MSN Degrees Online in NC: A Guide to Top Schools

An Overview of Popular MSN Programs in North Carolina

Hybrid and online MSN programs are common in North Carolina, though each program is set up differently. Some programs, like the one at the University North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), offer fully asynchronous online classes that you complete on your own schedule. However, asynchronous classes are the exception, not the rule. Many online programs have set class times, requiring you to view a lecture or discussion at a certain time.

While there are some high-quality, 100% online MSN programs in North Carolina, more programs are offered on a hybrid basis, meaning they’re made up of both online and in-person components. Some hybrid programs are almost fully online, with only a couple of visits to campus. Duke University falls into that camp, as students can complete all coursework online with only a two-to-five-day in-person seminar each semester. Other hybrid programs, like the one at UNC Chapel Hill, are an equal blend of in-person and online classes.

Student Support: FAQs About Online MSN Programs

Most students looking to pursue an MSN degree have a great deal of questions that need answering. To give you some clarity on the matter, we’ve answered some common questions, including those about career options, program length and cost, admission requirements, and financial aid options. Read on to get some of your questions answered.

What can you do with an MSN in North Carolina?

An MSN program in North Carolina opens a wide variety of career opportunities. MSN graduates are prepared to be nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, or nurse anesthetists. An MSN also prepares students for advanced careers in nursing administration and nurse education. It also allows you to work in a nursing clinical specialization, forensic nursing, or nursing informatics. The exact career options depend on a program’s specializations.

For example, graduates of Duke University can become adult-gerontology practitioners in either acute or primary care, while those from UNC–Chapel Hill can only become adult-gerontology practitioners in primary care. Depending on your career goals, an MSN can also lead to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

In North Carolina, how long does it take to complete an MSN program?

Most students complete their MSN degree in two to four years, though the time it takes to earn your MSN can vary, depending on the program’s curriculum and if you take courses part-time or full-time. However, with an accelerated program, students can complete an MSN faster. At the University of North Carolina’s Wilmington campus, students can complete their MSN in less than a year.

If you’ve completed any related graduate coursework, such as earning a graduate certificate, those credits could also count toward your MSN, permitting you to finish sooner.

How affordable are MSN programs in North Carolina?

The cost of an MSN varies, depending on the type of school (public or private), the type of MSN program (direct entry vs. standard MSN vs. accelerated), where you live, how long it takes you to complete your degree, and whether you are attending an online or in-person program. In general, online programs tend to be more affordable. Below we’ve listed three high-quality, accredited online MSN programs in North Carolina and their tuition costs to help you understand how much an MSN program costs.

• University of North Carolina at Wilmington
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Total Credits: 36
  • $295.29/credit in-state; $1,030.45/credit out of state
• Appalachian State University
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Total Credits: 39
  • $304/credit
• UNCG
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Total Credits: 37
  • $255.83/credit in-state; $928.28 out of state

What are the admissions requirements for MSN nursing programs in North Carolina?

Admission requirements vary from program to program. In general, most universities expect students to have at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an unencumbered nursing license that’s valid in the state of North Carolina. Some schools, like UNCG, also require letters of recommendation and a résumé. Other programs, like the one from Appalachian State University, require students to have at least one year of nursing work experience before they apply to the program. Other requirements could include a personal statement, a completed online application, and a minimum GPA. Make sure to read over each program’s requirements carefully before applying to make sure you’re eligible.

Can I get financial aid in North Carolina to help pay for my MSN program?

Many financial aid options are available to help students pay for an MSN program in North Carolina including loans, scholarships, and grants. There are state-funded loans, as well as student loan forgiveness options for nurses. Independent organizations based in North Carolina, such as the North Carolina Nurses Association, also offer scholarships, loans, and grants to MSN students. Apart from North Carolina–specific financial aid, nationwide scholarships are also available.

Range of MSN Programs in North Carolina

There is more than one kind of MSN program in North Carolina, and each one is tailored toward students in different situations. Take a look at the different variations below to determine which one would work best for you. We’ve even included two examples of schools in North Carolina that offer each kind of degree to make your search easier.

Traditional MSN

A traditional MSN program is ideal for students who already have their bachelor’s degree in nursing, have some nursing experience, and want to advance their careers. Usually, these programs are offered in person or in a hybrid format.

• Duke University
• UNC Chapel Hill

Direct-Entry MSN

Students who have a bachelor’s degree in another area and are looking to enter the nursing field should consider direct-entry MSN programs. It’s important to note that these programs are more difficult to find and often take longer to complete.

• East Carolina University
• UNC Greensboro

Accelerated MSN

If you want to complete your MSN in as little time as possible (and potentially save money doing so), consider accelerated MSN programs. These programs set up the curriculum so students can complete their degrees quickly.

• University of North Carolina Wilmington
• University of North Carolina Charlotte

RN to MSN Bridge

Let’s say you have your RN, but you don’t have your BSN. While some schools require you to have your BSN to start an MSN program, others don’t. RN to MSN programs allow direct entry for registered nurses with work experience.

• University of North Carolina at Pembroke
• Western Carolina University

Dual Master’s

If you want to deepen your nursing expertise while also expanding your knowledge in a complementary field, consider a dual master’s program. Often, the dual degree is with an MBA in health management, such as the dual degrees offered by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and Gardner-Webb University. Upon completion, students can advance into nursing leadership roles or other healthcare administrative positions.

• UNCG
• Gardner-Webb University

Career Prospects and Salary for Nurse Practitioners in North Carolina

Best Online Options for MSN Degrees in North Carolina

To help you with your search, we’ve ranked several MSN programs throughout North Carolina based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Some of the things we considered include tuition, the number of online programs, and the student-to-faculty ratio. For more detailed information about how we chose schools for our list, and how we then ranked them, see the methodology pop-up.