To be admitted to the MSN Education program, applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or BS with a major in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program.
• Have an active, unencumbered RN license in the U.S., District of Columbia, U.S. territories, or Canada. U.S. nursing licenses will be verified via NURSYS; Canadian applicants must submit proof of licensure.
• Meet the minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). GRE or GMAT scores are optional and not required.
• Submit transcripts, a resume, and a 500–1000 word essay as part of the application.
• Current undergraduate students may apply after earning 90 semester credits. If they have a GPA of 2.75 or higher, the essay and resume requirements will be waived.

For more details, visit: Graduate Admission Requirements

Yes, the MSN program is fully online, offering flexibility for working nurses. However, students must complete a nursing education practicum, which requires in-person teaching experiences at a healthcare or academic institution. Additionally, beginning in Fall 2025, we are increasing clinical hours to better align with practice standards and accreditation requirements. The revised MSN curriculum expands clinical practice experiences to enhance competency development and align with the 2021 AACN Essentials. Clinical hours have significantly increased to ensure students gain comprehensive, hands-on experience in real-world settings:

• MSN Education Track: Increased from 135 to 495 clinical hours

These expanded clinical experiences provide progressive skill development, allowing students to apply knowledge in academic, leadership, and healthcare settings. Clinical hours are structured to ensure the practical application of advanced nursing roles, supporting both professional readiness and future doctoral education.

No, Baker College’s master’s in nursing education does not require a thesis. Instead, students complete a capstone project and practicum, where they apply their learning in real-world educational settings.

Yes, students must complete a nursing practicum, which involves teaching experiences in a clinical or academic setting. This allows students to apply teaching strategies, curriculum development, and student evaluation techniques in a supervised environment.

In many cases, yes. Students may be able to complete their practicum at their current workplace, provided it meets master's degree in nursing education program requirements and they have an approved preceptor.

Yes, the MSN education program prepares graduates to take the CNE exam offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN), a key credential for those pursuing academic teaching roles.

Yes, Baker College offers federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement, and scholarships for nursing students. Students are encouraged to apply for external nursing scholarships as well.

Baker College provides comprehensive support for online MSN nursing education students, including:

• Dedicated academic advisors
• 24/7 access to online learning resources
• Career services and job placement assistance
• Faculty mentorship throughout the MSN program

Graduates can pursue nurse educator roles such as:

• Nursing Faculty or Instructor (Colleges & Universities)
• Clinical Nurse Educator (Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities)
• Staff Development Coordinator (Healthcare Organizations)
• Education Consultant (Medical Device & Pharmaceutical Companies)

Discover 23 career opportunities with a Master’s in Nursing Education and learn how the MSN degree can make a difference in your career advancement.