Online MSN-MBA Dual Degree: Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems
- Online
What Is an MSN-MBA Dual Degree?
An MSN-MBA dual degree is a graduate program for registered nurses who want to combine advanced nursing leadership education with business administration training. GCU’s online MSN-MBA: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems is designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses (RNs) who want to build skills in healthcare leadership, organizational management, business strategy, ethics, policy and healthcare operations.
GCU was ranked by RegisteredNursing.org as having the best MSN program in Arizona for 2026.(See disclaimer 1)
Online: $675 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission.
Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
What Is It Like Taking the MSN-MBA Dual Degree Online?
GCU offers you an online,(See disclaimer 2) industry-aligned, graduate-level nursing leadership education. This dual MSN-MBA degree uses an online(See disclaimer 2) coursework format is designed to provide working nurses with a dual-disciplined foundation that can enable them examines both clinical and business perspectives relevant to modern healthcare environments.to prioritize patient outcomes and health and safety while simultaneously being mindful of the business side of healthcare and how best to implement forward-looking business solutions.
Together with the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, the Colangelo College of Business believes in these three aspects of how business affects the greater good:
What To Expect in GCU’s the MSN-MBA Program
Flexible Online Learning Format
The online(See disclaimer 2) learning format is designed to provide flexibility for working professionals balancing personal and professional commitments. The digital platform allows you to access coursework and participate in learning activities from convenient locations while maintaining engagement with instructors and peers. The program also emphasizes collaboration, communication and practical application of leadership and healthcare management concepts.
Nationally Recognized Accreditation
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. For more information on the accreditation of nursing programs and other university licensures, please visit. our Nursing Accreditation and Regulations page.
Nursing Student Support
As a nursing student, you receive access to academic resources and support services throughout your program experience. You can benefit from faculty guidance, academic counselors and support teams dedicated to helping you navigate coursework, practicum requirements and program expectations. The university also offers online learning resources, technical support and student services designed to support academic and professional success.
Explore Dual MSN-MBA Degree Coursework
This program provides the opportunity to:
GCU was ranked #13 by Niche.com as having the best college for nursing in America for 2026.3
Nursing and Business Dual Degree Course Topics
Explore course topics designed to help registered nurses develop advanced clinical insight, leadership strategies and business management skills for healthcare settings.
The dual MSN-MBA degree addresses course topics such as:
Leadership and management
Examine leadership approaches and management strategies used to support healthcare teams and organizational goals.
Accounting and economics
Study financial and economic principles that can influence decision-making within healthcare organizations.
Operations management
Dive into operational management concepts related to improving efficiency, workflow and patient-centered services.
Ethics in healthcare and leadership
Evaluate ethical considerations and leadership responsibilities that can impact healthcare delivery and organizational culture.
Management theories
Review foundational management theories and their application in healthcare and business environments.
Practicum Hours at a Local Healthcare Site
This MSN-MBA program includes a practicum course, which offers you the opportunity to apply what you have been taught to a contemporary, nursing leadership-related direct practicum placement at a local healthcare site. This experience encourages the application of deep nursing knowledge, along with advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Example practicum project types may include leadership-focused projects related to:
Quality improvement
Healthcare operations
Staff development
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Mentorship
Organizational performance initiatives
What Can You Do With an MSN-MBA Dual Degree?
This MSN-MBA program can help you prepare yourself you to explore leadership opportunities in healthcare administration, operations and executive-focused environments that value advanced business and healthcare management knowledge.to pursue possible executive positions in healthcare that rely upon advanced business strategies and healthcare management best practices. Graduates may pursue roles that support organizational strategy, healthcare operations and patient-centered leadership. This may include healthcare administration or advanced nursing practice, depending on your professional background, licensure and career goals.
The business and healthcare competencies taught in this MSN-MBA program may empower you to work toward making healthcare more accessible and to improve patient safety and outcomes. Graduates may also develop advocacy and leadership skills relevant to improving the quality of healthcare for diverse patient populations and healthcare organizations.
Some career paths for those interested in leadership in healthcare include, including:
Medical and health services manager
Medical and health services managers may help oversee healthcare operations, manage staff and support organizational efficiency across healthcare settings.
Nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioners may provide advanced patient care services, conduct assessments and support treatment planning within their area of practice.
Estimated job growth for medical and health services managers from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 4)
Estimated median annual wage for medical and health services managers as of May 2024(See disclaimer 5)
Dual MSN-MBA Tuition
Tuition for the MSN-MBA dual degree program reflects the cost of graduate-level nursing and business coursework, with online tuition rates designed to support flexible learning opportunities for working professionals. Students may also explore financial aid opportunities, scholarships and employer tuition assistance options if eligible.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
MSN-MBA Dual Degree FAQ
Before making an enrollment decision that may affect your future career, you may wish to learn more about leadership in healthcare and earning an MSN-MBA online.(See disclaimer 1 )Use the following FAQs and answers as a starting point for your research.
Is an MSN-MBA Dual Degree Online worth it?
Are GRE/GMAT scores required to apply?
Will I be required to come to campus at any point during the MSN-MBA Dual Degree Program?
Can I work while I am in the program?
How are clinical sites for practicum experiences determined?
Who will I precept under during my practicum hours?
Getting Into GCU
GCU provides resources and support to help prospective graduate students navigate the admission process, review program requirements and prepare for enrollment in the MSN-MBA dual degree online program.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Advance your passion for healthcare leadership with an online(See disclaimer 2) MSN-MBA dual degree focused on nursing, business strategy and healthcare management.
- Guzzetti, J. (2026, Jan. 1). Best Online MSN Programs in Arizona. RegisteredNursing.org. Retrieved May 2026.
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
- Niche.com. Grand Canyon University Rankings. Retrieved September 2025.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers, retrieved May 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Medical and Health Services Managers, as of May 2024, retrieved May 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as medical and health services managers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.