Preparing Nurse Leaders for the Future
Designed for working professionals, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares registered nurses to expand their impact in today’s evolving healthcare landscape — through advanced learning, professional growth and meaningful leadership in clinical and organizational settings.
Why Earn Your MSN at St. Edward’s?
The Master of Science in Nursing at Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ is designed for experienced RNs ready to expand their scope, increase their value and move confidently into the next phase of their careers.
Our high-demand concentration in Healthcare Leadership prepares graduates to shape healthcare at both the systems and clinical level. Whether advancing into executive and management roles or delivering primary care across the adult lifespan, students gain the expertise, strategic insight and ethical foundation to lead meaningful change in today’s complex healthcare environment.
Highlights of the MSN at St. Edward's
Built for Working NursesÂ
The flexible, hybrid format blends rigorous online coursework with valuable in-person learning and applied experiences. Students can complete the program through full-time or part-time study.
Faculty Expertise and MentorshipÂ
Learn from experienced nurse educators and healthcare leaders who bring real-world insight and connections into the classroom.
Leadership Grounded in Impact
Aligned with our Holy Cross mission, students develop the skills to improve care delivery, strengthen systems, and advocate for patients and communities.
Austin’s Growing Healthcare Ecosystem
Study and work in Austin, one of the nation’s most dynamic healthcare markets for diverse clinical, organizational and community-based opportunities.
Take the Next Step
Advance your nursing practice. Expand your leadership capacity. Shape the future of healthcare.
Explore the Master of Science Degree with a Concentration in Healthcare Leadership
The online format, 32-semester credit hour Healthcare Leadership concentration prepares experienced nurses to expand their impact beyond bedside care and help shape healthcare systems and teams. Through five focused courses (14 credit hours), students build expertise in leadership, healthcare strategy, policy and quality improvement.
Grounded in St. Edward’s commitment to ethical leadership and service, graduates are prepared to guide organizations, strengthen care delivery and move confidently into leadership roles across today’s healthcare landscape.
Learn More Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ the MSN Program at St. Edward's
Application Requirements
Applicants to the MSN program must meet both the St. Edward's Graduate admission requirements and the specific criteria for the Healthcare Leadership concentration.
Applications are currently open for the Master of Science in Nursing program. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and we encourage students to apply for any of our three entry terms (fall, spring, summer).
Our admissions requirements include the following:
- Completed online graduate application to Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ
- Official transcripts from all accredited colleges/universities attended
- Earned a BSN from a regionally accredited institution with an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Statistics – 2000 level or higher; 3000 level research methods coursework can substitute
- Current, unencumbered RN licensure (required for both concentrations)
- Statement of purpose outlining professional goals
- Current resume or CV
- Additional documentation as required by the Department of Nursing
How to Apply
- Review application requirements above
- Submit an application to St. Edward's University
- St. Edward's admits cohorts on a semester basis, fall, spring and summer (for the HCL concentration)
For application deadlines and details, please visit the Graduate Application and Deadlines Checklist page.
MSN Program with Healthcare Leadership Concentration
The Master of Science in Nursing program offers Healthcare Leadership concentration that includes core courses, support courses and specialty courses that help prepare healthcare leaders for a successful future. The length of the program can vary depending on full or part-time classes.
Healthcare Leadership (MSN-HCL) - 32 semester credit hours
Online Format
This coursework for this concentration is fully online with an in-person practicum hours requirement.
Students can participate in the program as full-time (9 semester credit hours or more) or part-time (fewer than 9 semester credit hours).
The MSN-HCL is designed to be completed in 4 semesters of full-time study or 6-8 semesters of part-time study.
Curriculum
The MSN-HCL curriculum includes:
- 32 semester credit hours
- 405 hours of practicum work to meet the graduation requirements for the program
Learning and Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program will be prepared to:
- Apply advanced nursing knowledge and scientific principles to improve patient and population health outcomes across diverse healthcare settings
- Provide high-quality, person-centered care that is ethical, equitable, and responsive to the needs of individuals, families, and communities
- Lead and contribute to initiatives that strengthen quality, safety, and innovation in healthcare delivery
- Collaborate effectively within interprofessional teams to address complex healthcare challenges and improve systems of care
- Evaluate healthcare systems and implement meaningful, evidence-based improvements that enhance care delivery and outcomes
Tuition and Fees
The Master of Science in Nursing program is $1085 per semester credit hour.
There are additional program fees, as well as two on campus clinical intensive fees for the Advanced Practice Concentration.
- MSN-HCL semester credit hours: 32
- AGPCNP semester credit hours: 47
Accreditation and Approvals
Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to meet professional standards for graduate nursing education. Accreditation and approval information specific to the Nursing program, including any concentration-specific requirements for advanced practice preparation, will be provided by the Department of Nursing as applicable.
The master's degree program in Nursing at St. Edward's University is pursuing initial accreditation by the . Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted. The onsite accreditation visit it scheduled for September 11-13, 2027.