Elevate Your Nursing Career
Prepare to take the next step in your nursing career with a dual MSN-MBA at GCU.
Written By
GCE Editorial Team
Prepare to take the next step in your nursing career with a dual MSN-MBA at GCU.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on Oct. 27, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
A dual degree for nursing could be a good fit for licensed, working nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing who are interested in pursuing graduate-level education that explores the business side of healthcare.
In the dual MSN-MBA program, students will examine a variety of topics, such as nursing leadership and management. Other topics include:
The MSN-MBA dual degree program integrates advanced business theories, such as organizational effectiveness and change management, into the application of nursing practice. In addition, this degree covers behavioral forces and relationships that have the potential to impact business processes.
At the end of the program, learners complete a capstone course in which they put together a practice project proposal that addresses a business problem. They can expect to identify the problem, search literature, propose a solution, develop a plan to implement the solution and evaluate the outcomes. This capstone project combines everything learners are taught in the program and can prepare them for the kind of work they may do in the field.
Nurses often choose to advance their education while continuing to work. At GCU, the dual MSN-MBA degree is available through interactive online courses. This learning modality can make it easier and more convenient for working professionals to pursue a dual degree. Note that field experience/practicum hours, which can be completed in-person locally, are also a requirement for this program.
It’s important to note that a dual degree is not the same as a double major. A baccalaureate student declaring a double major only earns one degree, but in two fields. For example, a student might choose to double major in biology and chemistry. Generally, there can be a great deal of overlap in coursework between the two fields in a double major.
A dual degree, on the other hand, confers two distinct degrees. Dual degree nursing programs can confer a Master of Science in Nursing along with a Master of Business Administration. Another difference between a dual degree vs. double major is that a dual degree program may encompass fields that are dissimilar (e.g., nursing and business), and so there is less overlap in coursework.
Because of the integration of advanced healthcare theories and business concepts in the MSN-MBA dual degree for nursing, graduates may feel prepared to nurture the growth of healthcare organizations. This dual degree program can empower nurses to meet the needs of both their patients and the organization for which they work.
MSN-MBA job opportunities may include medical and health services management. Medical and health services managers might manage a clinical area or department within a hospital, or they may be responsible for managing an entire healthcare facility. These professionals typically develop objectives to improve quality and safety, and ensure that their departments or facilities are compliant with all applicable regulations.
Other job responsibilities may include:
If you’d like to continue to focus on clinical aspects of nursing, you may decide to continue serving as a registered nurse. You’ll continue to provide direct patient care in your nursing specialty, which might involve tasks such as medication administration, wound care, patient education and medical equipment operation.
However, with an MSN-MBA, a registered nurse may be looked upon to provide nursing leadership in their unit. You may have opportunities to serve as a mentor to less experienced RNs, and you may lend your voice to patients in need of a determined advocate.
If you already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and are a licensed, active nurse, a dual degree for nursing may help you position yourself for potential career advancement. A dual degree can allow you to enhance your career qualifications while preparing to move away from patient care and toward the business side of the healthcare industry.
Choosing the right online degree program is essential in preparing for a particular career path. One example of a dual degree available at GCU is the Master of Business Administration & Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems. This MSN-MBA dual degree provides opportunities for nurses to develop advanced management skills and explore the administrative and management side of the industry.
Earning an MSN-MBA can be a challenge, particularly for nurses who continue to work while attending school. Yet, flexible scheduling options, like online courses, can help, and the potential benefits of graduate education may outweigh the challenges.
One of the potential benefits of earning an MSN-MBA is the opportunity to examine competencies in nursing leadership. At GCU, MSN-MBA learners are expected to develop a comprehensive project based on nursing leadership theory and practice. This project may tackle a range of nursing leadership issues, such as mentorship, performance improvement or staff development.
If you still enjoy direct patient care, yet are interested in the business side of healthcare, an MSN-MBA program can be a good compromise. You’ll be able to explore clinical nursing competencies such as quality improvement initiatives for high-risk patient populations and other topics in advanced registered nursing while also examining nursing administration and management. It’s a versatile program that teaches a broad range of competencies.
Like all graduate programs, you will be able to network with others when you earn your MSN-MBA. Every new connection in your professional network could potentially impact your career.
Grand Canyon University’s College of Nursing and Health Care Professions is committed to developing graduates who provide quality care centered on best evidence to meet the needs of the populations they serve. We offer nursing degrees at all levels to educate both future nurses and experienced RNs. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about enrolling in the Master of Business Administration & Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems dual degree nursing program.
