Online Master's in Nursing Degree

The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration helps nurses prepare for advanced practice and the national certification exam through coursework in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment, plus an extensive clinical practicum.

The Nursing Administration concentration focuses on healthcare systems, finance, human resources, strategic planning, and quality to help nurses prepare for leadership.

The Nursing Education concentration focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of nursing education.

Students in the Administration or Education concentrations can complete practicum hours with a preceptor in their community.

Courses are delivered online through CTU’s Virtual Classroom, with no group work projects. For the Administration and Education concentrations, students can complete practicum hours at their workplaces or in their own communities. The FNP concentration has further required direct-care hours completed in clinical settings. The program offers multiple start dates throughout the year.

CTU’s nursing degree programs are developed and taught by nurses, for nurses. The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (<http://www.ccneaccreditation.org>). The online format is designed for working nurses seeking a flexible way to earn their degree. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report has ranked CTU among its list of Best Online Master’s in Nursing programs. *

*CTU programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs.

Admission requires an active, clear, and unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States, to be maintained throughout the program. Students must also have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an institutionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the last 90 quarter (60 semester) hours of study. Applicants with a cumulative GPA in their BSN program between 2.75 and 2.99 may be granted provisional admission and must complete their first two MSN courses with at least a 3.0 GPA to be granted full admission. Students must have a minimum of one year of recent, direct care nursing experience prior to admission.

All applicants must complete an interview with an admissions advisor. There is no application fee, and a GMAT or GRE is not required.

Conveniently, CTU offers multiple start dates throughout the year. Depending on the concentration, the MSN degree program can be completed in as few as 18 to 24 months, though actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and prior learning. Use the Tuition & Graduation Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Colorado Technical University supports the philosophy that related courses, demonstrated proficiencies, and professional experience knowledge may be used to satisfy some course credit requirements. Credit granted for past experience, training, and certification may reduce the time required to earn a degree. Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis, and not all credits are eligible to transfer. For details on transfer policies, visit the Transfer Students page.

Tuition is charged per credit-hour, and the actual cost depends on the concentration chosen (48 credit-hours for Nursing Administration and Nursing Education or 68 credit-hours for Family Nurse Practitioner) and how many credits are completed at CTU once any eligible transfer credits are applied.* Course materials are included in the cost of tuition for CTU’s Virtual Campus.

Use the Tuition & Graduation Calculator for a personalized estimate based on your specific situation.

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

CTU participates in federal financial aid programs, meaning eligible students can apply for federal grants, and loans through the FAFSA®. Qualifying students can also apply for institutional scholarships and need-based grants after eligibility is verified. For a full overview of financing options, see Grants & Scholarships.*

*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University's catalog and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.

There are several ways to lower the total cost of an online MSN degree program.

Transfer credits: Eligible students may transfer-in up to 75% of required credits, which can significantly reduce the number of credits required and cost of the degree program completed at CTU.* See Transfer Students and the Nursing programs page for policies.

Military benefits: CTU offers Reduced Military Tuition Rates for eligible active-duty service members, Reserve and National Guard members, and eligible military spouses.

Corporate Educational Alliances Grant: Employees at participating companies may qualify for tuition grants through the Corporate Educational Alliances Grant program.**

Course materials are included in tuition, so there are no additional textbook costs.

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

**University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University's catalog and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.

Yes! The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)

Graduates of CTU’s MSN degree program may choose to pursue a variety of roles in nursing and healthcare. Career pathways depend on the chosen concentration. Some relevant occupational areas may include*:

Medical and Health Services Managers – These professionals plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. The Nursing Administration concentration’s focus on systems, finance, and leadership may align with these roles.

Registered Nurses – RNs provide and coordinate patient care. An MSN with a Nursing Education concentration can support advancement into specialized, leadership, or educator roles within nursing, including academic and staff-development settings.

*CTU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. The list of potential career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience

The MSN is a nursing degree program for licensed RNs who already hold a BSN. It’s designed to help develop advanced nursing practice, leadership, or teaching knowledge within the profession. A healthcare management master’s degree program, by contrast, is open to applicants from many backgrounds and focuses on the business administration of healthcare organizations rather than nursing practice. If a student’s goal is to advance specifically as a clinical or educational nurse, the MSN degree program is the more aligned path.