The New England state of Connecticut is a great state for anyone looking to reap the benefits of small-town living but still have access to the convenience of living in close proximity of New York City. It's also a great state for nurses looking to go back to school and enroll in a graduate program and seek opportunities as a nurse practitioners or another higher-level nursing career. One popular option is a Master of Nursing Science (MSN) program, a short-length, cost-effective degree program that allows students to complete the minimum requirements for these careers. These programs exist state-wide and can be found in places such as New Haven or Hartford or somewhere else entirely. Below is some information that can help you on this exciting career journey including how to find the cheapest and fastest MSN programs in Connecticut and some potential shortcuts you can take advantage of through the use of MSN bridge programs.
RN to MSN Programs in Connecticut
While the primary requirement for enrolling in an MSN program is a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), an RN to MSN program is designed for working nurses who skip this requirement allowing them to achieve their MSN in a shorter amount of time. If you have a current nursing license and an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), you will likely qualify for this convenient nursing path. Other requirements include:
- Connecticut 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
Looking for a few options in Connecticut? Check out Goodwin University (GU) and Sacred Heart University (SHU) both of which offer these fast and affordable options.
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.Fairfield, CT
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 254-4000 x2700 Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT 06825
(203) 365-4508New Haven, CT
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT 06515
(203) 392-6485Orange, CT
Yale University
Orange, CT 06477
(203) 785-2393Storrs, CT
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269-4026
(860) 486-0537West Hartford, CT
University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, CT 06117-2791
(860) 231-5352
Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Connecticut
Whether you’re currently working as a nurse or simply considering the future, narrowing down the best options for an MSN program typically comes down to how fast you can graduate and how much it’s going to cost. If you’re looking for the fastest and most affordable MSN programs in Connecticut, there are plenty of considerations. See the examples below:
What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?
In most cases, a full-time student will need to commit at least four years to complete an MSN program, however, there are actually several MSN programs that can be completed in level less time. To find the fastest MSN programs in Connecticut, it helps to be open to online MSN programs or summer programs. Here are a few examples of the best MSN programs in Connecticut that can be completed in a short amount of time.
School | Estimated Length | Online Option? |
University of Hartford (UHart) | 2 years | Yes |
University of Saint Joseph (USJ) | 8 semesters | Yes |
Sacred Heart University (SHU) | 2 years | Yes |
What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?
For students, the cost of the program is much more of a consideration than the length. While Connecticut isn’t the most affordable state in the country, you can certainly still find a number of MSN programs that can fit within your budget. You can also compound your savings by establishing residency in the state before you start applying to MSN programs, among other strategies. Here are a few of the cheapest MSN programs in Connecticut:
School | Estimated Cost | Credits |
Sacred Heart University (SJU) | $25,000 – $30,000 | 39 |
University of Bridgeport (UB) | $30,000 – $40,000 | 30 |
Goodwin University (CU) | $20,000 – $30,000 | 30 |
Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)
Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs in Connecticut offer a fast-track path for individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees who want to enter the nursing profession. These programs blend foundational nursing education with advanced coursework, preparing graduates for licensure as registered nurses and roles in leadership or specialized areas. Students engage in intensive studies, clinical rotations, and courses in health policy, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Typical admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite courses, and a competitive GPA
- 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
If you’re looking for a few options for accelerated MSN programs in Connecticut, you can find them offered at schools like Fairfield University (FU) or Yale School of Nursing (YUN).
Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties
One of the key benefits of pursuing an MSN is the ability to specialize in a field that aligns with your career goals. Specializations not only enhance your skills but also boost job security and increase earning potential. Connecticut's MSN programs offer pathways in areas like family practice, mental health, pediatrics, and nursing leadership, allowing nurses to tailor their education to meet the demands of specific healthcare roles. Specializing equips nurses with advanced expertise, opening doors to leadership, clinical, and administrative positions. Here are a few examples in the state:
School | Specialty | Credits |
University of Connecticut (UConn) | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | 44 |
Fairfield University (FU) | Family Nurse Practitioner | 51 |
University of Hartford (UHart) | Public Health Nursing | 31 |
What is MSN Accreditation?
MSN accreditation in Connecticut ensures that programs meet high standards set by bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). It confirms the curriculum, faculty, and outcomes prepare students for advanced nursing roles, licensure, and certification. Accredited programs are recognized by employers and qualify for financial aid, making them essential for career advancement and affordability.
2024 List of MSN Programs in Connecticut
Looking for other options for MSN programs? Take a look at our list below:
MSN Programs By City:
Danbury, CT
Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 837-8200
Fairfield, CT
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 254-4000
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT 06825
(203) 371-7999
New Britain, CT
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT 06050
(860) 832-3200
New Haven, CT
Southern Connecticut State University
- Clinical Nurse Leader Campus
- Family Nurse Practitioner Campus
- Nursing Education Campus
New Haven, CT 06515
(203) 392-7278
Orange, CT
Yale University
- Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty Campus
- Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty Campus
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty Campus
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Campus
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty Campus
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Specialty Campus
Orange, CT 06477
(203) 785-2389
Storrs, CT
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269
(860) 486-0876
West Hartford, CT
University of Hartford
West Hartford, CT 06117
(860) 768-4100
University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, CT 06117
(186) 023-2457 x1
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.