NIU College of Health and Human Sciences
Online M.S. in Nursing
Gain advanced skills and knowledge in specialized nursing.
With flexible online coursework and in-person internships, our program allows you to continue your education while balancing work and your other commitments. Depending on your goals and interests, you can pursue the family nurse practitioner or nursing education specialization. You’ll increase your career options and open the door to leadership opportunities.
Post-Baccalaureate
Plans are customizable to your needs.
“I have made many new friends, mentors and advisors. Many of my professors have taken the time to mentor me, and the mentorship has continued even after the courses have ended.”Jessica ProtheM.S. nursing education student
Careers After NIU's Online M.S. in Nursing
The nursing education specialization will prepare you for educator roles in many settings, including educating at the bachelor’s/associate degree level or in healthcare facilities.
With a family nurse practitioner specialization, you’ll be ready to thrive in an advanced practice role as a family nurse practitioner and sit for national certification exams.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE Accreditation).
Admission Requirements for NIU's Online M.S. in Nursing
You can apply if you have:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program with a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA for the last 60 hours of the program
- Current Illinois RN license
- At least 2,000 hours of clinical practice experience in a specialty area within the three years prior to admission (nursing education specialization only)
You’ll apply through the Graduate School. Your application materials will include:
- Three professional letters of recommendation
- Professional goal statement
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, students have the flexibility to shift between full-time and part-time enrollment semester by semester, taking as few as one course at a time. Completion timelines vary by specialization and pacing:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Full-time students can complete the track in as quickly as 2.5 years, while part-time study typically takes 3 to 4 years.
- Nursing Education: Full-time students can finish in as quickly as 2 years, while part-time study typically takes about 3 years.
Graduate nursing students have up to 6 consecutive years to complete their degree, allowing you to adapt your course load as your work and personal life require.
Yes. Students may transfer up to 6 credit hours of graduate-level coursework completed at another accredited institution, pending an evaluation of your transcripts and course syllabi.
Yes. We understand that work, family and other personal circumstances may require students to temporarily step away from their studies. Students may request a leave of absence from the program when needed. We encourage students to connect with their academic advisor to discuss their circumstances and plan for a successful return to the program.
Request More Information
We’ll send you details about our online M.S. in nursing degree.
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Connect With an Online Student Success Specialist
They'll guide you every step of the way.
Corbin Tyson
he/him/his
ctyson@niu.edu
815-753-6279
Meet with Corbin
