New Jersey MSN Programs

If you are an RN ready to move into advanced practice, leadership, or teaching, a master of science in nursing (MSN) is the next step. Here are New Jersey's MSN programs and what each one requires.

New Jersey MSN Programs

Seton Hall University in South Orange offers MSN tracks in case management and health administration, health systems administration, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, and school nursing.

• Campus: South Orange, NJ
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $1,033 per credit
• Length: 25 to 48 credits
• Online: Yes
• Requirements: BSN, RN license, minimum 3.0 GPA, statistics course, resume, transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, interview

Monmouth University in West Long Branch offers MSN tracks in adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, nurse administration, family nurse practitioner, school nursing, nurse education, and forensic nursing.

• Campus: West Long Branch, NJ
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $1,004 per credit; $264 per credit for senior students
• Length: 36 to 48 credits
• Online: No
• Requirements: BSN, RN license, minimum 3.0 GPA, prerequisite courses, clinical experience, GRE, interview, background check, health assessment, resume, personal statement, two recommendation letters

Stockton University in Galloway runs an adult-gerontology primary care MSN for RNs who already hold a BSN, with a strong focus on disease prevention and health promotion.

• Campus: Galloway, NJ
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $570.59 per credit in-state; $878.34 per credit out-of-state
• Length: Two to four years
• Online: No
• Requirements: BSN, RN license, resume
• Programs: MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown offers an MSN in nurse education built around critical inquiry and leadership. Students can study full or part time.

• Campus: Morristown, NJ
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: $1,088 per credit
• Length: 37 credits
• Online: No
• Requirements: BSN, RN license, transcripts, personal statement, two recommendation letters
• Programs: MSN Nurse Educator

Fairleigh Dickinson, with campuses in Madison and Teaneck, offers a range of MSN tracks for BSN holders. The nursing education track is available online.

• Campus: Madison and Teaneck, NJ
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $1,186 per credit
• Length: 30 to 43 credits
• Online: Yes, for MSN Nursing Education
• Requirements: BSN, RN license, minimum 3.0 GPA, transcripts, entrance exam, recommendation letters, interview, health assessment, work experience, TOEFL if applicable
• Programs: Nursing Education; Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (with Administrative or Education focus); Family Nurse Practitioner; Adult-Gerontology Forensic Nurse Practitioner; Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; non-clinical Nursing Information Systems

Felician College, with campuses in Lodi and Rutherford, offers hybrid MSN specializations, most with prescriptive practice. The format lets students finish in as little as two years.

• Campus: Lodi and Rutherford, NJ
• Type: Private
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Tuition: $945 per credit
• Length: 36 to 46 credits
• Online: Yes, hybrid
• Requirements: RN license with one year of experience, BSN, minimum 3.0 GPA, CPR certification, liability insurance, health clearance, criminal background check, two professional references, transcripts, TOEFL if applicable
• Programs: MSN Education; MSN Executive Leadership; MSN Family or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah offers an MSN in nursing education with tenure and non-tenure tracks. Graduates teach in undergraduate or healthcare settings.

• Campus: Mahwah, NJ
• Type: Public
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Tuition: $582.45 per credit in-state; $748.70 out-of-state
• Length: 33 credits
• Online: No
• Requirements: RN license with one year of experience, transcripts, personal statement, two recommendation letters, resume, undergraduate statistics course, criminal background check
• Programs: MSN Nursing Education

How MSN Programs Work

MSN programs serve RNs looking to advance. You can enter through a BSN-to-MSN or a direct-entry MSN track. Most programs take two to four years depending on format and your prior education and experience. New Jersey schools offer online, in-person, part-time, and full-time options.

Coursework covers advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, leadership, ethics, and research methods. You also pick a specialization such as nurse educator, nurse administrator, or clinical nurse specialist. Most programs require clinical hours, with the amount varying by specialty.

Applying to an MSN Program in New Jersey

Requirements vary, so confirm them with your target program and the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

• Admission materials: Transcripts; resume or CV; personal statement; recommendation letters
• GPA: Generally 3.0 or higher
• Other common requirements: Active, unencumbered New Jersey RN license; a prior degree; active CPR certification

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation is a peer-reviewed process confirming a program meets educational and professional standards. Every program ranked here is accredited. It determines federal financial aid eligibility, lets you transfer credits, qualifies you for licensure and certification exams, and strengthens your job prospects. Check a school's accreditation status, usually listed on its nursing site, before you apply.

MSN Salary and Career Outlook in New Jersey

Demand for graduate-prepared nurses is rising as the population ages and current nurses retire. The BLS does not report salaries specifically for MSN holders in New Jersey, but pay for the advanced roles these graduates fill generally ranges from $106,990 to $169,520 depending on role and specialty, with nurse practitioners at the higher end.

Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Programs in New Jersey

What does an MSN holder earn in New Jersey? Pay generally ranges from $106,990 to $169,520 depending on role and specialty.

Is an MSN worth it? It depends on your goals. If you want advanced practice, more autonomy, and higher earning potential, an MSN pays off.

How long does it take? As little as two years, though it varies with your starting education, specialization, and course pace.

Is an RN-to-BSN easier than a direct-entry MSN? Usually. RN-to-BSN applicants already hold a license and have finished core coursework, so admission tends to be easier and the program faster.