Best Online MSN Programs in South Dakota

The Great Plains state of South Dakota, renowned for its rolling prairies, stunning Badlands, and iconic Mount Rushmore, offers more than just breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks. It is also home to excellent nursing programs that create opportunities for students looking to build fulfilling careers in healthcare. From Sioux Falls to Rapid City and the quieter rural regions, South Dakota provides an ideal environment for aspiring nurses. With an increasing demand for healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, the state offers strong incentives for those pursuing advanced nursing roles.

Master of Nursing Science (MSN) programs are particularly crucial for advancing nursing careers, and preparing professionals for roles such as nurse practitioners, clinical leaders, and healthcare administrators. South Dakota boasts a range of MSN options, from traditional programs to accelerated pathways, designed to meet the needs of diverse students. Below, explore everything you need to know about qualifying for these programs, finding the fastest and most cost-effective options, and taking the next step in your nursing career.

2026 Best Online MSN Programs in South Dakota

Looking for the best online MSN programs in South Dakota? RegisteredNursing.org has done the research to help you find top options that fit your needs. Online programs make it easier for busy nurses to advance their careers through distance learning without leaving home. Our rankings highlight schools with strong virtual coursework and support for remote students. We evaluate each program carefully to ensure you get reliable information. For details on how we create these rankings, check out our methodology page. https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/

#1

Mount Marty University

Yankton, SD - Private 4-year - mountmarty.edu

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Mount Marty University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program that prepares licensed RNs for advanced practice in primary care. This 50-credit CCNE-accredited program requires a 3.0 GPA minimum and RN licensure, with no entrance exam mentioned. It emphasizes holistic, evidence-based care with 720 clinical hours, focusing on rural and underserved communities. The curriculum integrates health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive patient management, equipping graduates for leadership roles in primary healthcare settings.

• 50 total credit program
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• CCNE accredited program
• RN licensure required
• 720 total clinical hours
• Full-time student status
• Post-graduate certification option
• Rural healthcare focus
• Advanced practice preparation
• Holistic patient care approach

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Mount Marty University provides an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration, designed for advanced practice in mental healthcare. This rigorous 50-credit program requires 750 clinical hours and integrates Catholic Benedictine values, with no entrance exam specified. It focuses on evidence-based psychiatric care, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy training, with particular emphasis on serving rural and underserved populations. Graduates develop skills in comprehensive mental health assessment and holistic patient management.

• 50 total credits required
• 750 clinical practice hours
• Evidence-based psychiatric care
• Rural healthcare focus
• Advanced pharmacotherapy training
• Psychotherapy skill development
• Comprehensive mental health assessment
• Catholic Benedictine values integration

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#2

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Informatics and e-Health)

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of South Dakota's online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Informatics and e-Health prepares advanced nursing professionals to strategically leverage technology in healthcare. This program focuses on developing expertise in data systems, electronic health technologies, and informatics to transform patient care delivery. The flexible online format offers part-time or full-time options and emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration. No entrance exam is required for admission. The curriculum addresses critical healthcare needs in both rural and urban settings through technology-driven approaches to improve patient outcomes and service delivery.

• Online flexible program
• Nursing informatics focus
• Telehealth expertise
• Technology-driven curriculum
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Part-time or full-time options
• Advanced healthcare leadership

*Data reference: IPEDS 2024, U.S. Department of Education, NCES.

RN to MSN Programs in South Dakota

RN to MSN programs, also known as ADN to MSN or RN to NP programs, are bridge pathways tailored for registered nurses with an associate degree. These programs enable nurses to earn their MSN without the need to first complete a BSN, providing a more streamlined and cost-effective route to advanced practice nursing. Typically completed in two to four years, these programs save both time and money. In South Dakota, several institutions offer RN to MSN programs, providing convenient options for nurses to further their education and meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in the state.

Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

• South Dakota RN license
• ADN or nursing diploma
• GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
• Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
• Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

While there aren’t a large selection of RN to MSN programs available in South Dakota, you can still find a great school that meets your needs. Check out South Dakota’s option below:

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in South Dakota

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

For many nurses, balancing a demanding work schedule while pursuing a graduate degree can be challenging. Thankfully, MSN programs are designed with flexibility in mind, typically requiring no more than four years of full-time study—and sometimes as little as two years or less. You can save even more time by opting for online classes or enrolling in summer courses. One of the fastest MSN programs available in South Dakota is offered by South Dakota State University (SDSU), which offers an MSN program that can be completed in as little as a year and a half.

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

The thought of returning to school often brings up concerns about tuition costs. While pursuing an MSN degree requires an investment, many programs in South Dakota are relatively affordable compared to those in other states. Tuition rates can vary based on factors such as program size, whether you are a South Dakota resident, and other considerations. One of the most affordable options for nursing students in South Dakota is Augustana University (AU) which has a tuition rate of between $700 to $900 per credit.

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs are ideal for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field who want to transition into advanced nursing careers without earning a second bachelor's degree. While MENP programs are typically longer than traditional MSN programs, they are much faster than completing two separate degrees. Below is a list of common admissions requirements for MENP programs in South Dakota:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
• GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
• Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
• Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
• Admissions interview

There is currently one MENP program in South Dakota – South Dakota State University (SDSU).

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

The opportunity to specialize in a specific area of practice is a major motivator for many nurses considering graduate school. Specialized MSN programs in South Dakota enable students to focus on fields in high demand. For example, the University of South Dakota (USD) offers an MSN program with a focus on Nursing Informatics, providing students with the skills needed to bridge the gap between clinical practice and technology.

What is MSN Accreditation?

When selecting an MSN program, accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider, alongside cost and time investment. Graduating from an unaccredited program could prevent you from obtaining licensure or certification. To ensure your program meets the necessary standards, verify that it is accredited by recognized bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). If you’re unsure about a program’s accreditation status, reach out to the school’s admissions department for confirmation.

2026 List of MSN Programs in South Dakota

Finding the perfect MSN program takes time. If you're still looking for a good fit, take a look at the full list of MSN programs offered in South Dakota below:

MSN Programs By City:

• Sioux Falls MSN Programs