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.
#3
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:
MSN Specialty Certificates
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.
Assistant Dean
Benjamin Smallheer
PhD, RN, ACNP‐BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE, FAANP
Benjamin Smallheer joined Duke University School of Nursing’s faculty in 2017. He is currently the assistant dean of the Master of Science in Nursing program and previously served as director of the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care major. Dr. Smallheer earned his BSN at Florida State University in 1998, and his MSN in 2004 and Ph.D. in 2011 from Vanderbilt University. He has also completed a post-master’s certificate in Family Practice from Tennessee State University in 2016.
Learn more about Benjamin Smallheer: Scholars@Duke
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.
The Duke Difference
Earn your Duke nursing degree or certificate while you continue to work.
Discover our unwavering focus on creating innovative, nurse-led models of care.
Learn from experts in distance-based and hybrid education for over 20 years.
Learn & practice at one of the most advanced health systems in the world.
Our faculty are leaders in their field, with real world clinical experience.
We have exceptional students, learning alongside talented & dedicated classmates.
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
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Sometimes we choose a profession, but also, sometimes a profession chooses us. I feel like oncology chose me because, 15 years later, I'm still doing it, and I love it just the same.
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Reflecting on my academic and career path today, I can confidently say that becoming a nurse and, subsequently, a nurse practitioner, has been the right decision. This rewarding journey has allowed me to fulfill my calling and make a positive impact on the lives of those I care for, bringing me immense satisfaction and a sense of purpose.
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
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.