[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Michigan’s nursing shortage creates an array of opportunities for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-rn-programs-by-state/”]registered nurses (RN)[/hen-ui-link] to advance their careers. If you already have a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor’s degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] and an RN license, you may want to consider pursuing an MSN in Michigan.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs that require a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree — including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse-midwives — can expect 40% job growth between 2023-2033. That’s dramatically higher than the 6% job growth for all RNs. MSN-educated nurses also enjoy higher pay.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore the best nursing programs in Michigan and their requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Explore the Best Michigan MSN Degree Programs and Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best MSN degree programs in Michigan, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking is from 2021.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do MSN Degree Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN programs are designed to prepare RNs for roles and responsibilities beyond the scope of an RN. Nurses complete training in clinical and non-clinical specialties. The curriculum typically required 36-60 credits consisting of a nursing core, concentration or specialty, and clinical experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the institution, students can pursue a generalist track or clinical specializations such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse-midwife. Non-clinical tracks include nursing administration and nursing informatics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN programs accommodate working RNs who need flexibility. RNs can choose from full-time or part-time enrollment options, and on-campus, hybrid, or fully online modes of delivery. The degree completion time is typically 20-24 months for full-time students. A lengthier commitment is required for nurses enrolled on a part-time basis.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to Nursing Programs in Michigan[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applying to graduate school may seem daunting, but knowing the requirements and having a plan can help. Review each nursing program’s application requirements to ensure you qualify for admission.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs in Michigan typically require an undergraduate degree in nursing. However, some programs may enroll RNs with a bachelor’s degree in another major. Nurses with ADNs can pursue RN-to-MSN bridge programs that provide a fast track to earn an MSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants are often required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some schools set no minimum GPA except for applicants who want to waive the GRE or MAT requirement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]Official school transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores (often optional), current and unrestricted RN license, a personal statement or essay, CV/resume, and 2-3 letters of recommendation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]GPA Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]Minimum 2.7-3.0 GPA[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Other Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]Nursing programs in Michigan may require 1-2 years of clinical experience. Applicants may also need to complete prerequisite science and math coursework.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is MSN Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation requires nursing schools to undergo a rigorous peer review conducted by an established authority. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accreditation process[/hen-ui-link] ensures the school you attend meets national standards established to prepare a professional nursing workforce.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All of the programs on this ranking are accredited. Nursing programs in the United States hold accreditation from one of three national accrediting agencies:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation is required to meet a state board of nursing’s licensure requirements. Many employers also require accreditation as a condition of employment. Furthermore, you’ll need accreditation to apply for financial aid and transfer credits to accredited nursing programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced nursing specialties such as nurse anesthesiology have additional accreditation from a specialized accrediting body like the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Programs in Michigan[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are MSN degrees worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes! An MSN can be worth the investment for many RNs seeking career advancement. An MSN provides the educational and clinical experience you need for specialization, leadership roles, and high-paying job opportunities. Plus, specialized nurses enjoy high job growth.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is the MSN being phased out?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While there are ongoing discussions about transitioning requirements from an MSN to doctor of nursing practice requirement for certain advanced-practice roles such as nurse practitioner, nurses with a master’s degree are and will still be needed by many employers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How fast can you get an MSN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can complete an MSN in as few as 20-24 months of full-time study. How fast you get an MSN will depend on factors such as the program’s requirements and your scheduling availability.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the easiest MSN to get?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSN is a rigorous nursing program that requires an academic commitment to excellence. Some programs make it easier for RNs by offering flexible schedules and online components. They may also accept an ADN or non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Plus, some MSN programs have high acceptance rates because of a lower number of applicants.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]Explore Other MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-article-row variant=”3-col” ids=”34473,34243,34248″][/hen-ui-article-row]
#1 The Top Nursing Programs in Michigan for an MSN
South University-Novi
Novi, MI
- 4 year
- Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$16,920
- Out-of-state$16,920
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$16,620
- Out-of-state$16,620
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled60
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationNo
#2 The Top Nursing Programs in Michigan for an MSN
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$30,552
- Out-of-state$30,552
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$28,656
- Out-of-state$28,656
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled2,867
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
#3 The Top Nursing Programs in Michigan for an MSN
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$14,400
- Out-of-state$14,400
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$937
- Out-of-state$1,627
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled14,048
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
#4 The Top Nursing Programs in Michigan for an MSN
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$13,076
- Out-of-state$13,076
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$8,532
- Out-of-state$8,532
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled10,072
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
#5 The Top Nursing Programs in Michigan for an MSN
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$13,952
- Out-of-state$19,856
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled21,648
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
#6 The Top Nursing Programs in Michigan for an MSN
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$11,130
- Out-of-state$26,144
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$15,748
- Out-of-state$29,622
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled7,523
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
#7 The Top Nursing Programs in Michigan for an MSN
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$15,966
- Out-of-state$41,778
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$20,202
- Out-of-state$39,696
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled50,023
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes