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.
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:
- Alabama 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
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.Dover, DE
Wesley College
Dover, DE 19901
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 that means that 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 able to get licensed or certified.
2024 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:
Dover, DE
Wesley University
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 736-2300
Newark, DE
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-1253
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.