RN-to-MSN Programs in Delaware – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Are you a Delaware RN without a BSN who’s thinking about going back to school? RN-to-MSN programs in Delaware are streamlined pathways that will allow you to bypass a nursing bachelor’s and go straight for your Master’s of Science in Nursing! By combining BSN and MSN education into a single program, you’ll get your nursing master’s in a significantly shorter period of time, which translates to lower tuition costs. As a graduate of an RN-to-MSN program in Delaware, you can count on earning $127,770 annually, plus employment opportunities for graduates of this accelerated curriculum will rise by 50 percent in just 10 years. Explore this option further by reviewing this guide to the best RN-to-MSN programs in Delaware.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN DELAWARE(ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Delaware (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. Delaware State University - Dover
Specialties Offered: Global Leadership, Nursing Education, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: If you are a registered nurse interested in pursuing a graduate degree in nursing, finding the right program is crucial. There are many opportunities to pursue specialty certifications based on your interests and goals. For instance, Delaware State University offers RNs with an associate degree the opportunity to earn both a Baccalaureate degree and a Master of Science in Nursing degree through one streamlined program. This RN-to-MSN program in Delaware offers four specialty options: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Global Leadership.
MSN coursework is 100% online, making it an excellent option for working professionals. The Global Leadership and Nursing Education pathways take an average of three years to complete, while the Psychiatric Mental Health NP and Family NP programs take four years.
Each RN-to-MSN curriculum includes general education core credit hours, nursing bridge credit hours, and graduate-level nursing courses. The Global Leadership and Nursing Education pathways each feature a 60-credit curriculum plan that includes 90 practicum hours. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner options each require 74 credit hours and 765 practicum hours.
Although Delaware State University offers the RN-to-MSN program online, students must complete in-person practicum and clinical experiences. Depending on your chosen concentration, your practicum experiences may take place in community settings, mental health settings, primary care practices, educational environments, or other approved sites. When possible, the school tries to accommodate students by allowing clinicals to be completed in or near their home region. However, this is not a guarantee. The DSU Practicum Coordinator will work with you to ensure you have appropriate clinical sites and qualified preceptors so that you may fulfill the practicum requirements for the program.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the RN-to-MSN program at Delaware State University, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university and an active, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse. To begin, complete an online application and submit a $50 application fee. You must also provide letters of recommendation, a Goals Statement, a resume or CV, and transcripts from each college or university you previously attended. You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and an undergraduate major GPA of at least 3.0.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Delaware State University RN-to-MSN Students
• As you search for RN-to-MSN programs in Delaware, consider these important factors. As a nurse educator, I recommend prospective students look for programs with a proven record of success. For instance, graduates of the RN-to-MSN program at Delaware State University have outstanding first-time pass rates on national certification examinations. A high pass rate indicates a solid program that prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen role/concentration.• Delaware State University reports a 100% job placement rate for graduates each year since 2021. The job placement rate is an important factor to consider, as it indicates that employers are satisfied with the preparation students receive and that they will be provided with the knowledge and skills needed to excel at their jobs.
• Delaware State University’s RN-to-MSN program boasts renowned faculty who are experts in their fields. Each faculty member is dedicated to each individual student’s success, giving guidance, support, and resources from enrollment through graduation.
• Delaware State University has a strong national HBCU ranking. For the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, DSU ranked #10 overall among HBCUs and #5 among public HBCUs. Historically Black Colleges and Universities are important to education because they provide culturally affirming, high-quality academic programs, encourage economic mobility, and produce a high rate of Black professionals, including healthcare professionals such as graduates of the RN-to-MSN program.
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