Online Master of Science in Nursing

Choose from eight academic specializations in nursing to advance your career with a flexible online MSN degree.

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The University of Nevada, Reno’s fully online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to prepare nursing students for advanced practice, leadership, education and informatics roles across complex health care systems. Whether you are focused on promoting health in communities, becoming a nurse practitioner or seeking to earn a master of science in nursing to teach the next generation, Nevada Online provides the flexible, rigorous education you need to succeed.

Learn more about tuition and fees.

Enrollment Deadlines

March 1

Fall Deadline

October 1

Spring Deadline

Checklist: RN license, transcripts, personal statement

Why Choose the University of Nevada, Reno’s Online MSN?

Earn your Online Master of Science in Nursing degree from the Orvis School of Nursing. This hybrid, CCNE-accredited program for BSN-prepared RNs offers seven specializations and prepares you for leadership in advanced nursing practice with flexible online coursework and limited campus visits with University of Nevada, Reno faculty.

Competitive Advantages

  • CCNE-Accredited Through 2031
  • 8 In-Demand Specializations
  • Approved for Statewide Clinical Placements
  • Flexible Online Format with No On-Campus Requirements

This online master’s degree program supports experienced nurses seeking advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles, nurse educator positions, or leadership advancement in nursing and healthcare.

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Program Overview

This online MSN program is designed for licensed registered nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited baccalaureate degree program in nursing. With asynchronous coursework and full- or part-time pacing, it offers unmatched flexibility for working professionals.

Designed For:

  • Registered nurses seeking advanced practice or nursing leadership roles
  • Nurses planning to specialize in education, informatics, or care coordination
  • Final-semester ADN students (Early Entry Pathway) with a 3.0 GPA, pending Graduate School approval

This nursing master’s degree allows students to advance their nursing career while continuing to deliver high-quality nursing care.

Specializations

The University of Nevada, Reno’s MSN program includes eight specializations to meet the diverse needs of today’s healthcare workforce. Each pathway includes targeted coursework, clinical preparation, and eligibility for national certification.

Specialization Focus Enrollment Deadline
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Primary care across the lifespan March 1 (Fall)
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) Mental health care across populations March 1 (Fall)
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Inpatient/critical care for adult populations March 1 (Fall)
Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP Primary care for adults and older adults March 1 (Fall)
Pediatric Acute Care NP (PNP-AC) Pediatric intensive and acute care March 1 (Fall)
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Care coordination and quality improvement March 1 (Fall)
Nurse Educator Curriculum development and instruction March 1 (Fall), Oct 1 (Spring)
MSN Generalist Flexible, broad-based leadership preparation March 1 (Fall)

Note: FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP and PNP-AC tracks include 500+ clinical hours, which must be completed at approved Nevada-based sites.

Job Market Outlook

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Top Company Postings
Company Total Postings (Sep 2023 - Sep 2024) Unique Postings (Sep 2023 - Sep 2024) Median Posting Duration
Kaiser Permanente 5,380 1,834 24 days
MultiCare Health System 4,427 1,266 23 days
Cross Country Healthcare 4,145 961 24 days
DispatchHealth 2,406 872 18 days
University of California 3,532 841 27 days
Providence 5,075 769 24 days
UCHealth 1,676 569 25 days

Statistics provided for the region including: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Powered by Lightcast logo, a labor market analytics company

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited
    baccalaureate degree program in nursing
  • Unrestricted, active RN license
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate coursework
  • Submission of official transcripts and personal statement
  • Conditional admission may be available for applicants with a GPA between 2.7 and 2.99,
    subject to approval by the UNR Graduate School

Visit the UNR Financial Aid Office for detailed information about funding options.

Recent Recognition

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Curriculum & Learning Outcomes


The science in nursing program emphasizes advanced nursing competencies across diverse settings. Students develop skills in leadership, communication, clinical reasoning and health informatics. The curriculum supports nurses in promoting health equity and improving patient care quality at individual and system levels.

Core Curriculum Includes:

  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Advanced Health Assessment
  • Practice-Based Projects or Supervised Clinical Hours (as required by specialization)

Graduates are prepared for licensure and certification exams in their specialty areas and may pursue doctoral education through UNR’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

Clinical Requirements

The Master of Science in Nursing Degree program is designed to prepare students for both practice-based and systems-level leadership. Master of Science in Nursing Degree students complete clinical hours in alignment with their chosen certification and Board of Nursing standards. These hours are integrated into the program of study and conducted at approved Nevada-based sites. Post-Master’s students fulfill clinical expectations through applied experiences embedded within leadership, education, or policy courses.

Faculty & Student Support

Nevada Online’s nursing school supports MSN students through every step of the journey. Faculty are DNP- or PhD-prepared and bring clinical and academic expertise to the virtual classroom.

Students receive personalized mentorship, advising and access to UNR’s online learning tools, including technical support, writing services and digital library access.

This online program is designed to support the needs of busy professionals who want to complete the Master of Science in Nursing Degree while maintaining their careers.

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Woman in red medical scrubs measuring a piece of medical tape

Career Advancement

This master’s degree in nursing equips graduates for credentialing exams from bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Upon completion, students are eligible to pursue certification and licensure as an APRN or in other specialty roles.

Career Pathways Include:

  • Family or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Acute or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Informatics Specialist
  • Preparation for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Graduates also gain the academic foundation to explore post-master’s APRN certificates or dual degree options.

Need More Information? Ready to Apply?

Applications for this program are open for the fall and spring terms. Whether you're a current RN, nearing graduation with your ADN or returning to complete your degree in nursing, the Orvis School of Nursing makes it easy to start the program and stay on track. The Online Master of Science in Nursing Degree program from the University of Nevada, Reno is the next step in your professional journey—from registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing graduate.

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Why Choose the University of Nevada, Reno for your Online Master of Science in Nursing Degree Program?

As a respected public university, the University of Nevada, Reno offers a nursing master’s degree built on academic quality, workforce relevance and a commitment to student success. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through 2031 and approved for clinical placements in all Nevada counties by the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

Benefits of Learning Online with Nevada Online

Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty

Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university

Choose from accessible, fully online programs

Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule

Frequently asked questions