There are numerous colleges and universities in the Badger State of Wisconsin which offer nationally accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. The programs prepare Registered Nurses for careers as Nurse Educators, Nurse Administrators, and Advanced Practice Nurses. We have prepared the list below of those nationally accredited MSN programs for your convenience.


Alverno College Joann McGrath School of Nursing

Alverno College’s Joann McGrath School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program for the Registered Nurse (RN) who seeks a career in Advanced Practice Nursing. The program is designed for RNs who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

MSN programs are offered at Alverno in the following areas of specialization:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator

The college also offers an MSN/MBA dual degree program.

Applicants to the MSN program must hold a Bachelor’s or higher degree in nursing. Candidates are required to hold a current unencumbered license as an RN as well as a current CPR certification.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

3400 South 43rd Street
PO Box 343922
Milwaukee, WI 53234
(414) 382-6277

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Bellin College School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at Bellin College offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree to BSN prepared nurses. MSN programs are offered in the following areas of specialization:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Educator

The Nurse Educator track is a 38 credit hour program. The Family Nurse Practitioner track requires 48 credit hours and 680 hours of practicum experience.

Applicants to the programs are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are preferred to have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Those with lower GPAs will be considered on an individual basis. They must have successfully completed courses in Statistics and Health Assessment within the last five years. Students must hold a current license as an RN and be eligible for licensure in Wisconsin. Prior to enrollment, candidates must have a current CPR certification. They must also have at least 1 year of clinical nursing practice.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

3201 Eaton Road
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920) 433-6639

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Cardinal Stritch UniversityRuth S. Coleman College of Nursing

A Master of Science in Nursing degree program is offered through the Ruth S. Coleman College of Nursing at Cardinal Stritch University. The program utilizes a cohort model consisting of groups of 10-15 students. They meet one evening per week, and the entire program can be completed in 2.5 years.

Those seeking admission to the MSN program must have a BSN from a nursing program accredited by the NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE. Their cumulative GPA must be at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates must have completed undergraduate courses in both Statistics and Nursing Research. Students must be licensed to practice as an RN in Wisconsin.

Program Accreditations

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)

Program Contact Information

6801 North Yates Road
Milwaukee, WI 53217
(414) 410-4000

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Concordia University Wisconsin School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at Concordia University Wisconsin offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer a traditional MSN pathway as well as an RN to BSN to MSN pathway.

The RN to MSN pathway is designed for those RN’s with an Associate’s degree in nursing. The program accelerates earning both a BSN and MSN degree. The program does still require that students complete the Liberal Arts course requirements for a BSN degree prior to entry. However, they accept transfer courses completed with a grade of “B” or higher from an accredited university.

MSN programs are offered for the following roles/specializations:

  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Educator

Programs are offered on both a part-time and full-time basis. Courses are built on a Christian foundation. The programs can be completed on campus, online, or a combination of both.

Those entering via the RN to MSN pathway are required to have successfully completed an Associate’s degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for full acceptance. They must currently be licensed as an RN in the U.S., have a current CPR certification, and be actively working as a practicing Registered Nurse.

Those seeking admission via the traditional MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited nursing program with a cumulate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for full acceptance. They must have completed undergraduate courses in both Statistics and Health Assessment within the last five years. Students must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the US and hold a current CPR certification. They must currently be employed as a practicing RN.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

12800 North Lake Shore Drive
Mequon, WI 53097
(262) 243-4538

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Edgewood College School of Nursing

Edgewood College’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialization in Nursing Administration. The program requires 36 credit hours to complete. It is designed for working RNs with the courses offered in the evenings throughout the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Edgewood also offers an MSN/MBA dual degree.

Applicants must provide evidence of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or higher nursing degree from a nationally accredited program. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale across coursework for the highest degree held. Candidates must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course within the last three years. Students entering the program must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

1000 Edgewood College Drive
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 663-2820

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Herzing University, Milwaukee Nursing Department

The Nursing Department at Herzing University, Milwaukee offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Their MSN programs are delivered online and can be completed in as little as 12 months.

Programs are offered in three areas of specialization:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nursing Education
  • Nursing Management

Those seeking admission to the program should hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution. They must have a current, unrestricted license as an RN within the U.S.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

525 North 6th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(859) 402-1616

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Marian University of Fond du Lac School of Nursing and Health Professions

The School of Nursing and Health Professions at Marian University of Fond du Lac offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They include both a traditional BSN to MSN pathway an an RN to MSN pathway.

MSN programs are offered in the following specialties:

  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Educator

Applicants to the RN to MSN should hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing and be licensed as a Registered Nurse.

Applicants to the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and hold licensure as an RN.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

45 South National Avenue
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 923-8599

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Marquette University College of Nursing

Multiple pathways are offered by the College of Nursing at Marquette University leading to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer a Direct Entry pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.

The Direct Entry pathway program called GEM is designed for those who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The 75 credit hour program is an accelerated generalist nursing curriculum which prepares students to take the nursing licensure exam (NCLEX) upon completing the first 63 credit hours and then awards an MSN upon completing the remaining 12 hours. Upon completion, students are also eligible to sit for the Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam.

The RN to MSN pathway program is designed for Registered Nurses who hold an Associate’s degree in nursing plus a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. Students in the RN to MSN program must complete several bridge courses before progressing into the graduate coursework. No BSN is awarded to those completing the program. Only an MSN is awarded.

MSN programs are offered through the RN to MSN and BSN to MSN pathways in the following roles and/or specializations:

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Nurse-Midwifery
  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Systems Leadership and Healthcare Quality

Marquette University also offers an MSN/MBA dual degree program.

Those entering the GEM Direct Entry program should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Those with a 3.2 or higher GPA are not required to submit GRE scores. Approximately 20 hours of prerequisite courses must have been completed with a grade of “C” or higher within the last five years prior to applying.

Those seeking entry into the RN to MSN program must hold an Associate’s degree in nursing as well as a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, both with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Those with a GPA less than 3.2 must submit GRE scores. They must hold licensure as a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin.

Those entering via the traditional MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must have completed undergraduate courses in Nursing Research, Health Assessment, and Statistics with a grade of “C” or better. They must hold a current RN license in Wisconsin.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

530 North 16th Street, Clark Hall
PO Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201
(414) 288-3800

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University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire College of Nursing and Health Sciences

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree program. The MSN program prepares students in adult-gerontologic or family health nursing. Students are also prepared as Nurse Educators.

Those seeking admission to the MSN program must hold 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. Students must have completed an undergraduate course in Statistics. Candidates must be licensed as an RN in the U.S. at the time of application and as an RN in Wisconsin by July 1 following admission.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

105 Garfield Avenue
Nursing 101
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715) 836-5287

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University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Nursing

The University of Wisconsin – Madison has transitioned all of its Master of Science in Nursing degree programs to their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

600 Highland Avenue, K6/228
Madison, WI 53792
(608) 263-5200

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University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee College of Nursing

Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered by the College of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. They offer a Direct Entry pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a traditional MSN pathway.

The Direct Entry pathway is designed for those interested in becoming a Registered Nurse who already hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a non-nursing field. Students move through the program as part of a cohort. They spend 15 months preparing for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Once they are licensed as an RN, they complete the remaining 24 credit hours required for their MSN degree. Upon completion they are eligible to site for the national Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam.

The RN to MSN pathway is designed for RNs with a diploma and Associate’s degree in nursing. The program accelerates them earning both a BSN and MSN degree by allowing students in the program to complete nine credits of graduate coursework as part of their BSN curriculum. The program prepares nurses to sit for the Clinical Nurse Leader certification examination.

The BSN to MSN pathways prepares Bachelor’s prepared Registered Nurses as a Clinical Nurse Leader. The program requires 33 credit hours and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Those applying to the Direct Entry MSN program must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a non-nursing discipline. Those who hold a Masters degree or an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher are not required to submit official GRE scores. Candidates must complete several prerequisite courses before starting the program. The following courses must have been completed within five years of starting the program with a grade of “B” or higher: Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Growth and Development, Microbiology, General Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Nutrition.

Applicants to the RN to MSN program are required to be diploma or Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses.

Those seeking admission via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Those whose undergraduate GPA is 3.20 or above as well as those who hold a Master’s degree can have the GRE requirement waived. Students must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course within the last five years with a grade of “B” or better. They must be licensed to practice as an RN.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

1921 East Hartford Avenue, Cunningham Hall
PO Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201
(414) 229-4801

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University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing

The College of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing. They offer an RN to BSN to MSN pathway and a traditional MSN pathway.

The RN to BSN to MSN pathway is designed for diploma and Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses. The program accelerates entry into the MSN program by allowing students to take MSN courses as electives in their last year of their BSN program.

MSN programs are offered in two roles/specializations:

  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Nurse Educator

Both programs require 37 credit hours. They can be completed in 2 years as a full-time student or 3 years as a part-time student.

Applicants to the RN to MSN program must have first been accepted to the RN to BSN program. During the last 2 BSN semesters, candidates can apply to the MSN program. Students must have completed a Statistics course within five years of admission and a Health Assessment course with lab within two years of admissions. They must have a 3.0 or higher GPA on all undergraduate coursework.

Those entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred, but those with a 2.70-2.99 GPA may be considered for probationary admission. They must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course within the last 5 years with a grade of “B” or better. Candidates must hold a currently license as a Registered Nurse in the state where they plan to perform their clinical rotations. Practical work experience is preferred but not required.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

800 Algoma Boulevard
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-3089

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Viterbo University School of Nursing

As of Fall 2013 Viterbo University has transitioned all previous Master of Science in Nursing programs into their BSN to DNP programs.

Program Accreditations

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Contact Information

900 Viterbo Drive
LaCrosse, WI 54601
(608) 796-3687

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