6 Best MSN Programs in Mississippi – 2026

Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Feeling stuck in your Mississippi nursing job? Earning a degree from one of the MSN programs in Mississippi can qualify you for a range of dynamic positions such as nurse practitioner, executive nurse manager, and nurse educator. Many of these professional tracks are offered via distance learning platforms so you can earn your nursing master's degree without giving up your job or skimping on your personal responsibilities. With a Master's of Science in Nursing degree in the Magnolia State, you'll average $114,500 a year, and the number of positions available to you will multiply by 43 percent in just one decade. The list below of the 10 best MSN programs in Mississippi contains all the information you need.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MSN PROGRAMS IN MISSISSIPPI (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 6 Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Mississippi (Online & Campus) for 2026.

1. Mississippi University for Women - Columbus

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: If you are a baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse interested in pursuing a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and you are searching for an MSN program in Mississippi, you may need to look no further than the Mississippi University for Women. The program admits new students in the fall and takes three semesters, including one summer semester, to complete.

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program features a 39-credit-hour curriculum. You will study in classes, including Advanced Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Strategies, Advanced Primary Care Procedures, Population Health in Advanced Nursing Practice, and Primary Care Management. A clinical practicum complements each clinical course. Practicum experiences take place in various clinical settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, physicians' offices, and community health centers.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at Mississippi University for Women, you must have a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing from an institution with national and regional accreditation, hold a current, unrestricted Mississippi or Compact State RN license, and have at least two years of clinical work experience as a Registered Nurse. All applicants are required to submit three letters of reference (one should be from a nursing instructor or faculty member) and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. Transcripts must show a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and reflect completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a minimum grade of "C." All applicants must complete an Advanced Pathophysiology course with a grade of "B" or better before beginning the program. Additionally, you must provide a copy of your current immunization record and pass a national background check and a 9-panel drug screening.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The Mississippi University for Women's Graduate Nursing Department has a history of more than 50 years of providing high-quality nursing education to students interested in gaining preparation to become Family Nurse Practitioners.
• At Mississippi University for Women, you will gain the skills needed to influence safe, quality healthcare by using interdisciplinary care approaches and utilizing health policy, emerging technology, and ongoing learning and role development.
• The Mississippi University for Women is highly ranked, which is an excellent indication of the quality of the program and the type of preparation you will receive as a student in the MSN program. For example, U.S. News & World Report ranks the school in several categories, including Top Public Schools: Regional Universities in the South, Least Debt: Regional Universities in the South, College for Veterans: Regional Universities in the South, and Best Value for Public Regional Universities in the South.

2. Alcorn State University - Natchez

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator

MSN Program Details: Alcorn State University is dedicated to educating highly skilled nurse leaders and educators, and one way the school does so is by offering one of the best MSN programs in Mississippi. At Alcorn, baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses can pursue one of two Master of Science in Nursing pathways: Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator.

The Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed to be completed in five semesters of full-time study. This 49-semester-hour curriculum features classes such as Clinical Management of Pediatrics, Evidence-Based Practice & Quality Improvement, Health Promotion & Population Health, and Clinical Management Across the Lifespan. Students in this program complete 750 clinical hours.

If teaching others and impacting generations of nursing appeals to you, the Nurse Educator pathway is an excellent option. This MSN pathway takes four semesters, including one summer semester, to complete. The study plan includes 34 semester hours. Students in this program take classes including Foundations of Teaching & Learning, Nursing Education Technologies, Curriculum Strategies & Roles in Nursing Education, and Assessment & Evaluation in Nursing Education. The program includes a 240-hour Nurse Education Practicum.

MSN Admission Requirements: All applicants seeking admission to the MSN program at Alcorn State University must have a United States bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally-accredited institution. You are required to complete an online application and submit official transcripts reflecting a 3.0 or higher GPA for all prerequisite and nursing courses. Additionally, you must provide three letters of recommendation and a copy of your current, unencumbered RN license, and complete an interview with the Graduate Nursing Faculty.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Alcorn State University offers state-of-the-art learning environments and hands-on clinical experiences. As a student in the MSN program, you will also have access to the Alcorn State Family Clinic, which provides opportunities to develop real-world clinical competence, which is advantageous for students who need robust clinical experience.
• Alcorn State University has not only strong state, but also strong national rankings. This is a strong indication of the quality of the program and the preparation you will receive as an MSN student.
• The Master of Science in Nursing program has high retention and graduation rates, which indicate student satisfaction and success. Each of these factors is important to consider when choosing an MSN program in Mississippi.

3. Mississippi College - Clinton

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Educational Leadership, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Administrator

MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing program at Mississippi College is an excellent option for working professionals seeking graduate preparation with a flexible schedule. You can complete the program in as few as 18 to 24 months, depending on the specialty you pursue.

Students choose from three specialty tracks: Educational Leadership, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Administrator. The program features fully online coursework and requires a minimum of 35 credits. Clinicals are scheduled to be completed over one full semester, allowing you to meet clinical requirements without the distraction of other requirements. All MSN students complete a Capstone Project as the culminating event of the program. Your Capstone Project will be focused on your area of specialty.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Mississippi College, you must first meet all general requirements of the graduate school of MC. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university and have a current, unrestricted RN license. You may begin the admission process by completing an online application here. You must provide a satisfactory federal criminal background check, three letters of professional recommendation, a resume or CV, and transcripts reflecting a BSN grade point average of at least 2.5.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• If earning your degree at a school that celebrates Christian values and incorporates them in the curriculum, Mississippi College is an excellent choice. The school is dedicated to helping you integrate Christian values and advanced ethical reasoning into education, leadership, and decision-making in advanced practice.
• At Mississippi College, you select your own preceptors and clinical sites. However, you are not alone in your journey to earning your MSN degree. The school guides clinical placements and helps secure contracts with clinical sites and preceptors to ensure you have appropriate experiences with qualified preceptors.
• Mississippi College is dedicated to developing advanced practice nursing leaders who have advanced knowledge, expertise, and leadership abilities to help influence health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities.

4. University of Mississippi Medical Center - Jackson

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Acute/Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing & Health Care Administrator, Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner—Acute Care, and Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner—Primary Care

MSN Program Details: If you are a bachelor's-prepared RN ready to take your career to the next level, the University of Mississippi Medical Center is a great place to start. UMMC offers an outstanding MSN program in Mississippi with several specialty options. All nurse practitioner specialties admit new students in the fall semester annually. The Nurse Educator and the Nursing & Health Care Administrator track admissions of new students in the spring and summer of each year. Part-time and full-time enrollment options are available, so you can choose a schedule that best fits your lifestyle and aligns with your academic and professional goals.

All MSN classes are offered online, with occasional campus visits sometimes required. Each specialty track features content designed to prepare for an advanced practice role. All MSN students complete core courses in research, finance, leadership, informatics, health policy, quality improvement, and theoretical foundations. Additionally, each track has specialized courses relevant to the role and concentration-specific clinical assignments. Curriculum plans range from requiring 36 to 46 credits and include 360 to 630 clinical hours, depending on your chosen concentration.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a program accredited by the ACEN or CCNE and hold a current, unencumbered license to practice as an RN in the United States with licensure/privilege to practice in Mississippi. All nurse practitioner program candidates must have at least one year of work experience as a registered nurse. You must complete an application for admission and submit official transcripts. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• One of the things I love about nursing is that there is no limit to the things you can learn and how you can apply your knowledge. The University of Mississippi Medical Center offers a concentration in Nursing Education and Instruction (NEI), which can be added to all MSN tracks, except Nursing Education. The NEI track requires the addition of 10 credits through which you will be introduced to concepts and theory in nursing curriculum & evaluation, simulation, education, scholarship, and informatics.
• As a student in the MSN program, you will learn at a school known for leadership and innovation in nursing education. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is home to the state's only academic health science center.
• As a nurse, it is vital to collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary team. At UMMC, the Master of Science in Nursing program integrates opportunities to collaborate with healthcare providers and professionals across several disciplines, preparing you for an interprofessional approach to patient care, which is essential in improving patient outcomes.

5. William Carey University - Hattiesburg

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Education

MSN Program Details: William Carey University offers RNs seeking a graduate degree and specialization in nursing education, another of our featured MSN programs in Mississippi. The program can be completed in three terms (one year) if you enroll full-time, or in six terms (two years) if you enroll part-time. The program features a 100% online format and clinicals in your local area, offering flexibility for working professionals. New cohorts are admitted each spring and fall semester.

The program features a 35-credit curriculum. The curriculum includes classes such as Healthcare Policy & Ethics, Nursing Education: Teaching Strategies, Nursing Education: Evaluation Strategies, and Curriculum Development & Program Planning. The study plan includes a Nursing Education Practicum and an Advanced Clinical Practice Practicum. Additionally, you will complete an Evidence-Based Practice & Capstone Project.

MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates for the MSN program at William Carey University must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited nursing school and a regionally accredited institution, and must have an active, unrestricted RN license. To apply, you must submit a completed application to the WCU graduate program and provide a Statement of Professional Goals, a current resume, two nursing recommendations, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you previously attended. An overall GPA of 3.0 or a GPA of at least 2.5 on the last 30 undergraduate credit hours is required.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• William Carey University has an excellent reputation for providing a high-quality nursing education. The school has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top Master's Nursing Programs and as a top National University.
• At William Carey University, you will prepare to become a leader in nursing education by learning from experts in the field. Each faculty member in the MSN Nursing Education program has years of experience in both clinical practice and nursing education. Their dedication to the nursing program and their commitment to empowering future generations of nurse educators mean you can feel confident that you will receive the highest-quality instruction and be well-prepared to pursue a role in nursing education.
• All MSN students at William Carey University have a personal academic advisor to assist with all things related to the program. Your advisor will be your "go-to" person for guidance and resources. Offering advisement is one of many ways the school exercises a student-first policy dedicated to your success!

6. Delta State University - Cleveland

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: Delta State University offers an online MSN program in Mississippi, with the option to specialize in Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator. The program's online coursework, flexible clinical schedules, and minimal campus visits make it a great choice for working RNs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and enrollment occurs in the fall semester annually. Part-time and full-time options are available.

The Nurse Educator pathway features a 30-credit curriculum that includes 420 clinical hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner pathway requires the completion of 48 credits and 780 clinical hours. Students in both pathways take classes including Advanced Theoretical Issues in Nursing & Ethics, Integrated Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, & Physical Assessment, and Role Development/Instructional Methodologies. Advanced courses relevant to your chosen specialty are also integrated into each curriculum plan.

MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at Delta State University is competitive and based on an estimate of each applicant's ability to complete the program successfully. Two types of admission are available: Full Admission and Admissions with Conditions.

For full admission, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a current, unencumbered RN license in Mississippi or the state where clinicals will be conducted. You must provide a current resume and official post-secondary transcripts, and you must complete an interview with the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing Faculty. In addition to the GPA requirements, you must also have proof of completing a graduate-level pathophysiology course with a grade of "B" or better and an introductory Statistics course with a grade of "C" or better. Candidates for the Nurse Educator pathway must have at least one year of continuous clinical nursing experience as a Registered Nurse. Candidates for the Family Nurse Practitioner pathway must have at least one year of continuous clinical nursing experience with direct patient contact as an RN within the past three years.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Delta State University is committed to providing a quality education at an affordable rate. The school is ranked among the most affordable graduate nursing programs in Mississippi. Several financial aid options are available, including automatic scholarship opportunities. Further, all student tuition is calculated at an in-state tuition rate, making it more affordable for out-of-state students to attend.
• Delta State University boasts a 100% employment rate for graduates of its MSN program. This is a crucial factor to consider, as job placement rates typically reflect a program's reputation and employers' perceptions of graduates' readiness.
• With 100% certification pass rate on national certification exams, it is no wonder that Delta State University is considered home to one of the best MSN programs in Mississippi!


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In Mississippi?

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

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3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Mississippi?

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

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

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7. Average MSN Salary In Mississippi VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Mississippi

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