MSN Programs in Delaware – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Is enrolling in one of the MSN programs in Delaware a worthwhile investment? Yes, if you’re an RN in the First State whose eyes are on professional advancement! An MSN degree can prepare you for a career as a highly qualified clinician or a masterful executive administrator. Many of Delaware’s MSN programs offer online coursework, making it more straightforward for you to integrate schoolwork with your other personal and job-related commitments. On average, MSN-educated RNs in the First State earn $127,770 a year, and their job opportunities are expected to increase by 55 percent in just 10 years. The guide below to the best MSN programs in Delaware will help you find the ideal MSN pathway for you.
WHAT ARE THE MSN PROGRAMS IN DELAWARE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Delaware (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. University of Delaware - Newark
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Education, Family/Individual Across the Lifespan, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: The University of Delaware offers a highly respected Master of Science in Nursing program designed for Registered Nurses seeking to transition to advanced practice roles in today's complex healthcare systems. This MSN program in Delaware offers specialization options, including Nursing Education and several nurse practitioner specialties. The program offers multiple start dates throughout the year, making it accessible to working nurses who need flexibility when planning for graduate studies. The program is designed to be completed in three years of part-time study. However, you may extend your time to complete your studies up to five years, if needed.
Coursework for the MSN program is delivered online, with both asynchronous and synchronous class offerings. You will be required to attend an occasional campus-based intensive experience. Each pathway includes a core curriculum, advanced practice nursing courses, and concentration-specific courses. Study plans require 30-48 credits and 160-816 clinical hours, depending on the specialty you choose to pursue.
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 47 credits/748 clinical hours
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 42 credits/816 clinical hours
• Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner: 48 credits/816 clinical hours
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 44 credits/816 clinical hours
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 48 credits/816 clinical hours
• Nursing Education: 30 credits/160 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at the University of Delaware, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing awarded by an accredited college or university and have an active, unencumbered United States RN license. Candidates must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended and show an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, you must provide an admission essay, a resume or CV, and you may be asked to interview with program faculty.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the main advantages of pursuing your degree through the MSN program at the University of Delaware is the School of Nursing's collaborative approach to clinical placements. The school partners with you to identify and contract with qualified preceptors experienced in your chosen specialty. The Clinical Placement Team works with you to ensure appropriate placement and supervision, so you have a successful, rewarding clinical experience.• As a student in the MSN program at the University of Delaware, you will be part of research-driven, interprofessional education. The university's School of Nursing is part of a major research university and offers access to a diverse, energetic academic environment, interprofessional learning opportunities, and access to cutting-edge research.
• Although campus visits are limited, quality experiences are not. When you attend campus sessions, you will have opportunities to learn in the university's state-of-the-art simulation center. This Center for Simulation Innovation enhances clinical learning through interdisciplinary training, virtual patient encounters, and high-fidelity simulation to help build confidence and clinical judgment before you enter practicum settings.
• Graduates of the MSN program at the University of Delaware have excellent job placement rates in outstanding advanced practice roles. Many graduates assume positions as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders, nurse educators, care transitions specialists, and advanced generalist nurses.
2. Delaware State University - Dover
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Global Leadership, Nursing Education, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Global Leadership, and Family Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-MSN Program Details: Delaware State University offers an excellent opportunity for associate-prepared Registered Nurses seeking MSN programs in Delaware. The RN-to-MSN program is an accelerated dual degree pathway designed to prepare you to earn both a baccalaureate degree and a master's degree in nursing. Once you enter the graduate level of the program, you may choose to focus on an advanced practice role in either a Global Leadership, Nursing Education, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Family Nurse Practitioner role.
The program begins with RN-to-MSN bridge-level coursework totaling 15 credits. After completing bridge coursework, you will transition to coursework relevant to your chosen concentration. The curriculum plans for the Global Leadership and Nursing Education pathways require an additional 33 graduate-level credits and 90 practicum hours.
The nurse practitioner plans include undergraduate core credits, nursing bridge credits, and master's-level credits. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner programs each require a total of 74 credit hours and 765 practicum hours.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the RN-to-MSN program must have an associate degree in nursing and hold a current, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to provide one letter of professional reference, a current resume, and submit a Graduate Application for Admission. Official transcripts reflecting an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale are also required.
MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse interested in earning a master's degree and pursuing an advanced practice specialty, Delaware State University has some great options from which to choose. At DSU, the Master of Science in Nursing program is exclusively online, making it an excellent choice for working professionals. It takes six to eight semesters to complete the MSN program, depending on your chosen concentration.
The Nurse Educator and Global Leadership pathways each require 33 credits and 90 clinical hours. The Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner pathways each require the completion of 47 credits and 765 clinical hours. Clinical practicums are arranged collaboratively between faculty and students, ensuring you have diverse experiences relevant to your chosen specialty. When possible, clinicals occur in or near your home region.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Delaware State University, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and hold an unencumbered RN license. You need to submit an admission application and provide a copy of your RN license, a current resume, a letter of professional recommendation from a faculty member, a professional colleague, or a work supervisor, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Delaware State University is one of the leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States. The school is committed to developing a culture that celebrates and empowers students and faculty based on the belief that acceptance, support, and understanding of individual and multicultural differences strengthen communities and populations.• At Delaware State University, you will learn from instructors who are experienced educators committed to helping you develop and enhance your professional skills and excel academically and professionally.
• Having worked on student recruitment and retention efforts in the past, I understand that one of the major concerns of prospective students is the cost of education. At Delaware State University, students enjoy one of the lowest tuition rates in the United States. Additionally, financial aid counselors assist students in identifying resources for financial assistance, including scholarships and grants, which could significantly reduce the total out-of-pocket cost of earning a degree at DSU.
• The MSN program in Delaware at DSU has an outstanding retention and graduation rate. This is a factor I encourage prospective students to consider when choosing a school/program, as it is indicative of student satisfaction.
3. Wilmington University - New Castle
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Leadership (Nurse Executive, Nurse Educator, Legal Nurse Consultant, Nursing Professional Development, & Public Health)
MSN Program Details: Whether you are a Registered Nurse looking to advance your career in a nursing leadership role or wish to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, Wilmington University offers an excellent MSN program in Delaware that can help you accomplish your goals. Admission occurs twice each year in the fall and spring semesters.
The Family Nurse Practitioner pathway is designed to be completed in 24 months. The program consists of a 55-credit curriculum and includes a minimum of 750 practicum hours. In the FNP program, you will take classes such as Acute & Chronic Care Across the Lifespan, Differential Diagnosis & Clinical Decision-Making Across the Lifespan, Epidemiology & Population Health, and Healthcare Politics & Policy.
The MSN Nursing Leadership program offers five concentration options: Nurse Executive, Nurse Educator, Legal Nurse Consultant, Nursing Professional Development, and Public Health. Classes start every eight weeks, which means you can choose a time to begin your studies that fits your schedule and preferred timeline. All students in the Nursing Leadership pathway complete a total of 30 credits, including 21 leadership core courses and 9 concentration-specific courses. The program culminates with the completion and presentation of a Nursing Leadership Capstone Project.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally-accredited program with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and an active, unrestricted RN license. You must submit a current resume, a Statement of Goals, a Graduate Application, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. You may be asked to interview with program faculty before receiving a formal invitation for admission.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I encourage all nurses to learn and grow continually. One aspect of the MSN program at Wilmington University that appeals to me is the Dual Credit Option. This option allows students to take select DNP courses to fulfill MSN Leadership program requirements, thereby accelerating the completion of their DNP program following graduation from the MSN Leadership program at Wilmington.• At Wilmington University, the MSN program is designed with working nurses in mind. The program features a flexible, hybrid schedule that combines online learning and synchronous virtual classes with two face-to-face seminars during the practicum portion of the program.
• The MSN program at Wilmington University has an excellent record of student success. Graduates of the program have a proven track record of first-time pass rates on national certification exams and high job placement rates, indicating a solid program that prepares students for academic and professional success.
• The MSN program at Wilmington University is led by nurse leaders who are experts in their chosen field. Faculty are experienced, active nurses and nurse practitioners with a deep understanding of balancing work, family, and graduate studies. Their diverse experiences and insights into today's complex healthcare landscape ensure you will receive instruction at the leading edge of knowledge and practice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In Delaware?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited MSN Programs In Delaware?
| 3 |
3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Delaware?
| Hourly | $61.43 |
| Weekly | $2,457 |
| Monthly | $10,650 |
| Annual | $127,770 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In Delaware?
| Hourly | $45.19 |
| Weekly | $1,808 |
| Monthly | $7,830 |
| Annual | $94,000 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In Delaware?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $51.13 | $2,045 | $8,860 | $106,360 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $60.36 | $2,414 | $10,460 | $125,550 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $67.22 | $2,689 | $11,650 | $139,820 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $80.33 | $3,213 | $13,920 | $167,090 |
6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Delaware By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Dover | $60.83 | $2,433 | $10,540 | $126,520 |
7. Average MSN Salary In Delaware VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Delaware
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $227,200 | -$99,430 | -43.76% |
| Optometrist | $141,480 | -$13,710 | -9.69% |
| Pharmacist | $137,430 | -$9,660 | -7.03% |
| Physician Assistant | $136,270 | -$8,500 | -6.24% |
| Nurse With MSN | $127,770 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $123,420 | +$4,350 | +3.52% |
| Radiation Therapist | $115,940 | +$11,830 | +10.20% |
| Physical Therapist | $104,530 | +$23,240 | +22.23% |
| Dental Hygienist | $98,660 | +$29,110 | +29.51% |
| Occupational Therapist | $94,180 | +$33,590 | +35.67% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $92,070 | +$35,700 | +38.77% |
| Audiologist | $88,370 | +$39,400 | +44.59% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.
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