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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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
- 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, Goals and Outcomes
St. Edward's University is committed to preparing and advancing nurses to go beyond the bedside and excel at the next step in their career. Therefore, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) learning goals aligned with these outcomes are to:
Provide high quality, innovative student-centered nursing and health-related programs built upon scientific disciplines
Graduate nurses and health professionals who are prepared to practice person-centered care in diverse, local, regional, and global healthcare environments.
Promote scholarship, scholarly activities, teaching, service, and practice that advances quality, safety, and knowledge in healthcare.
Develop professional partnerships across professions to enhance healthcare within complex systems
Optimize the use of information processes and technologies in healthcare practices
Foster a spirit of professional excellence and resilience among a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.
The Healthcare Leadership concentration provides additional training and prepares registered nurses with the skills to succeed in healthcare administration, leadership and other roles that advance systems, processes and healthcare overall. These learning outcomes include:
Developing advanced nursing and healthcare leadership competencies.
Facilitating quality and safety initiatives.
Integrating ethical and culturally competent decision-making.
Cultivating collaborative interprofessional relationships.
Integrating evidence-based practice (EBP) into nursing leadership.
Incorporating informatics and technologies to improve outcomes.
Tuition and Fees
Please visit the Tuition and Fees page for a detailed breakdown of costs for the Master of Science in Nursing program at St. Edward's University.
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.
The master's degree program in Nursing at St. Edward's University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted. The onsite accreditation visit it scheduled for September 11-13, 2027.