Nursing

nurses meeting at table
Get a pulse on the career possibilities. Pursue a career in nursing education or population health with the online Master of Science in nursing program at Iowa State.
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Chart your next career

The online Master of Science in nursing program allows you to advance your nursing career with two sought after tracks:

Nursing education: The MSN-Nurse Educator prepares experienced nurses to teach, mentor, and lead across academic and clinical environments — strengthening the current nursing workforce, shaping the next generation of nurses, and improving patient care through education.

Population health: The MSN-Population Health prepares nurses to improve health outcomes across communities and systems by focusing on prevention, data-driven decision-making, and social determinants of health — advancing nursing practice across all settings.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science in Nursing (Distance)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Nursing Education
  • Population Health

Total number of credits required: 36

Online Degree Information

Sarah Miller (Academic Advisor)

nursing@iastate.edu
515-294-2321
220 MacKay Hall, 2302 Osborn Drive Ames, IA 50011-1078

Learning Goals

Graduates are prepared to:

  • Lead interprofessional teams to elevate systems of care
  • Translate research into meaningful practice improvements
  • Educate and mentor the next generation of nurses or advance community and population health initiatives

Specific Program Learning Outcomes are listed on the Nursing Website.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • An earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Cover letter
  • Statement of Purpose (less 500 words)
  • CV or Professional Resume
  • Meet Iowa State University Graduate Admissions criteria 

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 600
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 100
    IELTS 7.5
    PTE 68
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2025) 1

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Fall term - June 15, Spring term - Nov 15, Summer term - March 15.

International students should apply at least three months before the start of term they are applying.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions