MSN Programs in North Dakota – 2026
Writer: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
MSN programs in North Dakota are among the quickest routes to higher incomes for nurses in the Peace Garden State. With a nursing master's degree on your resume, you'll command a salary of $124,510 yearly on average, and it's likely that salary will continue to rise since demand for your services is expected to increase an additional 48 percent within the coming decade. An MSN can be your passport to transformational professional development, too. Nursing master's programs offer specializations in advanced nurse practice, executive nurse leadership, nursing education, and more. If you're a North Dakota RN with an eye on the prize, you'll really benefit from going through the list below of the best MSN programs in North Dakota.
WHAT ARE THE MSN PROGRAMS IN NORTH DAKOTA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Master of Science in Nursing Programs in North Dakota (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. University of North Dakota - Grand Forks
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: Are you a Registered Nurse with aspirations to become a Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? Have you earned a bachelor's degree in nursing and want to pursue options for obtaining a master's degree? If so, the University of North Dakota is a great place to start. UND offers one of the top online MSN programs in North Dakota.
The MSN program is offered part-time, making it an excellent option for working professionals. You can complete the program in just seven semesters. Both the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathways offer mostly online coursework with occasional campus visits to complete in-person training and simulations in preparation for clinical practicums. Admission for both programs occurs in the fall and spring semesters each year.
The FNP and PMHNP programs each have a 49-credit plan of study. Both pathways require core courses such as Evidence for Practice, Evidence for Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Ethical, Legal, & Health Policy Issues. As you advance in your program, you will begin specialty-focused courses designed to prepare you for your chosen nurse practitioner role. Each program includes clinical courses, along with corresponding clinical courses, to give you opportunities for hands-on patient care.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at the University of North Dakota requires having a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited nursing program and a current, unencumbered RN license in the United States. One year of track-specific experience as a Registered Nurse is preferred. You must provide a current resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, a Statement of Goals, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. Transcripts should show a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 for the last two years of baccalaureate study and completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course. An interview with program faculty may be required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I always stress to students how important it is to make the most of every learning opportunity. One of the most essential components of an MSN program is clinical practicums. The University of North Dakota has a full-time Nursing Clinical Placement Coordinator who will work with you to find clinical placements. The school does consider your preferred locations and works to accommodate them when possible. However, the final decision is left to the Coordinator, who is responsible for ensuring you have ample learning opportunities to prepare you for practice.• The University of North Dakota is known for offering one of the best values in education in the nation. The school offers lower tuition and fees than most Midwest four-year graduate universities. On average, students receive $13,500 in financial assistance annually. Some types of financial aid include scholarships, grants, and loans. Military-affiliated students may also qualify for other benefits. What this means for you is that you can pursue your degree with less out-of-pocket expense, which allows you to focus on your studies instead of worrying about academic-related bills. Financial aid advisors are available to assess your situation and determine which types of aid will benefit you most and to help you apply.
• The University of North Dakota reports excellent success among graduates who take national certification exams after completing the program. According to the school, graduates of both the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN programs exceed national averages among first-time testers. The high pass rate reflects the quality of the academic preparation the program offers.
2. University of Mary - Bismarck
Programs Offered: BSN-to-MSN
BSN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Leadership & Management, Nurse Educator, and Nursing & Health Care Informatics
BSN-to-MSN Program Details: The University of Mary offers another excellent MSN program in North Dakota. The program is designed for Registered Nurses who have earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing and wish to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize in Nursing Leadership & Management, Nursing Education, or Nursing & Healthcare Informatics. The Nursing Leadership & Management and Nurse Educator pathways offer three start dates each year in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The Nursing & Healthcare Informatics program admits students in the fall annually.
Each MSN pathway features an online learning format, making it a great option for busy professionals. The Nursing Leadership program can be completed in as few as 16 months. The program requires the completion of 37 semester credits. The Nurse Educator pathway takes as little as 20 months to complete and features a 41-semester credit curriculum. The Nursing & Health Care Informatics program takes two academic years to complete and requires 39 semester credits. All MSN pathways require 500 experiential hours relevant to the specialty.
BSN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-MSN program at the University of Mary, you must have a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Nursing from an accredited institution and evidence of a current, unrestricted RN license. You are required to submit a completed graduate application, a current resume, two professional references, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. You must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If finding a school where faith meets academic preparation for advanced nursing practice is important to you, the University of Mary is an excellent choice. The school is a Catholic institution founded by the Benedictine Sisters. Each curriculum plan includes theology and philosophy courses that reflect the school's Christian mission.• The University of Mary is committed to helping working adults achieve higher education. As part of its commitment, the school offers each eligible MSN candidate up to $3,000 in scholarships.
• Graduates of the University of Mary's MSN program have excellent job placement rates. Many students receive job offers while still enrolled in the program, while others report being employed in roles relevant to their chosen specialty within six months of graduation. Graduates leave the school and go on to fill positions such as Chief Nursing Officer, Regional Director, Nursing Education Consultant, Nursing Curriculum Coordinator, Clinical Informatics Officer, and Nursing Informatics Specialist.
3. Mayville State University - Mayville
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Nurse Leadership & Management, Nurse Educator, and Health Informatics
MSN Program Details: Mayville University's MSN program in North Dakota offers baccalaureate-prepared RNs the opportunity to earn a master's degree and specialize in one of three advanced practice concentrations: Nurse Leadership & Management, Nurse Educator, or Health Informatics. At Mayville, you can enroll full-time and complete the program in 21 months (five semesters), or enroll part-time and graduate in 33 months (eight semesters). The MSN program is offered exclusively online with asynchronous course offerings and no required campus visits. Admission occurs in the fall semester each year.
Each of the MSN tracks requires the completion of 37 semester credits. Students in each pathway complete coreMSN courses, including Contemporary Issues of the Healthcare System, Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, and Advanced Informatics & Healthcare Technologies. Nine credits of the curriculum are dedicated to track-specific coursework. Additionally, the curriculum includes two 100-hour practicum experiences. Clinical practicums are completed in your local area when sites and preceptors are available.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Mayville State University, you must have a BSN or BAN from a regionally accredited institution that holds national nursing program accreditation and have a current, unencumbered RN license. You are required to complete an online application and submit a one-time application fee. Additionally, you need to submit two professional letters of recommendation addressing your performance in previous nursing roles, and copies of all college and university transcripts. While candidates with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 may be offered conditional admission, applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Online learning has become more accessible due to advances in technology. While technological advances have their benefits, such as offering working professionals the opportunity to pursue higher degrees without loss of their jobs, online learning requires careful balance. As a nurse educator, one of the things I find appealing about the MSN program at Mayville State University is that, although classes are entirely online, cohort sizes remain intentionally small. Small class sizes mean faculty know you by name and can offer more personalized support, which is crucial for success in such a demanding program.• Finding an MSN program with a good reputation is important as you prepare to embark on your journey to graduate studies. One thing I recommend prospective students do is search for schools or programs with good reviews/ratings from reputable sources. For example, Mayville State University is designated by the Princeton Review as a Best Regional College based on its review process, which evaluates institutions against criteria for academic excellence!
• If you want to teach, lead, or shape healthcare, especially in areas that need it most, the MSN program at Mayville State University is an excellent option. Each pathway in the MSN program emphasizes leadership, education, and rural health, especially in underserved populations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In North Dakota?
| 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 North Dakota?
| 3 |
3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In North Dakota?
| Hourly | $59.86 |
| Weekly | $2,394 |
| Monthly | $10,380 |
| Annual | $124,510 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In North Dakota?
| Hourly | $44.04 |
| Weekly | $1,762 |
| Monthly | $7,630 |
| Annual | $91,600 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In North Dakota?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $49.83 | $1,993 | $8,640 | $103,650 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $58.82 | $2,353 | $10,200 | $122,350 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $65.50 | $2,620 | $11,350 | $136,250 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $78.28 | $3,131 | $13,570 | $162,830 |
6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In North Dakota By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bismarck | $59.35 | $2,374 | $10,290 | $123,450 |
| Fargo | $61.44 | $2,458 | $10,650 | $127,790 |
| Grand Forks | $59.75 | $2,390 | $10,360 | $124,280 |
7. Average MSN Salary In North Dakota VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In North Dakota
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $182,840 | -$58,330 | -31.90% |
| Optometrist | $140,620 | -$16,110 | -11.46% |
| Physician Assistant | $127,350 | -$2,840 | -2.23% |
| Pharmacist | $127,260 | -$2,750 | -2.16% |
| Nurse With MSN | $124,510 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $107,460 | +$17,050 | +15.87% |
| Physical Therapist | $88,430 | +$36,080 | +40.80% |
| Audiologist | $86,040 | +$38,470 | +44.71% |
| Occupational Therapist | $82,450 | +$42,060 | +51.01% |
| Chiropractor | $80,200 | +$44,310 | +55.25% |
| Dental Hygienist | $80,130 | +$44,380 | +55.38% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $72,900 | +$51,610 | +70.80% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a seasoned nurse, educator, and healthcare writer whose career spans nearly three decades of clinical practice, academic instruction, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Based in Louisiana, Darby has always sought to bring the warmth, resilience, and cultural richness of her home state into every aspect of her work—whether teaching future nurses, supporting families through vulnerable moments, guiding students toward success on the NCLEX, or providing insight about top nursing programs and tips for success.
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