M.S. Nursing Education (RN to MSN) at WGU Indiana
Master of Science
Nursing Education
(RN to MSN Option)
Degree Overview
WGU Indiana's master’s degree program in Nursing Education will prepare you to teach new generations of nurses; this rigorous program allows you to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Our courses are designed based on the Nursing Educator standards of the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Masters Essentials for Professional Nursing practice. The knowledge gained from your studies will enable you to educate future nurses in a variety of settings.
Who the program is for:
- Registered nurses (RNs) who possess an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing, have a current unencumbered RN license, and wish to earn a master’s degree to move into nursing education.
- Individuals who can typically spend 15 or more hours per week on their studies.
Your Program of Study
In the Nursing Education master’s program, you will learn the skills essential to becoming an effective nurse educator. The program is comprised of nine domains of study, a capstone project, and a 40-hour practicum in nursing education. Your curriculum’s subject areas include:
- Behavioral Science
- General Education
- Nurse Educator Specialization
- Nursing Science
- Nursing Theory and Practice
- Policy, Organization, and Financing
- Professional Portfolio
- Role Development for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Science Specialty Topics
Our curriculum incorporates the AACN’s:
- Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Practice
- Essentials of Masters Education from Professional Practice
The complete M.S. program consists of 145 Competency Units (CUs; i.e., credit equivalents). However, coursework completed at other accredited institutions may waive some of your requirements. WGU Indiana will conduct a full transcript review to determine if your past education is applicable.
More details about your challenging course of study
Tuition and Fees
Basic Tuition: $3,250 per six-month term
Resource Fee: $145 per six-month term (non-refundable)
Application Fee: $65 (one time)
Nursing Program Fee: $350 (one time)
Other student responsibilities:
- Criminal Background Check: $42
Learn more about Tuition and Fees
Unlike schools that charge tuition based on credit hours, WGU Indiana focuses on the time needed to complete your entire degree rather than each course individually. WGU Indiana’s six-month terms are billed at a flat-rate tuition fee. Your tuition covers the minimum "full-time load" of eight Competency Units (CUs) for graduate students, as well as all coursework attempted in that time. WGU Indiana allows students to work at a pace that’s comfortable for which to complete a full-time course load. During each term, you may complete as many or as few competency units as you like; the same flat rate applies. The faster you complete your degree program, the more money you’ll save.
Our affordable tuition compares favorably to the rates of other in-state universities; costs are typically half of what other online universities charge. At WGU Indiana, you enjoy the savings of a nonprofit university.
Federal and state financial aid is available to those who qualify. Learn more about financial aid
The WGU Indiana Advantage
In partnership with the state of Indiana, WGU Indiana leverages Western Governors University’s unique, competency-based approach to education; we measure learning rather than credit hours. As a result, your progress is based on your demonstration of essential skills and knowledge in nursing education.
As a student, you’ll receive a top-notch education through our curriculum, learning resources, mentoring, and student services provided by WGU Indiana. You will also enjoy the advantages of:
- Superior learning resources. You will have access to all of WGU Indiana’s courses of study, learning modules, e-textbooks, tutorials, and simulations as you complete your program.
- Personal support from a dedicated mentor. You will have the support of a mentor who will guide you throughout your WGU Indiana program.
- Online communities from Indiana and WGU's national student community. You will have access to WGU Indiana’s robust student community and interact with students located in Indiana and throughout the U.S.
- Flexible online degrees that fit your lifestyle. Learning can occur anywhere and at any time. WGU Indiana allows you to establish your own pace to complete your rigorous program and create a schedule that works for you.
One of the best values in Indiana higher education, at WGU Indiana you can expect to earn a relevant degree on your schedule and within your budget.
Time to Completion
WGU Indiana’s degree programs are competency-based; therefore, the time needed to complete your degree depends on your individual pace and how quickly you take and pass the required assessments. Many students progress faster than the average pace (described below) designed into each program. However, accomplishing this task isn’t easy.
Standard Time to Completion: Four years.Speak to an Enrollment Counselor for a personalized estimate of your time to completion.
WGU Indiana Admission Process
To enroll into this WGU Indiana’s program, you must:
- Apply for admission.
- Live in the state of Indiana and provide proof of residence.
- Possess a diploma or associate’s degree in Nursing.
- Possess a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Hold a working position that requires the use of nursing knowledge and expertise (at the time of application and enrollment).
- Complete a WGU Indiana Collegiate Readiness Assessment. This test helps determine your likelihood for success in a WGU Indiana degree program.
- Complete an Intake Interview with your Enrollment Counselor to assess whether your background is a "fit" with WGU Indiana's expectations.




