Master of Science in Nursing
Online Coursework | Six MSN Pathways | CCNE Accredited | No GRE/MAT
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#11 Most Flexible Nursing Practitioner Schools
Best Online Nursing Practitioner Schools Ranked
Norwich University's online nursing program ranks 11th for flexibility among the 180+ schools ranked by npschools.
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#7 Best Military College in the US
Best Military Colleges in the US
Norwich University was selected as the #7 Best Military College by College Transitions.
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#14 Best Nursing Practitioner School Overall
Best Overall Nursing Practitioner Schools
Norwich University's online nursing program ranks 14th overall among the 180+ schools ranked by npschools.
View the RankingYou've Built Your Nursing Experience. Build on It.
Nursing careers rarely follow a single path. As your experience grows, so can the ways you want to make an impact: providing advanced patient care, addressing mental health needs, leading healthcare organizations, improving systems, or preparing future nurses for the profession.
Norwich University's online Master of Science in Nursing builds on your experience as a registered nurse and gives you multiple pathways for your next stage of practice and professional growth. Choose among advanced practice, education, clinical leadership, and healthcare systems leadership options while developing advanced nursing knowledge grounded in evidence, quality improvement, technology, policy, and patient-centered care.
Whatever direction you choose, you'll study within a nursing program designed to connect advanced education with the realities of contemporary healthcare.
Not Sure Which Nursing Path Fits?
Start With Where You Want to Make an Impact.
| If you want to... | Explore... |
| Provide primary care across the lifespan | Family Nurse Practitioner |
| Provide advanced psychiatric and mental health care | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner |
| Care for acutely and critically ill adults | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner |
| Teach and prepare future nurses | Nurse Educator |
| Improve clinical care, quality, and patient outcomes | Clinical Nurse Leader |
Take Your Education Beyond the Online Classroom
Norwich's international immersion opportunities bring online learning into an intensive, face-to-face academic experience, most recently in Berlin, Germany. Study alongside Norwich classmates, faculty, and international partners from around the world as you examine complex issues through site visits, expert discussions, collaborative learning, and firsthand engagement with the people and places connected to your field.
Designed to complement your online degree, these optional experiences offer a chance to apply what you've learned in a new environment, build relationships beyond the virtual classroom, and return to your studies with a broader perspective.
Norwich by the Numbers
What Do Our Alumni Say?
"During my clinical experience, I was able to immediately apply what I learned in the classroom while talking with patients about their mental health issues."
-Karl Weber, '24 PMHNP.
Our alumni are full-time workers, completing their classroom responsibilities, while balancing their busy life outside of classwork. If you are worried about work-life balance, take a look at all our other alumni testimonial, and their experience with balancing their duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When Should I Apply?
With four start dates, you can start whenever you're ready. Check out the next start dates using the link below and apply on your own terms.
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What Pathways Are Available?
The MSN offers 5 concentrations in addition to the general pathway. We offer: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
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Is The Program Fully Online?
Yes! Coursework is completed entirely online. The MSN includes one week-long campus residency, and all students complete clinical preceptorships at approved sites local to them. Post-graduate certificate students typically do not attend a campus residency.
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Do I Need To Take The GRE Or GMAT?
No. Neither is required for admission.
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Is The Program Accredited?
Yes. The Master of Science in Nursing program at Norwich University is accredited by the Commision on Collegiate Nursing Education.
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What Certification Exams Will I Be Prepared For?
Nurse Practitioner track graduates are prepared to sit for national certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Nurse Educator graduates qualify to sit for the National League for Nursing (NLN) Nurse Educator Certification Exam.
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Will I Have To Find My Own Clinical Placement?
Norwich has dedicated Clinical Placement Coordinators who work with students to arrange preceptorships at approved sites in their local area.
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Does This Program Meet Licensure Requirements In My State?
Licensure and certification requirements vary by state. Norwich publishes a Professional Licensure Disclosure identifying where the program does and does not meet state educational requirements; review it for your state before applying.
Learn From Experienced Faculty
Doctoral-level subject matter experts across advanced nursing specialties teach your program. Norwich faculty provide one-on-one support throughout, and dedicated Clinical Placement Coordinators work directly with you to secure preceptorships.
Email the nursing team at nuson@norwich.edu.
Jessica's most recent work was for a well-known non-profit organization providing care to women throughout northern New England. Additionally, she has led nursing students to impoverished areas of Nicaragua and continues to practice as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner in New England.
Upcoming Start Dates
With four start dates per year, start your master's degree when you are ready.
Next Graduate Nursing Start Dates:
Spring: January 18, 2027
Summer: May 10, 2027
Fall: August 30, 2027
Next Graduate Nursing Application Deadlines:
Spring: January 1, 2027
Summer: April 23, 2027
Fall: August 13, 2027
More Norwich MSN Graduates
"Norwich University gave me the opportunity to make my dreams come true. Thank you!"
Amber Spector
'26 Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Read Story
"One of the most meaningful aspects of my experience at Norwich was the supportive learning environment. Faculty were knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in student success, which made a difference during the more challenging periods"
Challisa Nelson
'26 Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership
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"Earning this degree has opened the door to advanced practice opportunities and deepened my sense of purpose within the profession."
Nancy Barreto
'26 Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Read Story
I have been applying my classroom knowledge in my patient care on the floor, being more detailed in my search and advocating for appropriate and prompt care for patients under my care.
Ann Kolawole
'25 Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Read Story
Norwich is unique in that it supports students across the country and provides a strong foundation for education both in person and online.
Jessica Rivait
'24 Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator
Read Story
Amber Spector
Challisa Nelson
Nancy Barreto
Ann Kolawole
Jessica Rivait
An MSN with Added Distinction
For professionals managing projects, teams, resources, and organizational priorities, specialized accreditation provides independent validation of the quality of Norwich's curriculum.