10 Best MSN Programs in New Jersey – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
If you’re a registered nurse in the Garden State who’s looking for ways to expand your professional horizon, MSN programs in New Jersey offer you a way to do just that. Many of these programs are offered online so that you can keep up with your job and family obligations while you earn your Masters of Nursing Science degree. As an MSN in the Garden State, you’ll earn $138,870 a year on average. RNs with masters degrees have many career options; they can focus on clinical skills and become nurse practitioners or concentrate on administration and become nurse managers. Get started by reading these descriptions of the 10 best MSN programs in New Jersey for 2025.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MSN PROGRAMS IN NEW JERSEY (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
Based on our
Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 10 Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs in New Jersey (Online & Campus) for 2025.
Programs Offered:
RN to MSN and
MSN
MSN Specialties Offered:
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner,
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Health Systems Administration with Case Management
Counted among the best MSN programs in New Jersey, Seton Hall University since 1937 has been pioneering nursing education by preparing students in evidence-based practices and leadership. Its online MSN program holds a high reputation and is ranked 17th in the country by US News & World Report. Being deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition, community service is emphasized, and theological study is incorporated into the curriculum. Although 70% percent of its students are Christians, no matter what your faith is, you will always feel at home as the college wholeheartedly embraces the cultural, religious, ethnic, and racial diversity of its students.
RN-to-MSN Program Details:
The RN to MSN pathway allows registered nurses with an associate degree or students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to advance in their education and graduate with an MSN. Before enrolling in this curriculum, you will complete a few pre-requisite and bridge courses of 11 credits, after which, you can effortlessly move into the MSN coursework.
MSN Program Details:
Depending on your interest you can choose to specialize in any of the concentration options which include adult-gerontology, pediatric primary care, health systems administration, and case management. To qualify for this program, you must have completed a BSN degree from an accredited program and hold an active RN license. To graduate, you must earn anywhere between 42 to 44 credits and undergo 540 hours of clinical training through lab sessions and rotations.
Programs Offered:
RN to MSN and
MSN
RN to MSN Specialties Offered:
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nursing Education
MSN Specialties Offered:
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Forensic Specialist, Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and Nurse Information System Specialist
Did you know that Fairleigh Dickinson University is a part of the top 20% of as many as 3000 nursing schools in the country? Well, now you do. Since the employment for nurses is expected to increase by more than 26% it would be wise to earn your MSN degree from prestigious colleges like Fairleigh Dickinson University to better your chances of landing the job of your choice. Its master’s degree in nursing was established in 1995 and is one of the oldest MSN programs in New Jersey. The curriculum is delivered through traditional on-campus and fully online formats allowing you to choose one based on your convenience.
RN-to-MSN Program Details:
The RN to MSN track provides a swift pathway for registered nurses to complete their BSN education en route to the MSN curriculum. Here, you can transfer up to 90 associate degree credits helping you save time, money, and effort. After earning 66 credits of your RN to MSN degree you can complete your remaining coursework by specializing in the family nurse practitioner track of 64 credits or the nursing education track that requires you to complete 62 credits.
MSN Program Details:
Regardless of which MSN track you choose to specialize in from the seven options, you will complete 8 credits of core-specialization specific nursing courses. You will also earn around 22 credits by attending several classes in advanced nursing practice. The Adult-Gerontology Nurse practitioner concentration prepares you in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with a wide set of diseases through 550 hours of clinical practice and 38 credits of theoretical courses. If you decide to take Family Health Nurse Practitioner as your specialty, your education will comprise of hands-on training of 640 clinical hours. Additionally, specializations like family psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner, forensic specialist, nurse educator, nurse information systems, and nurse administrator require you to complete credits ranging anywhere from 12-39.
Programs Offered:
RN to MSN and
MSN
MSN Specialties Offered:
Nurse Practitioner (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner),
Nursing Education,
School Nursing,
Forensic Nursing
To be placed in one of the most advanced nursing jobs you need to have graduated from a master’s degree program in nursing. Being among the well-known New Jersey MSN programs, Monmouth University’s master’s degree offers you personalized training by maintaining a student-faculty ratio of 1:12. Here in addition to several externships, you will also have access to more than 500 clinical placement opportunities throughout the state. To find a clinical placement that matches your interests, a coordinator will assist you throughout your journey here. The coursework is delivered in the evenings through a combination of on-campus and online classes, allowing you to strike the right work-life balance.
RN to MSN Program Details:
You can complete the RN to MSN program through a traditional path that requires you to first earn your BSN credits and thereafter attend MSN specialty classes. You also have the option of completing 30 credits of 10 upper-level nursing courses before you start with your master’s coursework.
MSN Program Details:
In this MSN you can select from a range of tracks to specialize in consisting of 33-45 credits based on your field of interest. If you decide to pursue the nurse practitioner training you can specialize in either family nursing, psychiatric, mental health nursing, or adult-gerontological primary care. The nursing education track prepares you to become a nurse educator, patient educator, and professional developer. On enrolling in the School Nursing track, you must complete 22-credits in school nursing and 15 in non-instructional courses endorsed by the college. Forensic nursing is another track which is offered with sub-specializations in the child or elder abuse, sexual assault nurse examiner, death investigator, or correctional facility nursing. Finally, the track in nursing administration teaches you the necessary skills to work at an executive nurse level.
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties Offered:
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
A master’s in nursing can deepen your nursing knowledge and prepare you for advanced practice roles which are much in demand across the nation. Stockton University offers one such program where along with innovative teaching methods and clinical excellence, the faculty encourages student participation by providing them with several opportunities for community service and research. MSN classes are delivered in a hybrid format, through a combination of online and face-to-face classes with an option of part-time and full-time schedules. As a graduate of this program, you will demonstrate enhanced critical thinking skills to promote health and prevent diseases of individuals and families across the lifespan.
MSN Program Details:
This MSN is open to BSN graduates holding an active RN license. Depending on your interests you can enroll in either the FNP or AGPCNP track. The curriculum is based on the guidelines of the Roy Adaptation Model and requires completing 42 credits and around 500 supervised hours of clinical practice.
Programs Offered:
RN to MSN and
MSN
MSN Specialties Offered::
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL),
Nursing Education,
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner,
Family Nurse Practitioner, and
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
If you are searching for MSN programs in New Jersey that prepare leaders in healthcare through a student-centered teaching pedagogy and a learning environment that promotes growth, then you must check out The College of New Jersey’s MSN tracks. The college offers rich learning opportunities both within the campus and also through external partnerships where MSN students engage in various healthcare initiatives. It allows you to work alongside your instructors and the college’s medical partners, helping you build a robust foundation of theoretical understanding and practical field-work. Additionally, you can enhance professional skills and abilities through active participation in its 200 campus-wide organizations.
RN to MSN Program Details:
The RN to MSN program is meant for RNs with a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field. This bridge program requires you to complete 16 credits in undergraduate courses before starting with the MSN coursework. If you wish to specialize, the MSN courses can be completed in conjunction with any of the specializations available with the college’s MSN program.
MSN Program Details:
The MSN program is a rigorous curriculum that prepares you for leadership roles within your chosen specialty. You can choose to specialize either as a clinical nurse leader, nursing educator, adult-gerontology primary care, family nurse practitioner, or as a neonatal nurse practitioner. To qualify for this program, you must have a BSN degree and an active RN license. Depending on the specialization track you choose, you require completing credits ranging from 34 to 44.
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties Offered:
Family Nurse Practitioner,
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care and Nursing Administration
Felician University’s online MSN programs in New Jersey train students to become leaders, innovators, and critical thinkers and at the same time also guide them into utilizing the latest technology and ethical advanced nursing practices upon graduating. Here you will be mentored by highly experienced faculty, around 70% of whom have a doctorate. The college understands that pursuing an MSN curriculum can be expensive, and for this reason, 99% of freshman students receive some sort of institutional grants. This MSN is also ranked among the best online graduate nursing programs by US News & World Report. Furthermore, your training is delivered fully online, allowing you to take classes from the comfort of your home.
MSN Program Details:
The family nurse practitioner concentration includes 4 clinical practicums of 650 hours and courses in primary care of the pediatric population, pharmacology, primary care of woman, and advanced pathophysiology. On pursuing the adult gerontology nurse practitioner curriculum, you will learn managing the primary care requirements of adults in the community. This specialization necessitates you to earn 37 credits and complete 585 hours of hands-on training. Lastly, if you choose the nursing administration track you can graduate in just 19 months by completing 30 credits through an online coursework. Besides, it also includes 300 supervised practical competency hours.
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties Offered:
Nursing Education,
Nursing Administration, and
Family Nurse Practitioner
If you are committed to playing a vital role in the medical industry, then completing your MSN from Ramapo College of New Jersey can provide you with a broad range of employment opportunities. Upon joining this degree, you will study in its newly constructed massive 36,000 square foot Adler Center for Nursing and Excellence. This nursing center comprises three simulation rooms with computer simulation patients, a nursing skills lab, and an anatomy and physiology laboratory, allowing you to enhance your practical skills in a safe environment. Here each day will be different as its expert faculty try to remodel real-time hospital situations that improve your decision-making skills and quicken reaction times. Furthermore, the college’s collaboration with several healthcare centers and the affordability of the coursework makes it one of the sought-after MSN programs in New Jersey.
MSN Program Details:
The school offers three tracks with credits varying between 33 to 49. Since 2001 the nursing education track has been preparing students to take-up instructor or educator roles in educational institutions and healthcare delivery agencies. The program includes courses in science & research, educational technology, curriculum development, program evaluation, and advanced pathophysiology. Whereas, the nursing administration pathway is a 34-credit training that includes 135 clock hours of a role practicum. In this practicum, you will gain the knowledge and skills required to take up leadership and managerial jobs and at the same time enables you to sit for the ‘Advanced Nurse Administrator’ certification exam.
The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is more comprehensive and includes 720 clinical hours of clinical learning.
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties Offered:
Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership
Are you looking at advancing in your education through a Master of Science in Nursing program in New Jersey? If so, you should consider Saint Elizabeth University as an option. The college uses a student-centric approach, where your learning entails advanced clinical skills in high-fidelity simulation laboratories and a patient simulation room that is stationed next door to the faculty observation area. The curriculum is of 36 credits and is cohort-based, encouraging you to connect and network with your classmates. You can graduate by completing 3 years of part-time study where you will attend several face-to-face lectures and also participate in synchronous & asynchronous online classes. To create a close-knit teaching environment, the classrooms maintain a low student to faculty ratio of 11:1. On enrolling, classes can be taken at its Morristown campus or several other local medical centers, whichever suits your preference.
MSN Program Details:
The college offers 2 MSN specialization tracks in nursing education & nursing leadership, each of which comprises of 36 credits. Both the pathways encompass common courses in global nursing, caring for childbearing family, nursing process in the community, ethics, communication methods, evidence-based nursing practice, and strategies of professional practice. Furthermore, if you choose to take nursing education, your course contents will consist of educational learning theories, curriculum development and evaluation, and pedagogical strategies. Nursing leadership on the flip side focuses on training you in leadership in healthcare, human factors, health informatics, financial management, human factors & the healthcare environment, and health policy & advocacy.
Programs Offered:
RN to MSN and
MSN
MSN Specialties Offered:
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Administrator
With a master’s degree in nursing, it is possible to earn one of the highest starting salaries and at the same time enjoy several opportunities to serve and make a difference in the lives of your patients. Guided by Jesuit principles, Saint Peter’s University prepares compassionate nurses to become future leaders who are competent enough to advance standards and work towards quality medical care. Located just a drive away from NYC, this MSN school in New Jersey boasts of a placement rate of 95%, with its graduates serving at prominent healthcare centers across the state and New York City.
RN to MSN Program Details:
The RN to MSN bridge curriculum is designed for registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field. Here although you will not be conferred upon a BSN degree you will gain knowledge and understanding of undergraduate nursing by completing courses in undergraduate statistics, nursing research, community nursing, and nursing leadership with a minimum grade of B, before enrolling in the MSN coursework.
MSN Program Details:
The college offers only an Adult-Gerontology Nursing Practitioner track that is offered at its Meadowland Campus. Here, you will complete all courses through its on-campus format that can be taken up on a full-time or part-basis and takes you a maximum of 5.5 years to graduate.
Programs Offered:
MSN
MSN Specialties Offered:
Nursing Administration,
Nursing Education,
Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care, and
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care
If you’re thinking of completing your MSN in New Jersey, then William Paterson University will not fail to impress you. The program prepares its graduates to provide culturally sensitive and proficient patient care in diverse healthcare settings. Here, thousands of scholarships are given out to students each year helping make your education affordable. The university is also recognized by US News & World Reports, and the Washington Monthly for social mobility for its exceptional performance in supporting students with financial needs.
MSN Program Details:
The college offers several concentration options such as Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care, and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care. Depending on the concentration you choose, you will complete anywhere between 35 to 47 credits. Before enrolling in any of the above concentrations you need to have completed your BSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You are also required to have at least one year of work experience as a registered nurse and have a clear understanding of prerequisite courses like statistics, nursing research, and health assessment. All specializations encompass core nursing courses such as theoretical foundations for nursing, the role of an advanced practice nurse, population health, legislation & social policy, nursing research strategies, and an advanced nursing role practicum.
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