Master of Science in Nursing (MSN Online) Degree
Why an Online MSN Degree?
The online Master of Science degree in nursing allows the nurse to explore an area
of interest including management, education, population health, etc. The online MSN
provides an advanced education in the area of expertise with the goal of achieving
a nursing position in this specific field.
Format
The MSN is offered 100% online. Students can pursue the programs either full-time or
part-time. Most courses are eight weeks in length. A few courses are 16 weeks.
MSN Options
The online graduate program in nursing is designed for working nurses who are interested
in a masters degree to further careers in:
Nursing Management/Administration
Career Opportunities
Nurse Educator - Hospital
Nurse Educator - Clinic
Nurse Educator - Community College
Nurse Manager - Charge Nurse
Nurse Manager - Unit Director
Nurse Manager - Director of Nursing
Nurse Manager - Chief Nurse Executive
Population Health - Hospice
Population Health - Home Health
Population Health - Leadership and Hospital Education
Population Health - Public Health Practices
Population Health - Nurse Navigators
Population Health - Case Managers
Population Health - Utilization Review
Population Health - Education
Practicums
Focused on your professional development, experiential learning opportunities are
integrated throughout the MSN coursework*. MSN faculty will work with you to customize
real and relevant experience-based learning options based on your career goals.
*150 total practicum hours in divided increments throughout MSN program.
Accreditation
The master's degree program in nursing at McKendree University is accredited by the
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE).
Required Course of Study
Core nursing courses required of all online MSN students (12 credits):
NSG 500 Evidence-based Practice in Healthcare (3 credits)
NSG 501 Health Policy and Legal Aspects in Healthcare (3 credits)
NSG 502 Ethics, Social Justice, Diversity, and Health Equity (3 credits)
NSG 650 Population Health and Epidemiology (3 credits)
Nursing Education Requirements
Nursing Education courses required (21 credits):
NSG 606 Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
NSG 609 Foundations of Nursing Education (3 credits)
NSG 615 Educational Methods and Strategies (3 credits)
NSG 616 Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education (3 credits)
NSG 617 Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology (3 credits)
NSG 618 Nurse Educator Practicum and Scholarly Project (6 credits)
Nursing Management/Administration Requirements
Nursing Management/Administration courses required (21 credits):
NSG 600 Foundations of Nursing Management (3 credits)
NSG 601 Nursing Informatics (3 credits)
NSG 602 Human Behavior in Organizations (3 credits)
NSG 603 Management of Fiscal Systems (3 credits)
NSG 604 Quality, Safety, and Performance in Organizations (3 credits)
NSG 621 Nurse Manager Clinical Practicum and Scholarly Project (6 credits)
Population Health
Population Health courses required (21 credits):
NSG 604 Quality, Safety, and Performance in Organizations (3 credits)
NSG 651 Impacting Population Health and Wellness Across the Continuum (3 credits)
NSG 652 Foundations of Population Health (3 credits)
NSG 653 Leadership in Population Health (3 credits)
NSG 654 Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention to Promote Individual and Population Outcomes (3 credits)
NSG 656 Advanced Population Health Practicum and Scholarly Project (6 credits)
Testimonials
“The McKendree University MSN program has provided me the opportunity to advance my
career with the knowledge and preparation needed to lead impactful change. McKendree’
s high quality, dedicated, instructors and robust curriculum support the necessary
skills and abilities for nurses to lead in an ever changing health care environment.”
~ Lleyna Gorka, ’20
“I highly encourage anyone thinking about getting their management degree to look
at McKendree. The classes are small, the one-on-one sessions with the professors are
so beneficial, and the online classroom atmosphere is nothing but positive.” ~ Megan Holtmann, ’16 MSN
“As a nursing professional, I found the McKendree MSN program flexible, accessible
and manageable with work and home life. In addition, the MSN faculty are knowledgeable
nursing scholars with a sincere concern about optimizing the success of their students
and their respective areas of nursing practice.” ~ Reginald Randle, ’19 MSN
“McKendree nursing faculty are truly amazing and provide an excellent program. The
classes are set up to allow for working adults to complete assignments and practicum
hours with maximum efficiency.” ~ Travis Rath, ’20
Scholarship
McKendree is proud to announce the Diana Joyce Doros Scholarship, recognizing the
critical role of nursing professionals in improving health outcomes for nurses without
tuition reimbursement. The endowed scholarship fund makes available $5,000 awards
divide over the duration of the program for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Population Health.
The generous $750,000 endowed scholarship honors the life and legacy of the late Diana
Joyce Doros. Please complete the scholarship application by July 15.
Application Process
McKendree University admits students who present evidence of their potential to complete
graduate level work. Applicants are considered on an individual basis without regard
to sex, race, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion. The following
documentation is required for consideration of admission:
1. A completed graduate admission application (no fee).
2. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The bachelor’s degree must be a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
3. An unencumbered valid Professional Registered Nurse license.
4. Official transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts are those sent from institution to institution.
5. A minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale in undergraduate studies.
6. A current resume or vita.
7. Three professional references.
8. Essay describing the personal and professional goals that will be met by completion of the degree.
9. Applicants who meet initial qualifications will be interviewed.
Tuition, Employer Reimbursement & Financial Aid
Tuition for the online Master of Science in Nursing program is $495 per credit hour
for the 2024-25 academic year.
Graduate Programs' Tuition Discounts
Employer Reimbursement and Financial Aid are available (click for detailed information).
Goals & Outcomes
McKendree MSN Program Outcome Goals and MSN Aggregate Outcomes
Next Step
Contact your student services specialist below and get details on the admission process
and our next start date.
Student Services Specialist
Old Main 102, Lebanon, Illinois
(618) 537-6507
cjfairlie@mckendree.edu
Faculty
Chair of the Division of Nursing
Assistant Professor of Nursing
(618) 537-6989
kktaylor@mckendree.edu
Angela Gilbreth, DNP, RN, CLS, EBP-C
Assistant Professor of Nursing
MSN Program Director
(618) 537-2141
akgilbreth@mckendree.edu
Instructor of Nursing
(618) 537-6437
madickey@mckendree.edu
Assistant Professor of Nursing
(618) 537-6841
maholtmann@mckendree.edu
Danielle Shubert, DNP, RN, CPNP
Assistant Professor of Nursing
(618) 537-6444
dshubert@mckendree.edu
Associate Professor of Nursing
(618) 537-6842
jlparsons@mckendree.edu
Colleen Frohling, DNP, RN
Lecturer of Nursing
(618) 537-2147
cmfrohling@mckendree.edu