Master of Science in Nursing

Fall 2025 Applications are now open.

Build on your knowledge and nursing experience by earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) through Vanderbilt’s School of Nursing.

Vanderbilt prepares nurses to deliver high-quality, safe and culturally responsive nursing care. Our 13 nursing specialties for nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives and nurse informaticists mean you choose the nursing path that’s right for you. It’s no wonder our MSN is ranked as the nation’s #4 graduate nursing program.

Student in an Ultrasound Course practicing on mannequin

For RNs with a BSN

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and be a registered nurse. Don’t have a BSN or RN licensure? Check out our Master of Nursing program.

Exceptional Outcomes

Excellent licensure and certification pass rates across all specialties. 97% of graduates are employed in advanced practice nursing after graduation.

Online/Hybrid Format

Most specialties are online with brief on-campus sessions a few times during the program. Nurse-Midwifery varies by semester, while Nursing Informatics is 100% online.

Fall Start

A new class of MSN students starts each fall.

Expert Faculty

Actively practicing faculty bring their expertise to the classroom. 

Robust Clinical Experience

Each specialty offers hundreds of hours of  clinical practice.

I feel very lucky to have been trained at VUSN because it gave me the foundation I needed to flourish. The mentorship and support from my faculty helped me to develop the confidence I needed to work as a clinician and a leader in my field.

Leah Moynihan Barker Leah Moynihan Barker, MSN'98, WHNP-BC
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

100+ Years of Excellence

Learn more about Vanderbilt School of Nursing’s focus on innovation and leadership in nursing, teaching, practice and research.

Admissions Requirements

Browse the degree requirements and work experience necessary for each course of study.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Apply for financial aid. You may already qualify for a partial scholarship.

Specialties

Complete an advanced practice or nursing informatics specialty in just 4 to 8 full-time semesters or 7 to 9 part-time semesters (dual specialties require more semesters). Most specialties are online or hybrid and offer widespread clinical opportunities so you can learn from where you live.

Nursing StudentFormat: Online/hybrid with some in-person sessions

Program Length: Completed in 4-5 full-time semesters (part-time available)

Advanced Practice Specialties:

Continue Your Education with a Doctorate

After finishing your MSN, seamlessly transition into VUSN’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree or pursue a PhD in Nursing Science.

Post-Master’s Certificates

Already have an MSN? Expand or change your advanced nursing role by completing a Post-Master’s Certificate in one or more specialties.

Interested in Teaching?

Nationally recognized nurse educators help equip future faculty in VUSN’s new Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education.

Accreditation Information

The Vanderbilt MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  

See all VUSN accreditation info.

Take the Next Step

Interested in the Vanderbilt MSN program? Explore our admissions requirements, then request information about the program or contact our admissions team.

Start Your Application