Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Elevate your expertise in patient care, research or academia with a Master of Science in Nursing.

Duke University School of Nursing’s MSN degrees empower future nursing leaders to tackle complex global health challenges. Our Master of Science in Nursing programs equip you with advanced skills and knowledge for rewarding careers in a diverse range of settings.

Whether you envision yourself as a leader in patient care, research or nurse education, we prepare you to make a significant impact with some of the best MSN programs in the nation.

Choose from eight clinical advanced practice nurse majors or three nonclinical health care systems majors, with several MSN specialties and certificates to further expand your career potential.

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Best Nursing Schools: Master's

Our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program offers eight advanced practice registered nurse majors and three non-clinical majors. You can also add a specialty to your course of study.

Our accredited nursing programs provide a robust curriculum that combines foundational coursework with study in population-specific areas of practice. This approach ensures nursing master’s degree graduates acquire the expertise to drive positive change and improve health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

Flexible, distance-based learning allows working professionals to pursue their MSN degrees while maintaining their current work-life balance. Additionally, for clinical program students, on-campus intensives provide valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and interaction with our expert nursing faculty.

Whatever MSN program you choose, you’ll enjoy unparalleled support and resources, including dedicated faculty guidance, mentorship and access to world-class facilities.


Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

MSN Clinical Programs

Our innovative clinical nursing master’s degrees combine the latest evidence-based practices with high-fidelity simulation labs to prepare you for top-of-scope practice. Clinical placements ensure you gain valuable, real-world experience close to home, with clinical partnerships at more than 2,000 locations worldwide:

MSN Health Care Systems Majors

Our nonclinical health care systems MSN degrees prepare nurse leaders, educators and administrators to inform, educate and lead the next generation of nurses. With coursework in areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, MSN systems majors learn to develop innovative solutions and optimize health care processes:


Add a Specialty to your MSN. In addition to an NP, students may add another specialty. We offer specialty certificates for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students along with practicing nurse practitioners.

Post-Graduate Certificates     

Gain specialized knowledge with our post-graduate certificates. These certificates allow a master's degree holder, especially registered nurses from an ACEN or CCNE accredited school, to specialize in any of the majors we offer.

Meet Our MSN Faculty

Our internationally renowned AGACNP faculty foster a supportive learning environment that prioritizes your academic and professional success. They bring their real-world experience as nurse practitioners into the classroom, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your field.

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Thomas Blodgett, PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC
Thomas Blodgett
PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC
Assistant Professor
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Christina Leonard, APRN, DNP, FNP-C, CNL
Christina Leonard
APRN, DNP, FNP-C, CNL
Assistant Professor
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Shari Rushton, DNP, MSN, MS, RN, CCM
Shari Rushton
DNP, MS, RN, CCM, CNE
Associate Professor
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Margaret (Midge) T. Bowers, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CHSE, A.A.C.C., FAANP, FAAN
Margaret (Midge) Bowers
DNP, FNP-BC,CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, FACC
Professor
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Devon Noonan, PhD, MPH, FNP-BC
Devon Noonan
PhD, MPH, FNP-BC, CARN, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Kathleen Turner
DNP, RN
Associate Professor
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Tonia Poteat
Tonia Poteat
PhD, MPH, PA-C, AAHIVS, DFAAPA
Professor
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Jamie Lord
Jamison (Jamie) Lord
DNP, MSN, RNC, PMHNP-BC
Assistant Professor
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Lisa S. Lewis, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Lisa Lewis
EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Associate Professor
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Schenita D. Randolph, PhD, MPH, RN, CNE
Schenita Randolph
PhD, MPH, RN
Associate Professor
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Kara McGee
Kara McGee
DMS, MSPH, PA-C, AAHIVS
Associate Professor
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Mitchell Knisely
PhD, RN-BC, ACNS-BC, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Marissa Abram
Marissa Abram
PhD, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN
Assistant Professor
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Desi Newberry
Desi Newberry
DNP, NNP-BC
Associate Professor
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Kathryn Trotter
DNP, CNM, FNP-C, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Kathryn Kreider
Kathryn Kreider
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Professor
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Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Jennie De Gagne
PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Professor
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Malinda Teague
DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC
Assistant Professor
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Alison Edie
Alison Edie
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Anne L. Derouin, DNP, RN, CPNP, FAANP
Anne Derouin
DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, ANEF
Professor
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AnnMarie L Walton, PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
AnnMarie Walton
PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
Term Chair for the Dorothy L. Powell Professorship, Associate Professor
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Stephanie Ibemere
Stephanie Ibemere
PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
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Marilyn H. Oermann, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Marilyn Oermann
PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Thelma M. Ingles Distinguished Professor of Nursing
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Michael E. Zychowicz
Michael Zychowicz
DNP, ANP, ONP, FAAN, FAANP, FNAON
Professor
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Mary L. Affronti, DNP,  MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Mary Lou Affronti
DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Professor
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Deirdre K. Thornlow, PhD, RN, CPHQ
Deirdre Thornlow
PhD, RN, CPHQ, CNE
Associate Professor
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Blanca Iris Padilla, PhD, FNP-BC
Blanca Iris Padilla
PhD, MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Sean P Convoy, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Sean Convoy
DNP, PMHNP-BC
Associate Professor
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Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith
PhD, MSW, FAOSW
Associate Professor
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Ryan J. Shaw, PhD, RN
Ryan Shaw
PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Debbie Travers
Debra (Debbie) Travers
PhD, MSN, RN, FAEN, FAMIA
Associate Consulting Professor
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Benjamin Smallheer, PhD, RN, ACNP‐BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE
Benjamin Smallheer
PhD, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Allison Stafford, PhD, RN
Allison Stafford
PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
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Amie Koch, DNP, FNP-C, RN, ACHPN
Amie Koch
DNP, FNP-C, RN, ACHPN
Associate Professor
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Margaret (Peggy) Bush, PhD, MBA, RPh
Margaret (Peggy) Bush
PhD, MBA, RPh
Professor
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Michael Cary
Michael Cary
PhD, RN
Associate Professor
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Maryellen Kelly, DNP, CPNP, MHSc
Maryellen Kelly
DNP, CPNP, MHSc
Assistant Professor
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Karin Reuter-Rice, PhD, CPNP-AC, FCCM, FAAN
Karin Reuter-Rice
PhD, CPNP-AC, FCCM, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Jacquelyn M McMillian-Bohler, PhD, MSN, BSN, CNM, CNE
Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler
PhD, CNM, CNE
Assistant Professor
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Carolina (Callie) Tennyson, DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Carolina Tennyson
DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Assistant Professor
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Rémi Hueckel
DNP, CPNP-AC, CHSE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Staci Reynolds, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN
Staci Reynolds
PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, CPHQ, FAAN
Professor
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Tara Albrecht, PhD, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, RN
Tara Albrecht
PhD, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, RN
Associate Professor
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Kais Gadhoumi, PhD
Kais Gadhoumi
PhD
Assistant Professor
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Valerie Sabol
PhD, MBA, ACNP, GNP, CHSE, CNE, ANEF, FAANP, FAAN
Professor
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Cristina C. Hendrix, DNS, GNP-BC, FNP, FAAN
Cristina Hendrix
DNS, GNP-BC, FNP, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Elaine D. Kauschinger, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC
Elaine Kauschinger
PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
Assistant Professor
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Ragan Johnson, DNP, MSN, APRN-BC
Ragan Johnson
DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Michelle Webb, DNP, RN, CHPCA
Michelle Webb
DNP, RN, CHPCA
Assistant Professor
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Brandon Knettel
Brandon Knettel
PhD
Assistant Professor

The Duke Difference

Graduation Time With Students and Signs To Gather

MSN Admissions

The MSN program employs a holistic admissions strategy. We consider each candidate’s unique life experiences alongside their academic performance, grades and test scores. This ensures that our nurse practitioner students represent the diversity of patients you will care for in your career.

If you need additional assistance, contact our admissions team by email or phone: 877-415-3853.


We offer DROP-iN Chat for virtual Q+A Sessions along with PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS for application help.

Student Testimonials

Student Testimonials

Financial Aid and Scholarships for MSN Students

As part of our mission to meet the needs of nurse practitioners nationwide, Duke School of Nursing offers a variety of financial aid options for MSN students. These include merit- and need-based scholarships up to full tuition for select MSN students. There are also federal student loan options to fully fund your MSN degree.

Learn More About Financial Aid & Scholarships
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The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Duke University School of Nursing are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Nurse Anesthesia DNP program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Join our nursing community today

Experience the Duke difference. As a top nursing school in the nation, we empower students to become successful nurses who lead with purpose and passion.

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