Nursing Leadership MSN

Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Minimum Required Credits: 35.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.3801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-1141

About the Program

The MSN: Nursing Leadership program prepares nurses for leadership roles across complex healthcare environments. Designed for nurses who aspire to shape the future of healthcare delivery, this program integrates cutting-edge leadership content and experiential learning to build the competencies essential for today’s nurse leaders. Students gain expertise in strategic planning, financial management, workforce development, quality and safety initiatives, as well as change leadership. The program emphasizes systems thinking, ethical leadership, and evidence-based decision-making, preparing graduates to lead diverse teams and drive organizational excellence in both clinical and administrative settings.

Through practicum experiences, students have the opportunity to apply knowledge and demonstrate competence in leadership. Practicum experiences are tailored to individual career goals, providing opportunities to collaborate with healthcare executives, manage complex initiatives, support operational improvement projects, and influence organizational culture and outcomes.

A distinctive feature of this program is the built-in flexibility that allows students to further specialize their plan of study. Students have 9 dedicated credits that may be used to complete a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in either Nursing Education or Quality, Safety, and Risk Management. Alternately, students also have the option to select electives or a certificate from across the university, including the Dornsife School of Public Health and the LeBow College of Business, to enhance expertise in areas such as population health, healthcare finance, policy, or organizational strategy. This flexibility strengthens leadership skills and expands career potential, equipping graduates to lead organizational initiatives and drive transformational change within healthcare systems.

This program also offers a seamless pathway to advanced doctoral study. Students who elect to continue into Drexel’s Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program may apply two courses from the MSN curriculum (NURS 5000 and NURS 5001) toward the DNP program requirements, allowing them to accelerate their doctoral progression and build upon the strong academic foundation established in the MSN program.

Overall, this program not only prepares graduates to manage; it empowers them to lead. Nurse leaders play a critical role in advancing safe, high-quality, equitable care, shaping workforce culture, and transforming healthcare delivery amid evolving challenges and opportunities.

Additional Information

For more information on this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions

Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) degree from a regionally accredited college or university

BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.

Cumulative GPA of 3.0

Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)

Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study. If you have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, this requirement can be waived

Personal statement describing your interest in the program and particular specialty

Resume

Copy of your United States RN license

International Students:
Additional information can be found here.
https://www.online.drexel.edu/support/international-students.aspx

Degree Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes