Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Mercy and Ethics-Focused

Multiple Start Dates Per Year

Supportive, Expert Faculty

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Why Earn an Online MSN from Carlow University?

Earning a CCNE-accredited online MSN degree from Carlow will prepare you to be a changemaker in a variety of roles in education, leadership, women’s health, family care and business. The robust curriculum challenges you to contribute to the quality and safety of healthcare through the heritage and values of the Sisters of Mercy.

Our supportive faculty help students excel as compassionate, responsible leaders. Carlow nursing graduates are ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of today’s healthcare field through education of future nurses, management of staff, direct patient care or intellectual endeavors.

Accreditation and Awards

Carlow University’s nursing and dual degree programs are accredited and recognized by leading organizations.

  • CCNE-Accredited
  • Yellow Ribbon School
  • Military Friendly®

A CCNE-accredited online MSN in Nursing Education and Leadership degree prepares you to be a change-maker in both nursing education and nursing leadership.

  • Duration: Complete your master’s degree in 15-20 months.
  • Total Credits: Earn your master’s degree in 33 credits.
  • Courses: Low residency, online classes start three times a year.

Deliver ethical and compassionate patient-centered care when you graduate from our CCNE-accredited program.

  • Duration: Complete your degree in an average of two and a half years.
  • Total Credits: Earn your MSN FNP in 49 credits.
  • Courses: 100 percent online classes with a brief residency start two times a year.

Become a clinical expert who serves as a leader in the field of women’s health in our CCNE-accredited program.

  • Duration: Complete your degree in an average of two and a half years.
  • Total Credits: Earn your MSN WHNP in 49 credits.
  • Courses: 100 percent online classes with a brief residency start once a year.

Become an ethical and impactful leader in nursing with an MSN – MBA dual degree. Graduate with two degrees within three years.

  • Duration: Complete two degrees in as few as 36 months.
  • Total Credits: Earn two degrees with 60 total credits.
  • Courses: Low residency, online classes start three times a year.

Help prevent illness and care for patients throughout their lives with this advanced nursing credential designed for those who already hold an MSN.

  • Duration: Complete your certificate in 1-2 years.
  • Total Credits: Earn your certificate in 17-35 credits.
  • Courses: 100 percent online classes with a brief residency start two times a year.

Specialize in the unique needs of women when you earn this advanced nursing credential. The program is designed for learners who already hold an MSN.

  • Duration: Complete your certificate in 2 semesters-2 years.
  • Total Credits: Earn your certificate in 18-35 credits.
  • Courses: 100 percent online classes with a brief residency start once a year.

HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Repayment Program

Level of study: Masters or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is a loan cancellation program with a service obligation for recipients of the loan.

To be eligible to receive an NFLP loan, a borrower must:

  • Be a citizen or national of the United States
  • Be enrolled (full-time or part-time) in an eligible nursing program at the time the NFLP loan is established and must complete the education components to prepare qualified nurse faculty
  • Maintain enrollment for a minimum of two terms/semesters during an academic year while receiving the NFLP loan
  • Maintain a 3.0 GPA and be in good academic standing
  • Have no judgment liens entered against him/her based on default on Federal debt, 28 U S C 3201
  • Loan recipients must complete the education program and, following graduation, may cancel up to 85% of the NFLP loan over a consecutive 4-year period while serving as full-time nurse faculty at a school of nursing (i.e., baccalaureate or higher degree, associate degree or diploma schools of nursing) or obtain the equivalent, thereof, in several part time or adjunct positions. NFLP loans are available to eligible students for the cost of tuition, books, fees, and lab expenses

Additionally, recipients who are non-MSN NCEL majors may be required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of teaching residency supervised by a nurse faculty member of her/his respective program.  

NFLP borrowers are limited to a 12-month time frame to establish employment as full-time nurse faculty at a school of nursing following graduation from the program. If employment verification is not submitted within the 12-month period, the loan will revert to a full term student loan and the borrower will NOT be eligible for the loan cancellation provision.

Grantees agree to serve in the stated faculty role of an accredited health professions school for a minimum of four years. Individuals selected to participate are granted cancellation of 20% of the principal and interest on the amount of the unpaid loan balance upon completion of each of the first, second, and third year of full-time nursing faculty employment, and 25% of the principal of and the interest on the amount of the unpaid loan balance upon the completion of the fourth year of full-time employment. Therefore, a maximum potential of 85% of the outstanding principal and interest can be canceled and paid by the Federal government. If the participant ceases employment after two years, the repayment schedule will be established for the remainder of the unpaid loan. To apply for the HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Program, please contact Dr. Renee Ingel rmingel@carlow.edu.

Make a Difference in Healthcare

40%
Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of advanced practice nurses is expected to grow 40 percent between 2021 and 2031.

203,200
New Jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the growth in the advanced practice nursing field will result in more than 203,200 jobs by 2031.

Succeed with a Unique Online Experience

Flexibility

Carlow’s online programs offer the ultimate flexibility through courses that fit into your schedule, coursework that aligns with your passions and concentrations tailored to your interests.

Expert Faculty

Each instructor brings diverse experiences to the classroom to provide a more well-rounded, multi-perspective, ethical view of the world.

Support

Our diverse community welcomes and empowers. We work to help you achieve success on your terms through a tight-knit community of accessible instructors and fellow students who support their peers.

Student Resources

Our helpful advisers work hard to help you navigate our transfer credit policies and financial aid. We also offer technology support and the Center for Academic Achievement, which offers academic coaches and other resources to enable your success.

About Carlow University

Carlow is a private, co-educational, Catholic university located in the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929, Carlow’s curricula and partnerships reflect its strong commitment to social justice, along with ethical, forward-thinking and responsible leadership and service to the community. Rooted in its Catholic identity and embodying the heritage and values of the Sisters of Mercy, Carlow offers educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners. Transformational coursework and experiences at Carlow empower learners to excel in their chosen work as compassionate, responsible leaders in the creation of a just and merciful world.