Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Modes of study:

Accelerated Online

Earn your MSN online in as few as 12 months

USM’s accelerated online MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership is designed for working nurses ready to move into broader leadership roles. In this 36-credit program, you’ll strengthen your ability to lead people, manage complexity, improve care delivery, and influence organizational outcomes across today’s healthcare environments.

With 7-week online courses, two hands-on practicums, and six start dates each year, you can complete your degree in as few as 12 months while continuing to work. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as nurse manager, director of nursing, clinical manager, and chief nursing officer, and are eligible to sit for national nurse leader certification through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL).

Credit hours

36 credit hours are required. Most courses are equal to three credit hours.

Visit the academic catalog

Program duration

Many students balance work and school by taking one course every seven weeks, but those who wish to move faster can complete the program in as little as one year.

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School

School of Nursing

Admissions

GRE is not required. Six start dates per year.

View application process and deadlines

Why choose USM’s Accelerated Online Nursing Administration and Leadership Master of Science (MSN)?

Advance to leadership on a timeline that works for you: With 7-week courses and six entry terms each year, the program is designed for nurses who need flexibility without sacrificing momentum. You can build a plan that fits your schedule and complete your MSN faster than in many traditional formats.
Build practical skills for modern healthcare leadership: Your coursework is designed to prepare you for the realities of leadership in contemporary healthcare settings, including organizational effectiveness, evidence-based decision-making, quality improvement, and the broader operational demands of nursing administration.
Gain real-world experience through two hands-on practicums: Leadership development happens in practice. USM’s two practicums give you the opportunity to apply what you are learning in authentic healthcare settings and strengthen your confidence as a nurse leader. Practicums are completed in person and can often be arranged within your local professional network.
Study in a nationally accredited program: USM’s program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), signaling quality and credibility to employers, students, and partners.
Earn a degree that supports professional recognition: Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL), giving students an additional pathway to demonstrate leadership expertise and professional readiness.
Build career-ready tools: As you complete your degree at the University of Southern Maine, you’ll develop a professional CV and create a LinkedIn profile that showcases the specialized skills and competencies gained throughout the program, including AI use in nursing practice.
Learn in courses designed for online excellence: USM’s Academic PACT emphasizes access, connection, transparency, and a more consistent, supportive learning environment.
Receive support from accessible faculty and staff: Faculty and staff in USM’s School of Nursing are an accessible and supportive resource for learning in hands-on situations.
A strong labor market for healthcare leadership roles: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 23% growth for medical and health services managers through 2034 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers).

Move from clinical expertise to organizational leadership when you earn your MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership from USM.

Where will your MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership take your career after USM?

Designed to expand your leadership impact — whether supervising a unit, directing nursing operations, leading quality initiatives, or shaping executive decisions — pursue roles such as nurse manager, supervisor, clinical manager, director of nursing, chief nursing officer.

Learn more about program details

We’re here to help answer questions about costs

Tuition & fees Financial aid Scholarships

Apply for scholarships to reduce your costs while earning your MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership from USM.

Apply for scholarships to reduce your tuition cost

Scholarships can help lower the cost of your graduate education without adding repayment obligations later. We encourage students earning their MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership to explore scholarship opportunities early as part of their financial planning.

Learn more about available scholarships

Certified for online excellence

At the University of Southern Maine, we are committed to delivering online and hybrid education that meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and student support. The USM Academic PACT — short for Promise of Access, Connection, and Transparency — represents that commitment.

Proud to be accredited by the nationally-recognized Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Accredited in Maine and nationally

The School of Nursing at the University of Southern Maine is proud to be accredited by the Maine Board of Nursing and nationally-recognized Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Make the most out of earning your MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership at USM.

Why is CCNE accreditation important?

Admission information

What are the application deadlines and start dates?

Choose from six start dates per year.

Session	Application deadline	Program start date
Spring 2026 term: Session 1	January 2, 2026	January 20, 2026
Spring 2026 term: Session 2	March 4, 2026	March 23, 2026
Summer 2026 term: Session 1	April 29, 2026	May 18, 2026
Summer 2026 term: Session 2	June 17, 2026	July 6, 2026
Fall 2026 term: Session 1	August 12, 2026	August 31, 2026
Fall 2026 term: Session 2	October 7, 2026	October 26, 2026

Applicants are evaluated holistically, but strong candidates typically meet the following recommended standards:

A bachelor’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing.
A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or a B average.
An unencumbered RN license in the state where practicum hours will be completed.
An undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better.
Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may submit GRE or MAT scores for consideration.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

Application: Online application (external link)
Application fee:
- In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
- International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
- International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, we require an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by one of the following transcript analysis agencies
  - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) (external link)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) (external link)
Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. Get additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

Essay/Personal Statement addressing the following:
- Demonstrate your understanding of the nurse administrator/educator role and reasons for becoming a nurse leader.
- Explain your professional goals that will be supported by the Master of Science in Nursing degree.
- Outline the experiences, capacity, and abilities brought to a master’s program.
- Document your reasons for choosing the University of Southern Maine for this program.
Evidence (photocopy or PDF) of an unencumbered registered nurse license.

What are the international student application instructions?

What are the English proficiency test score requirements?

Where do I send my application materials?

Next steps

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Nursing — Nursing Administration and Leadership | Accelerated Online