MSN Degrees Online in GA: Your Guide to Top Programs

Inside Three Online MSN Programs in Georgia

Obtaining an MSN degree can be a lucrative and rewarding move since Georgia, ranked 49th in the U.S. for access to care, desperately needs healthcare providers.

Whether you’re already an RN or working in another field, there’s a perfect-fit program for you. There are many types of MSN pathways, including BSN to MSN, direct entry MSN programs for those with bachelor’s degrees in other areas, and less common options like RN to MSN bridge programs, dual master’s programs, and accelerated MSN programs.

Online programs bring classroom learning to you—and for many online students, the only in-person requirement for an MSN are hands-on clinical hours. In most cases, this experience can be gained at a healthcare facility conveniently located close to you. In this guide, you’ll find more information on the many MSN programs available in Georgia, including on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options.

FAQs from Future MSN Students in Georgia

Before you commit to one of Georgia’s online MSN programs, we’re sure you have plenty of questions: How much will it cost? How long will it take? What kind of jobs can you get after graduation? That’s why we’ve collected students’ most frequently asked questions, and answered them in detail below.

What Jobs Can You Get with an MSN from a Georgia School?

An MSN degree prepares graduates for an array of careers, with the most common roles including patient-centric roles like nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. On the management side, MSN graduates also work in nursing administration, nursing education, forensic nursing, and nursing informatics. For nurses looking to obtain the highest post-graduate degree, an MSN can also lead to a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP). Georgia has several schools offering specialized tracks, including Kennesaw State University’s Leadership in Nursing MSN and the Post-MSN Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Georgia Southern University.

How Long is an MSN Program in GA?

It takes about two years to earn an MSN in Georgia, but that timeline varies depending on several factors. You’ll need to choose a program that meets your level of education and experience. A BSN to MSN program, for example, will generally be quicker than an RN to MSN program. If you enroll part-time, expect to spend four to five years in school, while an accelerated program might take 18-20 months. In Brenau University’s MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program, for example, full-time students can finish in 20 months, while part-time hybrid students finish in about three years.

How Much Does an MSN Program in Georgia Cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of school (public vs. private), the type of MSN program (direct entry vs. standard MSN vs. accelerated), where you live (in-state vs. out-of-state), how long it takes you, and how much financial aid you’ve secured. Online programs are generally less expensive since they often have fewer and sometimes no fees compared to their on-campus counterparts. You might also save money by attending a public university and/or applying for MSN scholarships. Typical costs range from $303 at a public school like the University of North Georgia to $822/credit at a private university like Brenau University.

In Georgia, what are the Admissions Requirements for MSN Programs?

Admission requirements vary depending on the school and the type of program. Some, like the dual degree MA in Bioethics from Emory University, are quite competitive, while others, like the Nursing MS program at Georgia State University, are less so. Programs that assume prior nursing experience (e.g., BSN to MSN and RN to MSN) may also require evidence of an active nursing license. However, a program meant for students with no prior nursing experience, like the Master of Nursing Pathway to Master of Science in Nursing at Emory University, may only require a bachelor’s degree.

Is There Financial Aid Available to Georgia MSN Students?

Yes; since nursing is such an in-demand profession in Georgia, there are online MSN degree programs that offer financial aid and a wealth of other financial resources available to MSN students. Students attending an accredited nursing school are eligible for numerous sources of aid, including federal and state grants and loans. They also may be eligible for scholarships specific to nursing students. State-specific nursing scholarships include those from Georgia Southern University and the Annie Lou Overton scholarship administered by the Georgia Nurses Association. You can also find potential funding through the resources in this nursing scholarship guide. If you’re ready to begin searching for funding, head to our financial aid guide.

Types of MSN Programs in Georgia

There are several types of MSN programs available in Georgia, and deciding on the right for you will depend on your previous education, experience, and goals. RNs can apply for programs that take their degrees and experience into account, while those with out-of-field bachelor’s degrees benefit from programs that include RN training.

Traditional MSN

The most traditional path is a BSN to MSN program. This route makes the most sense for students who already have BSNs and practical RN experience.

• Kennesaw State University
• Clayton State University

Direct-Entry MSN

Direct entry MSN programs are geared toward students with bachelor’s degrees in areas other than nursing. They assume no prior nursing experience.

• Augusta University
• Brenau University

Accelerated MSN

If you plan on enrolling in school full-time, possibly year-round, and want to finish as soon as possible, an accelerated MSN program may meet your needs.

• Brenau University
• Emory University

RN to MSN Bridge

For ADN RNs, the RN to MSN Bridge path might make the most sense. You’ll earn a BSN first, then an MSN, which is faster than earning each degree separately.

• South University
• Georgia State University

Dual Master’s

Dual master’s programs allow you to earn your MSN and another related master’s simultaneously, taking advantage of overlapping requirements to save you time and money.

• Emory University – MA in Bioethics/MSN
• Emory University – MSN-MPH

Salary & Career Details for Nurse Practitioners in Georgia

Ranking the Best Online MSN Degrees in Georgia

With so many strong online MSN programs available in Georgia, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. We’ve done some of the work for you so you can pick your program and apply with confidence. Here are the best online MSN degrees in Georgia ranked according to several metrics, including the availability of online programs, tuition, and student-faculty ratio. If you would like more information about our ranking methodology, take a look at the “About the Rankings” pop-up below.