The Peach State of Georgia offers Registered Nurses who are considering returning to school to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree many options. There are many Georgia colleges and universities which offer nationally accredited MSN programs. For your convenience we have compiled the list below of those schools in Georgia whose MSN degree programs are nationally accredited.
Albany State UniversityNursing Department
Albany State University’s Department of Nursing offers several pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. They offer a traditional MSN pathway for those who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. They also offer an RN to MSN pathways for those
The RN to MSN pathway program allows Registered Nurses with only an Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) to earn an MSN. Students in the program essentially complete all undergraduate coursework required of RN to BSN students. Typically students do not receive a BSN along the way as they don’t want to complete all of the general education coursework required to do so. But if they transfer in and take the required number of hours that a BSN would otherwise be required to take then a BSN degree can also be awarded.
MSN programs are offered two roles/specializations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway are required to hold an Associate’s degree in nursing with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. They should submit acceptable GRE or MAT scores. They must hold current licensure as a Registered Nurse in Georgia.
Applicants entering an MSN program at Albany State via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must submit acceptable GRE or MAT scores. Candidates should hold a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Georgia.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
504 College Drive
Albany, GA 31705
(229) 430-4724
Armstrong Atlantic State University Department of Nursing
Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered through the Department of Nursing at Armstrong Atlantic State University. They offer both a typical BSN to MSN pathway as well as an RN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN pathway (RN Options Track) is designed for diploma or Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses. Upon completion of the MSN degree requirements, a BSN degree is awarded concurrently. Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available.
MSN programs are offered in the following roles and specializations:
- Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Advanced Practice (Program only available to nationally certified Nurse Practitioners seeking an MSN)
- Nursing Administration
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway are required to hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing. All students are required to submit acceptable GRE or MAT scores. Those not meeting minimum scores on the test must have at least a 3.0 overall GPA as well as a 3.0 cumulative nursing GPA. Candidate must hold a current unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in Georgia.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway should hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution. Students must submit GRE or MAT scores. If minimum scores are not met then a 3.0 or higher overall GPA and 3.0 or higher cumulative nursing GPA are required. Students must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course. Candidate must hold a current unrestricted license to practice as an RN in Georgia. One year of work experience is also preferred.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419
(912) 344-2575
Brenau University School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at Brenau University offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer both a traditional BSN to MSN pathway as well as an RN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN pathway is designed for diploma or Associate’s prepared RNs who are seeking a Master’s in nursing. There are actually two RN to MSN pathways: the Standard RN to MSN Degree Program and the Accelerated RN to MSN Degree Program.
The Standard RN to MSN track lasts three or four years depending on the specialization chosen. During the first year, students complete the same coursework as those entering the RN to BSN program would have to complete. The courses are taught in an online format. Students then matriculate into their graduate specialty. The remaining time is spent completing their graduate courses which are taught in a hybrid/blended format combining on-campus and online coursework.
The Accelerated RN to MSN track lasts either two years and one semester or three years and one semester depending on the specialization. The first semester is spent on undergraduate coursework, but students do no have to complete all of the coursework for an RN to BSN. After completing Conceptual Basis of Professional Nursing Practice and Conceptual Basis of Advanced Practice Nursing, students progress into the MSN coursework. All remaining graduate coursework is delivered using a hybrid/blended format.
MSN programs are offered in the following
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Leader/Manager
Applicants entering an MSN program via either of the RN to MSN tracks must hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing. To enter the Standard RN to MSN track, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. To enter the Accelerated RN to MSN track, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. All candidates must have a current license as a Registered Nurse.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program with 3.0 or higher cumulative and nursing GPAs. They must have successfully completed undergraduate courses in Physical Assessment and Nursing Research Methods. Candidates must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse in Georgia and have at least one year of full-time work experience as a practicing RN within the last five years. All applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner program must also submit GRE scores.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
500 Washington Street, SE
Gainesville, GA 30501
(770) 534-6283
Clayton State University School of Nursing
Clayton State University’s School of Nursing offers both an RN to MSN pathway and BSN to MSN pathway to a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
The RN to MSN pathway is designed to allow diploma or Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses to earn both a BSN and MSN. Students entering the program who also hold a Bachelor’s in a non-nursing discipline will receive approximate 30 additional transfer credits than those with just and ADN. The program is accelerated as it eliminates a clinical and eight credits. The program is delivered completely online.
Clayton State offers programs in the following specializations:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership
Applicants to the RN to MSN program must have a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students must submit acceptable GRE scores. Candidates must hold a valid unrestricted license as an RN in Georgia and currently be working as a professional RN.
Applicants entering Clayton States Master’s program via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale. GRE scores are required but can be waived if the student holds a Master’s degree.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
2000 Clayton State Boulevard
Continuing Education, Suite 220
Morrow, GA 30260
(678) 466-4900
Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer a typical BSN to MSN pathway for those already holding a baccalaureate degree in nursing as well as an RN to MSN (Accelerated BSN/MSN) pathway.
The RN to MSN pathway allows Registered Nurses with only a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing who have previously earned a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field to earn an MSN and become a Nurse Practitioner. Prior to beginning the nursing coursework, students must complete 7 prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. Students earn their BSN in just 15 months and then begin their MSN coursework.
MSN programs are offered in the following roles and specializations:
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse-Midwife
- Health Systems Leadership
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
They also offer two dual degree programs: an MSN/MA in Bioethics program and an MSN/Master of Public Health program.
Applicants to the Accelerated BSN/MSN program (RN to MSN pathway) are required to hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing. They must also have earned a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred. GRE scores are required. Candidates must be licensed Registered Nurses.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program. Students must have completed undergraduate Statistics and Health Assessment courses. They must also submit acceptable GRE or MAT scores.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1520 Clifton Road, NE
Suite 402
Atlanta, GA 30322
(404) 727-7980
Georgia College & State UniversitySchool of Nursing
The School of Nursing at Georgia College & State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing program for students pursuing an Advanced Practice Nursing career as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
The 40 credit hour program can be completed in six semesters of full-time study or nine semesters as a part-time student. The didactic coursework is delivered online, and clinical hours are arranged in a setting that is convenient to the student. Students are required to be on campus approximately two weeks per year for immersion experiences.
Applicants to the program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE accredited program with a 2.75 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate courses required in the nursing major. They must have successfully completed an undergraduate course in Statistics. Candidates must hold a current a current license as a RN and be eligible for RN licensure in Georgia. If clinical practice is to be performed in Georgia then a Georgia RN license will be required.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
Campus Box 63
Milledgeville, GA 31061
(478) 445-1076
Georgia Regents University College of Nursing
Georgia Regents University’s College of Nursing offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing. They offer students a Direct Entry pathway as well as a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The Direct Entry pathway prepares those students who hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s or higher degree for the Registered Nurse licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) as well as the national certification exam required to become a Clinical Nurse Leader. The program is an accelerated program.
Georgia Regents offers MSN programs in four roles/specializations including the following:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Anesthesia
- Clinical Nurse Leader
Applicants to the Direct Entry MSN pre-licensure program are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students entering the program are required to submit either GRE or MAT scores. Several prerequisite courses must be taken prior to enrollment including: Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Statistics, General Psychology, and Human Growth and Development – Lifespan.
Applicants entering an MSN program via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. Students must have at least a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA (3.3 is suggested). They must have completed an undergraduate or graduate course in Statistics or Biostatistics with at least a grade of “B”. Candidates are required to hold a current unrestricted license to practice as an RN in Georgia prior to the end of the first semester. Generally, a minimum of one year of full-time experience is required before beginning clinicals. Having 2-3 years of experience is typical and makes students more competitive. Those entering the Nurse Anesthesia program must have at least a year of full-time experience as an RN in a critical care setting.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
987 Saint Sebastian Way
Augusta, GA 30912
(706) 721-3771
Georgia Southern University School of Nursing
Multiple pathways are offered at Georgia Southern University’s School of Nursing by which students can earn their Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer an RN to MSN pathway as well as a BSN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN Bridge program allows diploma or Associate’s prepared nurses to take three undergraduate bridge courses and be qualified to apply for admission to the MSN program. Both a BSN and a MSN degree are conferred once all the students complete the MSN program. Classes are delivered in a hybrid format.
Georgia Southern offers MSN degrees in two specialty areas. They include the following:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
Applicants to the RN to MSN Bridge program must have earned a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Students are required to hold at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale is required for full admission status. A GPA of 2.7 or higher is required for provisional admission status. Candidates must hold a current Georgia RN license.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or its equivalent from an accredited nursing program. They must have completed a Statistics course or a statistically oriented methodology course. Those entering the program should hold a current RN license in Georgia and have one year of full-time clinical experience as a Registered Nurse prior to beginning the clinical specialty core courses.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
PO Box 8158
Statesboro, GA 30460
(912) 478-5479
Georgia State University Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing & Health Professions
Georgia State University’s Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing & Health Professions offers lots of options for those seeking a Master of Science in Education. Two MSN pathways are offered including an RN to MSN pathway and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN Bridge program is available to Registered Nurses who are diploma or Associate’s prepared and have practice experience as an RN. Students in the program complete a series of undergraduate bridge courses before progressing into the Master’s level coursework. Those without a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree will have to complete more undergraduate coursework than those with a non-nursing Bachelor’s before progressing into the Master’s level courses.
MSN programs are offered in several roles and specializations including the following:
- Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist/Adult Health Nurse Practitioner dual role track
- Child Health Clinical Nurse Specialist/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner dual role track
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner dual role track
- Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Innovation (Concentrations available in Nursing Informatics and Nursing Administration)
Admission into the RN to MSN Bridge program requires applicants to hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing. Admission to an MSN program via the BSN to MSN pathway requires applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Regardless of the pathway, all applicants must hold a license as an RN in Georgia and have at least one year of post-licensure practice experience.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
University Plaza, Suite 870 ULC
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 413-1201
Kennesaw State University WellStar School of Nursing
Kennesaw State University’s WellStar School of Nursing offers three Master of Science in Nursing programs. They offer MSN programs in the following roles and specialization areas:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Administration & Health Policy
Applicants to the programs must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally (NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE) accredited program with a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale. GRE scores are also required. They must have successfully completed undergraduate courses in Nursing Research, Physical/Health Assessment, and Statistics. Candidates must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the state of Georgia. They must have at least one year of full-time work experience as an RN in the last five years involving direct patient care. Those entering the Family Nurse Practitioner program are required to have two additional years of work experience as an RN for a total of three years of experience.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1000 Chastain Road
Prillaman Health Science Building, #41
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(770) 423-6061
Mercer University Georgia Baptist College of Nursing
The Georgia Baptist College of Nursing at Mercer University offers Master of Science in Nursing programs in several clinical roles and specialty areas including:
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
The programs vary in length depending on the specialization. Both the Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Educator programs require 38 semester hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner program requires 49 semester hours. All programs require students to take a set of core graduate courses totaling 23 semester hours with the remaining hours being in their specialty. The programs are offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.
Applicants to the MSN programs must have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited nursing program with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in order to gain full admission status. Those with a 2.75-2.99 GPA can be considered for conditional admission status on an individual basis. Students must submit satisfactory scores on either the GRE or MAT exam. Students must hold a current unencumbered license to practice as an RN in Georgia and have a minimum of one year of work experience as an RN.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
3001 Mercer University Drive
Atlanta, GA 30341
(678) 547-6700
North Georgia College & State UniversityDepartment of Nursing
Multiple pathways are offered by the Department of Nursing at North Georgia College & State University leading to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The pathways offered include an RN to MSN Bridge pathway called the Professional Transitions Program for diploma or Associate’s prepared RNs who also hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s or Master’s degree as well as a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
Those entering via the Professional Transitions (RN to MSN) program are required to take two bridge courses: Professional Transitions I & II. They must successfully complete the two bridge courses in sequence with a grade of “B” or higher prior to progressing into the graduate-level MSN coursework.
Students can choose from MSN programs which prepare them for the following roles/specializations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
Applicants entering the Professional Transitions program must hold a nursing diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing in addition to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a non-nursing field. All other requirements are the same as for BSN to MSN applicants.
Applicants entering via the traditional BSN to MSN pathway are required to have graduated from a nationally accredited nursing program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. They must have achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Students must submit acceptable GRE or MAT scores. They must have a current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in Georgia with at least one year of full-time post-licensure clinical work experience.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
426 Health & Natural Sciences Building
Dehlonega, GA 30597
(706) 864-1930
South University College of Nursing
South University’s College of Nursing offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree as well as MSN programs for several roles and areas of nursing in which RNs can choose to specialize. They offer both an RN to MSN pathway for Associate’s and diploma prepared nurses and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway for BSN prepared nurses. They offer MSN programs in the follow roles/specialty areas:
- Adult Health Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Informatics
- Nurse Administrator
- Nurse Educator
It should be noted that the RN to MSN pathway awards both a BSN and MSN degree upon completion.
Applicants to an RN to MSN program must hold a nursing diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution with a 3.0 or higher GPA on 4.0 scale for all nursing coursework previously completed. They must hold a valid unencumbered license as an RN in the U.S. or one of its territories (wherever they plan to complete all assignments for the program).
Admission via the BSN to MSN pathway requires nurses to have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the last 60 semester hours (or last 90 quarter hours) attempted. They must have completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Nursing Research with grades of “C” or higher. Candidates must have a valid unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. state or territory where they plan to complete all assignments.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
709 Mall Boulevard
Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 650-5647
Thomas UniversityDivision of Nursing
Thomas University’s Division of Nursing offers two pathways to an MSN: an RN to MSN pathway for those holding a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway for those who have previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
The programs at Thomas prepare Registered Nurses for nursing careers in the following specializations:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Administration
They also offer a dual MSN/MBA degree program.
Those applying to the RN to MSN program should hold a nursing diploma or Associate’s in nursing and hold a current unencumbered license as an RN. Those who have recently graduated from a nursing program but are not yet licensed can be admitted conditionally to the program. However, they must get their RN license before the end of their first semester. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to progress further than the first semester bridge courses until they do. They must have a 3.0 or higher GPA on all coursework completed in the diploma or Associate’s program.
Those entering a BSN to MSN program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or hold a Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field in addition to a diploma or Associate’s in Nursing. Those with a non-nursing Bachelor’s may have to take additional baccalaureate upper level nursing courses, depending on their experience. Students are required to have completed an undergraduate Statistics course within the last five years. They must have a 3.0 GPA in their nursing major. Candidates must hold a current unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
1501 Millpond Road
Thomasville, GA 31792
(800) 538-9784
University of West Georgia School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at University of West Georgia offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree. There are two pathways available by which to earn an MSN degree at West Georgia: an RN to MSN pathway for diploma or Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses and a typical BSN to MSN for Bachelor’s prepared nurses.
Those entering an MSN program via the RN to MSN pathway must first apply to an be accepted to the RN to BSN program. The program can be completed in four semesters of full-time coursework. It can also be completed on a part-time basis extending the time required to complete.
MSN programs are offered in three roles/specializations:
- Health Systems Leadership: Leader/Manager
- Health Systems Leadership: Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nursing Education
Those applying to enter an MSN program via the RN to MSN pathway must hold an Associate’s degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited program with a 2.5 or higher GPA on all core coursework previously completed that is applicable to a BSN degree at West Georgia. They must have completed or received credit for at least 36 semester hours of core. They must hold a Georgia license to practice as a Registered Nurse.
BSN prepared nurses wish to pursue an MSN degree must have earned a Bachelor Of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all upper division nursing courses. They must also have completed an undergraduate Statistics course. Candidates must have a current license as a Registered Nurse in the U.S.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118
(678) 839-6552
Valdosta State University College of Nursing
Valdosta State University’s College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree as well as an RN to MSN pathway (called their RN Preference Pathway) for Registered Nurses with only a diploma or Associate’s degree who seek to advance their education to the graduate level.
Students a Valdosta State choose from one of the following clinical tracks/functional roles:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Leader/Care Manager
- Clinical Nurse Leader/Nurse Educator
- Clinical Nurse Leader/Nurse Administrator
- Psychiatric Mental Health/Care Manager
- Psychiatric Mental Health/Nurse Educator
- Psychiatric Mental Health/Nurse Administrator
- Growing Families/Care Manager
- Growing Families/Nurse Educator
- Growing Families/Nurse Administrator
Applicants to the RN Preference (RN to MSN) Pathway must hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in Nursing. They must also have 60 hours of core that is required for a Bachelor’s degree. Candidates must hold a Georgia license as an RN.
In order to be admitted to the traditional MSN programs, students must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE accredited program and a school that is regionally accredited. They must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must submit acceptable GRE or MAT scores for consideration. They must hold a valid license as a Registered Nurse in Georgia.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1300 North Patterson Street
S. Walter Martin Hall
Valdosta, GA 31698
(229) 333-5959