MSN Degrees Online in NC: A Guide to Top Schools
If you’re an RN in North Carolina looking to earn higher pay with more responsibilities, an online MSN program is for you. Finding information about online MSN degree programs in North Carolina doesn’t need to be difficult. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn about program formats, whether you’re looking for an on-campus, online, or hybrid program. You’ll also learn about program variation, career opportunities, and salary expectations. Keep reading to you get started on advancing your nursing career.
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.
Appalachian State University
The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Appalachian State University offers a flexible, accessible path for registered nurses looking to advance their careers. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program allows students to complete coursework online, providing the convenience of studying from anywhere while balancing other responsibilities. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and clinical expertise, preparing graduates to take on advanced roles in nursing. With a variety of concentration options, students can tailor their education to meet their career goals. The program’s structure supports a healthy work-life balance, with asynchronous learning and minimal on-campus requirements.
Duration: 4-6 semesters
Mode: Online
Cost: $327/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN or RN license with a BSN in another field
- Min. 3.5 GPA
- Completed statistics course with “C” grade or better
- Current, unrestricted RN license
- One year of nursing experience
Curriculum:
- Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Nursing
- Advanced Health Assessment for Adults
- Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing
- Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice
- Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing
- Nursing Program Development and Evaluation
- Advanced Clinical Practicum
- Educational Theories for Nursing and Informatics
- Educational Tests and Measurement in Nursing
- Nursing Education Practicum
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the University of North Carolina offers a flexible, online pathway for registered nurses seeking to expand their expertise and career opportunities. This program provides advanced practice options in various specialties, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Each track prepares nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in diverse clinical settings.
With online coursework and once-per-semester hands-on clinical experiences, the program is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment that fosters collaboration and professional growth. Whether aiming to transition into a new specialty or enhance existing skills, the UNC MSN program offers the convenience and comprehensive education needed to advance in the nursing field.
Duration: 1.5-2 years, full-time
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,031/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- All university transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Professional Statement
- CV/Resume
Curriculum:
- Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Advanced Health and Physical Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Advanced Diagnostic Reasoning and Management
- Evidence-Based Practice and Research
- Health Care Policy and Leadership
- Population Health: Interprofessional Management in a Changing Healthcare System
- Additional nursing courses related to your chosen specialty
Duke University
Duke University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers a flexible and rigorous education for registered nurses aiming to specialize in advanced practice roles. The program features a variety of advanced practice options, including Nurse Practitioner (NP) tracks in specialties such as Family, Pediatrics, Adult-Gerontology, and Psychiatric-Mental Health. Additionally, there are opportunities to pursue leadership roles through the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) track or the clinical health care systems specialty (health informatics, nursing and healthcare leadership, or nursing education).
Designed for working professionals, the program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, allowing students to balance their education with personal and professional commitments. Duke’s MSN program emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and leadership, preparing graduates to meet the evolving healthcare needs of diverse populations. With a strong focus on individualized mentorship and a collaborative learning environment, Duke provides the support and flexibility needed for nurses to advance their careers while making a meaningful impact in healthcare.
Duration: 3-5 semesters
Mode: Online
Cost: $2,166/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- General statistics course with “C” grade or better
- Recommended 1 year of nursing experience
- All post-secondary transcripts
- Three professional recommendations
- Resume/CV
- BSN or ADN with a bachelor’s degree in another field
- Current state licensure
Curriculum:
- Nurse as Scholar I: Science Development, Study Design & Statistics
- Nurse as Scholar II: Evidence-based Practice
- Population Health in a Global Society
- Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan: A Conceptual Approach
- Physical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning in APN
- Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing
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.
Best Online Options for MSN Degrees in North Carolina
We know you are capable of doing your own research, but in case you want somewhere to start, below we’ve ranked several MSN schools 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.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Public
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Public
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Private
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
Concord, North Carolina
Private
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Public
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Public
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Public
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Hickory, North Carolina
Private
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Private
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Career Prospects and Salary for Nurse Practitioners in North Carolina
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $94,530 | $126,260 | $168,030 |
| North Carolina | $96,630 | $121,450 | $145,600 |
| Asheville, NC | $101,150 | $115,270 | $132,330 |
| Burlington, NC | $90,860 | $122,850 | $134,670 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $101,910 | $122,880 | $154,170 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $114,460 | $125,160 | $143,660 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $80,000 | $113,670 | $144,030 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $82,410 | $102,190 | $125,220 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $101,530 | $122,780 | $134,470 |
| Greenville, NC | $93,400 | $121,160 | $145,650 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $85,740 | $113,520 | $143,620 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $93,790 | $116,880 | $148,670 |
| New Bern, NC | $84,500 | $108,080 | $133,360 |
| Raleigh, NC | $93,160 | $122,280 | $152,520 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $82,870 | $104,170 | $130,340 |
| Wilmington, NC | $93,490 | $112,430 | $130,830 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $103,830 | $138,590 | $167,540 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| North Carolina | 8,200 | 12,750 | 4,550 | 55.50% | 920 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
