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, but pay tracks the advanced roles these graduates fill. As of May 2024, nurse practitioners in New Jersey averaged about $145,030 a year (Bureau of Labor Statistics), among the highest in the country, while educator and administrator roles vary with setting and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an MSN holder earn in New Jersey? Pay depends on role and specialty. Nurse practitioners, the top earners among MSN-prepared roles, averaged about $145,030 in New Jersey as of May 2024 (BLS).
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.