The Best Online MSN/MBA Dual Degree Programs of 2024

Team of nurses examining a patient in the emergency room. Image Credit: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock

A dual degree in a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) with a master’s of business administration (MBA) can offer nurses many new career opportunities and a higher earning potential.

If you want to pursue healthcare leadership or management roles, MSN/MBA dual degree programs offer registered nurses (RNs) the opportunity to advance their nursing careers.

Explore MSN/MBA, what to expect, and some of the best program options.

Popular Online MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The Best Online MSN-MBA Dual Degree Programs

How We Rank Schools

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online MSN/MBA dual degree programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an MSN/MBA Dual Degree Program

To choose the right MSN/MBA dual degree program, you should consider several factors. Exploring each program’s admission requirements, accreditation, curriculum, specialization, and program length can help you determine the one that best fits your academic and professional goals.

Admission Requirements

Specific admission requirements can vary from one institution to the next. Therefore, it is important to review each school’s acceptance guidelines to determine if you meet their standards. Doing so will allow you to avoid wasting time applying to a program for which you do not qualify.

Specializations

MSN programs require students to select a specialization, even for those enrolled in a dual degree program. Make sure the specialization you want is available at the schools that interest you. If unsure, identify and apply to programs offering various specializations.

Program Curriculum

Reviewing each program’s curriculum to determine if it offers courses that will help you meet your goals. While core courses may be similar from one school to the next, some may offer electives or other opportunities that interest you.

Clinical Experience

All MSN/MBA programs require students to complete a clinical rotation. However, specific requirements vary depending on the program and specialty track. To ensure you meet the requirements, identify the length of the school’s clinical requirement, including when to complete it and whether you need to find your placement.

Accreditation

Students should only apply to accredited MSN/MBA programs. Accreditation ensures that programs adhere to a common higher quality standard. Accredited schools are also more likely to offer leading-edge and current nursing theory and practice.

Program Length

MSN/MBA dual programs typically take 3-4 years for full-time students to complete. If you can only enroll part-time, you’ll spend longer completing your degree. Part-time students should speak to a program advisor to explore the school’s options to ensure the program can work for their schedule.

School Graduation Rate

Although MSN/MBA programs usually base their graduation rate on undergraduate studies, it reveals the percentage of students who graduate within an acceptable time limit. This metric enables you to assess the quality of the school and its programs.

Online Learning Format and Requirements

Exploring the format of a school’s online programs allows you to choose one that makes sense for your learning style and schedule. Schools may offer synchronous courses that you must attend at a certain time, asynchronous courses that you can attend on your own time, or a combination of the two. Programs may include on-campus requirements, such as practicums, even for online students.

Why Is MSN/MBA Dual Degree Program Accreditation Important?

Attending an accredited program provides various benefits for both nurses and their future employers:

  • Accreditation showcases the high-quality education standards the program meets.
  • Nursing accreditation organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredit nursing programs that meet educational and industry standards.
  • Employers require applicants to have a degree from an accredited program.
  • Students enrolled in an unaccredited program are not eligible for federal financial aid, certification opportunities, or licensing exams.
  • Accredited programs do not accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools.
  • Doctoral programs only accept applicants who hold degrees from accredited institutions.

How Online MSN/MBA Dual Degree Programs Work

Online MSN/MBA programs are offered entirely online or require few campus visits. Online students still need to complete their clinical rotations in person. Some programs require students to arrange their placement, while others offer assistance.

Online programs allow students with personal or professional obligations to complete coursework when convenient throughout the week. Online MSN/MBA programs are usually less expensive than in-person ones.

Online programs offer synchronous courses, asynchronous courses, or a combination of both. Synchronous courses occur in real-time, with students and instructors meeting virtually at a set time. Students can complete asynchronous courses independently by viewing lectures and completing assignments when convenient.

Applying to an MSN/MBA Dual Degree Program

Review the admission requirements and application materials to ensure your eligibility before applying to an MSN/MBA dual degree program. Many institutions seek applicants who meet the following general requirements:

  • Admission Materials

    Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license, a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program, and at least one year of clinical experience.

  • GPA Requirement

    General admission materials include transcripts from your BSN program, 2-3 letters of recommendation, an admissions essay, and a resume.

  • Other Requirement

    3.0 GPA or higher

Paying for an MSN/MBA Dual Degree

MSN/MBA degrees are more expensive than traditional MSN programs because they require more credits. Factors that may affect the ability to pay for school out of pocket include program cost, program length, in-state vs. out-of-state tuition, and the ability to continue working while in school.

Students can weigh different financial assistance options for online MSN/MBA nursing programs. Students can pursue various forms of financial aid, including:

  • Scholarships
  • Grants
  • Loans from the federal government, private funding, or public sources
  • Federally funded work-study programs that allow you to work part-time

What Can You Do With an MSN/MBA Dual Degree?

Nurses with an MSN/MBA dual degree can pursue various nursing leadership roles. The program prepares nurses for work in human resources, healthcare informatics, public health advocacy, and hospital finance, among others.

  • Nursing Administrator: Nursing administrators manage nurses and other healthcare professionals in hospitals, outpatient settings, and long-term care facilities. Duties include budgeting, hiring, and scheduling, and these nurses typically do not deliver direct patient care.
  • Nursing Director: Nursing directors manage nurses, other medical staff, and the department’s budget. Nursing directors work in in-patient and outpatient acute care or extended care facilities.
  • Chief Nursing Officer: Chief nursing officers are nurses functioning at the executive level of nursing and work in hospitals or other healthcare settings. The responsibilities of this top-level position involve administrative, organizational, and leadership skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About MSN/MBA Dual Degrees

What is the difference between an MSN and an MBA?

Both MSN and MBA degrees can lead to management roles in nursing. However, an MSN degree concentrates on advanced clinical nursing skills, while an MBA emphasizes business and administration.

What can nurses with an MBA do?

There are many opportunities for nurses with an MBA, including the following roles:

  • Chief Nursing Officer
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Nursing Director
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Nurse Manager
  • Health Information Officer

Is an MSN/MBA dual degree worth it?

Nurses interested in advancing their careers in healthcare administration may consider an MSN and MBA dual degree worth it. Graduates gain clinical experience and business expertise, making them desired candidates in the healthcare setting.

An MSN degree develops advanced nursing skills, like assessment, diagnosis, treatment, healthcare policy, and leadership. In contrast, an MBA helps nurses understand business concepts like accounting, payroll, and budgeting. The dual degree also provides career advancement, allowing nurses to pursue leadership and management roles with higher earning potential.

How long is an MSN/MBA?

It takes full-time students approximately 3-4 years to complete an MSN/MBA program. Many programs also offer part-time enrollment, which can increase the program’s length by at least one year.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by NurseJournal.org. Page last reviewed on April 22, 2024.

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