6 Best MSN Programs in Oklahoma – 2026

Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Are you an Oklahoma RN who’s interested in earning a nursing master’s degree but worried going back to school may involve inconvenient adjustments in your life? Many MSN programs in Oklahoma are offered as hybrid or online options, allowing you to integrate your educational goals with your work and family obligations. Nursing master’s programs in the Sooner State enable you to secure a credential that will allow you to work as a nurse administrator, a nurse executive, a nurse educator, or an advanced practice RN. Nurses with MSNs earn roughly $121,170 a year. Within 10 years, the number of jobs for MSN-educated nurses will increase by 39 percent. Learn more by reading about the 6 best MSN programs in Oklahoma.

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

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

1. University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Administration and Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

MSN Program Details: Are you an RN who loves working with adult and geriatric patients? Have you considered specializing in adult/gerontology care? Perhaps you are ready to advance your career toward a role in nursing administration. If either of these career paths interests you, the University of Oklahoma offers an MSN program to help you reach your goals.

The MSN program in Oklahoma offered at the University of Oklahoma is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills necessary to collaborate with interprofessional teams to promote quality care and improve patient outcomes, whether through direct patient care as an Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist or as a Registered Nurse in Nursing Administration. Admission for both pathways occurs in the fall semester each academic year.

The Nursing Administration program is a part-time pathway that can be completed in as few as 24 months. This program features a 33-credit-hour curriculum, which includes 128 practicum hours. Didactic coursework is delivered online and complemented by hybrid clinical/practicum experiences. The study plan features classes such as Essentials of Nursing Administration Leadership, Financial Management in Nursing, and Creating a Healthy Work Environment.

The Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist program offers part-time and full-time enrollment options, allowing you to choose a schedule that works best for you. This program features a 40-credit pathway. The hybrid learning format combines online coursework with occasional campus visits and in-person clinical requirements. In this program, you will study in classes such as Applied Principles of Pathology, Advanced Physical/Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning, and Evidence-Based Practice & Scholarship in Nursing. The program also includes 672 clinical hours designed to prepare you to provide holistic care to patients from late adolescence to older adults across all healthcare settings.

MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at the University of Oklahoma is open to candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited United States institution and who hold a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in Oklahoma or a Nurse Compact State. (Candidates for the Clinical Nurse Specialist pathway must be licensed in Oklahoma, as this is where clinicals occur.)

To apply, you must submit an application via NursingCAS and provide a resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all college coursework at the time of application and enrollment is required. The most qualified applicants will be asked for an interview with program faculty before receiving an official offer of admission.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Career opportunities for graduate-prepared nurses are ever-expanding. Having the right contacts in a peer network can increase your marketability. As a student in the MSN program at the University of Oklahoma, you will have access to the Sooner Network, a network of nearly 13,000 alumni. The Sooner Network offers opportunities to build your professional network and develop lifelong connections with career-minded individuals who share your passion for healthcare.
• The MSN program at the University of Oklahoma boasts expert faculty with extensive experience in the classroom and clinical settings. With their guidance, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to advance healthcare through community outreach programs and research initiatives, to promote positive patient outcomes, and to effectively lead nursing teams in a broad range of healthcare settings.
• The University of Oklahoma prides itself on providing exceptional student support services. When you pursue your degree in the MSN program, you will have advisors, faculty, and preceptors with years of experience who are dedicated to your success and available to assist you throughout the program.
• Graduates of the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist MSN program at the University of Oklahoma have outstanding records of consistently performing above national averages on national certification exams. The high pass rate reflects the program’s high quality.

2. University of Tulsa - Tulsa

Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Leadership & Innovation, Education & Elevation, Public Health Global Vision, and Informatics & Analytics

MSN Specialties Offered: Leadership & Innovation, Education & Elevation, and Public Health Global Vision

RN-to-MSN Program Details: The University of Tulsa offers an opportunity for RNs with an associate degree to advance to a graduate nursing degree. The RN-to-MSN pathway features eight-week courses delivered in an online format, making it a good choice for working nurses. The program awards both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, and can be completed in 24 to 36 months.

The RN-to-MSN program, which is one of the best online MSN programs in Oklahoma, combines the RN-to-BSN and MSN programs. The program requires a total of 125 credit hours. You may transfer up to 90 credits toward the credit requirement. 50 credits may be applied toward the general education requirements. You will also receive 22 credits toward foundational nursing courses for having an associate degree in nursing and an RN license, and 18 additional transfer credits may be awarded upon review of a professional portfolio. Completion of the MSN degree requires 200 practicum hours through which you will apply the concepts you learned in a clinical setting.

RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the RN-to-MSN program, you must have an associate degree in nursing from an accredited institution and an active, unrestricted RN license. You need to submit an application for admission and transcripts from all post-secondary schools you previously attended.

MSN Program Details: The MSN program at the University of Tulsa is designed for baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurses. The program offers multiple start dates each year and features eight-week course formats, allowing you to enroll in as few as one course per term, as needed.

The Master of Science in Nursing program is a 30-credit-hour pathway that offers three specialty options: Leadership and Innovation, Education and Elevation, and Public Health Global Vision. The study plan includes foundational nursing courses, specialty track courses, and an MSN Capstone Project. Students in this program also complete 200 practicum hours relevant to their chosen concentration and a final capstone project.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at the University of Tulsa, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited nursing program and have documentation of having an active, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse. All applicants are required to complete an admission application and pay an application fee. Also, you must provide a Statement of Purpose, a professional resume or curriculum vitae, and transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended. Transcripts should reflect a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The University of Tulsa has a history of educating dedicated, highly-skilled nurses since graduating its first nursing class in 1973. As a student in the MSN program, you will become part of the school's rich tradition of promoting academic excellence, advancing nursing management and executive roles, educating future generations of nurses, and influencing community and public health.
• One of the things I love most about nursing is the many doors of opportunity that nursing education can open. The online MSN program at the University of Tulsa prepares you for excellent career opportunities. For example, graduates of this program have been hired for positions, including Community Health Medical Director, Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Nursing Education, and Clinical Nurse Specialist.
• Having been a nurse for more than a few decades, I can attest that nursing and healthcare are always changing and evolving. As such, it is crucial for nurses to stay abreast of the latest trends in patient care and to become lifelong learners. The University of Tulsa shapes its MSN programs to align with current industry standards and needs, preparing you to face any challenges the future of healthcare brings with confidence.

3. Oral Roberts University - Tulsa

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Education

MSN Program Details: If you are searching for an MSN program in Oklahoma that supports your faith while preparing you for a career in nursing education, Oral Roberts University is a school worth considering. At ORU, you will find a Master of Science in Nursing program designed to equip you with the knowledge and advanced nursing competencies needed to succeed as a Nurse Educator.

The MSN program admits new students each fall semester can be completed in as little as 24 months if you enroll full-time. Coursework is delivered online, with webinars scheduled four times during each course to meet with your instructor. The 34.5-credit curriculum combines faith-based classes like Spirit-Empowered Life & Leadership with advanced nursing courses designed with the nurse educator in mind. You will take classes such as Leadership & Systems Management, Curriculum Design & Implementation, Contextual Influences on Education, and Immersive Technology & Informatics.

MSN Admission Requirements: To apply for admission to the MSN program at Oral Roberts University, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution and a current, unencumbered RN license. You need to complete an admission application and provide a Personal Statement outlining your goals and reasons for pursuing an MSN degree, two professional references, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you attended. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required of all candidates.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• At Oral Roberts University, you will have access to dedicated faculty and a team of Success Coaches who will work with you from the day you apply to the program until you graduate. The school also offers a wide variety of learning resources to all students, including distance-learning students such as those in the MSN program.
• The MSN program at Oral Roberts University offers year-round terms, which means you can begin classes as soon as you receive admission approval.
• Oral Roberts University has an excellent reputation for providing high-quality education. The university is ranked as a Top Regional College in the West by U.S. News & World Report. The school is also ranked in the Top 10 in the Nation for Student Experience by the Wall Street Journal.
• If you are searching for an MSN program that prioritizes faith and Christian values, Oral Roberts University is a great option. While a profession of faith is not a requirement to pursue a nursing degree at ORU, students from all religious backgrounds are welcome. As an MSN student at Oral Roberts University, you will join a community of Christian students from more than 140 nations.

4. Northeastern State University - Muskogee

Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Education, Administrative Leadership in Nursing, and Nursing Informatics

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Education, Administrative Leadership in Nursing, and Nursing Informatics

RN-to-MSN Program Details: The RN-to-MSN program at Northeastern State University offers a bridge opportunity for RNs with an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor's degree to earn a graduate nursing degree and specialize in one of three MSN roles. The program is designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of research and evidence-based practice, and to acquire skills to educate future nurses, lead nursing and healthcare teams, and/or manage information, resources, and technology as they pertain to healthcare.

Students in the RN-to-MSN program complete 30 credit hours of coursework leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree before transitioning to graduate studies. Once you transition to the MSN component of the program, you will complete an additional 32 credit hours of coursework and at least 328 clinical hours. Clinical hours may be completed in or near your hometown.

RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates for admission to the RN-to-MSN program at Northeastern State University need an associate degree in nursing from an ACEN- or CNEA-accredited nursing program and a non-nursing bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and must be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse. In addition to completing an admission application, you must provide two letters of recommendation, an admission essay, letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, and transcripts from each college or university you previously attended. Applicants for this MSN program in Oklahoma must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate coursework attempted.

MSN Program Details: The MSN program at Northeastern State University is an excellent option for RNs with a bachelor's degree who are ready to earn a master's degree in nursing. The school offers three pathways: Nursing Education, Administrative Leadership in Nursing, and Nursing Informatics. You can complete the program in as few as 12 months as a full-time student. Students who prefer to enroll part-time typically take two years to complete the program.

The MSN curriculum consists of 32 credits of coursework. You will earn 20 credits from core curriculum courses and 12 credits from coursework relevant to your chosen specialty. Core coursework includes classes such as Policy, Ethics, & Quality in Professional Nursing Practice, Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Practice for Health Professionals, and Cultural Competency: Regional & Global Perspectives. Depending on the program path you choose to pursue, you may also take classes, including Organizational & Systems Management in Nursing, Facilitating Learning for Healthcare Professionals, or Data Management & Healthcare Technology. The curriculum also includes a 120-hour practicum, which is completed over multiple semesters.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Northeastern State University, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and hold a current, valid, unencumbered RN license. You are required to meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the MSN program. Candidates must submit letters of recommendation, an admission essay, a CV or resume, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended. A minimum 3.0 GPA in your BSN program is required to be eligible for admission.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Northeastern State University's MSN program offers a strong curriculum focused on leadership and organizational systems, research and theory integration, evidence-based practice, and cultural competence. As an RN pursuing your degree through this program, you can rest assured you will graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your career as a master's-prepared nurse.
• Graduates of the MSN program at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma have excellent job placement rates. Most graduates report being employed within three to six months following completion of the program.
• The MSN program at Northeastern State University offers 100% online coursework, no campus visits, and clinicals in your home region, making it an excellent choice if you need to balance school with work and family responsibilities.

5. Southwestern Oklahoma State University - Weatherford

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Administration and Nursing Education

MSN Program Details: At Southwestern Oklahoma State University, you can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize in Nursing Administration or Nursing Education. The program admits students each Fall, Spring, and Summer semester. You can complete the program in as few as 14 months if you enroll full-time. Part-time students may take up to 38 months (three years and eight weeks) to complete the program.

Although it is not self-paced, the program offers coursework delivered through distance learning, making it an excellent option for working nurses or those who do not wish to travel who are seeking options for MSN programs in Oklahoma. Campus visits are not required. However, you are welcome to visit campus and utilize university resources relevant to your program.

Both the Nursing Administration and Nursing Education pathways require the completion of 33 credits. All students complete core coursework, specialty concentration courses, and electives. The MSN program includes practicum assignments that you may complete at your own pace. Practicums are typically completed through the completion of teaching-learning projects through which you will apply your knowledge to a course-relevant project.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at SWOSU, you must hold a Bachelor's degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited nursing program and have a valid, unencumbered RN license. Candidates in their last semester of a BSN degree may apply, but must show proof of graduation and passing the NCLEX-RN within the first semester of coursework. All candidates must submit an admission Application for Graduate Admission, a Statement of Intent, letters of recommendation, and all post-secondary transcripts. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Southwestern Oklahoma State University's MSN program offers a low faculty-to-student ratio. As a student in this program, that means you can expect individual attention from faculty and preceptors.
• The MSN program at Southwestern OSU offers a well-structured, flexible format designed with working professionals in mind. As a student in this program, you can pursue your academic goals without sacrificing quality family time or giving up your job.
• If returning to school to earn your MSN seems like a far reach because you are worried about cost, SWOSU is an excellent option. Southwestern Oklahoma State University is consistently recognized as one of the most affordable nursing programs in Oklahoma. The MSN program accepts employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement, Oklahoma Physicians’ Manpower Nursing Student Assistance awards, and offers flexible payment arrangements.

6. Oklahoma Wesleyan University - Bartlesville

Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN and MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Nursing Informatics

RN-to-MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who wants to earn a master's degree in nursing, Oklahoma Wesleyan University's RN-to-MSN program may be a good fit for you. The program offers three specialty options: Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and Nursing Informatics. Students typically complete the program in seven or eight semesters.

Asynchronous online coursework gives you flexibility with your schedule and lets you study when and where you want. You will begin the program by completing BSN-level coursework in subjects such as Evidence-Based Practice, Community/Public Health, and Research & Statistics, then transition to the MSN curriculum. The RN-to-MSN option requires a total of 63 credits.

RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: If you have an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor's degree and hold a current, unencumbered RN license, you are eligible to apply for admission to the RN-to-MSN program at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Candidates for this program must submit a resume or curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities, reflecting a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. You may be asked to participate in an admission interview with program faculty.

MSN Program Details: The master's nursing program at Oklahoma Wesleyan University offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses the opportunity to advance to a master's degree, specializing in one of three concentrations. The program follows a cohort model, which means you will progress through the program with peers who start at the same time as you. The program takes an average of 22 months to complete.

This MSN program in Oklahoma requires a total of 36 credits. Each course is eight weeks long and delivered in an online, asynchronous format. This learning modality makes the program an attractive option for working nurses or those with other responsibilities. Traditional clinical rotations are replaced with direct and indirect, integrative, practice-focused learning and practice experiences. These hours are accomplished through high-fidelity screen-based simulations, analysis and comparison of healthcare delivery systems, a systems analysis consultation presentation, and a Graduate Nursing Practicum & Capstone.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and an active, unencumbered RN license. Applicants are required to submit an online application along with a CV or resume, professional letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required. Additionally, an interview with program faculty may be requested.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• As a nurse educator, I understand how stressful it can be to choose a nursing program. Having worked with prospective students seeking their program paths, I always recommend looking for programs with experienced faculty. For example, at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, the MSN program is taught by faculty who each have terminal degrees in nursing or related healthcare fields. As a student, this means you will receive instruction from educators with years of experience who are dedicated to preparing you with the knowledge and skills you need for advanced practice.
• The MSN program at Oklahoma Wesleyan University maintains CCNE accreditation and has a reputation for being a top-tier nursing program, making it an excellent choice for prospective students seeking a high-quality MSN program in Oklahoma.
• If you want a nursing program that integrates ethics, faith, and compassionate care, Oklahoma Wesleyan University is an excellent choice. The MSN program is grounded in leadership, integrity, service, and holistic patient care, characteristics that embody the values of the Christian faith.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In Oklahoma?

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

6

3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Oklahoma?

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

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

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

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

Best MSN Programs in Other States



Popular Related Articles