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College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

At a Glance

Prepare to lead the next generation of nurses. Our affordable, supportive program equips you for leadership in nursing education—so you can advance your career and make a lasting impact on health care.

Online
Part Time
Rolling Admission

Degrees Offered

Total Credits

MSN

31 Credits

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"Best Online Master's in Nursing for 2024" by U.S. News and World Report!

Current MSN students: Join our referral program!

Overview
Quick Facts

Meeting the Growing Need for Nurse Leaders.

Our affordable, online, 31-credit MSN program combines rigorous academics with strong faculty support. In a supportive community, you’ll build expertise, enhance leadership skills, and apply your learning to real-world practice.

Program Highlights:

  • 100% Online and Flexible – complete coursework on your own schedule. 

  • Affordable Tuition – scholarships available, including the Hawk Alumni Scholarship (25%) and Education Alliance discount (10%).

  • Personalized Path – tailor your MSN with a scholarly project, faculty mentorship and electives that fit your goals.

  • Multiple Start Terms – begin in Fall, Spring, or Summer.

  • Dedicated Faculty – learn from experts committed to supporting your success.

Area of Focus

Our MSN program prepares experienced nurses for leadership roles in nursing education.  Get ready to support and lead the next generation of nurses!

As the demand for nursing instructors and clinical educators continues, many nurses consider educator roles. They may be interested in teaching in a school of nursing, working in professional development, or focusing on the education of a specific patient/community population.

This curriculum prepares nurses to assume advanced roles as instructors in academic and service settings. Our program focuses on curriculum development and foundational knowledge in theories of teaching and learning, and provides flexible and practical experience in academic and health care settings. Graduates assume leadership roles in clinical nursing education, academic faculty appointments, and staff development.

Degree Requirements

Our MSN in nursing is a 31-credit, year-round program. Most of our students are working full-time and pursuing their degrees on a part-time basis. For full course descriptions, please see the course catalog.

 

Career Outlook

MSN-prepared nurses are in high demand for their leadership, expertise, and ability to shape the future of health care. With this degree, you can teach and mentor the next generation of nurses in academic or clinical settings—while making a lasting impact in health care.

"UHart's MSN program’s strong focus on community-based, population health has been especially impactful. Learning how to meet people where they are and engage them in their care is one of my greatest takeaways."

Valerie Cassidy BSN '15, MSN '21, MBA '24, DNP 27, College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions

Admission

Applications are accepted throughout the year. We offer three start terms (spring, summer, and fall).

Requirements:

  • Completed online application 

  • Non-refundable application fee of $50. Education Alliance applicants will receive an application fee waiver.

  • Copy of current registered nurse (RN) license

  • Current resume

  • Letter of intent

  • Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from an academic source and one from a professional source.

  • Official transcripts for all college-level work

  • Candidates for admission typically demonstrate:

    • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (nurses who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and an associate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program are eligible to apply)

    • Minimum overall 3.0 GPA

University of Hartford Graduates

If you have graduated from the University of Hartford's RN to BSN program in the past three years and have a minimum 3.0 GPA, you may qualify for automatic admission to our master's program in nursing. Please contact Graduate Admission, Center for Adult and Academic Services, at gradstudy@hartford.edu.

Department Faculty & Staff

Edith Ouellet
Executive Director and Chair of the Nursing Department
Nursing

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Karen Braccialarghe
Clinical/Applied Teaching Associate Professor of Nursing, Program Director of BSN Program
Nursing

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Ayme M. Braga
Program Specialist
Nursing

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Karen Lucas Breda
Professor
Nursing

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Susan Jones
Simulation Learning Specialist
Nursing

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Diane Verrochi
Clinical/Applied Assistant Professor of Nursing
Nursing

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Valerie Whynall
Clinical/Applied Assistant Professor of Nursing
Nursing

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Meet Your Success Counselor

Christopher Stuck
Assistant Director of Graduate Success
Admission - Graduate

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Additional Information

Mission
To prepare future nurse leaders and advance the level of education of registered nurses while fostering their professional and personal development.
 
Philosophy
We emphasize quality teaching complemented by scholarly and creative expression, clinical expertise, dedicated community service, and service to the profession of nursing. We are dedicated to the preparation of persons who enrich the nursing profession by responding flexibly and creatively to both professional and societal issues.

We believe that students seek relevant learning experiences grounded in experiential learning and have a clear commitment to the identity of the professional nurse. We believe that the best learning takes place in an environment of support where students are respected, and their life experiences honored. The ideal education setting is a learning community that allows student to realize their full potential as reflective, active, and life-long learners. Because we are committed to the idea that active involvement is essential to effective learning, we foster an environment of interaction among students and faculty. We expect all students to participate in their own learning and to facilitate the learning of others by participating in collaborative learning groups and partnerships, respecting each other’s opinions and questions, and by establishing a commitment to learning and critical and creative thinking. We strive to create a global community of scholarly caring.

 

  1. Translate and apply advanced nursing practice to generate and synthesize knowledge to improve health and transform health care.
  2. Integrate principles of quality and safety within complex health systems to provide equitable care to diverse populations.
  3. Develop a professional identity through ongoing participation in professional activities that foster nursing’s values and the acquisition of expertise and leadership.
  4. Synthesize informatic processes and technologies to deliver holistic, coordinated, person-centered care.
  5. Collaborate across professions and with patients, families, communities, and other stakeholders in traditional and non-traditional partnerships to deliver improved, equitable health outcomes for diverse populations.
  6.  Create an evidence-based nursing practice change, which is then disseminated to academic and practice communities.  
Tuition
Summer 2026, fall 2026 and spring 2027 tuition rates for the Nursing, MSN program are below:
Per Credit Rate
Nursing, MSN
$724

Have Questions?

We're here to help!
Prospective students: contact your grad success counselor, Christopher Stuck.

Current students: contact Program Director, Joyce Thielen.

Accreditation

CCNE logoThe baccalaureate, Master's degree, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in nursing at the University of Hartford College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001; telephone: 202.887.6791. Information about the accreditation process is available at CCNE.

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