Best Online MSN Programs in South Carolina

The University of South Carolina's MSN in Nursing Education prepares nurses for academic or clinical educator roles. This 39-credit online program can be completed in five semesters. It requires 504 clinical hours and offers summer, fall, and spring starts with rolling admissions. Graduates become eligible for the National League of Nursing's CNE certification. The program has no GRE requirement but needs a 3.0 GPA, three references, and an unencumbered RN license. U.S. News ranks it No. 3 for online nursing education. Financial aid and scholarships are available. Courses use 7 or 15-week terms with local practicum options.

• CCNE accredited
• No entrance exam required
• $35,973 total program tuition
• 5-Semester program
• 39 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts summer/fall/spring
• Asynchronous online classes

The Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program at the University of South Carolina prepares nurses to provide primary health care across the lifespan. This online program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA from previous undergraduate work, 2,400 hours of nursing experience within 24 months, and three professional recommendations. Applications are accepted for fall and summer semesters with specific deadlines. The program focuses on clinical training for family practice settings.

• Online program delivery
• Master of Science in Nursing degree
• Family Nurse Practitioner major
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• Three letters of reference
• 2,400 hours nursing experience
• Fall and summer admissions
• Current RN licensure required
• BLS certification required
• Personal goal statement needed

The University of South Carolina offers an online MSN in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This program prepares nurses for advanced roles in acute and complex care settings. It requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, one year of nursing experience, and current RN licensure. Graduates can sit for the ANCC certification exam. The program is available in approved states with summer and fall application deadlines.

• Online program delivery.
• Master of Science in Nursing degree.
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care focus.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• One year nursing experience needed.
• Current RN licensure mandatory.
• BLS and ACLS certification required.
• Three letters of reference.
• Personal goal statement.
• Current CV or resume.

The University of South Carolina offers an MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This program prepares nurses for advanced roles in mental health care. It focuses on holistic approaches and integrates neuroscience with psychotherapy. Graduates can work in diverse settings like clinics and schools. The curriculum includes courses in pharmacologic management and advanced health assessment. Students complete 48-51 credit hours. Admission requires a BSN from an accredited program. Applicants need a strong academic record. The program aims for national certification. It emphasizes evidence-based practice and clinical competency. Cost details are not specified in the provided text. The program supports career advancement in psychiatric nursing.

• Program length 48-51 hours.
• Online program format.
• B.S.N. entry required.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Includes practicum courses.
• GPA requirement 3.00.
• Courses cover psychopharmacology.
• Advanced health assessment included.
• Holistic mental health care focus.
• Diverse practice settings.

The University of South Carolina offers an online MSN in Nursing Informatics, preparing nurses to manage healthcare data and improve patient outcomes. This 36-credit program can be completed in four semesters full-time or seven part-time. It includes a practicum with 225 clinical hours, often done at your workplace. Admission requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and three professional references. No GRE is needed. Costs start at $32,271 for in-state students, with financial aid available. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring entry.

• Online course delivery.
• 36 credit hours required.
• Full-time in four semesters.
• Part-time in seven semesters.
• Includes practicum with 225 hours.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• BSN required for admission.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA needed.
• Three professional references.
• Unencumbered RN license.

• 3 concentration options
• 5-Semester program
• 39 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall/summer
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 500 clinical hours
• Work experience required

• 3 concentration options
• 4-Semester program
• 36 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Full-time and part-time options
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/summer
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 225 clinical hours

• Hybrid program format.
• Master of Science in Nursing.
• For non-nursing graduates.
• Prepares for RN licensure.
• Spring semester admissions.
• Transcripts required.
• Three professional references.
• Personal goal statement.
• Curriculum vitae or resume.
• Prerequisite courses needed.

Anderson University's Master of Science in Nursing program offers a Nurse Educator concentration for registered nurses seeking advanced practice roles. The 47-credit program includes four concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Executive Leadership. All classes are delivered online with three-day in-person sessions each semester for four semesters, providing flexibility for working professionals. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA from your most recent nursing degree, two letters of recommendation, and a $25 application fee. Clinical training prepares students for national certification exams. Instructors are practicing nurses who integrate a Christian worldview into holistic patient care. Bridge courses are available for associate degree holders. Financial aid is available to eligible students.

• 4 concentration options
• 47 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Capstone required
• $25 application fee
• Financial aid available

Anderson University's MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced mental health care. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. Students complete 51 credit hours over five semesters, starting each August. The curriculum covers psychopharmacology, mental health processes, and care across the lifespan. Graduates can work in clinics, hospitals, and community settings with average salaries ranging from $95,000 to $115,000. Admission requires a BSN degree, official transcripts, and current immunization records. Nursing experience of 1-2 years is recommended for optimal success.

• 51 total credit hours.
• Hybrid class format.
• Five semester duration.
• August start date.
• BSN degree required.
• Official transcripts needed.
• Immunization records required.
• 1-2 years experience recommended.
• Master's program type.
• Focus on mental health.

Anderson University's MSN in Executive Leadership prepares nurses for senior roles in healthcare management. This 41-credit hybrid program blends online coursework with brief on-campus sessions. It includes 400 clinical hours and integrates business classes like healthcare finance and policy. Admission requires a BSN with a 3.2 GPA, an active RN license, and CPR certification. The curriculum focuses on leadership, quality improvement, and emergency preparedness, aiming to equip graduates for the NEA-BC certification exam. Designed for working professionals, it offers flexibility without compromising hands-on training.

• 41 credit hour program.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• 400 clinical hours included.
• Requires BSN with 3.2 GPA.
• Active RN license needed.
• CPR certification required.
• On-campus sessions each semester.
• Prepares for NEA-BC exam.
• Integrates business courses.
• Focus on healthcare leadership.

Anderson University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with an Executive Leadership track. This 41-credit program prepares RNs for nurse executive roles. It includes 400 clinical hours and integrates business courses from the MBA curriculum. The program requires a BSN with a 3.2 GPA, active RN license, CPR certification, and immunization records. Admissions involve an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Classes are online with brief on-campus sessions each semester.

• 41 credit hours.
• Online program format.
• 400 clinical hours required.
• BSN with 3.2 GPA needed.
• Active RN license required.
• CPR certification required.
• Immunization records needed.
• Online application process.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Personal statement required.

South University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced practice across all ages. This hybrid program combines online coursework with campus experiences for flexibility. Graduates must pass national certification and state licensure exams. The program focuses on comprehensive patient care and health promotion. It's accredited by CCNE, ensuring quality education. Financial aid options may be available for eligible students.

• Hybrid program format.
• MSN degree with FNP specialization.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Requires state licensure.
• Focuses on patient care.
• Covers all age groups.
• Promotes healthy behaviors.
• Flexible learning options.
• Online and campus components.

South University's online MSN program in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares you for advanced nursing roles. Focus on health promotion and disease prevention for aging adults. The program costs $660 per credit hour, with 56 credits required. Admissions need a BSN degree and a 2.5 GPA, plus an active RN license. Develop skills in leadership and clinical judgment through interactive coursework and practicum experiences. This program aligns with national competencies and prepares you for certification exams. It's designed for working professionals seeking flexible online learning.

• Online program format.
• 56 total credits required.
• $660 per credit hour.
• BSN degree needed.
• 2.5 GPA requirement.
• Active RN license required.
• Focus on adult gerontology.
• Includes practicum experiences.
• Meets NONPF competencies.
• Prepares for certification exams.

South University's Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Administrator program develops leadership skills for healthcare management. This hybrid program combines online and campus learning, focusing on designing healthcare systems, policy decisions, and patient safety improvements. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it prepares nurses for administrative roles with flexible formats. Admissions require a nursing background, with costs varying by location. The program emphasizes ethical practice and technology integration in healthcare delivery.

• Master of Science in Nursing.
• Nurse Administrator specialization.
• Hybrid program format.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Develops leadership skills.
• Focus on healthcare systems.
• Policy and financial decisions.
• Patient safety improvements.
• Ethics in healthcare delivery.
• Technology integration.

South University's online Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics prepares nurses for modern healthcare roles. The program focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating data systems to improve clinical care. Students learn to analyze data and train professionals in computerized information systems. Admission requires a BSN with a 2.5 GPA and an active RN license. The 44-credit curriculum includes core nursing courses and specialized informatics topics. This program offers flexibility for working nurses seeking advancement in healthcare technology.

• Online program format.
• 44 total credit hours.
• BSN with 2.5 GPA required.
• Active RN license needed.
• CCNE accredited program.
• 12 credit MSN core.
• 32 credit specialization.
• Includes practicum courses.
• Focus on data analysis.
• Trains on information systems.

Clemson University's MSN with a concentration in Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) prepares registered nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care to adults and older adults. The hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus intensives at the Greenville campus on Prisma Health. Curriculum covers advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, mental health, and nursing informatics, with a strong emphasis on gerontology. Students gain clinical experience through rotations across various settings, culminating in a final practicum that integrates knowledge and skills. Graduates are eligible for national certification and can pursue roles in primary care clinics, community health centers, and geriatric specialty practices. The program features small cohort sizes, dedicated faculty advisors, and scholarship opportunities. With a focus on patient-centered care and evidence-based practice, this concentration addresses the growing need for providers skilled in caring for aging populations.

• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.3 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Simulation, clinical rotations, lectures
• Mental health and nursing informatics courses
• In-depth gerontology coverage

Francis Marion University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares BSN-prepared registered nurses for advanced practice roles in primary care across the lifespan. This 55-credit hour program requires 780 clinical practicum hours in primary care settings and can be completed in 2.5 years for full-time students, with part-time options available. Admission occurs during fall semesters, and graduates become eligible to sit for AANP and ANCC certification exams. The program features mostly online courses with some hybrid components requiring limited campus visits.

• 55 credit hour program
• 780 clinical practicum hours
• 2.5 year completion time
• Fall semester admission
• Mostly online courses
• Hybrid courses require campus visits
• Prepares for AANP/ANCC certification
• BSN-prepared RNs eligible
• Part-time study options available
• Primary care focus

Francis Marion University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. This hybrid program blends online coursework with minimal campus visits. It requires 55 semester hours and 780 practicum hours. Graduates can pursue national certification. The program prepares nurses for advanced practice in psychiatric mental health care. It provides flexible learning options for working professionals. Admissions requirements include a nursing background. Costs vary based on residency status. The curriculum focuses on clinical skills and theoretical knowledge. It supports career advancement in mental health nursing.

• MSN degree program.
• Psychiatric mental health focus.
• Hybrid online/campus format.
• 55 semester hours required.
• 780 practicum hours.
• National certification eligibility.
• Courses mostly online.
• Minimal campus visits.
• Flexible learning options.
• Advanced practice preparation.

The online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Leadership concentration at University of South Carolina Upstate prepares registered nurses with an accredited BSN to step into leadership roles across academic and practice settings. The curriculum goes beyond clinical care, covering budget preparation, staff scheduling, policy and procedure development, patient advocacy, and participation on interprofessional teams. Students learn how to lead effectively while continuing to work, completing 187 clinical practicum hours in real clinical settings. The program can be completed in two years of full-time study or three years part-time, all coursework delivered online. It suits nurses aiming for nurse manager, director, educator, or administrative positions in hospitals, health systems, and academic institutions. The Mary Black College of Nursing holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring a nationally recognized standard of quality.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 3 concentration options
• 2-Year program
• Two calendar years of full time study
• Full-time and part-time options
• 187 clinical hours
• Financial aid available
• Prepares for academic and practice leadership roles
• Coursework covers budgeting, scheduling, policy development
• Patient advocacy and interprofessional teamwork

Lander University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader program designed for working nurses. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and undergraduate statistics. It includes 500 clinical hours with placement near students' locations. Two concentrations are available: Nurse Educator and Nursing Leadership & Administration. The program prepares graduates for certification and leadership roles in healthcare settings.

• Online format
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Clinical Nurse Leader program
• 500 clinical hours required
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• Current RN license needed
• Undergraduate statistics prerequisite
• Nurse Educator concentration
• Nursing Leadership concentration
• Clinical placement near home

Claflin University's Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares registered nurses for advanced clinical practice in primary care settings. Delivered fully online with asynchronous coursework, the program integrates clinical experiences and requires a one-week on-campus intensive each semester. Students complete 47 credit hours covering advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice, with clinical placements designed to build diagnostic and patient management skills. Graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive care across the lifespan, from health promotion to chronic disease management, and are positioned for roles in clinics, community health centers, and private practices. The curriculum aligns with CCNE accreditation standards and emphasizes leadership, research integration, and critical thinking. Designed for working RNs holding a BSN, the program accepts applications once a year for fall admission, offering a structured pathway to becoming a board-certified family nurse practitioner.

• CCNE accredited
• 2 concentration options
• 47 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Asynchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available

Coker University's Master of Science in Nursing program offers an online Education track for working nurses. The 30-credit program features eight-week courses with no campus visits required. Designed for registered nurses with active licenses, it requires a 3.0 GPA and two letters of recommendation. The Education track prepares nurses for staff, patient, community, or academic educator roles. Students complete 50 internship hours as part of the curriculum. The program holds NLN CNEA pre-accreditation status and focuses on flexible, asynchronous online learning tailored for working professionals.

• NLN CNEA accredited
• 30 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• Asynchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 50 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required