Nursing MSN (Online)

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master’s degree program in nursing at Montclair State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Featured Course: Nursing Education – Curriculum Development

In Curriculum Development, you’ll learn how nurse educators design effective nursing education programs for both academic and clinical settings.

Explore how to organize course content, write clear objectives, and align lessons with educational goals and professional standards. You’ll dive into teaching philosophies, methods of evaluation, and the legal and ethical issues that shape curriculum development in healthcare.

By the end of the course, you’ll have hands-on experience designing and assessing a nursing curriculum of your own.

Cost & Financial Aid

As a public institution, Montclair offers one of the most affordable nursing programs in New Jersey. The School of Nursing proudly partners with Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, and St. Joseph’s University Medical Center to provide a 20% tuition discount for eligible employees enrolled in the Online MSN program.

Admission Requirements

To apply to Montclair’s MSN program, you’ll need to submit:

• A completed online application
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• A minimum 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate studies
• A current resume
• RN licensure in good standing or eligibility for RN licensure if you're a new graduate
  • New graduate nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN within 6 months of matriculation.
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty members or employers
• A one-page personal statement outlining:
  • Your reason for applying
  • Your learning goals
  • Relevant professional experience

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

RN to MSN Bridge

Already a licensed RN with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field? You can apply directly to the Online MSN program through the RN to MSN Bridge. Upon acceptance into the program, you’ll complete the following four undergraduate-level nursing courses before beginning in master’s-level coursework:

• NURS 340 - Information Technology and Nursing Practice (3 credits)
• NURS 350 - Evidence-based Practice in Nursing (3 credits)
• NURS 410 - Leadership in Nursing (3 credits)
• NURS 432 - Population and Global Health: Didactic and Practicum (4 credits)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Online MSN at Montclair accredited? 
Yes. The master’s degree program in nursing at Montclair State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. 

How does an MSN increase my earning potential? 
Earning an MSN degree can substantially increase a registered nurse’s earning potential. Advanced practice roles in administration and education often carry higher salaries compared to those with a BSN degree. 

How long does the Online MSN program take to complete? 
The Online MSN program can be completed in just two-to-three years of part-time study. 

Is a BSN required for admission to this program? 
The Online MSN program is able to accept registered nurses that have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. Accepted students who do not hold a BSN degree must complete additional undergraduate-level nursing coursework prior to beginning their master’s-level coursework. 

If I move out of New Jersey during the program, can I still complete my clinical hours? 
Clinical experiences are arranged and supervised in New Jersey. If you relocate, you must still be able to return to the state to complete your required hours. Students must hold a New Jersey RN license or compact license that grants practice privileges in the state.