About the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
St. Catherine University’s flexible, online MSN is designed for working nurses seeking to advance into the next phases of their careers.
Students benefit from learning in a leading School of Nursing, with more than 120 years of leadership in nursing education, deep connections with regional healthcare employers, and a mission-driven commitment to social justice. Graduates advance their careers, advocate for equitable health outcomes, and make a difference in their communities.
Students combine core coursework on advanced nursing practice -- foundations of advanced nursing practice, evidence-based practice, and leadership skills – with specialized courses in one of three areas:
MSN: Data Science
Nurses in this option are empowered to lead and transform healthcare through data-driven decision making. Uniquely, the MSN: Data Science option blends learning on advanced nursing principles with data science courses. Students gain expertise in data analysis and interpretation; predictive modeling and machine learning; health informatics; and ethical and responsible data management. Graduates assume roles as nursing data analysts, clinical data scientists, nursing informatics specialists, quality improvement specialists, and in other areas.
MSN: Nurse Educator
In the Nurse Educator option, students prepare to shape the next generation of nurses as college educators or professional development specialists – or in diverse leadership roles outside of academic settings where the applications of adult learning theories can be applied to leadership roles in corporate, nonprofit, or government settings.
MSN: Nursing Business Management
Students in this option build a portfolio of management skills and expand their business acumen. Learning combines courses on advanced nursing principles with core courses from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Students round out their nursing management toolkits, and prepare for leadership or consulting roles focused on the distinct challenges and opportunities in the nursing profession in healthcare, corporate settings, public agencies, and other sectors.
Fast track to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree
Graduates may transition seamlessly into St. Kate’s online, post-master’s DNP program. The MSN and DNP programs share core courses – as a St. Kate’s MSN graduate, you’ll already have completed 12 of the 34 required credits for your DNP degree (see next page).
Flexible online learning
Courses are offered fully online in an asynchronous format with no scheduled class times, giving nurses the flexibility they need to fit MSN learning into their busy lives.
Program of study
Students take core advanced nursing practice courses and choose one of three specializations.
CORE COURSES
NURS 7140: Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice*
STAT 7000: Introduction to Biostatistics*
NURS 7060: Evidence Based Practice*
NURS 7080: Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice*
NURS 8150: Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice*
NURS 79XX: Capstone
*These courses can be applied toward the Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIZATION
MBA 6000: Business Essentials
MBA 6300: Managerial Accounting
MBA 6500: Healthcare Systems and Policy
NURS 7095: Nurse Informaticist Leading Quality Improvement
MBA 7500: Managing People and Organizations
NURS 7XXX: Nurse Educator Bootcamp
DATA SCIENCE SPECIALIZATION
DSCI 6000: Data Visualization
DSCI 7000: Data Ethics, Governance and Social Impact
MBA XXXX: Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
DSCI 7200: Predictive Modeling with Machine Learning
NURS 7095: Nurse Informaticist Leading Quality Improvement
NURS 7XXX: Nurse Educator Bootcamp
Academic calendar, time to completion
NURSE EDUCATOR SPECIALIZATION
NURS 6312: Simulation in Nursing Education
NURS 6433: 3Ps for the Nurse Educator
NURS 6693: Learner-Centered Teaching
NURS 7402: Innovation and Technology for Teaching
NURS 7583: Curriculum Design for Nursing Education
NURS 7683: Evaluation for Nursing Education
NURS 78XX: Nurse Educator Practicum
The 33-credit MSN program can be completed in 21-24 months. Courses are offered in Spring, Summer and Fall semesters in 7.5-week, half-semester sessions. Students generally take one focused course at a time.
Tuition and financial aid
Tuition per credit: $760 (2025-26 rate)
Credits required: 32 credits
Total tuition: $24,320
St. Kate’s offers a corporate partner scholarship for employees of our partner healthcare, businesses, government, nonprofit, and other organizations. Payment plans are available to help students leverage employer tuition benefits. Students are eligible for federal loan programs.
Admissions: Getting started
Nurse Educator students may start in Fall or Summer semesters. Data Science and Nursing Business Management students may start in Fall or Spring semesters. To apply, submit:
A completed online application form (no fee or test required)
Names and contact information for two recommenders
Transcripts from your BSN-granting college or university
Résumé
Admission essay