Best Master’s of Science (MSN) in Public Health Nursing – 2026

Last Updated On May 22, 2026

8 Min Read

2027 Best MSN in Public Health Nursing

Choosing the best MSN in Public Health Nursing can feel overwhelming, which is why we at registerednursing.org have ranked the top programs available. Online and hybrid formats are a great fit for working nurses, since they allow you to study while keeping your job. Many schools treat partially online and hybrid options as online degrees, which makes distance learning more accessible. These programs build skills in community health, policy, and prevention. We looked at accreditation, outcomes, and value for each choice. Remote options have truly opened up this field to more nurses. To see how we created these rankings, visit our methodology page: https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

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

BSN to MSN - Master of Science Public Health Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Public Health Nursing concentration. This program prepares registered nurses for leadership roles in community health organizations, public health departments, and home care agencies. The curriculum focuses on public health nursing practice and community health. The program is delivered completely online, providing flexibility for working professionals. Admissions require a bachelor's degree in nursing and current RN licensure. The fall application deadline is December 15, 2025, with rolling admissions thereafter. The program equips nurses with skills to address population health needs and advance health equity.

Online program delivery.
Public Health Nursing concentration.
Prepares for leadership roles.
For registered nurses.
Fall admission deadline December 15.
Rolling admissions available.
Master of Science degree.
Focus on community health.
Addresses population health needs.
Advances health equity.

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

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an online Master of Science in Public Health Nursing (MS-PHN) through the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. This program prepares registered nurses for leadership roles in community health organizations, public health departments, and federal agencies. Students learn to monitor health trends, identify risk factors, and develop public health programs with a focus on underserved populations. The curriculum combines clinical nursing expertise with population health skills. Admissions require a bachelor's degree in nursing and RN licensure. Tuition is competitive, with financial aid and scholarships available. The program is delivered entirely online, offering flexibility for working professionals.

Online program delivery.
Focus on public health nursing.
Prepares for leadership roles.
Emphasis on underserved populations.
Part of online MS in Nursing.
Requires RN licensure.
Bachelor's degree required.
Competitive tuition rates.
Financial aid available.
Scholarships offered.

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Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - drexel.edu

BSN to MSN - MSN in Public Health Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Drexel University's online MSN in Public Health Nursing prepares nurses to improve population health through prevention, advocacy, and policy development. This 45-credit program blends nursing education with public health knowledge from Drexel's accredited schools. It offers a flexible 100% online format with a capstone project. Admissions require a BSN with a 3.0 GPA and an unrestricted RN license. Costs benefit from a three-year tuition lock for timely completion.

45 quarter credits.
100% online format.
CCNE and CEPH accredited.
Two to four years completion.
Three-year tuition lock.
Capstone project required.
BSN from accredited institution.
3.0 cumulative GPA required.
Unrestricted US RN license.
Two professional letters.

Purdue University Global

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

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Public Health (Executive Leader)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Purdue University Global offers a dual Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Public Health degree with an Executive Leader concentration. This online program prepares nurses for advanced roles in healthcare leadership and public health. It combines nursing expertise with public health knowledge to address community needs. The program requires 82 quarter credits and includes a clinical experience. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in nursing with a 2.5 GPA, a statistics course, and a criminal background check. The curriculum covers topics like epidemiology, health finance, and disaster management. Graduates gain skills for leadership positions in hospital administration and government health departments. The program focuses on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration.

Online program delivery.
82 quarter credits total.
Executive Leader concentration.
Includes clinical experience.
Requires bachelor's in nursing.
2.5 GPA admission requirement.
Statistics course prerequisite.
Criminal background check needed.
Professional resume required.
Dual MSN and MPH degrees.

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Public Health Dual Degree Option (Executive Leader)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Purdue Global's online MSN-MPH dual degree with an Executive Leader concentration prepares nurses for executive roles. This program combines advanced nursing and public health skills. It focuses on leadership, health policy, and quality care improvement. The cost is $420 per credit for 82 credits. Admissions require a BSN and an active RN license. Courses are 100% online with flexible start dates. Students complete clinicals locally and a capstone project. The average completion time is 2.5 years. Financial aid and transfer credits are available. This program is CCNE accredited.

Online program delivery.
Executive Leader concentration.
$420 per credit cost.
82 total credits required.
2.5 years average completion.
BSN and RN license required.
CCNE accredited program.
23 total courses.
Flexible start dates.
Local clinical placements.

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University of North Carolina at Charlotte

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

BSN to MSN - Community/Public Health Nursing, M.S.N.

Online Learning - Visit Website

UNC Charlotte's online MSN in Community/Public Health Nursing prepares nurses for leadership roles in public health. This 38-credit program offers flexible online learning with spring, summer, and fall admission. Tuition starts at $309.59 per credit for NC residents. Admission requires RN licensure, a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, statistics course completion, and professional recommendations. The curriculum includes community assessments, health interventions, and 360 clinical hours. Graduates work in public health departments, community organizations, and school systems.

38 credit hours
100% online delivery
Spring, summer, fall admission
NC resident: $309.59/credit
Non-resident: $1,186.59/credit
RN licensure required
Bachelor's degree required
3.0 GPA preferred
Statistics course prerequisite
Three recommendation letters

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

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Community/Public Health Nursing. This distance education program prepares nurses for leadership roles in assessing communities and developing culturally sensitive services. It includes hands-on clinical experiences and is designed for working professionals seeking advanced practice. Costs and admissions details are available through the university's financial aid and application resources, with flexible application deadlines each semester.

Online distance education program.
Community/Public Health Nursing concentration.
Prepares for leadership roles.
Hands-on clinical experiences included.
Flexible application deadlines each semester.
Part of UNC Charlotte School of Nursing.
Focus on assessing communities and populations.
Develops culturally sensitive nursing services.
Advanced nursing knowledge and skills.
State-of-the-art simulation environment.

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California State University-San Bernardino

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

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

California State University-San Bernardino offers a Master of Science in Nursing with an Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing concentration. This hybrid program combines online coursework with limited in-person sessions. Full-time students typically complete the degree in two to two-and-a-half years. The program prepares graduates for roles in public health departments, home health agencies, and community organizations. It includes core courses in advanced nursing roles, research, and population health assessment. Clinical practicums are arranged near students' residences when possible. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree in nursing and current RN licensure. Application deadlines vary, so check the university website for current dates. Costs follow California State University tuition rates with financial aid options available.

Hybrid online format.
Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing concentration.
Full-time completion in 2-2.5 years.
Part-time progression available.
CCNE accredited program.
Core courses in advanced nursing.
Population health assessment focus.
Clinical practicums arranged locally.
San Bernardino or Palm Desert campus sessions.
Prepares for public health roles.

Rhode Island College

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

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

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Rhode Island College offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Population/Public Health Nursing concentration. This hybrid program allows up to 100% online coursework via the Hyflex model, ideal for working nurses. It prepares graduates to promote community health through disease prevention and advocacy. The program is CCNE-accredited and designed for BSN-holders with active RN licenses. It provides flexible scheduling and personalized learning with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Hybrid program format.
Up to 100% online courses.
Population/Public Health Nursing concentration.
CCNE-accredited program.
Designed for working nurses.
Requires BSN and RN license.
Flexible Hyflex model.
14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Simulated learning experiences.
Three concentration options.

BSN to MSN - Population/Public Health Nursing MSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Rhode Island College offers a Population/Public Health Nursing MSN program for BSN holders. This 42-credit hybrid program allows up to 100% online courses via the Hyflex model, with flexible full-time or part-time study. It focuses on promoting population health through nursing, social, and public health sciences. The program prepares nurses for roles in disease prevention, health equity, and community advocacy. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and recognized for value. Admissions require a BSN, with health and immunization requirements for clinical components.

42-credit MSN degree.
Hybrid program with online options.
Up to 100% online courses.
Flexible full-time or part-time study.
Requires a BSN for admission.
Accredited by CCNE.
Focus on population health nursing.
Includes clinical nursing courses.
Health and immunization requirements.
Hyflex model for accessibility.

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Walden University

Minneapolis, MN - Private 4-year - waldenu.edu

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

Online Learning - Visit Website

Walden University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Public Health Nursing concentration prepares nurses to advance community health. This CCNE-accredited program offers flexible learning options, including Tempo Learning, for working professionals. Students gain skills in health equity, social determinants of health, and population-based care through field experiences. The curriculum focuses on leadership and social change, with tuition savings available through partnerships. Admissions require a nursing background, and the program supports career growth in public health roles.

Online program format.
Public Health Nursing concentration.
CCNE-accredited nursing programs.
Flexible Tempo Learning option.
Field experience required.
Focus on social change.
Leadership development emphasis.
Potential tuition savings.
Designed for working professionals.
Doctorally prepared faculty.

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV - Private 4-year - apus.edu

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing- Community and Public Health Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

This online Master of Science in Nursing with a Community and Public Health Nursing concentration prepares registered nurses for advanced roles. It focuses on population-based healthcare, health policy, and social determinants of health. The program requires 36 credits, with costs starting at $455 per credit. Admissions need a BSN, active RN license, 3.0 GPA, and a statistics course. No GRE is required. Courses start every other month, offering flexibility for working professionals. The curriculum includes a practicum for hands-on experience in community settings.

36 total credits required.
Online program format.
Cost per credit $455.
No GRE required.
CCNE accredited program.
BSN and RN license needed.
3.0 minimum GPA required.
Transfer up to 15 credits.
Nursing courses every other month.
8 to 16 week course lengths.

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg, PA - Public 4-Year - commonwealthu.edu

BSN to MSN - Public Health (MSN)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Commonwealth University's MSN in Public Health Nursing prepares students for advanced roles in community and school health settings. The 36-credit program is offered 100% online with flexible full-time or part-time options. No GRE is required for admission. Applications are accepted for spring, summer, and fall semesters. The program is accredited by CCNE and recognized as one of Pennsylvania's most affordable options. Students complete clinical practicums in their local communities.

36 credits total.
100% online delivery.
Full-time and part-time options.
No GRE required.
Accredited by CCNE.
Clinical practicum in local community.
Rolling admissions process.
Spring, summer, fall starts.
BSN to MSN pathway.
Focus on population health.

#10

University of Kansas

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

BSN to MSN - Public Health Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Kansas offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Public Health Nursing specialty. This program prepares nurses for advanced community-based roles, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. It requires a minimum of 39 credit hours and includes core courses in leadership, research, and public health topics like epidemiology and environmental health. Admission requires a BSN from an accredited program, current RN licensure, a 3.0 GPA, and one year of clinical experience. The hybrid format combines online and campus learning. Application deadlines are April 1 for fall and September 1 for spring. Costs vary based on residency and credit load, with financial aid options available. This program suits nurses seeking to impact public health through evidence-based interventions.

Public Health Nursing specialty.
Minimum 39 credit hours.
Hybrid program format.
BSN required for admission.
Current RN licensure needed.
Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
One year clinical experience recommended.
Graduate-level statistics course required.
Criminal background check mandatory.
English language proficiency required.

*The data used in this analysis come from NCES's IPEDS 2025 survey.

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.