MSN Degrees Online in TX: A Guide to Top Programs

Program Profiles: Popular MSN Programs in Texas

When it comes to choosing the type of MSN program you pursue, you’ll want to consider your educational goals and schedule. Attending an online or hybrid nursing program means you’ll do most of your learning from home or any location with an internet connection. Some coursework will be completed asynchronously, meaning you’ll watch recorded lectures and complete assignments at your own pace. Other classes may be synchronous, where all students log on to a digital classroom at the same time and learn or complete work together.

Because of the hands-on nature of MSN programs, you’ll be required to complete clinical hours as an online student. These clinicals will be completed in-person at a local hospital or medical facility.

Below, find a sampling of standout online MSN programs to give you a better idea of the range of options available to you.

Student Support: FAQs About MSN Programs

As you’re conducting your research for an online MSN program in Texas, you’ll likely find yourself accumulating a list of questions about programs, duration, cost, and more. If you’re interested in gaining insights based on some of the more common questions asked by students like you, keep reading.

What jobs can you get with an MSN from a Texas school?

Earning an MSN in Texas can prepare you for a wide range of positions, such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists, as well as advanced careers such as nursing administration, chief nurse officer/nurse executive, nurse educators, clinical research manager, nursing clinical specialization, forensic nursing, and nursing informatics. For instance, Abilene Christian University offers a nurse educator and administrator program that prepares students for a career in nurse education and management. On the other hand, Midwestern State University offers a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) program, preparing students for a wide variety of career opportunities in outpatient and inpatient facilities. Moreover, those who wish to continue their careers after earning an MSN may continue on to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP).

How long is an MSN program in Texas?

The amount of time it takes to earn an MSN in Texas depends on the institution you wish to attend; however, generally speaking, earning an MSN in Texas takes around 18 months to two years. But keep in mind that if you are only attending school part time, it may take up to three years. If you opt for an accelerated MSN degree, it can take around one year to 16 months. If you are interested in an RN to MSN degree, it can take around 36 months to complete.

How much does an MSN program in Texas cost?

The amount of an MSN degree depends on the institution, the type of program you choose, and the financial aid you secure. It also depends on whether you are a resident. You’ll find that programs range widely — at the low end for some of the most affordable MSN programs, you could find yourself spending about $8,000, while you’re also likely to find programs that total $25,000 or more.

One of the many benefits of online programs is that they may be lower in cost because of savings such as no relocation costs and reduced costs associated with transportation. However, many online programs have a nominal technology fee.

In Texas, what are the admissions requirements for MSN programs?

Generally speaking, students who want to earn an MSN in Texas must possess a BSN degree from a nationally accredited program. You must also have an existing RN license to practice in the state of Texas and your chosen state of residence. You must also have a GPA of at least 3.0 on the most recent 60 hours of undergraduate work. This may not include credits earned at a two-year college. On the other hand, if you’re interested in an accelerated program, many institutions require a bachelor’s degree in a non-related field of study. For direct entry MSNs, you may need to provide letters of recommendation/intent, as well as acceptable Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test scores, and you may need to complete a written and/or phone interview with your chosen school.

Is there financial aid available to Texas MSN students?

Yes; if you are searching for financial aid for your MSN program in Texas, you can apply via your chosen school. The financial aid office also will allow you to apply for various grants, which do not need to be paid back, as well as loans, which will need to be paid back once you have completed your degree. Students also can apply for state-specific scholarships. For instance, the Bounce Energy “Be More” Scholarship is available to Texas residents who are current high school or college students younger than 24 and possess a minimum 3.0 GPA. This nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide can offer additional resources. In addition, some online MSN degree programs offer financial aid, giving you another option in your search.

Types of MSN Programs in Texas

Whether you choose a traditional, direct-entry, bridge program, or something else entirely for your future MSN in Texas will depend on your background and career goals. To explore schools that offer these and other types of master’s degrees, check out the descriptions below.

Traditional MSN

These degrees prepare graduates for future roles, such as becoming a nurse practitioner. They enable existing nurses to elevate to upper-level nurse management positions. Most traditional MSN programs teach skills such as navigating health systems, team supervision, healthcare ethics, health policy, quality improvement, and leadership.

• Texas A&M
• Stephen F. Austin State University

Direct-Entry MSN

A direct entry master’s in nursing program is designed for students with non-nursing undergraduate degrees who wish to pursue a career as either a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse (APRN).

• The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing
• Texas Lutheran University

Accelerated MSN

An accelerated degree is designed for students who want to earn their credentials in an efficient manner. Because these programs are typically full time and require hands-on work, they are best options for students who are not working while going to school.

• Fairfield University
• Texas Tech University

RN to MSN Bridge

RN to MSN programs offer an accelerated path to earning two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing. This program is designed for registered nurses interested in furthering their education and qualifying for an advanced nurse practitioner or other nurse leadership roles.

• The University of Texas at Arlington
• University of St. Augustine

Dual Master’s

Earning a dual degree in nursing means you are essentially receiving two degrees in one. One example of this master’s degree pairing is earning a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Health (MSN/MPH). Earning a dual master’s provides nurses with opportunities to advance their nursing skills while also obtaining invaluable knowledge in adjacent fields. It often creates a pathway for nurses to secure well-paid and in-demand leadership roles.

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• The University of Texas at Tyler

What to Expect as a Nurse Practitioner in Texas

Ranking the Best Online MSN Degrees in Texas

The following rankings use data collected from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). EduMed data scientists first research schools and programs that meet eligibility requirements, then assign weight based on a range of factors such as:

• Number of online programs
• Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
• Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full time
• Student/faculty ratio

Based on these statistics, a master list is generated in ranked order. For more on our ranking methodology, visit the “About the Rankings” pop-up below.