional colleges in
the Midwest and #27 among the best colleges for veterans.
#14 – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Lubbock, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,130
The accredited master’s in nursing education program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center allows students to complete the degree via online courses and practicum experiences. The education track prepares students to develop, implement, and improve evidence-based teaching strategies in academic and healthcare settings. Core courses include:
- evidence for advanced nursing practice
- health policy essentials for advanced nursing practice
- health informatics
- leadership for advanced nursing
Specialty courses include:
- comprehensive clinical care
- leadership in nursing education
- a practicum
U.S. News and World Report ranks Texas Tech’s online graduate nursing program as the 36th best in the nation.
#13 – The University of Texas at Arlington
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Arlington, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000
University of Texas at Arlington offers an online master’s in nursing education program that prepares nurses to become nurse educators. The online MSN focuses on how to:
- develop curricula
- evaluate strategies in the classroom
- advance teaching skills
Required courses include:
- the exploration of science and theories for nursing
- the role of the nurse educator
- special topics in clinical practice
All coursework is delivered online with technology-based learning models that implement clinical experiences. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the university and its nursing programs. In fact, U.S. News ranks the institution’s graduate nursing school as #90 and the online graduate nursing program as #54.
#12 – Wilmington University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
New Castle, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,862
Wilmington University offers an online Master’s in Nursing Education for professional nurses who want to pursue leadership roles as:
- executives
- educators
- legal nurse consultants
Students who want to pursue educator roles can emphasize their studies to include the nurse educator focus. Core requirements include:
- contemporary concepts in advanced practice roles
- politics and policy in the health care system
- research in nursing practice
- teaching and learning in nursing
The educator concentration focuses on topics in:
- curriculum development
- evidence-based decision making
- technology and the school environment
The program is offered entirely online or in a hybrid format.
#11 – Graceland University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Lamoni, Iowa
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,797
Graceland University offers an online master’s in nursing education program that prepares RNs to teach in academic or health care settings. Curriculum incorporates a combination of theory and research with an emphasis on nurse education. The specialty track includes classes in:
- assessment of learning in nurse education
- curriculum development
- roles and issues for nurse educators
- teaching strategies
A required 240-hour practicum may be completed in the student’s own community to eliminate the need for on-campus visits. Graceland University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school is ranked 104th among the best regional universities in the Midwest.
#10 – Southern Illinois University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Edwardsville, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,524
Southern Illinois University offers an affordable master’s in nursing education program that is almost entirely online. Successful completion of the program earns an MSN with a nursing education specialization. All courses are administered in an online format with three face-to-face practicum experiences provided in a variety of settings. The practicum consists of 270 hours, individualized to the student’s:
- academic goals
- interests
- geographic location
With successful graduation and two years of teaching experience, students may be eligible to take the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator examination. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university and its online graduate nursing program. The university is ranked as the 44th best regional university in the Midwest. Its online graduate nursing program is ranked #76.
#9 – Central Methodist University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Fayette, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,280
Central Methodist University offers an accredited master’s in nursing education program that allows qualifying students to earn a master’s in nursing philosophy with nurse educator specialization. The goal of the nursing educator program is to prepare nurses with skills that enable them to provide health care education in a variety of settings. Courses cover:
- evaluation methods
- evidence-based practice in nurse education
- instructional strategies
- issues and trends in post-secondary education
U.S. News and World Report ranks Central Methodist as the 36th best regional college in the Midwest and the 25th best college for veterans. The university’s graduate nursing school has also been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#8 – Winona State University
MSN in Nursing Education Online
Winona, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,130
Winona State University offers an affordable master’s in nursing education. It’s designed for working nurses to earn advanced skills in nursing and a graduate certificate as a nurse educator. The program may be completed in two or three years and requires core and specialization courses. Topics explored in nurse education classes include:
- curriculum and program design
- health care policy and quality health care delivery
- instruction and evaluation
- theory and research
A nursing education practicum is required. It can be completed in the student’s own geographic location. Winona State University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks:
- the 72nd best regional university in the Midwest
- the 18th top public school
- the 56th best college for veterans
#7 – Indiana State University
Online Master of Science in Nursing Education
Terre Haute, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,040
Indiana State University offers an affordable master’s in nursing education. It may be completed entirely online with no required on-campus visits. The program is designed to be completed in 2.5 to 3 years. However, students may choose to complete the program in 3 to 5 years. The nursing education concentration courses include:
- advanced clinical concepts in nursing education
- curriculum process in nursing
- measurement and assessment in nursing
A total of 90 clinical hours of educational practices in nursing is required. Students will also complete a culminating project or master’s thesis. The school and nursing program are ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the online graduate nursing program at Indiana State as the 98th best in the nation.
#6 – University of South Alabama
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Mobile, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,966
The University of South Alabama offers an online MSN with nurse educator and leadership specialty. The program is available on a full-time and part-time basis. Required classes include:
- concepts of professional nursing
- evidence based practice and informatics
- healthcare policy and finance
- organizational and systems leadership
According to the program website, the online classroom is interactive. It offers students opportunities to participate and actively learn. Students have direct access to peers and instructors. The university is ranked with major publications. U.S. News and World Report has recognized the school’s online graduate nursing program, although the ranking is unpublished for 2016.
#5 – Texas Woman’s University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Denton, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,162
Texas Woman’s University’s College of Nursing offers an affordable master’s in nursing education program that is available 100% online. This 40-semester hour program equips nurses with the advanced skills needed to work as nurse educators in collegiate and health care settings. Required courses in the specialty of nursing education include:
- curriculum design and management in nursing
- evaluation models for curriculum management
- measurement and assessment in nursing
- theoretical basis for nursing education
The program includes a student-designed project in a select area of nurse education. The institution’s graduate nursing school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 48th best nursing school in the nation.
#4 – Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Corpus Christi, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,903
The accredited master’s in nursing education program at Texas A&M University provides course instruction that is primarily delivered online. Students may continue working and balancing life obligations while attending school. Typical courses include:
- curriculum design
- leadership and health policy
- healthcare informatics
- teaching in nursing
- teaching strategies
A teaching in nursing practicum is required. The institution’s graduate nursing school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the graduate nursing school as the 115th best in the country and the online graduate nursing school as #36 out of 1,200 similar programs.
#3 – Missouri State University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Springfield, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,388
Missouri State University offers an accredited master’s in nursing education program for nurses with busy schedules who want to pursue an advanced degree in nursing. The degree may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The nurse educator specialization course requirements include:
- curriculum design and program development
- issues in healthcare education
- population health
- technology in health care education
Missouri State is a regionally ranked university. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 64th best regional university in the Midwest. U.S. News also ranks Missouri’s online graduate nursing program as #95 out of over 1,200 programs.
#2 – University of Wyoming
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Laramie, Wyoming
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,234
The online master’s in nursing education from the University of Wyoming is for registered nurses with a BSN degree who want to become nurse educators. The online program requires one visit to campus for an initial orientation. Required courses include:
- application of theory in advanced nursing practice
- introduction to nursing education
- learning theories
- rural nursing leadership
- a practicum in nurse education
The program is offered on a part-time basis and typically takes three years to complete. However,the university requirement states that a student may take no longer than six years. University of Wyoming is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the university as:
- the 168th best national university
- the 91st top public school
- the 134th best college for veterans
#1 – Cox College
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Springfield, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,421
Cox College offers an affordable master’s in nursing education program for working nurses who want to gain additional skills and an advanced degree. The nurse educator program is for registered nurses with a BSN. Course requirements include:
- educational theory and practice
- instructional strategies and technologies
- a nurse educator practicum
Graduate students explore issues and challenges faced by the nurse educator with an emphasis on the applications of concepts. Students graduate with the skills needed to work as educators in various health care settings. The program requires a clinical practicum be completed in the student’s geographic location.
Related Resources:
30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN)
Ultimate Guide to Nursing & Healthcare Degrees and Careers
What Is the Difference Between a Nursing Degree and a Nursing Education Degree?
What Job Opportunities Are Open to RNs who Earn an Online Master’s Degree in Nursing Education?
What Subjects Will I Study in an Online Master’s in Nursing Education Program?