Preparing Nurse Leaders for the Future
Designed for working professionals, St. Edward’s University’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.
Whether you want to lead healthcare teams and systems, or pursue advanced clinical practice, St. Edward’s provides a flexible, mission-driven graduate education rooted in care, ethics and outcomes. Our 32-semester credit hour Healthcare Leadership concentration can be completed through fully online coursework and in-person practicum hours. Our 47-semester credit hour Advanced Practice concentration* can be completed in a hybrid format that includes two on-campus intensives. Both are flexibly designed for working healthcare professionals to succeed with confidence.
Why Earn Your MSN at St. Edward’s?
The Master of Science in Nursing at St. Edward’s University is designed for experienced RNs ready to expand their scope, increase their value and move confidently into the next phase of their careers.
Through two high-demand concentrations — Healthcare Leadership and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)* — the program 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 Nurses
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 Mentorship
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 MSN Concentrations in Healthcare Leadership and Advanced Practice
Healthcare Leadership
The hybrid 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.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Concentration
The hybrid format, 47-semester credit hour Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) concentration* prepares registered nurses to provide comprehensive primary care for adolescents, adults and older adults. Through advanced coursework and supervised clinical experiences, students develop expertise in assessment, diagnosis and long-term patient care.
Grounded in evidence-based practice and culturally responsive care, graduates are prepared to improve health outcomes and serve as trusted primary care providers across diverse communities.
Learn More About 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 concentration-specific criteria for either Healthcare Leadership or Advanced Practice.
Applications are currently open for the Master of Science in Nursing program.
Our admissions requirements include the following:
- Completed online graduate application to St. Edward’s University
- 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
- 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 Concentrations
The Master of Science in Nursing program offers two paths to completion: MSN with a Healthcare Leadership concentration (MSN-HCL) or an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN–AGPCNP) concentration. Both concentrations 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 and Hybrid 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
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN–AGPCNP)* - 47 semester credit hours
Hybrid Format
This program is online with two on-campus intensives. Courses requiring clinical practice are in person, and lab courses have hybrid components in which students come to campus for clinical practice intensives.
Curriculum
The MSN-AGPCNP curriculum includes:
- 47 credit hours
- Two on-campus clinical intensives
- 60 clinical laboratory hours
- 540 supervised clinical practicum hours. The 540 clinical practicum hours meet the minimum requirement of 500 supervised clinical hours necessary for certification and licensure by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification Board.
Mandatory On-Campus Clinical Intensives: Two on-campus clinical intensives are required. Failure to attend these intensives could delay completing the program.
The MSN–AGPCNP degree plan is designed to be completed in 5 semesters of full-time study or 10 semesters of part-time study. Both full-time and part-time students can move from full-time to part-time or part-time to full-time as needed to support their degree completion.
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
St. Edward’s University 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.
*St. Edward’s University is seeking approval from the Texas Board of Nursing to offer the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration. The program will enroll students only after approval is granted.