MS in Nursing


Earning your Master of Science in Nursing degree from Houston Christian University will allow you to master the skills and knowledge necessary to take on new and expanded roles as a nurse. HCU offers four program options to choose from:

Offered through the Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing, HCU’s Master of Science in Nursing programs allow BSN prepared nurses with a Texas Board of Nursing license to earn their degree without having to travel to class.*

*The MSN programs require two one-day sessions on campus for orientation and skills training. Site orientation occurs the Friday prior to classes starting.  This provides an opportunity to meet the faculty, get a university student card that can be used for discounts, provide hands on learning of the various programs utilized in the MSN, review program expectations, and give an opportunity for students to answer questions.



Industry-Aligned Curriculum

Industry-aligned coursework and hands-on clinical experiences ensure you are prepared for real-world scenarios in healthcare.

Tight-Knit Community

At HCU, your connections with your professors and your peers extend beyond the walls of the classroom.

Personalized Support

We’ll match you with a success coach who will assist you with registration, organization, and academic guidance.

Mission-Driven

Our Christian values make up the heart of our institution. The MSN curriculums reflect our focus on community-based care, with opportunities for service-based learning.

Affordability and Flexibility

Our tuition is priced to deliver a strong ROI, no matter the program. Through a blend of 100% online, asynchronous courses and a practicum experience near you, further your education while rebalancing your busy lifestyle.

MS in Nursing Career Options

Advanced Practice Nursing Careers Offer Greater Earning Potential
$45K – $86K

Registered Nurse

$69K – $114K

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

$74K – $117K

Family Nurse Practitioner

$77K – $125K

Nurse Educator

$88K – $115K

Nurse Leader

 

What Our Students And Faculty Are Saying

Have Questions?

Visit the Online Tuition and Fees page for the latest information.

No, there is no deposit required.

Yes, a range of payment plans are available to accommodate students’ personal finance and employer reimbursement needs.

Yes, students have to pay per semester for the Online Student Fee.

Depending on your specific program level, you may also need to pay the Malpractice Fee (applies to courses NURS 3316, 5305, 5223, 5400), fees per clinical course (once per term if they follow progression), and per course Amplify Fee (NURS 5501).

Visit the Online Tuition and Fees page for the latest program-specific information.

You need a valid RN license.

For the RN to BSN to MSN, MSN Nurse Leader, MSN-PNP it does not have to be specific to Texas.

For MSN-FNP, you need a valid, Texas-specific, RN license.

All BSN level courses are 8 weeks in length and the bridge and MSN courses are 16 weeks in length.

MSN in Nurse Education courses are 16 weeks each semester.

The RN-MSN program has 6 start dates offered per year: January, March, May, July, August, and October.

The MSN-FNP, MSN Nurse Educator, and MSN Leader programs have two start dates per year (January and August).

The MSN-PNP program has one start date per year (May).

You have the ability to move through the program at your own pace.

The RN to BSN to MSN  program can be completed in as little as 3 years. Students have 5 years to complete the RN-MSN program. The BSN level courses must be completed within 3 years.

The MSN programs can be completed in as little as two years, or within 24-26 months.

The MSN-PNP programcan be completed in seven semesters.

You must maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA at the end of each semester to enroll in an upper level nursing course. If your GPA falls below this, you can enroll in general education courses and resume nursing courses as soon as a cumulative GPA of 2.75 has been reached. You must have a 3.0 GPA to continue into MSN level courses.

The BSN level courses are accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing.

The MSN curriculum, which includes the bridge courses, is CCNE accredited.

Nursing courses are asynchronous without live class meetings, meaning you can complete work at your convenience, though you still need to respect weekly due dates. All clinical hours take place in person at an approved facility near you.

Consider your career goals when deciding between the Nurse Education and Nurse Leadership tracks. Nurse educators train and evaluate new nurses at their organization to make sure everyone can uphold high standards. Nurse leaders need to understand operations and finance so they can effectively manage their facility’s nursing staff.

We designed our programs for working nurses, so you can complete coursework at your convenience. HCU seeks to keep nurses working while they study for their next degree. All coursework is asynchronous, and program administrators try to place students in clinical rotations with their current employer or in a nearby facility for maximum convenience, enabling working nurses to retain their current jobs while earning their degrees.  Administrators will work with your employer to let you complete your clinical hours at your facility.

The FNP program has no live class meetings. You can do all coursework on your own time, but you’re still responsible for adhering to deadlines. Your clinical supervisor will work with you to set hours when you need to be present for clinical practice.

This MSN-FNP program teaches students to be generalists in the advanced practice registered nurse community. They learn to treat patients across the lifespan with a range of medical issues. FNP roles make up nearly three-quarters of the rapidly expanding NP job field, so they are in high demand.

The PNP program features a two-course sequence specific to this specialty. The PNP Pediatric Health courses cover the diagnosis, treatment, and management of illnesses and injuries commonly encountered in children. Students need to earn a B or above in both classes to graduate.

You can sign in to our learning management system at any time of day to access class materials. You’re free to connect with classmates for group projects but you never need to be online for a live class meeting. However, all clinical hours take place in person at scheduled times.

Admissions and Aid

Applicants must be graduates of an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program and hold an unencumbered RN license. They also need at least one year of professional nursing experience. Our admissions team works closely with each student to help them maximize transfer credits.

Take the next steps towards your nursing career:

Take the Next Steps in Your Nursing Career

Contact your program coordinator for specific questions related to the nursing curriculum.
Carol  Lavender, RN DNP, DNP
Professor of Nursing
Dean, School of Nursing and Allied Health