As an MSN nursing education student, you will gain a strong foundation in education theory, principles, teaching strategies and modalities, learner diversity, and curriculum and program evaluation. Students will learn to integrate teaching strategies via the classroom, distance-learning, clinical settings, in the learning and simulation laboratories, and through precepted and service-learning opportunities.
The interactive, online course delivery, paired with practicums that expose students to academic and clinical educational settings, provides flexible, yet comprehensive preparation for a nurse educator role. Upon completion of program and with required experience, graduates are eligible to sit for the National League of Nursing’s certification for nurse educator (CNE) examination.
MSN in Nursing Education requires 39 credit hours and can be completed in 5 semesters. All didactic work is online, distance format with complimentary practicums that may be completed in one’s geographic region. Courses are offered in a variation of 7 or 15-week semester courses, with an average of 6-9 credit hours per semester.
MSN Main Courses
- NURS 700 – Theoretical and Conceptual Foundation for Nursing A
- NURS 789 – Statistical and Research Methods for Nursing A
- NURS 720 – Clinical Application of Population Analysis A
- NURS 791 – Seminar in Clinical Nursing Research B
Advanced Practice Nursing Core Courses
- NURS 707 – Advanced Pathophysiology for Nurses
- NURS 702 – Pharmacological Management of Pediatric, Adult and Gerontological Patients Across the Lifespan
- NURS 704 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning + Nurse Educator Specialty Courses
- NURS 710 – Role of the Nurse Educator B
- NURS 724 – Education in Nursing B
- NURS 725 – Nursing Education: Curriculum and Evaluation
- NURS 739 – Online Instruction and Technology in Nursing Education
- NURS 743 – Advanced Nursing Practicum for the Educator *
- NURS 727 – Nurse Educator Practicum *
Total 39 credits / 504 clinical hours
Upon graduation and meeting experience criteria, you are eligible to sit for the National League of Nursing – Certification as Nurse Educator Exam (CNE).
+on campus immersion.
*course requires 252 direct clinical hours.
A indicates A term, B indicates B term. If not noted, full semester course.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from previous undergraduate and any graduate work
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended must be submitted whether you received a degree or not. Applicants who attended a BSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered a competitive applicants.
- Three professional references - The professional recommendation should come from individuals with a master’s or higher in a health care field who can evaluate your potential for success in a graduate program. (Letters of recommendation cannot be used in lieu of our recommendation form.) Recommendations from family members or friends are not appropriate.
- A personal goal statement that reflects MSN program outcomes
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Copy of unencumbered RN license from an approved state.
- GRE not required
All application materials (except official transcripts) will be submitted via the
College of Nursing's graduate application portal.
Official transcripts must be sent to The Graduate School. Review the degree requirements before you apply.
Beginning August 1, 2026, a non-refundable application fee of $50 will be required. Applicants who submit
before August 1, 2026 will not be charged.
The MSN-NE program offers spring and fall entry for BSN-MSN applicants, and summer and fall entry for RN-BSN applicants.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applicants who submit by the priority review deadline. Applications received after that date will continue to be reviewed until the final deadline or until all seats are filled.|
Term |
Application Opens |
Priority Review Deadline |
Final Deadline |
|
Summer |
June 1 |
October 15 |
March 1 |
|
Fall |
September 1 |
February 15 |
April 30 |
|
Spring |
April 1 |
July 15 |
October 31 |
|
Resident Status |
Estimated Total Cost |
|
In-State |
$35,973 |
|
Out-of-State |
$63,185 |
|
Out-of-State with Nursing Scholarship |
$41,043 |
Additional costs associated with this program will be paid out of pocket. Additional tuition and fee information is on the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees website. Financial aid is available. Complete the FAFSA form on the university’s Financial Aid website to determine your eligibility. The College of Nursing also offers general scholarships.
*Estimated costs are for new students who first enroll in the 2025-26 academic year and are subject to change.
Request More Information
Williams-Brice Building
Room 208
1601 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-9080
NURSGRAD@mailbox.sc.edu
