2025 – Dual MSN/MBA Degree Programs Online & Campus
- Which MSN/MBA Program Is Right for Me?
- 2026 Best Dual Degree MSN/MBA Programs
- Online MSN/MBA Program Advantages
- MSN/MBA Program Curriculum
- MSN/MBA Specialty Tracks
- Dual MSN/MBA FAQs
- What Are the Tuition and Costs of an MSN/MBA Program?
- What Are the Career Options for Nurses With an MSN/MBA Degree?
- Organizations and Helpful Resources
- List of Dual MSN/MBA Programs
Nurses who have mastered bedside nursing and who strive to facilitate change from a higher leadership role would benefit from looking into earning a dual MSN/MBA degree. This degree combines the traditional Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to demonstrate that the nurse has leadership as well as business skills. It prepares the nurse to assume roles in leadership, management, and at the executive level. The role of the MSN/MBA nurse is to utilize nursing leadership skills and principles of finance and economics to facilitate change within a healthcare organization and improve efficiency and patient care outcomes.
Which MSN/MBA Program Is Right for Me?
So how do nurses choose the right program? There are many considerations that prospective students should look into based on their individual career goals and needs. Some of the frequently-researched considerations include the following:
- Do MSN/MBA Programs Offer Campus or Online Options? – MSN/MBA programs are offered in both online and in-person/campus formats. Online learning is beneficial for working nurses as it provides flexibility as well as self-paced learning.
- Is the MSN/MBA Program Accredited? – Accreditation is critical when choosing an MSN/MBA program. Nursing programs in the United States must be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). A school might be locally accredited, but national certification is usually required for licensure, and it ensures that the school has met educational standards based on the degree type.
- MSN/MBA Program Course Topics – Students can expect to take courses in advanced practice nursing and nursing leadership, as well as courses in the field of business. Business courses may include accounting, marketing, and finance.
- Associated Tuition Costs – The cost to complete an MSN/MBA program greatly varies by state and by the school. Base tuition can cost several hundred dollars to around a thousand per credit hour. It's important to remember that the cost of books and supplies, as well as university fees, are added.
2026 Best Dual Degree MSN/MBA Programs
Miami University
Oxford, OH - Public 4-Year - miamioh.edu
Master's - MSN-MBA Dual Degree
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
Miami University's online MSN-MBA Dual Degree with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a comprehensive pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced clinical and business expertise. This flexible program equips students to excel in healthcare leadership roles, integrating advanced nursing practice with strategic business administration. Tailored for working nurses, the curriculum emphasizes Family Nurse Practitioner skills while developing critical business management competencies. Admission requires a BSN degree and active RN licensure, with a focus on preparing graduates to effectively manage healthcare practices and lead patient care teams. The online format enables professionals to balance academic advancement with current employment.
- Online program delivery.
- Combines MSN and MBA degrees.
- Focus on Family Nurse Practitioner.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Requires BSN and RN licensure.
- Covers advanced nursing topics.
- Includes business strategy courses.
- Designed for healthcare leadership.
- Enhances clinical and business skills.
Master's - MSN-MBA Dual Degree
Concentration: Nurse Executive Leadership Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
The MSN-MBA Dual Degree's Nurse Executive Leadership track at Miami University delivers a transformative educational experience designed for ambitious healthcare professionals. This innovative online program strategically combines advanced nursing knowledge with comprehensive business skills, preparing graduates for high-level administrative roles. Students explore critical domains including healthcare delivery systems, organizational leadership, and data-driven management strategies. With 36 total credit hours and flexible online learning, the program cultivates advanced clinical competencies alongside executive decision-making abilities. Graduates emerge equipped to drive meaningful organizational change and improve systemic healthcare delivery.
- Online flexible degree program
- Two specialized track options
- 36 total credit hours
- Leadership and business focus
- Advanced clinical skills development
- Practicum and clinical experiences
- Prepares for executive healthcare roles
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX - Public 4-Year - lamar.edu
Master's - MSN-MBA Dual Degree
Online Learning - Visit Website
Lamar University's MSN-MBA Dual Degree program delivers a strategic online curriculum for nurses targeting advanced healthcare leadership roles. The comprehensive 61-semester-hour program meticulously integrates nursing and business education, requiring 37 MSN credits and 21 business credits with 9 overlapping credits. Designed for working professionals seeking executive opportunities, the program enables students to develop comprehensive skills in healthcare administration. Applicants must apply as MSN students and meet MBA admission standards. The flexible online format allows nurses to balance professional responsibilities while pursuing advanced academic credentials in nursing management and strategic business principles.
- 61 semester hours total.
- 37 credits for MSN.
- 9 credits overlap with MBA.
- 21 business credits required.
- Online program format.
- Focus on nursing administration.
- Admission requires MSN application.
- Must meet MBA standards.
- Advising by both departments.
- Ideal for healthcare leadership.
Master's - Dual Degree Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration
Online Learning - Visit Website
Lamar University's Dual MSN and MBA online program empowers healthcare professionals to advance into executive roles through a comprehensive 61-credit curriculum. Completed in approximately 36 months, the program requires an RN license and BSN, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students explore critical domains including healthcare technology, strategic management, and financial accounting while preparing for high-impact positions like Medical Services Manager or Chief Nursing Officer. With an affordable total tuition of $25,219, no minimum work experience requirement, and flexible 8-week course structures, this program offers multiple annual start dates, enabling nurses to strategically enhance their career trajectories.
- Online dual degree program
- 61 total credit hours
- Complete in 36 months
- Total tuition $25,219
- No minimum work experience
- RN license and BSN required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Flexible 8-week courses
- Leadership career preparation
- Multiple start dates annually
Pennsylvania Western University
California, PA - Public 4-Year - pennwest.edu
Master's - MBA-MSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Pennsylvania Western University's innovative online MBA-MSN dual degree empowers healthcare professionals to transform their careers through strategic leadership development. By integrating comprehensive nursing expertise with advanced business management skills, the program uniquely prepares graduates for executive healthcare roles. Accredited by ACBSP and CCNE, students benefit from a flexible 36-credit curriculum exploring healthcare policy, financial management, and organizational strategy. The fully online format accommodates working professionals, offering 24 MBA and 12 MSN credits with multiple career pathway opportunities in healthcare administration, consulting, and strategic leadership positions.
- 100% Online Dual Degree
- 24 MBA Credits
- 12 MSN Credits
- ACBSP and CCNE Accredited
- Leadership Career Preparation
- Healthcare Management Focus
- Multiple Career Path Options
- Flexible Learning Environment
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ - Private 4-year - shu.edu
Master's - M.S.N./M.B.A. in Nursing Administration and Nurse Executive Leadership
Concentration: Nursing Administration and Nurse Executive Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Seton Hall University's hybrid M.S.N./M.B.A. in Nursing Administration and Nurse Executive Leadership offers a dynamic pathway for healthcare professionals seeking advanced leadership roles. This comprehensive 59-credit program uniquely integrates nursing expertise with sophisticated business management skills. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum provides flexible full and part-time options, enabling students to balance academic pursuits with career responsibilities. Students develop strategic healthcare leadership capabilities, learning to navigate complex organizational challenges, implement innovative policies, and drive transformative initiatives. The program leverages expertise from both the College of Nursing and Stillman School of Business, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to excel in dynamic healthcare administration environments. Potential entrance exams may include GMAT or GRE.
- Dual M.S.N./M.B.A. degree
- Full and part-time options
- 59 total credit hours
- Hybrid program format
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Healthcare administration concentration
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - drexel.edu
Master's - Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management MSN / Business Administration MBA
Online Learning - Visit Website
Drexel University's innovative online MSN/MBA dual degree bridges nursing expertise with strategic business management. Tailored for healthcare professionals seeking advanced leadership roles, the program uniquely integrates nursing leadership principles with comprehensive business administration strategies. Participants develop sophisticated problem-solving and decision-making skills critical for transforming complex healthcare delivery systems. The flexible, part-time curriculum accommodates working professionals, requiring a 3.0 GPA and offering technology-enhanced learning experiences. With experienced faculty from nursing and business colleges, students benefit from practical practicums and a robust 82-quarter credit program. Notably, the program does not mandate standardized entrance testing, simplifying admission requirements for qualified nursing professionals.
- Online, flexible curriculum
- 82 quarter credit program
- Advanced nursing competencies focus
- Experienced faculty from nursing/business colleges
- Real-world experience through practicums
- BSN from CCNE/ACEN accredited institution
- Two professional references required
- Current U.S. RN license needed
- No standardized test requirement
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - Public 4-Year - uab.edu
Master's - MSN/MBA Dual Degree
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's MSN/MBA Dual Degree offers a transformative hybrid program that strategically integrates advanced nursing practice with sophisticated business management skills. Students explore comprehensive healthcare leadership through a 66-credit curriculum emphasizing Health Systems Administration, preparing nurses to excel in complex organizational environments. The program uniquely bridges clinical expertise with strategic business perspectives, enabling graduates to drive innovative healthcare solutions. Admission requires a BSN from an accredited institution, an active nursing license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students should anticipate potential GMAT or GRE entrance exam requirements. The hybrid format accommodates working professionals, with competitive resident and non-resident tuition rates around $702 per semester hour.
- Dual degree from Nursing and Business Schools
- Hybrid program format
- 66 total credit hours
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Nursing Health Systems Administration specialty
The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, TX - Public 4-Year - uttyler.edu
Master's - MSN-MBA
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Texas at Tyler's MSN-MBA online program provides a strategic dual-degree pathway for nursing professionals aspiring to healthcare leadership roles. Spanning 63 credit hours, the program uniquely integrates advanced nursing knowledge with comprehensive business management skills. Prospective students must hold a BSN degree and maintain a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Admission requires GMAT or GRE scores, ensuring a competitive and academically rigorous environment. The flexible online format accommodates working professionals, delivering in-depth coursework covering healthcare systems, financial management, and organizational leadership. Graduates emerge equipped with transformative skills to navigate complex healthcare administrative landscapes and drive institutional innovation.
- Online flexible program format
- 63 total credit hours
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- GMAT/GRE required for admission
- BSN degree prerequisite
- Dual nursing and business focus
- Healthcare leadership emphasis
- Career advancement potential
- Personalized faculty mentoring
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PA - Public 4-Year - commonwealthu.edu
Master's - Master's in Nursing Administration MSN/MBA
Online Learning - Visit Website
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers a groundbreaking 100% online MSN/MBA dual degree program tailored for nursing professionals aspiring to leadership roles. The curriculum strategically blends advanced nursing management with comprehensive business administration skills, preparing graduates for transformative healthcare leadership positions. Students benefit from flexible part-time and full-time formats, completing the program without GRE requirements. With dual accreditation from CCNE and AACSB, the program ensures rigorous academic standards and positioning graduates for competitive healthcare management careers. The innovative 6-week course sessions and multiple semester start dates provide maximum scheduling convenience for working healthcare professionals seeking advanced interdisciplinary education.
- 100% Online Delivery
- No GRE Required
- Dual MSN/MBA Option
- CCNE and AACSB Accredited
- Flexible Part-Time/Full-Time
- 6-Week Course Sessions
- Multiple Semester Start Dates
- 39-54 Total Credit Hours
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing/MBA Dual Degree
Concentration: Health Organization Management - Online Learning - Visit Website
Texas Tech University's innovative MSN/MBA Dual Degree in Health Organization Management empowers nursing professionals to excel in healthcare leadership. The fully online program strategically reduces total credit hours from 78 to 57, enabling students to efficiently obtain dual qualifications. With a specialized focus on healthcare business management, students develop comprehensive skills bridging clinical expertise and organizational leadership. The program requires acceptance into both the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing and Graduate School, creating a selective yet personalized admission process. Designed for ambitious nurses seeking advanced career opportunities, this program prepares graduates to navigate complex healthcare systems with advanced managerial and strategic capabilities.
- Dual degree reduces credit hours.
- Concentration in Health Organization Management.
- Online program format available.
- Prepares for healthcare leadership roles.
- Requires acceptance into two schools.
- Focuses on managerial and business skills.
- Efficient path to dual qualifications.
- Designed for nursing professionals.
- Enhances understanding of healthcare business.
- Admission process is personal and simple.
Kent State University
Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Master's - MSN/MBA Dual Degree
Online Learning - Visit Website
Kent State University's MSN/MBA Dual Degree program offers a comprehensive online pathway for nurses seeking advanced leadership opportunities in healthcare administration. Through a meticulously designed curriculum, students develop sophisticated management skills by integrating nursing expertise with strategic business knowledge. The program's unique structure allows professionals to complete coursework flexibly, with affordable tuition at $536 per credit hour. Notably, students engage in 300 practicum hours alongside healthcare administrators, ensuring practical leadership experience. Entrance exams including GMAT or GRE are required, reflecting the program's rigorous academic standards. The curriculum emphasizes critical problem-solving, interpersonal management, and transformative leadership techniques specifically tailored for healthcare professionals aiming to advance into mid and upper-level management roles.
- 100% Online Degree
- $536 per credit hour
- 300 practicum hours
- Flexible start dates
- No campus requirements
- GMAT/GRE required
- Partnership with business school
- Expert nursing faculty
- Leadership focused curriculum
- Concurrent MBA and MSN
Online MSN/MBA Program Advantages
Flexible Schedule
Online nursing programs have many advantages. Many nurses, especially those pursuing advanced-level roles, must continue to work while attending school. As many nurses are aware, nurses often work around-the-clock, and on weekends and holidays. Therefore, the more flexible a program, the better. Online learning allows for nurses to complete coursework when they can. They can also arrange for mentorship or clinical hours to work with their current work schedule.
Nurses can also work at their own pace. Many programs allow for self-paced learning, but some schools place caps on the time frame in which the program must be completed. For example, a school may require all coursework to be completed within six years. Self-paced learning is beneficial for those who learn best by alternative methods (such as reading as opposed to listening to lectures).
Tuition and Costs
As stated earlier, tuition is variable depending on several factors. One factor is location. Tuition varies based on the state and even the city in which it is located. Some states are more expensive than others.
Residency status is another factor that can affect tuition. Out-of-state residents may be required to pay higher tuition. Again, this depends on the school. However, some online programs charge a flat rate for programs regardless of residency status.
The good news is that most schools offer financial aid options as well as incentives when enrolling. Additionally, banks and other financial institutions offer tuition aid/loans, so students needing financial aid are encouraged to shop around for the best offers. Some employers offer nurses tuition reimbursement as well.
Accessibility and Convenience
Online programs are extremely convenient; nurses can study when and wherever they can. They can access learning content anywhere there is a computer and internet, and at any time. A night shift nurse may wish to study at three in the morning, while another nurse may need to cram on a Saturday after working full-time during the week.
Additionally, online programs are beneficial for those living in more remote or rural areas. Commuting long distances to campus, sometimes in terrible weather, finding parking, and racing to get to class on time is a thing of the past with online programs.
Fast Completion
Since online learning allows for self-paced study, nurses can get through the program faster. This helps get the nurse out into the workforce and into their new advanced-level role sooner. The program usually takes around three years to complete if attending full-time, four or five years if part-time. When possible, nurses can attend full time and finish in as early as two years when enrolled in an online program.
MSN/MBA Program Curriculum
The core concepts for dual MSN/MBA programs are standardized, although the learning format is different in online programs. Rather than in-person lectures, learning content can be in module formats online or broadcast at predetermined times (i.e., a distance lecture). Campus visitation requirements may vary between schools- sometimes programs are 100% online, some require "blocks" of time, for example, a few days in a row per semester. Students are encouraged to review campus visitation requirements before enrollment.
Online learners can also expect to find they have peer, faculty, and tech support when enrolled in online programs. Even though coursework can be completed in the privacy of one's home, the student is never alone.
Additionally, practicum hours may be required based on the specialty track and school. This requirement cannot be fulfilled online, but the faculty is available to provide supervision.
MSN/MBA Classes and Courses
MSN/MBA programs have core courses that nurses must start with before choosing a specialty track. Core courses may include:
- Nursing theory for advanced-practice
- Role development
- Leadership in nursing
- Advanced physiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced physical assessment
- Population health
- Policy
- Ethics
- Project management
- Financial accounting
- Business analysis
- Accounting
In addition to the didactic courses, dual MSN/MBA students must complete supervised clinical practicum hours. This requirement is designed to ensure the nurse applies what is learned in the healthcare setting. While required practicum hours may vary, around 500 hours may be needed to graduate.
MSN/MBA Specialty Tracks
Following the core courses of study, students may select available specialty tracks (depending on the school). Concentrations for MSN/MBA students may include:
- Health Systems Management – focuses on proper management and business leadership to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and address strategic, ethical, and HR issues.
- Healthcare Administration – focuses on policy, economics, and other administrative issues to optimize best healthcare practices.
- Human Resources – focuses on personnel development, organizational behaviors, and promoting workplace satisfaction and performance.
- Organizational Development – focuses on analyzing and predicting behaviors to enhance efficiency in medical environments.
- Strategic Leadership – focuses on strategic planning, development, and growth of healthcare environments and organizations.
Dual MSN/MBA FAQs
An MBA and MSN in Health Systems Management are similar in that with both, nurses are considered advanced-level nurses, practicing at the executive level. Both roles involve supervising and developing healthcare-related workflows to improve both patient care and efficiency. However, there are differences between the degree types.
A Master’s in Business Administration is a business degree, not a nursing degree. However, while the initial approach is broad and can encompass many types of businesses, nurses can earn a dual MSN/MBA degree to apply advanced-practice and executive-level nursing to the business aspect of healthcare. Nurses with this degree type can become chief nursing officers, responsible for the oversight of large organizations.
Those with an MSN in Health Systems Management are also in the nursing leadership chain. However, their focus is not only on budgets and cost. MSN-HSM nurses look at ways to develop and improve electronic medical records as well as utilize the latest research to develop and implement workflows and improve clinical decision-making. They also focus on project improvement, identifying risk concerns, and developing ways to improve quality.
What Are the Tuition and Costs of an MSN/MBA Program?
The specific costs and tuition rates for a dual MBA/MSN degree are variable. Base tuition can range from the hundreds to the low thousands per credit hour. Students should be aware of the following costs associated with the program:
- Base tuition
- University fees
- Supplies
- Graduation fees
- Residency fees
- Room and board
- Transportation
- Parking
For online programs, some costs do not apply, such as parking and transportation fees. However, students may need to invest in equipment to be able to utilize online learning. An example would be a laptop or webcam.
What Are the Career Options for Nurses With an MSN/MBA Degree?
Nurses who hold an MSN/MBA degree can take on different roles, mainly in healthcare leadership and management as well as nursing administration. Examples include:
- Chief Nurse Executive– A chief nurse executive is a high-level, senior management position. Responsibilities include supervising patient care throughout a healthcare facility, developing ways to improve efficiency, and creating workflows and policies to improve patient care outcomes.
- Nurse/Healthcare Manager– A nurse manager or healthcare manager is responsible for a specific department or department within a healthcare facility. They work directly with staff and patients to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently in a specified work area. They supervise staff and implement established workflows.
- Chief Executive Officer– A chief executive officer is similar to a nurse executive and with similar job responsibilities. The difference is in title only- a CEO of an organization may or may not be a nurse while a nurse executive is.
- Director of Nursing Practice– A director of nursing is also a higher-level management position. Nurse managers often report to directors. Nurse directors provide patient care oversight. Directors of nursing practice may also develop and implement evidence-based organizational policies and procedures.
- Consulting– A nurse consultant or entrepreneur assists outside agencies, such as government entities and insurance companies. They can assist in:
- Insurance claims
- Healthcare reform
- Legal issues, such as developing healthcare-related laws/regulations
- Improving patient care and financial efficiency
Organizations and Helpful Resources
Other Nursing Degree Programs:
List of Dual MSN/MBA Programs
Dual MSN/MBA programs are available across the country. To find the options nearest to you, we’ve compiled a state-by-state list of schools that offer this growing pathway. You can be on your way to a high-level nursing leadership career before you know it!
Jump to Your State Listings
Arizona
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(855) 428-5673
Delaware
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE 19720
(877) 967-5464
Florida
Jacksonville University
- Dual MSN/MBA Online
Jacksonville, FL 32211
(904) 256-8000
Georgia
Thomas University
- MSN-MBA Dual Degree Online Campus
Thomasville, GA 31792
(229) 226-1621
Illinois
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL 60532
(866) 295-3104
Lewis University
- Dual MSN/MBA Program Campus
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 838-0500
McKendree University
- Dual Online MSN/MBA Online
Lebanon, IL 62254
(800) 232-7228
Indiana
Indiana Wesleyan University
- MS Nursing - MBA Campus
Marion, IN 46953
(866) 468-6498
Kansas
MidAmerica Nazarene University
- MSN/MBA Dual Degree Hybrid
Olathe, KS 66062
(913) 782-3750
Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 955-4766
Michigan
Spring Arbor University
- BSN-MSN/MBA Dual Degree Online
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
(844) 657-2525
New Hampshire
Franklin Pierce University
- MSN and MBA Dual Degree Online
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 647-3500
North Dakota
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 355-8030
Ohio
Kent State University
- Online MSN-MBA Dual Degree Campus
Kent, OH 44242
(330) 672-7930
Xavier University
- Dual MSN/MBA Campus
Cincinnati, OH 45207
(151) 374-5300 x0
Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania
- MSN MBA Dual Degree Online Online
California, PA 15419
(724) 938-4000
Carlow University
- MSN-MBA Dual Degree Online
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(800) 333-2275
DeSales University
- MSN/MBA Dual Degree Online Campus
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-1100 x2838
Moravian College
- MSN/MBA Dual Degree Campus
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 861-1660
Robert Morris University
- M.S.N./M.B.A. Dual Degree Online
Moon Township, PA 15108
(800) 762-0097
Texas
Lamar University
- MSN/MBA Dual Degree Hybrid
Beaumont, TX 77710
(409) 880-8817
University of Texas at Tyler
- MSN / MBA Degree - Online Online
Tyler, TX 75799
(903) 566-7128
Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(800) 424-9595
West Virginia
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV 26506
(304) 293-6607
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.