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California State University, Chico
College of Natural Sciences

Nursing MS

Nurse preparing a flu vaccine
  • Program Type

    Graduate

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

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Seize the opportunity to take your nursing career to new heights. Our online MS program offers a flexible pathway to advance in the nursing field as an educator, helping to equip the next generation of nurses with the skills and knowledge to make a difference, or in nursing leadership, working in senior administrative positions.

First established in 1970, our MSN program has been built around the busy schedules and needs of practicing nurses, especially those working in rural areas. Your major theory courses are offered online, while your clinical and practice teaching courses can be arranged at a local in your local community. You’ll be supported by passionate faculty and dedicated clinical partners in small classes where your peers become like family.

Nursing cohort posing for photo in front of Kendall Hall

Create Your Next Big Break

Your core online courses will focus on advanced nursing concepts related to care, technology, and education. You’ll work closely with faculty, building confidence as you work through this 30-unit program. Your theory and practicum courses culminate in the development of a professional paper.

Specializations and Options

Our online program has two options offered in alternating years:

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    Nurse Educator

    You’ll gain a solid foundation in nursing education with a clinical focus in adult health. Graduates of this option are prepared to teach in schools of nursing or within health care agency staff development departments. They are also prepared to provide advanced nursing care in a variety of health care delivery settings.

  • Nursing student receiving instruction in a hospital setting.

    Nursing Leadership

    Get advanced training in leadership and management to take on bigger roles in a variety of health care settings, from nursing manager to directors. Courses in this option are offered in a part-time, two-and-a-half-year cycle, allowing you the flexibility to graduate at your own pace.

Fast Facts

$101K

Median Income Per Year

28%

Employment Growth Between 2022-2032

Discover Stories and More

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    Additional Information

    Are you ready to pursue and turn your passion into a rewarding career? See the information below to start the process of earning your MSN at Chico State.

    Begin your application process with the Office of Graduate Studies.

    Application Deadlines
    May, 10, 2025: Nurse Educator option (fall admissions for odd years only)

    Supplemental Materials

    • An acceptable baccalaureate degree in nursing, including public health nursing, from a program accredited by a national nursing accredited body.
    • A current California license to practice as a registered nurse.
    • At least one year of clinical practice as a registered nurse within the last five years prior to enrolling in any practicum.
    • A three-unit course in statistics that includes inferential statistics with a grade of B or higher. The course must have been completed within the five years prior to admission to the graduate program.
    • A cumulative GPA in the last 60 units of coursework of 3.0
    • A completed application on file at the California State University, Chico Office of Graduate Studies.
    • A letter of intent/purpose submitted to the Graduate Coordinator in the School of Nursing to document why the applicant is seeking admission to this MSN program and what the applicant's future goals are for this degree.

    Miriam Walter
    mnwalter@csuchico.edu 

    Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

    Scholarship Opportunities

    Chico State provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.

    Applicants must have a current California license to practice as a registered nurse.

    The MSN in art is a 30-unit program that can be completed in two years.

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