Online MSN: Nursing Education Degree
What Is an MSN in Nursing Education?
GCU's Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Nursing Education is an online(See disclaimer 1) graduate program designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses interested in nursing education. Offered by the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, the 36-credit program combines advanced nursing coursework with study in curriculum development, teaching methods, assessment and program evaluation.
Students also complete direct patient care clinical hours and an education practicum. The curriculum follows National League for Nursing (NLN) competencies and integrates GCU's Christian worldview with an emphasis on ethical nursing practice and education.
Online: $610 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.
Earn Your Master's in Nursing Education at GCU
GCU's MSN: Nursing Education emphasis combines advanced nursing study with specialized coursework in teaching, curriculum development, assessment and evaluation. Students can apply nursing knowledge in clinical and educational settings while developing competencies aligned with the National League for Nursing (NLN).
As a private Christian university, GCU integrates a Christian worldview throughout the curriculum with an emphasis on ethical practice, service and professional responsibility.
What To Expect From an MSN With an Emphasis in Nursing Education
Complete Your Nursing Education Master's Online
The 36-credit program is offered through online(See disclaimer 1) coursework, with courses generally eight weeks in length. Students access course materials, discussions and faculty instruction through GCU's online learning environment while completing required clinical and practicum experiences locally.
Accreditation and Academic Quality
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.
Support Services for Online MSN Students
As an MSN student, you have access to support services designed to help you progress through graduate nursing coursework and required field experiences. Technical support is available to assist with the online learning platform, while the Office of Field Experience coordinates practicum requirements to align with academic and professional expectations. You can also explore scholarly nursing and healthcare research through GCU’s peer-reviewed academic journals, connecting classroom learning with current discussions in nursing education, healthcare practice and patient care improvement.
Clinical and Practicum Experiences
NUR-646EA: Nursing Education Seminar I includes 50 direct patient care clinical hours in a specialty area. NUR-665EA: Nursing Education Practicum includes 50 direct care clinical hours and 100 education practicum hours completed with an approved nurse preceptor in the respective settings selected by the learner.
Nursing Education Master's Program Course Topics
The MSN: Nursing Education curriculum combines advanced nursing coursework with specialized study in nursing education. Students examine clinical decision-making, evidence-based practice, curriculum development, teaching methods, learner assessment and program evaluation.
Core Course Topics in the MSN: Nursing Education Emphasis
Core MSN: Nursing Education coursework focuses on applying graduate-level nursing knowledge to teaching, research and practice improvement. You will have the opportunity to develop an evidence-based practice project proposal that identifies a concern in your practice area, reviews relevant evidence and outlines strategies for implementation and evaluation. The program also includes 200 field/practicum hours, allowing you to strengthen advanced nursing competencies while observing and participating in educator-focused activities tied to curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional practice.
Core areas of study include:
Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology
Advanced health assessment
Curriculum design and development
Teaching methods and learner assessment
Program evaluation
Learner-centered education theories
Systems, safety and quality
Health promotion and disease prevention
Analytic foundations for practice, ethics and professional role
Gain the Skills To Teach and Lead in Nursing Education
This nursing education emphasis can help registered nurses build advanced assessment, clinical reasoning and organizational decision-making skills that can support future educator roles. Coursework and direct patient care clinical hours emphasize evidence-based research, diagnostic reasoning and the evaluation of patient needs.
You can also explore how to translate clinical expertise into instruction, mentorship and curriculum-aligned learning experiences for nursing students. The degree follows National League for Nursing (NLN) competencies for academic nurse educators, supporting preparation in teaching, learner development, curriculum design and professional leadership.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Nursing Education?
GCU's MSN: Nursing Education emphasis focuses on advanced nursing knowledge, curriculum development, teaching methods, assessment and program evaluation. Graduates may consider nursing education roles in academic, clinical and professional development settings, depending on employer requirements and prior experience.
Potential roles may include:
Nurse educator
Clinical educator
Academic educator
Median annual wage for postsecondary nursing instructors as of May 2025(See disclaimer 2)
Projected job growth for postsecondary nursing instructors from 2025 to 2035(See disclaimer 3)
MSN: Nursing Education Tuition and Financial Options
GCU believes that quality higher education should be accessible to all. Because a degree is an investment in your future, our university counselors can help you explore options and better understand your estimated cost of attendance.
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.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Master's in Nursing Education FAQs
If you're considering an MSN: Nursing Education program, explore common questions about coursework, online(See disclaimer 1) learning, clinical and practicum requirements and nursing education career paths.
Is a master's in nursing education worth it?
What are the goals of an MSN: Nursing Education emphasis?
Can you teach nursing with a master's degree?
How long does it take to go from BSN to MSN?
What is the difference between MSN: nursing education and nursing leadership?
What Are the Admission Requirements for the MSN: Nursing Education Program?
Applicants to the MSN: Nursing Education program must be registered nurses with a current, unencumbered RN license. Graduate admission may be based on a minimum GPA or qualifying GRE/GMAT scores, depending on the applicant’s academic background and program requirements. GCU does not require an application fee, personal statement or admission essay. Because requirements can vary by degree program, you can work with a university counselor to review eligibility, required documentation and next steps in the application process.
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
Explore More Nursing Topics
Explore GCU's online(See disclaimer 1) MSN: Nursing Education emphasis, including its 36-credit curriculum, clinical experiences and education practicum.
Excluding residencies, practicums, internships and field experience.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Nursing Instructors as of May 2025, retrieved October 2026. 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 postsecondary nursing instructors, nor does it reflect the 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.
- Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Nursing Instructors, retrieved October 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on Oct. 28, 2026.