Online MSN student standing over medical manikin in the Simulation Center.

Master of Science in Nursing

Earn Your Master of Science in Nursing Degree Online

Montclair State University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is one of New Jersey’s most affordable and flexible nursing master’s programs.

Three specialty concentrations are offered:

Two pathways to the MSN:

MSN Program
- To qualify you must be a licensed registered nurse (RN) in New Jersey and hold a BSN degree or be a new graduate eligible for RN licensure with a BSN.
The RN to MSN Bridge Program
- To qualify you must be a licensed registered nurse (RN) in New Jersey or eligible for RN licensure and hold a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing discipline. Learn more about the RN to MSN Bridge Program.

There is still time to submit your application for the Fall 2023 semester!

School of Nursing faculty and MSN students demonstrating functions of an intelligent simulator.

How it Works

The MSN degree program specifically prepares RNs for advanced practice in administration, education, and clinical research.

Students enrolled in the MSN program will be eligible to apply for advanced practice positions that advance their careers and pursue future opportunities through doctoral education.

Graduates will be prepared for administrative, educator or research roles in order to meet the needs of a changing healthcare environment.

Career Outlook

Our concentrations in Nursing Administration, Nursing Education and Clinical Research Coordination provide opportunities for ongoing career advancement, recognition of expertise through national certification and participation in national organizations. Career possibilities include:

Nursing Administration: positions in community, long-term and acute care facilities with opportunities in management.
Nursing Education: positions as instructors and professors in a variety of academic and clinical settings.
Clinical Research Coordination: positions in academic medical centers, private practices, regulatory agencies, and pharmaceutical and other scientific companies as research coordinators, monitors, auditors and clinical trials managers.

Students enrolled in the MSN program will be eligible to advance their careers and pursue future opportunities through doctoral education.

Elsie Alabi-Gonzalez, Clinical Specialist, standing in the School of Nursing's Simulation Center in front of a medical manikin.

Cost and Financial Aid

As a public university, Montclair State is among the most affordable options in the state.

The School of Nursing is proud to partner with Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, Atlantic Health Systems and St. Joseph’s University Medical Center to provide a 20% tuition discount to eligible RNs.

We are now offering a Nurse Educator Scholarship for Fall 2023. The tuition scholarship will assist newly enrolled Online Master of Science in Nursing students in the Nursing Education concentration pay for their first Fall 2023 course.

Please contact the School of Nursing for additional information on select employer tuition discount programs and scholarships available to RNs.

Admission Requirements

Completion of the online application.
All official transcripts.
Minimum of 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies.
A current resume is required with your application.
Licensure as an RN in good standing or eligibility for RN licensure if a new graduate. New graduate nurses must successfully pass the NCLEX RN within 6 months of matriculation.
Two letters of recommendation from faculty members or employers.
A one-page personal statement. The personal statement should explain your reason for applying to the program, learning goals, and relevant professional experience.