Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Modes of study:

Accelerated Online

Earn your MSN in Nursing Education online in as few as 12 months

USM’s MSN in Nursing Education prepares nurses to teach, lead, and shape the future of healthcare education. Whether you are moving from clinical practice into education, advancing into a staff development or clinical educator role, or strengthening your preparation for teaching in academic or practice settings, this program is built to support your next step.

With accelerated 7-week online courses and six start dates each year, the program offers flexibility for working professionals. Built around core nurse educator competencies, it prepares you for NLN certification while helping you develop expertise in teaching, learning, informatics, emerging technologies, and AI to improve educational and patient outcomes.

Credit hours

36 required credit hours. 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

Six entry terms per year. No GRE required.

View application process and deadlines

What are the highlights of enrolling in USM’s Accelerated Online Nursing Education Master’s Program?

Prepare for your NLN certification: Meet the educational criteria for the NLN Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam.
Study in a nationally accredited program: Our university’s program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Enroll in a flexible online program: Designed for working professionals, USM’s accelerated online format features 7-week courses and six start dates throughout the year, making it easier to build a schedule that works for you.
Build the skills to educate the nurses of tomorrow: Develop a strong foundation in nursing theory, research, education methods, leadership, and health policy.
Benefit from affordable tuition: Online students receive USM’s e-tuition rate, helping make graduate education more accessible and affordable.
Receive one-on-one support and hands-on experience: Benefit from personalized faculty support while completing online coursework and a culminating practicum that includes teaching in a variety of settings.
Study in PACT-designated online courses: USM’s Academic Pact is a course quality initiative that supports clear, well-designed, high-quality online learning experiences.
Gain experience through partnerships across Southern Maine: USM’s location and regional connections provide access to diverse practice and educational settings that support real-world learning.
Receive comprehensive support from the Office of Graduate Studies: Whether you’re looking for opportunities in professional development or information about scholarships, the Office of Graduate Studies is here to help.

USM Nursing faculty member Christina Hart was first a student of USM, helping to advance her career.

Everything I tell my students now reflects what I learned at USM and at the bedside…I want my students to think critically and care deeply. Nursing is more than skills – it’s understanding people, systems, and the context they live in. My background helps me see the bigger picture and bring that into the classroom.

USM Nursing Faculty Member, Christina Hart BS ’06, BA ’11, MSN ’23

Read a full interview with Christina on the Pack Chat Blog

Career opportunities for graduates of USM’s MSN in Nursing Education

A student from the MSN in Nursing Education program who just received their degree from USM.

Educate nurses of tomorrow

Build a strong foundation in nursing theory and research; education methods; leadership, and health policy. Our program meets the educational criteria for the National League for Nursing’s (NLN) Nurse Educator Certificate.

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We’re here to help answer questions about costs

Tuition & fees Financial aid Scholarships

Receiving a scholarship while earning your MSN in Nursing Education allows you to worry less about finances and more about becoming the best nurse possible after graduation.

Apply for scholarships, lessening your financial burden

We encourage Master’s students like those in USM’s MSN in Nursing Education to apply for scholarships, as these do not need to be repaid and can help reduce your tuition costs.

Learn more about scholarships

Certified for online excellence

At the University of Southern Maine (USM), 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.

Accredited in Maine and nationally

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

The importance of CCNE accreditation

What are the application deadlines and program start dates for an MSN in Nursing Education?

Choose from 6 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

Each student’s application for admission will be evaluated based on a composite of the following recommended standards:

A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from a degree program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing.
Minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or a B average.
RN licensure — unencumbered and current licensure in the state in which practicum will be completed.
Undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of C or better.
Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may submit GRE or MAT scores to be considered.

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 (Note: Applicants who require F-1 student visa sponsorship are not eligible for admission to this fully online program.)
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)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)

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: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and 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 English proficiency test score requirements?

Where do I send my application materials?

Next steps

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Nursing — Nursing Education | Accelerated Online