4 Best MSN Programs in Nebraska – 2026

Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Are you an RN in Nebraska who wants to make more of an impact? A degree from one of the MSN programs in Nebraska will train you in sought-after nursing specialties like nursing administration, executive healthcare management, nursing education, and advanced clinical practice. On average, MSN-educated nurses in these fields can command salaries of $118,580 a year, and the demand for their services is projected to increase by 36 percent over the coming decade. You won’t have to quit your job to pursue your educational goals; many of the Cornhusker State’s nursing master’s programs are offered via distance learning platforms. Ready to learn more? This guide to the 4 best MSN programs in Nebraska is the place to look.

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

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 4 Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Nebraska (Online & Campus) for 2026.

1. Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha

Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Care Coordinator, Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics, and Nurse Educator

MSN Specialties Offered: Care Coordinator, Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, and Nursing Informatics

RN-to-MSN Program Details: Nebraska Methodist College recognizes the need for streamlined educational pathways that allow registered nurses to transition from associate degrees in nursing to graduate-level degrees and specialties. To help meet the need, the school offers an RN-to-MSN program with four specialty options. The program, one of the best MSN programs in Nebraska, admits students in the fall and spring of each academic year and can be completed in as few as 36 months.

The RN-to-MSN curriculum features a combination of undergraduate-level bridge coursework and MSN-level coursework. Coursework is delivered online, making this program an excellent option if you need to continue working or have other responsibilities that demand your time. You will complete 18 semester credits of bridge coursework in classes that cover topics such as statistics, research, health assessment, population health, and leadership. After completing the bridge coursework, you will transition into the MSN portion of the curriculum, taking classes relevant to your chosen concentration. In this part of the program, you will also complete a practicum and a Capstone Project.

RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the RN-to-MSN program at Nebraska Methodist College, you must be a graduate of a state-approved associate degree or diploma RN program in nursing accredited by the ACEN or the NLN CNEA and have a current, unencumbered RN license. Candidates must submit an online nursing application, a current resume, and official college transcripts. You must have completed a minimum of 54 undergraduate credit hours before the start of the program. While applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are considered on an individual basis, those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred.

MSN Program Details: If you are a bachelor’s-prepared nurse ready to pursue a master’s degree in nursing, the MSN program at Nebraska Methodist College could be a great choice. Admission occurs in the spring and fall each year. You can complete the program in just 24 months.

Courses for the MSN program are online and span five to ten weeks with a one-week break between each course. The Care Coordinator pathway features a 39-credit curriculum. The three remaining MSN pathways require the completion of 36 credits. Each MSN concentration includes a practicum and MSN Capstone.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Nebraska Methodist College, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a state-approved nursing program and a program professionally accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or NLN CNEA, and have a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to submit an NMC online nursing application, a copy of your RN license, a current resume, and official college transcripts and/or certificates from all post-secondary institutions you attended. Although candidates with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered, those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher receive preferential consideration.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• If you are searching for an MSN program that supports your faith, Nebraska Methodist College could be the perfect choice. Although the school does not impose religious requirements, it does support spiritual growth and welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all beliefs and denominations.
• Graduate school is challenging, and finding a school that supports you through those challenges is crucial for your success. As a nurse educator, I encourage future students to consider many factors when choosing a school, including faculty availability. For example, at Nebraska Methodist College, the MSN program maintains a low student/faculty ratio, providing more individual attention from faculty and helping improve student outcomes.
• At Nebraska Methodist College, financial aid advisors are available to assist you in identifying avenues of financial aid, which could help offset some of the expenses related to earning your degree. From scholarships and grants to federal work study and nurse faculty loan programs, there is typically something for everyone.

2. Clarkson College - Omaha

Programs Offered: MSN

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

MSN Program Details: Clarkson College offers another excellent MSN program in Nebraska. The program is available part-time or full-time, allowing you to choose a schedule that aligns best with your needs and goals. Full-time students complete the program in seven to nine semesters. Part-time students can complete the program in as few as 12 semesters.

When you pursue the Master of Science in Nursing at Clarkson College, you can choose from five specialty options. The MSN program requires 39 to 51 credits, depending on your chosen concentration. Your curriculum plan will consist of core MSN courses and specialty option courses. While didactic coursework is online, students in nurse practitioner pathways must attend occasional on-campus intensives. The Nursing Healthcare Administration and Nursing Education programs each include 150 practicum hours. Each nurse practitioner option requires the completion of at least 750 precepted clinical hours.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Clarkson College, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution and a nursing program accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or NLN CNEA and have a current, unrestricted RN license. You must submit a scholarly essay, a completed Graduate Nursing Packet, a current resume or curriculum vitae, a graduate application, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Clarkson College understands that cost is one of the most important factors potential students consider when pursuing an education. The school is one of the most affordable private healthcare colleges in the state. All students pay in-state tuition, regardless of residency status, and the school offers a broad range of financial assistance options.
• Clarkson College maintains an outstanding reputation for providing a high-quality MSN program. The school has been consistently recognized by reputable sources such as U.S. News & World Report for rankings, including Top 100 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs, Best Online Master’s in Nursing Administration Programs, Best Online Nurse Practitioner, and Best Master of Science in Nursing.
• The MSN program at Clarkson College receives high student satisfaction scores, which is an important factor to consider when choosing a school/program. Graduates who submitted surveys stated they would recommend the school to others. They also reported satisfaction with the program’s format, faculty expertise, clinical opportunities, and student support.

3. University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha

Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Nurse Leader/Executive

MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner w/ Emergency Nurse Practitioner PGC, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Leader/Executive

RN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are an RN interested in obtaining your master’s degree and specializing as a Nurse Leader/Executive, the RN-to-MSN program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is a program worth considering. The program creates an accelerated pathway for the Registered Nurse with an associate degree and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to advance to graduate studies without first earning a BSN. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The RN-to-MSN program can be completed in three or four years, depending on whether you enroll part-time or full-time. The program features a 43-credit curriculum. In the summer before matriculation into the MSN program, you will take two classes: Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Research and Population-Centered Care. Beginning in the fall, you will transition to master’s-level coursework, taking classes, including Managing Patient Care System as Nurse Managers, Transformational Leadership & Complex Systems, and Foundations of Population-Based Health Policy. This program includes 645 clinical hours.

RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the RN-to-MSN program at the University of Nevada Medical Center, you need an associate degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program and an active, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in one of the 50 United States. All candidates are required to submit an application and required documentation through NursingCAS. You are asked to provide letters of recommendation, a current resume, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended. Preference is given to candidates with a nursing GPA of at least 3.0 in the last nursing degree earned. Additionally, at least one year of bedside nursing experience relevant to your chosen track is required.

MSN Program Details: Whether you plan to advance your career in clinical practice as an advanced practice registered nurse or transition to a role as a nurse leader, the MSN program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center offers several options. The Master of Science in Nursing program, one of the top MSN programs in Nebraska, offers part-time and full-time study options. You can complete the program in three or four years. Admission occurs in the spring and fall semesters each year.

The program offers seven advanced practice specialty options and two non-clinical specialties. Students complete 38-62 credits, depending on their chosen concentration. Each specialty pathway features core classes such as Transformational Leadership & Complex Systems, Pharmacotherapeutics for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced-Level Nursing Roles. Additionally, your chosen concentration includes specialty-specific coursework and clinicals woven into the curriculum, ensuring you are well-prepared for the advanced practice role you choose upon program completion.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at UNMC, you must have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nursing program accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or NLN, have a current, unrestricted RN license, and have at least one year of work experience relevant to your chosen concentration. A completed application via NursingCAS should be submitted along with a current resume or curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended. Preference is given to candidates whose nursing GPA is 3.0 or higher. However, applicants with a grade point average between 2.5 and 2.9 may be considered for provisional admission.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The University of Nebraska Medical Center understands the importance of student support and its impact on overall student success. When you enroll as a student in the MSN program at UNMC, faculty advisors, preceptors, and career coaches work with you to ensure that you have access to the support and resources you need to succeed not only in the program but also in your career following program completion.
• Graduates of the MSN program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have excellent job placement rates. Many graduates receive job offers before completing the program, while others report job placement within three to six months of graduating.
• As a nurse educator, I am often asked what prospective students should look for when considering a nursing program or school. One of the most important factors to consider is how well students are prepared for success. For example, if you have a 4.0 average in your MSN program but cannot pass a certification examination, chances are the program does not meet high-quality standards. The MSN program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, for instance, has an excellent reputation for preparing students for success. Among graduates in its nine MSN specialties, the program reports a nearly 100% pass rate on national certification exams!

4. Nebraska Wesleyan University - Lincoln

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nurse Educator and Nurse Leader

MSN Program Details: Nebraska Wesleyan College offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with options to specialize in Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership. This MSN program in Nebraska is offered online, making it a great option for working nurses. You can complete the program in as few as 18 months if you enroll full-time. Part-time students typically take three years to graduate.

The Nurse Educator path covers educational strategies and theories for teaching, developing nursing curricula and community education programs, and measures for evaluating and assessing learner progress. The Nurse Leader track is designed to prepare you to lead in diverse healthcare systems by utilizing effective communication skills and strategic action plans to transform healthcare.

Each pathway requires the completion of 40 credits. You will complete core courses, including Transcultural Healthcare, Critical Issues in Healthcare, and Research & Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare. After completing core coursework, you will complete specialty courses relevant to your chosen concentration. The Nurse Educator program includes 135 practicum hours, and the Nurse Leader program includes 90 practicum hours. Students in both pathways complete an MSN Capstone Project.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program at Nebraska Wesleyan College, candidates must meet all general graduate admission requirements along with MSN program requirements. To be a viable applicant, you need a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA and have an unencumbered Nebraska or Compact State RN license.

The MSN program uses a holistic review process to determine eligibility. You are required to submit a Letter of Intent, letters of recommendation, resume or CV, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required. Additionally, you must have proof of completion of an undergraduate research or evidence-based practice course.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Nurses today face increased responsibility for day-to-day operations in healthcare settings. Knowing how to handle the business side of operations is one way to become a more competitive candidate for nursing roles. At Nebraska Wesleyan University, you can pursue the MSN/MBA joint degree, saving time and money while earning two degrees.
• As a nurse educator, I cannot stress enough the importance of finding an MSN program that is led by qualified, experienced faculty. At Nebraska Wesleyan University, that is what you will find. The MSN program boasts full-time and adjunct faculty and preceptors who are experts in their fields. Their dedication to nursing and nursing education is reflected in the program’s high quality and excellent student outcomes.
• Online learning at Nebraska Wesleyan University does not mean learning alone. The school prides itself on offering the personal attention of a small private university environment, with faculty and advisors who are easily accessible.


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1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In Nebraska?

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3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Nebraska?

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

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

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

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