Master’s in Executive Nurse Leadership

Last Updated On Jul 28, 2025

9 Min Read

2026 Best MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership Programs

Navigating the complex world of healthcare leadership requires advanced education and strategic skills. RegisteredNursing.org has meticulously researched and compiled the definitive guide to the Best MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership Programs across the United States. Our comprehensive rankings consider critical factors like program curriculum, faculty expertise, clinical partnerships, and graduate success rates. These top-tier Master of Science in Nursing programs prepare nurses to transform healthcare systems, drive organizational change, and lead innovative patient care strategies. Whether you're an experienced nurse seeking career advancement or a passionate professional looking to make a significant impact, these programs offer the advanced training and credentials necessary to excel in executive nursing roles. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

The University of Texas at Tyler

Tyler, TX - Public 4-Year - uttyler.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing — Nursing Administration

Concentration: Nurse Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Texas at Tyler's MSN in Nursing Administration offers an innovative online pathway for aspiring nurse executives. Designed for current nursing professionals, this 36-credit hour program strategically develops leadership competencies through a comprehensive curriculum. Students benefit from a specialized 112.5-hour practicum, gaining real-world executive insights alongside theoretical training. The program uniquely addresses complex healthcare management challenges, covering critical domains like financial strategy, legal frameworks, and transformative care delivery systems. Candidates must hold a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and active nursing licensure. Graduates emerge well-positioned to drive organizational excellence and navigate the intricate modern healthcare environment, with potential pathways to doctoral studies.

Online program flexibility.
36 credit hours.
Nurse Executive Leadership concentration.
112.5-hour practicum.
BSN and 3.0 GPA required.
Current licensure needed.
Focus on healthcare leadership.
Legal and financial management.
Care delivery systems.
Prepares for doctoral studies.

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN - Public 4-Year - pnw.edu

Master's - MSN Nurse Executive

Online Learning - Visit Website

Purdue University Northwest's innovative online MSN Nurse Executive program strategically prepares nursing professionals for transformative leadership roles in complex healthcare environments. Meticulously structured to accommodate working nurses, the program offers remarkable flexibility through 12-month full-time and two-year part-time tracks. Students gain comprehensive insights into advanced leadership competencies, including strategic policy development, sophisticated financial management techniques, and systemic healthcare leadership approaches. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, integrating real-world practicum experiences that equip graduates with cutting-edge executive skills. With ACEN accreditation, affordable tuition, and expert nursing faculty, the program ensures graduates are well-positioned to drive meaningful organizational change and excel in high-level nursing leadership positions.

100% Online Program
12-month Full-Time Option
$512.16 Per Credit
32 Total Program Credits
ACEN Accredited Program
Real-World Practicum Experience
Expert Nursing Faculty
Leadership Skills Development
Flexible Part-Time Option
Financial Aid Available

University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL - Public 4-Year - uwf.edu

Master's - MSN in Nurse Executive

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of West Florida's MSN in Nurse Executive program strategically prepares advanced practice nurses for transformative leadership roles in complex healthcare environments. Delivered entirely online, the rigorous 24-month curriculum emphasizes critical competencies in strategic management, technological innovation, and organizational leadership. Tailored for licensed RNs holding a BSN, the program provides comprehensive training through flexible asynchronous coursework and integrated practicum experiences. Graduates emerge equipped to drive systemic healthcare improvements, with potential executive nursing leadership positions in hospitals, healthcare systems, and administrative settings. The program's CCNE accreditation ensures high-quality educational standards, complemented by a competitive tuition rate of $425 per credit hour and a manageable 39-credit total.

Online program, 24 months
39 total credit hours
Tuition $425 per credit hour
3.0 minimum GPA required
Accredited by CCNE
Practicum hours included
Transfer credits up to 9
Prepares for nurse executive roles
Flexible asynchronous format

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ - Private 4-year - shu.edu

Master's - M.S.N. in Nursing Administration and Executive Nurse Leadership

Online Learning - Visit Website

Seton Hall University's online MSN in Nursing Administration and Executive Nurse Leadership transforms experienced nurses into strategic healthcare leaders. This meticulously designed 35-credit program empowers professionals to navigate complex healthcare environments through advanced administrative training. Students develop comprehensive skills in policy development, organizational management, and quality improvement strategies. With a curriculum crafted by seasoned nurse executives, participants gain practical insights into leadership dynamics. The flexible part-time format accommodates working nurses, enabling seamless career progression. Graduates are strategically positioned to pursue high-level executive roles, with opportunities for prestigious certification exams and transformative healthcare leadership.

100% online program
Part-time, 3-year curriculum
35 total credits
Certification exam eligibility
Faculty with executive experience
Leadership-focused curriculum
Practicum with nurse executives

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL - Public 4-Year - southalabama.edu

Master's - Executive Nursing Administration

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of South Alabama's online Executive Nursing Administration MSN program strategically equips nurses for transformative leadership roles in complex healthcare environments. With a comprehensive 37-credit curriculum and 480 clinical hours, students develop advanced administrative competencies essential for executive positions like Nurse Manager and Chief Nursing Executive. The program distinguishes itself through flexible clinical placements and alignment with American Nurses Association standards, enabling working professionals to enhance their leadership capabilities while maintaining current employment. Graduates are comprehensively prepared for national certification and high-impact healthcare leadership roles.

Fully online MSN program
37 total credit hours
480 total clinical hours
Leadership-focused curriculum
Flexible clinical placement options
Prepares for executive nursing roles
National certification preparation

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT - Private 4-year - sacredheart.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Management and Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

Sacred Heart University's Executive Nurse Leadership MSN program offers a comprehensive 36-credit online curriculum designed for ambitious nursing professionals seeking advanced administrative roles. The program uniquely prepares students to excel in strategic leadership positions like Chief Nursing Officer through specialized coursework in organizational management, quality improvement, and workforce development. With no campus visits required and 120 clinical practicum hours, students can balance professional responsibilities while enhancing their leadership capabilities. CCNE-accredited and featuring international study options, the program positions graduates for high-level healthcare leadership roles with potential annual salaries ranging from $103,000 to $135,000. Flexible learning models accommodate working nurses seeking transformative career advancement.

100% online coursework
36 total credit hours
Cost per credit: $695
2-year program duration
No campus visits required
120 clinical practicum hours
CCNE Accredited program
International study option

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH - Private 4-year - snhu.edu

Master's - MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership

Online Learning - Visit Website

Southern New Hampshire University's online MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership transforms clinical professionals into strategic healthcare leaders. Through a comprehensive 12-course curriculum, students develop advanced competencies in organizational management, healthcare policy, and interprofessional collaboration. The program's innovative approach emphasizes strategic planning, human resources dynamics, and financial management within healthcare settings. With a competitive per-credit cost and flexible 10-week terms, students can complete the degree in approximately 18 months. Graduates are positioned to pursue high-level administrative roles with projected job growth of 28%, gaining critical skills to drive systemic healthcare improvements and lead complex organizational transformations.

Online MSN Leadership Track
12 total courses
$637 per credit
Prepare for nurse leadership roles
135 clinical practicum hours
Career growth potential 28%
Nationally recognized program
Flexible 10-week terms

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE - Private 4-year - wilmu.edu

Master's - MSN in Nursing Leadership

Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's MSN in Nursing Leadership with a Nurse Executive concentration delivers a strategic pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking transformative leadership roles. The program's CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes comprehensive healthcare policy understanding, entrepreneurial skill development, and executive management training. Students benefit from flexible online learning formats and accelerated 7-week courses, enabling rapid academic progression. Designed for working nurses, the program allows completion in approximately one year, with a reasonable per-course tuition of $1,611. Graduates emerge prepared to drive systemic healthcare improvements, influence organizational strategies, and elevate patient care outcomes through sophisticated leadership capabilities. The program's practical approach ensures nurses are equipped to navigate complex healthcare environments effectively.

CCNE-accredited program
Nurse Executive concentration
Flexible online and in-person
7-week accelerated courses
$1,611 per course
Complete in one year
36 total credits
Hands-on experiences
Expert faculty
Affordable tuition

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL - Public 4-Year - ua.edu

Master's - RN to BSN/MSN

Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Alabama's online RN to BSN/MSN program specializes in Nurse Executive leadership, offering a strategic pathway for registered nurses to advance their careers. This innovative program uniquely accelerates professional development through a comprehensive curriculum focused on healthcare management and strategic leadership. Students benefit from a flexible online format, completing 50-56 credit hours with competitive tuition rates and no campus attendance requirements. With CCNE accreditation, the program ensures high-quality education, requiring an unencumbered RN license and maintaining a 3.0 GPA standard. The Nurse Executive concentration prepares professionals for advanced administrative roles through intensive coursework and a 180-hour clinical practicum, emphasizing evidence-based management techniques and organizational leadership skills.

Online program format.
50-56 credit hours.
Bachelor's tuition $399/hour.
Master's tuition $480/hour.
No campus attendance required.
Accelerated RN to BSN/MSN track.
Nurse Executive concentration.
Requires unencumbered RN license.
3.0 GPA for admission.
Early Graduate School admission possible.

#10

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu

Master's - M.S.N. in Executive Nurse Leadership

Online Learning - Visit Website

Nova Southeastern University's Executive Nurse Leadership MSN represents a cutting-edge online program strategically designed for ambitious nursing professionals seeking advanced leadership roles. The 36-credit curriculum meticulously integrates comprehensive healthcare management principles with practical leadership competencies. Students engage in intensive coursework covering complex health system strategies, quality improvement methodologies, and fiscal leadership techniques. The program distinguishes itself through a 170-hour leadership practicum, enabling nurses to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world executive applications. With a flexible online format accommodating working professionals, the program requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, positioning graduates to drive transformative change across healthcare institutions.

36 total credit online program
Flexible online coursework
170-hour leadership practicum
Advanced nursing leadership focus
Semester-by-semester curriculum
Experienced nursing faculty
Career advancement opportunities

*Data obtained from: IPEDS 2023 survey (NCES).

Which MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership Program is Right for Me?

There are a number of Executive Nurse Leader MSN programs to choose from, so making the right choice for your career goals can be an overwhelming decision. In order to simplify your options, consider the following elements when researching schools:

Program Accreditation – A critical first step is determining if a program is properly accredited. Program accreditation means that a third-party organization has vetted the school, and you can be sure it will provide high-quality nursing education and prepare nurses for the next phase of their careers. It is smart to ensure that every program you consider is accredited by an organization such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
On-Campus vs. Distance Learning – MSN programs are offered in traditional classroom formats and fully online "distance learning" and hybrid formats that combine on-campus study with online coursework. Many nurses considering an advanced degree work full-time or have family obligations to fulfill, so online programs can provide the flexibility that makes attaining an MSN degree more convenient.
Sample Coursework – Most schools provide an overview of the program curriculum on their websites or by email if requested. Before you select a program, ensure that the course subjects cover what you need to learn to reach the desired next step in your career. Typical courses for a Nurse Executive Leader program include financial management and resource allocation, nurse leadership, and quality improvement and safety.
Time Commitment – Most MSN degrees take between 2 and 3 years to complete, and in some cases, one year. However, the time it takes to complete an MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership can vary based on several factors, including whether a program is taken on a full- or part-time basis, if the program is a distance learning format that allows you to complete your coursework on your own schedule, and how many clinical or on-campus hours are required to complete the program.
Program Cost– The tuition cost for an MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership program varies from school to school and can be influenced by the geographic location, type of school, online versus on-campus program format, and a student's residency status. When calculating the total price of a school, be sure to include the cost of materials, books, housing, and/or commuting, if necessary, in addition to the tuition fees.

Advantages of Online MSN in Executive Nurse Leader Programs

Online MSN programs provide students with several benefits, including the flexibility to complete coursework around their schedules. The major advantages of selecting an online MSN program include:

Affordability

Often, online programs are the more cost-effective options for students when compared with traditional on-campus programs. While tuition rates vary widely from school to school, online students do not have to consider commuting costs or campus housing when calculating the full price of their education. Most schools, including those that offer online programs, also provide financial aid options for those who require assistance paying for their degrees.

Flexible Schedule & Program Length

Many nurses who decide to pursue a master's degree are already working full-time, and often at odd hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Online programs provide full-time or part-time nurses the flexibility to complete coursework when it suits their needs without disrupting work or family obligations. Many schools offer self-paced learning, which means students can complete coursework quicker, allowing them to complete their degree and begin a new career in less time than a traditional classroom program.

Accessibility & Convenience

Online learning opens the door to a wider range of schools and program options than those within commuting distance from your home. Especially important for those who live in rural or remote locations, online students don't need to worry about the cost of commuting, traffic patterns, or parking costs. And the convenience of logging into the classroom at any time can't be matched by an on-campus program.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum for an Executive Nurse Leader MSN program prepares students for leadership and managerial roles. Coursework generally begins with advanced nursing practices, such as evidence-based nursing practices, healthcare policy and advocacy, and quality improvement and safety standards. Following foundational advanced nursing classes, students in an Executive Nurse Leader program move on to courses that deal with management principles, including financial management, strategic planning, interpersonal communication, and leadership best practices.

As an example of the program curriculum, the following classes are included in Benedictine University's online Master of Science in Nursing, Executive Nurse Leader program:

Health Promotion and Inter-professional Collaboration
Ethical and Culturally Competent Healthcare Professional
Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Research and Process Improvement
Healthcare Policy and Advocacy
Quality Improvement and Safety
Building Effective Communication and Relationships
Advanced Knowledge of Healthcare Systems
Financial Management and Resource Allocation
Nurse Leadership and Systems Thinking
Advanced Nursing Practice Clinical Immersion

In addition to coursework completed online or in a classroom, an MSN program also includes clinical practice hours in which students will put their coursework into the application.

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What Are the Tuition & Costs for an MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership Program?

As mentioned above, the cost of an Executive Nurse Leader MSN program can vary widely based on the school's location and several other factors. In addition to tuition fees, other costs associated with an MSN degree generally include mandatory university fees, materials, and supplies, including textbooks and medical supplies, graduation fees, and for students who study on campus, housing and/or commuting costs. As an example of program costs, the University of San Diego's Master of Science in Nursing Executive Nurse Leader program costs $1,690 per credit hour in 2023, along with additional mandatory fees.

What Are the Career Options for Nurses with an MSN in Executive Nurse Leader?

Nurses with an MSN Executive Nurse Leader degree have many career options to pursue, including as a nurse executive or nurse administrator. Typical duties for which an Executive Nurse Leader has been trained include:

Create budgets for the healthcare facility
Design and oversee patient care practices
Participate in the development of policies and procedures
Hire, train, and mentor junior nurses
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and administrators.

Specific career titles these senior nurses may hold include:

Nurse Executive: A nurse executive is a managerial role in which the nurse shapes healthcare policies and practices for their organization and oversees the work of a team of nurses. They also make budgets, manage finances for their department or organization, and mentor junior nurses.
Nurse Consultant: Often working at the intersection of health and the law, nurse consultants help develop solutions for healthcare facilities to ensure they deliver high-quality patient care and follow all applicable legal standards and protocols.
Nurse Administrator: Combining patient care and managerial duties, nurse administrators such as Charge Nurses or Nurse Managers hire, train, and supervise nursing staff, create work schedules, maintain records, oversee quality assurance activities, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
Director of Nursing: In a top management position, the Director of Nursing oversees multiple departments or even an entire healthcare facility and uses evidence-based practices to develop policies and protocols.

Read more in our Expert Guide to Nursing Leadership