Best Master’s of Science (MSN) in Public Health Nursing – 2025

Last Updated On Aug 31, 2025

RegisteredNursing.org Staff

8 Min Read

2026 Best MSN in Public Health Nursing

RegisteredNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the Best MSN in Public Health Nursing programs nationwide, focusing on academic excellence, affordability, and career preparation. These online programs offer unprecedented flexibility for working nurses seeking advanced education in public health, allowing students to complete rigorous coursework through distance learning platforms. Public health nursing represents a critical healthcare sector where nurses can make substantial community-wide impacts, addressing population health challenges and implementing preventive strategies. The virtual learning environments enable registered nurses to enhance their skills without disrupting current professional commitments, making advanced education more accessible than ever before. Our comprehensive rankings consider factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, clinical placement opportunities, and student success rates. Learn about our comprehensive ranking methodology.

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA - Public 4-Year - umass.edu

Master's - Master of Science Public Health Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

UMass Amherst's Online Master of Science in Public Health Nursing offers a comprehensive pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking to transform community health. The program strategically prepares students to address complex population health challenges through innovative leadership training. Emphasizing work with underserved populations, students gain advanced clinical skills and population-level intervention strategies. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling graduates to design targeted public health programs. With a competitive admission requirement of a 3.0 GPA and an active nursing license, the program provides a rigorous online learning environment. U.S. News ranking at #12 underscores its educational excellence and commitment to producing exceptional public health nursing leaders.

Online graduate nursing program
Focus on underserved populations
Leadership in public health nursing
Practicum in community health
3.0 GPA admission requirement
Current nursing license needed

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS - Public 4-Year - ku.edu

Master's - Public Health Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Kansas MSN in Public Health Nursing offers a comprehensive 39-credit hybrid program designed to transform nurses into advanced public health professionals. Students develop sophisticated skills in community-based interventions, leveraging extensive coursework in epidemiology, environmental health, and population-level healthcare strategies. The program uniquely emphasizes evidence-based practice and critical analysis of health trends, preparing graduates to design targeted community health initiatives. With a strong focus on practical application, students engage in research and practicum components that directly translate academic learning into real-world public health solutions. Military-friendly and adaptable, this program equips nurses to become transformative leaders in population health management.

39 credit hour program
Community health intervention focus
Advanced nursing practice skills
Public health nursing specialty
Epidemiology and health promotion
Research and practicum components

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC - Public 4-Year - charlotte.edu

Master's - Community/Public Health Nursing, M.S.N.

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's online Master of Science in Nursing for Community/Public Health Nursing offers a transformative educational pathway for healthcare professionals seeking advanced leadership roles. Through a meticulously designed 38-credit curriculum, students engage in comprehensive community health assessments, strategic intervention planning, and collaborative healthcare approaches. The program uniquely integrates 360 clinical hours, ensuring practical skill development alongside theoretical knowledge. Tailored for working professionals, the flexible online format provides competitive tuition rates and multiple admission semesters. Prospective students must hold an unrestricted RN license, possess a baccalaureate degree, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submit professional recommendations. Graduates emerge equipped with Quad Council Competency-aligned skills, prepared to drive meaningful public health innovations.

100% Online Delivery
38 Total Credit Hours
360 Clinical Hours Required
Multiple Admission Semesters
Requires Unrestricted RN License
Minimum 3.0 GPA Preferred
Comprehensive Career Opportunities
Quad Council Competency Alignment

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA - Public 4-Year - csusb.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

California State University-San Bernardino's MSN in Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing prepares healthcare professionals to drive transformative population health interventions. This innovative hybrid program strategically blends online coursework with immersive face-to-face learning sessions, enabling students to balance professional responsibilities while advancing their nursing expertise. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes comprehensive community health strategies, empowering graduates to lead public health initiatives in diverse settings like community health departments, home health agencies, and non-profit organizations. With flexible full-time and part-time tracks, students can complete the program in two to two-and-a-half years, developing advanced skills in population health management, epidemiological assessment, and community-centered healthcare delivery.

CCNE Accredited Program
Hybrid Online/Campus Format
Advanced Community Health Focus
Flexible Full/Part-Time Options
Two Academic Years Completion

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI - Public 4-Year - ric.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Population/Public Health Nursing - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Rhode Island College's MSN in Population/Public Health Nursing delivers a comprehensive hybrid program designed to empower registered nurses in addressing complex community health challenges. Students develop advanced skills in preventive strategies, wellness promotion, and population-level healthcare interventions. The two-year CCNE-accredited curriculum offers three specialty concentrations, providing flexible learning opportunities. Notably affordable for Rhode Island residents through the Hope Scholarship, the program prepares nurses to become pivotal public health leaders. The hybrid format accommodates working professionals, enabling them to balance academic pursuits with clinical responsibilities while gaining expertise in transformative population health approaches.

Hybrid learning format
Three specialty concentrations
CCNE accredited program
High NCLEX pass rates
Two-year program length
Hope Scholarship available

Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, IN - Public 4-Year - purdueglobal.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Public Health

Concentration: Executive Leader - Online Learning - Visit Website

Purdue University Global's innovative online dual degree in Nursing and Public Health offers an Executive Leader concentration designed for ambitious nursing professionals seeking advanced leadership roles. The 82-quarter credit program combines comprehensive healthcare administration, policy development, and population health management training. Graduates are prepared to navigate complex healthcare systems and potentially pursue nurse executive certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Designed for working professionals, the program requires a bachelor's degree in nursing, maintains a 2.5 minimum GPA requirement, and includes mandatory clinical experiences and a criminal background check. The online format provides flexibility for busy healthcare practitioners aiming to expand their strategic leadership capabilities.

82 total quarter credits
Online dual degree program
Executive leader concentration
Clinical experience included
Nurse executive certification preparation
Bachelor's degree in nursing required
2.5 minimum GPA requirement
Criminal background check required

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA - Public 4-Year - worcester.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Public and Population Health

Concentration: Global and Cross-Cultural Health, Health Systems Transformation - Online Learning - Visit Website

Worcester State University's online Master of Science in Nursing in Public and Population Health delivers a comprehensive program targeting Global and Cross-Cultural Health concentration. Students will develop advanced skills in addressing complex societal health challenges through evidence-based practices. The curriculum emphasizes leadership capabilities, health equity understanding, and creating sustainable community health solutions. Focused on interdisciplinary approaches, the program prepares nurses for expanded professional roles, potential doctoral studies, and national certifications. With a 100% online format, the program offers flexibility for working healthcare professionals seeking to transform public health strategies and interventions across diverse populations.

100% Online Program
Two Specialized Concentrations
Advanced Nursing Certification Eligible
Nationally Recognized Curriculum
Experienced Faculty Experts
Practicum Internship Included
Evidence-Based Curriculum

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Public and Population Health

Concentration: Health Systems Transformation - Online Learning - Visit Website

Worcester State University's online Master of Science in Nursing specializes in Health Systems Transformation, offering a rigorous curriculum designed for nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. This program equips healthcare professionals with critical skills to develop evidence-based interventions and lead systemic changes. Students gain expertise in epidemiology, global health policy, and community-based care, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research and practical skills for serving vulnerable populations. The comprehensive program includes opportunities for grant writing, program planning, and multidisciplinary networking, positioning graduates for enhanced public health and nursing leadership roles.

100% Online Master's Program
Health Systems Transformation Focus
Advanced Nursing Leadership Preparation
Nationally Recognized Curriculum
Eligible for Public Health Certifications
Practicum Internship Experience
Evidence-Based Decision Making
Multidisciplinary Networking Opportunities
Grant Writing and Program Planning
Global Health Perspectives

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Public and Population Health

Concentration: Global and Cross-Cultural Health - Online Learning - Visit Website

Worcester State University's online Master of Science in Nursing program in Public and Population Health focuses on Global and Cross-Cultural Health, preparing nursing professionals to become innovative healthcare leaders. The curriculum meets rigorous AACN standards and provides advanced training in evidence-based practice, policy analysis, and population health interventions. Students will develop critical skills to address complex health challenges across diverse cultural contexts, with opportunities for national certifications in public health and executive nursing practice. The program's interdisciplinary approach and practicum internship experience enable graduates to become transformative change agents in community health.

Online Master's in Nursing
Global Health Concentration
Advanced Community Leadership
Evidence-Based Practice Focus
National Certification Eligibility
Interdisciplinary Research Approach
Practicum Internship Experience
Comprehensive 36-Credit Program

Show 2 More Programs ˅

Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City, OK - Private 4-year - okcu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Community-Based Public Health - Online Learning - Visit Website

Oklahoma City University's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with Community-Based Public Health concentration offers a strategic 21-credit pathway for nurses seeking advanced community health leadership roles. The program uniquely integrates epidemiological principles, healthcare policy analysis, and evidence-based interventions focused on population health improvement. Students develop advanced skills in culturally sensitive health promotion, disease prevention strategies, and data management techniques. The curriculum emphasizes practical leadership competencies, preparing graduates to address complex public health challenges effectively. With comprehensive training in community health dynamics, participants gain expertise to design innovative healthcare solutions, influence policy, and drive meaningful population wellness initiatives. Accredited by ACEN, the program provides flexible online learning with robust financial aid options.

21-credit specialization.
Online program format.
Focus on community health.
Leadership and management skills.
Epidemiology and data management.
Healthcare policy and ethics.
Financial aid available.
Accredited by ACEN.
Prepares for public health leadership.
Culturally sensitive interventions.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

North Dartmouth, MA - Public 4-Year - umassd.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Global Public Health - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Global Public Health concentration provides advanced healthcare professionals an innovative pathway to transform population health strategies. This distinguished program comprehensively prepares nurses to tackle complex international health challenges through rigorous coursework in epidemiology, healthcare systems analysis, and global health perspectives. Featuring a flexible online format with asynchronous course delivery, students can balance professional responsibilities while developing advanced research, leadership, and analytical skills. The three-year curriculum emphasizes practical learning through global health nursing practicums, enabling graduates to become strategic healthcare leaders prepared to address emerging public health issues on an international scale.

Online graduate nursing program
Global Public Health concentration
3-year comprehensive curriculum
Advanced research skills focus
Healthcare leadership development
Practicum in global health nursing
Asynchronous course delivery

#10

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Monticello, AR - Public 4-Year - uamont.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Public Health - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas at Monticello delivers a robust online Master of Science in Nursing with a strategic Public Health concentration, tailored for practicing registered nurses seeking advanced career pathways. This comprehensive 37-credit program uniquely prepares nurses to address complex community health challenges through intensive coursework in epidemiology, disease prevention, and health policy. Students benefit from flexible full-time or part-time study options, completing the program within 24-36 months. With NLN CNEA accreditation and multiple entry tracks, graduates are primed for leadership roles in public health nursing, community health clinics, research, and management sectors. An unencumbered RN license and minimum 2.75 GPA are required for admission.

Fully online MSN program
37 credit hour curriculum
Multiple entry tracks available
RN to MSN pathway option
Multiple career advancement opportunities
Public health nursing focus
Flexible part-time/full-time options
NLN CNEA accredited program
2.75 minimum GPA requirement
Unencumbered RN license needed

*Dataset citation: NCES. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Which MSN in Public Health Nursing Program is Right for Me?

Choosing from a number of MSN in Public Health Nursing programs can be overwhelming. How can you know which program is the right fit for you? In order to make your decision simpler, here are a few elements to consider when researching schools:

Program Accreditation: The first thing to check is whether or not a school's program is accredited by a third-party organization such as Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). An accredited program has been reviewed according to a rigorous set of quality standards and scored high enough to be endorsed by the accrediting organization. For students, this means you can rest assured your nursing program will adequately prepare you for the next step in your career. A master's degree is a significant investment in your education, so it's smart to make sure you're investing in a high-quality education.
Time Commitment: Most MSN degrees take between 2 and 3 years to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated programs in which the coursework can be completed in closer to one year. Completion time can vary based on whether a student is studying on a full- or part-time basis, or if the student is taking online classes that are self-paced (meaning they can be completed as quickly or as slowly as the student wishes).
Program Cost: The cost for an MSN in Public Health Nursing program varies from school to school based on a number of factors including geographic location, type of school, program format (online vs. classroom) as well as a student's residency status. When researching schools, be sure to factor in the cost of materials, mandatory university and course fees, campus housing, and/or cost the commuting in addition to the tuition cost for a complete picture of the program cost.
On-Campus vs. Online: Many MSN students plan to complete their degree while continuing to work, and these nurses may be interested in the flexibility of an online degree program. MSN programs can be found in these "distance learning" formats that allow students to complete coursework whenever it is convenient, as well as in traditional classroom formats and a hybrid format that combines online coursework with on-campus classroom time.
Sample Coursework: When researching schools, it's a good idea to review the required courses for the public health MSN program. Typical coursework for a public health nursing MSN program includes advanced nursing research, epidemiology, public health program development, and evaluation and biostatistics. All MSN programs also include clinical practice hours that are completed in the field.

You may also consider a Dual MSN/MPH degree program.

Advantages of Online MSN in Public Health Nursing Programs

If you are like the many MSN students who plan to continue working while you take classes or if you have other family and personal obligations that limit your availability for studying an online program may be the right fit for you. Distance learning programs offer students the unmatched flexibility to complete their coursework when it is convenient and from wherever they live. Many schools also offer self-paced learning that allows students to complete their degrees and begin working in less time than traditional classroom programs.

Another advantage of online learning is accessibility. Thanks to fully online programs, students have access to a wider range of schools and program options than what is close to their homes or jobs. Additionally, in some cases, online programs are more cost-effective than on-campus programs. While tuition rates vary, online students do not have to factor in commuting costs, campus housing, or worry about traffic patterns and parking costs.

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Program Curriculum

The coursework for an MSN in public health nursing program prepares nurses for careers educating the public on health topics, developing effective public health programs, and researching the spread and prevention of diseases. Typical topics covered include epidemiology, advanced research topics, ethical issues, public health program development, and health policy and advocacy.

As one example of an MSN in public health nursing curriculum, the following classes are included in Grand Canyon University's online MSN in Public Health Nursing program:

Introduction to Advanced Nursing
Organizational Leadership and Informatics
Research and Population Health Management
Evidence-Based Practice Project
Foundations of Public Health Nursing
Principles of Epidemiology
Application & Interpretation of Public Health Data
Population-Based Interventions
International Principles in Community Health
Public Health Nursing Practicum

What Are the Tuition & Costs for an MSN in Public Health Nursing Program?

A master's degree is a significant investment in your future career prospects as a nurse. An MSN can open the door to a wider range of jobs and lead to higher salaries. The cost of a program can be a deciding factor in whether or not a nurse can earn an advanced degree. The total cost of a public health nursing MSN program varies depending on the school's geographic location, the school’s reputation, program format, and other factors. To give an example of program cost, the cost of tuition and fees at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte's online MSN in Community/Public Health program is $280.34 per credit hour for North Carolina residents.

Many schools, including those with online programs, offer financial aid for students who require assistance paying for their degrees, so be sure to check with your school of choice for any financial aid options that you might qualify for.

What Are the Career Options for Nurses with an MSN in Public Health Nursing?

Graduates of an MSN in public health nursing program are prepared for leadership positions in public health program development and evaluation, public health education, and health policy and advocacy. They may work in a variety of healthcare settings, including public health departments, community organizations, school districts, home health organizations, and hospitals and wellness centers. These nurses have developed the skills needed to:

Improve patient quality of life for various populations by providing patient care and health education services
Develop, implement, and evaluate public health programs
Hire, train, and oversee public health nurses and staff
Conduct public health research projects and use the results to improve patient outcomes
Advocate for public health policy improvements

Among the career titles these nurses may hold include:

Public Health Nurse: Focused on improving the health of a given population of patients, this patient-facing role conducts health assessments, provides care, and delivers critical health education services on a variety of health topics such as disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices. Public health nurses may work in a variety of settings, including public health departments, community health organizations, or mobile units providing healthcare services.
Director of Public Health Programs: In a management position, the director of public health programs may work for a public health department or community organization to develop impactful public health programs that will improve the quality of life and overall health of a given population.
Epidemiology Nurse: In a research-based position, an epidemiologist specializes in researching the transmission of communicable diseases in order to prevent or stop the spread of a given disease. Typical duties may include helping to design research studies, collecting data, analyzing the results, and using these findings to influence healthcare guidelines and public health programs.