While Delaware can sometimes be tragically overlooked due to its size, it remains one of the nation's best states for the healthcare industry, In 2024, the East Coast state was recognized as the second highest state for quality healthcare in the US. That being said, when it comes to the number of nursing programs, The First State is not necessarily equipped with a large selection but if you know where to look you can find great options that meet both your schedule and budget. In the sections below, we'll go over Master of Nursing Science (MSN) programs and how they can be a fast and affordable option for nurses looking to elevate their careers as nurse practitioners or other higher-level careers. We'll also provide you with a few examples located in cities such as Wilmington and throughout the state.

2026 Best Online MSN Programs in Delaware

Looking for the best online MSN programs in Delaware? RegisteredNursing.org has done the research to help you find top options that fit your needs. Our rankings highlight programs that offer quality education through distance learning, making it easier for busy nurses to advance their careers without leaving home. Online programs provide flexibility for working professionals, allowing you to balance studies with job and family commitments. We evaluate factors like accreditation, faculty expertise, and student support to ensure our recommendations are reliable. Learn more about how we create these rankings at https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

University of Delaware

Newark, DE - Public 4-Year - udel.edu

BSN to MSN - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Delaware's online MSN in Nursing Education prepares nurses to become influential educators through cutting-edge teaching strategies and curriculum design expertise. This 100% online program features a flexible three-year part-time format with 30 credit hours and 500 practicum hours, accommodating working professionals. With CCNE accreditation and a competitive tuition rate of $848 per credit through Dean's Scholarship, graduates gain advanced skills to implement evidence-based practices and drive healthcare innovation. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 30 Total Credit Hours
  • 500 Practicum Hours
  • 3-Year Part-Time Format
  • Dean's Scholarship Applied
  • $848 per Credit
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Advanced Teaching Courses
  • Curriculum Design Focus
  • Evidence-Based Education

BSN to MSN - Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Delaware's online MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner track prepares baccalaureate nurses for advanced practice roles with comprehensive patient care expertise. This 100% online program offers flexible application deadlines throughout the year and can be completed in three years. Students gain advanced clinical skills through interprofessional education opportunities at a competitive tuition rate of $848 per credit. No entrance exam is required for this master's level nursing program.

  • Family Nurse Practitioner track available
  • 3-year program completion
  • Multiple application deadlines
  • $848 per credit tuition
  • Multiple advanced practice tracks
  • Interprofessional education opportunities
  • Fall application deadline July 1
  • Winter application deadline October 15
  • Spring application deadline December 15
  • Summer application deadline April 1

BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Delaware's 100% online MSN in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares experienced nurses to diagnose and treat complex conditions in acute and critical care settings. This CCNE-accredited program requires 42 credit hours and 816 practicum hours, featuring a flexible part-time schedule that allows completion in three years while working full-time. With 100% clinical placement assistance and a competitive $848 per credit tuition through Dean's Scholarship, students gain advanced skills in pathophysiology and pharmacology. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

  • 100% Online Delivery
  • 42 Total Credit Hours
  • 816 Practicum Hours
  • $848 per Credit Tuition
  • 3-Year Completion Path
  • Advanced Clinical Training
  • 100% Clinical Placement
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Part-Time Flexible Schedule
  • Acute Care Specialty Focus

BSN to MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Delaware's hybrid Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares baccalaureate nurses to provide holistic mental health care across diverse populations. This three-year program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional education, offering a competitive tuition rate of $848 per credit through the College of Health Sciences Dean's Scholarship. The hybrid format combines online coursework with in-person components to develop advanced mental health practice skills. No entrance exam is required for this master's level nursing program.

  • 3-year program completion
  • Advanced mental health practice
  • Interprofessional education focus
  • $848 per credit tuition
  • Evidence-based practice emphasis
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#2

Wilmington University

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

BSN to MSN - MSN Leadership (Nurse Educator)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's online MSN Leadership program with a Nurse Educator concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to enhance healthcare education through innovative teaching strategies. This 36-credit hour program focuses on curriculum development, technology integration, and evidence-based practices, requiring a 3.0 GPA and undergraduate statistics for admission. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. The flexible online format allows completion within five years and includes a capstone project, aligning with AACN Essentials for comprehensive nurse educator training.

  • 36 total credit hours
  • Nursing Education concentration available
  • Completed within 5 years
  • Requires 3.0 GPA
  • Requires undergraduate statistics
  • Three specific education courses
  • Capstone project required
  • Aligned with AACN Essentials
  • Online and flexible program
  • Leadership and educational focus

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner (Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Wilmington University's hybrid Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner program offers an Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner concentration, preparing registered nurses for primary care roles across late adolescence to elderly populations. This 48-credit program requires 600 clinical hours over three years and admission with a BSN and preferred 2.75 GPA. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. The CCNE-accredited program combines online and face-to-face courses, providing flexible learning for working professionals seeking advanced practice specialization.

  • 48-credit graduate nursing program
  • 600 clinical practicum hours
  • Hybrid learning format
  • CCNE accredited program
  • 3-year completion timeline
  • BSN required for admission
  • 2.75+ GPA preferred
  • Adult/Gerontology concentration
  • Primary care focus
  • Online and face-to-face courses

BSN to MSN - Forensic Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's online Forensic Nursing program equips healthcare professionals with specialized skills to address medical-legal issues such as sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and abuse. This 3-credit course explores multidisciplinary approaches to victim-centered care and the intersection of nursing with the justice system. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. The online format focuses on critical social issues, preparing students for roles in community health advocacy and complex healthcare delivery systems.

  • Online MSN Forensic Nursing course
  • 3 credit specialized course
  • Explores healthcare legal implications
  • Addresses critical social issues
  • Multidisciplinary team approach

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

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Wilmington University's hybrid Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program provides graduate-level training for registered nurses to deliver primary care across the lifespan. This 48-credit hour program includes 600 clinical practicum hours and can be completed in three years through online, face-to-face, and hybrid formats. Admission requires a BSN with a preferred 3.0 GPA, and no entrance exam is mentioned as required. The CCNE-accredited program offers competitive admission standards and flexible learning options for career advancement.

  • 48-credit hour program
  • 3-year completion timeline
  • 600 clinical practicum hours
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Multiple learning format options
  • Fall and Spring admission
  • Maximum 6 transfer credits
  • Competitive admission standards
  • Online and hybrid options

RN to MSN - MSN in Nursing Leadership (Nurse Executive)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's online MSN in Nursing Leadership with a Nurse Executive concentration prepares nurses for advanced healthcare leadership roles. This CCNE-accredited program features 36 credits with 7-week accelerated courses at $1,611 per course, allowing completion in as little as one year. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. The online and in-person options focus on health policy, entrepreneurial skills, and management, providing practical training to influence patient care outcomes and support professional growth with straightforward admissions.

  • 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

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Leadership (Public Health)

Online Learning - Visit Website

  • CCNE-accredited program.
  • Online format available.
  • 36 total credits.
  • $1,653 per course.
  • 7-week accelerated classes.
  • Public Health concentration.
  • Flexible scheduling options.
  • Low tuition rates.
  • Nursing background required.
  • Hands-on experiences included.
Show 5 More Programs ˅
#3

Delaware State University

Dover, DE - Public 4-Year - desu.edu

BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Delaware State University's online Family Nurse Practitioner program equips advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care across all patient ages. This HBCU program emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and addressing social determinants of health, preparing graduates for independent or collaborative practice. The curriculum focuses on holistic healthcare with particular attention to health disparities and wellness equity. No entrance exam is required for this online Master's program, which includes training in state-specific practice requirements and diverse healthcare perspectives.

  • APRN independent practice training
  • Comprehensive patient care focus
  • Evidence-based curriculum
  • Lifespan patient care approach
  • Health disparities emphasis
  • Social determinants study
  • State-specific practice requirements
  • Diverse healthcare perspectives

BSN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Delaware State University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare across patient lifespans. This ACEN-accredited program from an HBCU emphasizes evidence-based, holistic interventions with focus on primary prevention, health promotion, and therapeutic strategies. Graduates gain expertise in managing psychiatric disorders while understanding health disparities and social determinants. No entrance exam is required for this online Master's program, which positions graduates for certification and advanced practice roles in mental healthcare.

  • Online Master's Degree Program
  • ACEN Fully Accredited Program
  • Holistic Mental Health Focus
  • Evidence-Based Care Approach
  • Advanced Practice Preparation
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*Credit: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024.

RN to MSN Programs in Delaware

If you’re looking for a shorter pathway to graduation and you’re already working as a registered nurse, you may be able to qualify for an RN to MSN program if you have an ADN already. These types of programs work with the students’ existing education and experience to deliver a faster-paced and more affordable education. As of now, there are two RN to MSN programs in Delaware one offered by Delaware State University (DSU) and another offered by Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC).

Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

  • Delaware 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

Dover, DE

Department of Nursing
120 N State St
Dover, DE 19901

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 Delaware

While the number of MSN programs located in Delaware is limited, you can still find a few cheap and fast programs available to students looking to level up their careers. In the sections below, we’ll go over which MSN programs in Delaware are the fastest and which are the most affordable.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

Depending on whether you're enrolled part-time or full-time, you can generally expect to complete an MSN program between 2 and 6 years, generally making it the fastest option for nursing graduate degrees. One example of a fast MSN program in Delaware is the Online MSN offered by the University of Delaware (UD) which takes about 3 years to finish part-time.

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

Because of how fast they take, MSN degree programs are typically considered the most affordable nursing degree. This of course will depend on where in Delaware you'll be studying, the size of your prospective nursing program, and other factors such as cost of living, textbooks, and technology fees. You may also potentially save money on tuition if you have established residency in Delaware. One of the cheapest MSN programs in Delaware is Delaware State University (DSU) which offers a tuition range of $700 – $1,400 per credit.

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

If you have a bachelor's degree in a subject other than nursing, a Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) program is another great alternative to the traditional MSN program. These types of programs allow you to get an MSN without having to get a BSN which can shorten your enrollment time significantly and save you a lot of money. While there are currently no MENP programs offered in Delaware, you can find them offered at institutions such as Drexel University (DU) and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) both located in Philadelphia. Below are the full list of admissions requirements typically requested of applicants.

  • 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

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

One of the most appealing aspects of MSN programs are specialized curriculums. Enrolling in a nursing graduate program usually means that you'll be given the opportunity to specialize in a specific practice area (or multiple practice areas) such as midwifery or pediatrics. One great specialized MSN program you can find in Delaware is the Family Nurse Practitioner program offered by Wilmington University (WilmU).

What is MSN Accreditation?

If a program has MSN accreditation, it means that the program meets quality standards set by accrediting bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). It confirms the program's curriculum, faculty, and outcomes prepare students for advanced nursing roles, licensure, and certification. A student who graduates from a program that is not accredited will not be eligible for licensure or certification.

2026 List of MSN Programs in Delaware

The full list of MSN programs located in Delaware is a little longer. Take a look below:

MSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Dover, DE

Delaware State University

  • BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • APRN independent practice training
    • Comprehensive patient care focus
    • Evidence-based curriculum
    • Lifespan patient care approach
    • Health disparities emphasis
    • Social determinants study
    • State-specific practice requirements
    • Diverse healthcare perspectives
  • BSN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • Focus on holistic evidence-based care.
    • Covers lifespan mental health.
    • Integrates therapeutic modalities.
    • Emphasizes health disparities.
    • Prepares for APRN licensure.
    • Includes primary prevention.
    • Addresses social determinants.

New Castle, DE

Wilmington University

  • BSN to MSN - Forensic Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN Forensic Nursing course
    • 3 credit specialized course
    • Explores healthcare legal implications
    • Addresses critical social issues
    • Multidisciplinary team approach
  • BSN to MSN - MSN Leadership

    Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website

    • 36 total credit hours
    • Nursing Education concentration available
    • Completed within 5 years
    • Requires 3.0 GPA
    • Requires undergraduate statistics
    • Three specific education courses
    • Capstone project required
    • Aligned with AACN Essentials
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Leadership

    Concentration: Public Health - Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE-accredited program.
    • Online format available.
    • 36 total credits.
    • $1,653 per course.
    • 7-week accelerated classes.
    • Public Health concentration.
    • Flexible scheduling options.
    • Low tuition rates.
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 48-credit graduate nursing program
    • 600 clinical practicum hours
    • Hybrid learning format
    • CCNE accredited program
    • 3-year completion timeline
    • BSN required for admission
    • 2.75+ GPA preferred
    • Adult/Gerontology concentration
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 48-credit hour program
    • 3-year completion timeline
    • 600 clinical practicum hours
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Online, face-to-face, hybrid formats
    • BSN degree required
    • 3.0 GPA preferred
    • Two concentration options

Newark, DE

University of Delaware

  • BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Delivery
    • 42 Total Credit Hours
    • 816 Practicum Hours
    • $848 per Credit Tuition
    • 3-Year Completion Path
    • Advanced Clinical Training
    • 100% Clinical Placement
    • CCNE Accredited Program
  • BSN to MSN - Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Family Nurse Practitioner track available
    • 3-year program completion
    • Multiple application deadlines
    • $848 per credit tuition
    • Multiple advanced practice tracks
    • Interprofessional education opportunities
    • Fall application deadline July 1
    • Winter application deadline October 15
  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 30 Total Credit Hours
    • 500 Practicum Hours
    • 3-Year Part-Time Format
    • Dean's Scholarship Applied
    • $848 per Credit
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Advanced Teaching Courses
  • BSN to MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track.
    • Hybrid program format.
    • Three-year completion time.
    • $886 per credit tuition.
    • Requires bachelor's in nursing.
    • Prepares for advanced practice roles.
    • Interprofessional education opportunities.
    • Evidence-based practice training.
*From: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2024. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/