Master’s in Executive Nurse Leadership

Nurses passionate about taking a leadership role in their organization, coupling best practices in nursing with effective business principles, and managing others may benefit from pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Executive Nurse Leadership degree. These advanced nursing degree programs prepare nurses to be leaders in their field and secure rewarding jobs as nurse executives, nurse consultants, and even Directors of Nursing. In addition to the opportunity to help patients and take a leadership role in a healthcare organization, a career in medical and health services management offered a median salary of $104,830 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2025 Best MSN in Executive Nurse Leadership Programs

Navigating the complex world of nursing leadership requires advanced education and strategic skills. RegisteredNursing.org has comprehensively researched and evaluated the top Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Executive Nurse Leadership programs across the United States. Our expert team has analyzed crucial factors such as curriculum quality, faculty expertise, clinical placement opportunities, and graduate success rates to identify the most outstanding programs. These top-tier MSN programs prepare nurses to step into high-level administrative roles, driving healthcare innovation and patient care transformation. Nurses seeking to elevate their careers and make significant impacts in healthcare management will find these rankings invaluable for making informed educational decisions. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

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

• 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

#2

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

• 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

#3

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

• 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.

#4

Nova Southeastern University

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

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

Online Learning - Visit Website

• 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

#5

Miami University

Oxford, OH - Public 4-Year - miamioh.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

• 33 total credit hours
• Online program delivery
• Two-day on-campus workshop
• 210 precepted practicum hours
• National certification exam preparation
• Strategic leadership focus
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
• Healthcare systems improvement

#6

The University of Alabama

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

Master's - RN to BSN/MSN

Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online Learning - Visit Website

• 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.

#7

Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA - Public 4-Year - psu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Concentration: Nurse Administrator - Online Learning - Visit Website

• CCNE-accredited program
• 36-credit curriculum
• $1,027 per credit
• Flexible study options
• Local practicum completion
• BSN and RN license required
• 3.3 GPA for admission
• Focus on Nurse Administrator
• Online program format
• Part-time and full-time options

#8

Purdue University Northwest

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

Master's - MSN Nurse Executive

Online Learning - Visit Website

• 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

#9

University of West Florida

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

Master's - MSN in Nurse Executive

Online Learning - Visit Website

• 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

#10

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ - Public 4-Year - rowan.edu

Master's - M.S. in Nursing: Nurse Executive

Online Learning - Visit Website

• Online part-time nursing program
• 150 practicum hours required
• 11 total courses
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Active RN license needed
• 36 semester hours total
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Advanced healthcare management
• Professional development focused

*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.

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.

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

Organizations & Helpful Resources

• American Nurses Credentialing Center – Nurse Executive Certification
• American Organization of Nurse Executives
• Nurse Leader Magazine
• Organization of Nurse Leaders

List of All Executive Nurse Leadership Programs

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