5 Best MSN Programs in Maine – 2025


Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Looking for a nursing job in Maine that emphasizes professional autonomy and allows you to specialize in an area that aligns with your interests? Earning a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree will increase your chances of landing that job! MSN programs in Maine give their students the opportunity to focus on many different concentrations, including nurse practitioner, executive nurse manager, and nurse educator. Once you graduate, you’ll be on every Maine healthcare employer’s shortlist, and demand for your services will rise by 35 percent in the coming decade. Your median yearly salary will increase, too, to $119,810. For more information, peruse this list of the 5 best MSN programs in Maine.


WHAT ARE THE BEST MSN PROGRAMS IN MAINE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 5 Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Maine (Online & Campus) for 2025.


1. University of Maine - Orono


Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Leadership (Family Nurse Practitioner & Nursing Educator)

MSN Program Details: The University of Maine offers one of the best MSN programs in Maine, with the option of pursuing a certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator. Both pathways offer a part-time or full-time enrollment option, allowing you to choose a schedule that works best to meet your needs and goals. Depending on the schedule you choose, you can earn your MSN in two to four years.

The Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program is a 50-credit pathway that includes a mix of online and classroom instruction combined with in-person clinical experiences. The program begins with advanced coursework focused on subjects including pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology. You will take concentration-specific classes such as FNP Management of Neonate to Adolescent, Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing Practice, and FNP Management of Reproductive, Gender, & Women’s Health. The FNP program includes 775 hours of precepted clinical practicum. You are responsible for identifying appropriate clinical placements in collaboration with clinical faculty.

The MSN Nurse Educator pathway features primarily asynchronous online didactic courses. There is just one Advanced Health Assessment lab course that requires two campus days during the summer semester. The Nurse Educator program is a 35-credit pathway consisting of classes, including Interprofessional Leadership in Healthcare, Advanced Nursing Scholarship, Innovations in Teaching & Learning in Nursing Education, and Innovations in Clinical, Simulation, & Laboratory Instruction. Students in this pathway complete 500 hours of direct and indirect practice activities in classroom, lab, simulation, and clinical settings.


MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the MSN program at the University of Maine must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earned from an accredited nursing program and an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants for both the FNP and Nursing Education pathways must provide proof of a current Maine RN license or proof of license reciprocity, two letters of recommendation, an admissions essay, and a curriculum vitae or resume.

Applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner program must have completed undergraduate courses in Physical Assessment, Statistics, and Research, each with a minimum grade of “B,” and have at least two years of full-time work experience as a registered nurse. A pre-admission meeting with nursing faculty to discuss goals and the program of study is required before a final offer of admission is made.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The MSN program at the University of Maine is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Nursing Schools: Master’s category. This ranking speaks highly of the program’s quality, as U.S. News uses several indicators of excellence to determine which schools earn high rankings. As a nurse and healthcare educator, I believe it is important to research program rankings and success rates when deciding where to pursue your degree.
• Graduates of the University of Maine's MSN programs consistently perform exceptionally well on national certification exams following completion of the programs. Student success on these exams is another indicator of the program's quality.


2. University of Southern Maine - Portland


Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Administration & Leadership and Nursing Education

MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration & Leadership, Nursing Education, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

RN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are a registered nurse ready to earn a graduate degree, the University of Southern Maine has an excellent program to consider! With the USM RN-to-MSN program, you can choose to specialize in Nursing Administration & Leadership or Nursing Education. With six start dates per year, you can begin your studies at a time that is most convenient for you.

Students in the RN-to-MSN program complete undergraduate-level coursework at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and then transition to complete the remaining master's coursework online with the University of Southern Maine. The program is formatted to be completed in as little as 24 months, allowing you to save time and money by taking fewer classes than required by separate BSN and MSN programs.

Both RN-to-MSN pathways feature a 60-credit curriculum. Students are required to complete undergraduate nursing courses and the USM core curriculum before transitioning to the graduate portion of the program. The program integrates practicum experiences relevant to your concentration. Students complete a minimum of 600 hours of clinicals.


RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the RN-to-MSN program, you must have a current, unencumbered RN license in the state where your clinical practicum will be completed. Candidates with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 are preferred. However, those with an average of less than 3.0 and satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores may be considered. All applicants must complete an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.

To apply, you must first complete an online application and pay a $50 application fee. Additionally, you must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended, a current resume or CV, an essay/personal statement, and a copy of your RN license.


MSN Program Details: The University of Southern Maine also offers a traditional MSN program with the option to choose one of three nurse practitioner pathways or a Nursing Education or Nursing Administration & Leadership pathway. Each nurse practitioner pathway admits students twice per year in the spring and fall semesters. The Nursing Education and Nursing Administration & Leadership pathways offer six start dates per year.

Each nurse practitioner pathway is formatted as a campus-based program and is available as a part-time or full-time option. Part-time students take seven to eight semesters to complete the program. Full-time students typically graduate in five or six semesters. The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program features a 45-credit hour curriculum, including 568 clinical hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 49-credit pathway that includes 600 clinical hours. Students in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program complete 50 credits and 600 clinical hours.

The Nursing Education and Nursing Administration & Leadership concentrations are accelerated online programs that can be completed in as little as 12 months if you enroll full-time. Each pathway features a 36-credit curriculum and includes 270 clinical practicum hours.


MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at the University of Southern Maine is highly selective. Candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program and have a current, unrestricted license to practice as an RN in Maine.

Applicants must complete an online application and pay an application fee. Official transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 and a grade of "B" or better in the undergraduate courses Microbiology, Introductory Statistics, and Health Assessment are required. Additionally, a resume or current CV, a 500-word essay, two letters of recommendation, and proof of RN license must be submitted.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The University of Southern Maine has several options for financial aid, which, for many students, is a determining factor when deciding whether to return to school. The school has over 150 graduate assistantships available that include tuition assistance and stipends, fellowship and research opportunities, and scholarships.
• One of the things I like about the University of Maine’s MSN program is that the faculty are active in practice, research, and policy issues. Many are board members of state and national nursing associations and are frequently published in top nursing journals. Having faculty who are active in practice and who know what’s going on in the field means they will bring knowledge of the most current trends and issues to the classroom, preparing you for graduate-level nursing!


3. Husson University - Bangor


Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: Husson University is home to another excellent MSN program in Maine. At Husson, you have the option of specializing as an Adult Gerontology, Family, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program offers multiple start dates each year, making it easy to begin your studies when you are ready.

The MSN program is delivered online utilizing synchronous and asynchronous learning formats and virtual clinical orientation. The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Family Nurse Practitioner programs each feature a 48-credit curriculum. The Psychiatric Mental Health NP program is a 51-credit pathway. Additionally, each pathway includes 540 clinical hours.


MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN program at Husson University must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing school and an unencumbered RN license. You must submit an application for admission, and provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended, one letter of recommendation, and a statement of purpose essay.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• I truly value any opportunity for personal and professional growth and development, and Husson University adds extra opportunities for students to do so. One way the school does this is by allowing you to earn digital badges. Digital badges are a type of micro-credential that certifies your mastery in professional areas such as Understanding Community Health, Essentials of Healthcare Systems, and DI Leadership & Cultural Competence. MSN students can connect these digital badges to applications, resumes, and online profiles to showcase skills and improve marketability.
• Husson University is committed to your success in the MSN program and beyond. As a student, you will have an advisor who will work with you throughout the program to help you with any needs to promote your success. Additionally, Career Services works with you and your advisor to provide services to help you make informed decisions about your career, develop a professional identity, and connect with prospective employers.


4. Saint Joseph's College of Maine - Standish


Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: If you are searching for an MSN program that offers flexibility, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a school worth considering. Whether you aspire to become an Adult-Gerontology Acute or Primary Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or plan to specialize in Nursing Administration or Nursing Education, Saint Joseph’s has a program for you!

At Saint Joseph’s, you can enroll in any of the MSN pathways and earn your degree in as few as two years, or you can pursue your degree part-time and take as long as five years to complete your degree. This MSN program in Maine follows a cohort model and admits students four times each year in the spring, summer, fall, and winter quarters. Core coursework is delivered in an online format. Specialty courses and clinicals are delivered in a blended format of online and clinical site learning.

Each MSN pathway includes classes from the core nursing curriculum in leadership, informatics, public policy, population health, and research. As you enter the specialization track, your curriculum plan will be tailored to your chosen specialty. Each nurse practitioner specialty is a 48-credit pathway. Nurse practitioner students complete between 600 and 720 clinical hours. The Nursing Education and Nursing Administration pathways require 42 and 45 credits, respectively, and include 135 practicum hours.


MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates for the MSN program at Saint Joseph’s College must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must provide official transcripts from any college or university they have attended, a current resume or curriculum vitae, a career statement, and three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should come from a peer, a supervisor, and a prior faculty member.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Saint Joseph’s College of Maine prides itself on offering a competitive tuition rate. Additionally, the school has educational partnerships with various employers and organizations that offer partner tuition rates and tuition reimbursement programs aimed at reducing tuition rates for students. In my experience, students who take advantage of programs with financial assistance options, like the MSN program in Maine at Saint Joseph’s, experience less stress and worry while in school, making it easier to focus on their studies.
• If you really want to expand the scope of your nursing leadership education and practice, you can combine your MSN degree at Saint Joseph’s with the MHA or MBA to earn dual credentials. Students who desire a dual certification follow the MSN administration track and complete 60 credits instead of 42 to earn the dual degrees.


5. University of Maine - Fort Kent


Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

RN-to-MSN Program Details: The University of Maine offers an excellent opportunity for RNs with an associate degree to pursue a master’s degree and specialize as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The RN-to-MSN program is designed to be completed in 24 months. The program features online coursework, which provides flexibility for working nurses.

Students in this pathway take seven undergraduate courses from the RN-to-BSN curriculum and are then admitted to the RN-to-MSN program. The curriculum includes classes such as Transcultural Care in Nursing, Ethical Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice, Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Integrated Nursing Practice. Specialty courses and clinicals are tailored based on your chosen concentration.


RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for the RN-to-MSN program at the University of Maine, you must first meet both the RN-to-BSN and MSN eligibility requirements. Candidates for the RN-to-MSN program must hold an associate degree in nursing and a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field and have a current, unrestricted RN license. A cumulative college GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is preferred. However, in some cases, candidates with a 3.0-3.19 GPA may be offered conditional admission. You must complete an admission application, provide official college transcripts, and submit an admissions essay and two letters of recommendation.


MSN Program Details: The MSN program at the University of Maine can be completed in as little as 15 months. Students have two concentration options: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Both MSN pathways feature a 43-credit curriculum. The curriculum includes 25 nursing core credits from classes such as Advanced Research for Evidence-Based Practice, Epidemiology & Population Health, and Healthcare Policy & the Law: Implications for Quality & Safety. Each pathway also includes 18 credits of concentration-specific coursework, comprised of three clinical courses, each with a corresponding clinical practicum.


MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates for the MSN program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2. (Students with a 3.0 or 3.19 may be considered for provisional admission in some cases.) You must provide transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended, an admissions essay, and two letters of recommendation.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• At the University of Maine- Fort Kent, you will learn from expert faculty with decades of experience in clinical nursing and nursing education. Their real-world experiences and expertise will prepare you for practice in your chosen specialty.
• The University of Maine at Fort Kent reports high retention and graduation rates for its MSN program. The school also reports graduates of the program have excellent pass rates on national certification exams. These are factors I believe are important to consider when choosing an MSN program, as they tend to indicate the strength and quality of a program.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In Maine?




2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited MSN Programs In Maine?


5


3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Maine?


Hourly$57.60
Weekly$2,304
Monthly$9,980
Annual$119,810


4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In Maine?


Hourly$42.38
Weekly$1,695
Monthly$7,350
Annual$88,140


5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In Maine?


Level of ExperienceHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
1-4 Years of Experience$47.95$1,918$8,310$99,730
5-9 Years of Experience$56.60$2,264$9,810$117,730
10-19 Years of Experience$63.03$2,521$10,930$131,110
20 Years or More Experience$75.33$3,013$13,060$156,680


6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Maine By Metro?


MetroHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Bangor$57.51$2,300$9,970$119,620
Lewiston-Auburn$60.66$2,427$10,520$126,180
Portland-South Portland$57.14$2,286$9,900$118,850


7. Average MSN Salary In Maine Vs. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Maine


Job TitleAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Dentist$214,810-$95,000-44.23%
Podiatrist$160,390-$40,580-25.30%
Optometrist$147,470-$27,660-18.76%
Veterinarian$137,380-$17,570-12.79%
Pharmacist$133,540-$13,730-10.28%
Physician Assistant$132,790-$12,980-9.77%
Nurse With MSN$119,810$00.00%
Physical Therapist$91,720+$28,090+30.63%
Audiologist$88,700+$31,110+35.07%
Radiation Therapist$88,680+$31,130+35.10%
Chiropractor$84,230+$35,580+42.24%
Occupational Therapist$80,590+$39,220+48.67%
Dental Hygienist$80,310+$39,500+49.18%
Speech-Language Pathologist$79,310+$40,500+51.07%


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.



Best MSN Programs in Other States



Popular Related Articles