[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you a nurse ready to take the next step in your career, but unsure which school to choose? With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve rounded up the best [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] schools in New Jersey to help you find the right fit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read on to learn more about your options.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top New Jersey MSN Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing 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. This list was created prior to 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do MSN Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] are designed for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RN)[/hen-ui-link] looking to advance their career. Students can choose from:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-rn-to-msn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN-to-MSN programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/direct-entry-msn-program-guide/”]Direct-entry MSN programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The typical MSN program takes 2-4 years to complete, depending on the program type and pace as well as your own education or experience levels. In New Jersey, flexible options are available, including online, in-person, part time, or full time formats.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework includes advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, leadership, ethics, and research methods. You can also choose a program specialization, such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-educator/”]nurse educator[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-administrator/”]nurse administrator[/hen-ui-link], or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]clinical nurse specialist[/hen-ui-link]. Clinical hours are often required, with the exact amount varying by speciality.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to an MSN Program in New Jersey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before you apply to a MSN program in New Jersey, ensure you’ve met the general admission requirements, which may vary by program. Be sure to check with your target program and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/default.aspx” target=”_blank”]New Jersey Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] to confirm you are meeting all requirements and staying up to date on key information.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]Transcripts from previous academic programs; a resume or CV; personal statement; letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]GPA Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]Varies, but generally 3.0 or higher[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Other Possible Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Active and unencumbered RN license in New Jersey; a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree; active CPR certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is MSN Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]Nursing school accreditation[/hen-ui-link] is a peer-reviewed process performed by an established accrediting body to ensure the program meets specific educational and professional standards. Essentially, the accrediting authority reviews the nursing school’s curriculum, faculty, lab resources, and program outcomes. Once schools receive initial accreditation, they must participate in periodic reviews to continue accreditation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All of the top schools included in our ranking are accredited. Accreditation is important for several important reasons, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Eligibility for federal financial aid[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Allows for transfer of credits between schools[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Qualifies graduates for licensure and certification exams[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Improves job prospects[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most schools are accredited, be sure to check the accreditation status of your preferred program or school. It’s usually displayed on the nursing school’s website.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]MSN Salary and Career Outlook in New Jersey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare demands are rising as the population ages. As nurses start to retire as well, there is a particular need for nurses with graduate degrees, as they can take on advanced roles and help address shortages.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This increased demand is reflected in the earning potential for nurses with a master’s-level degree. While the federal [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/3400000″ target=”_blank”]Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS)[/hen-ui-link] doesn’t report salaries specifically for MSN holders in New Jersey, it does share salaries of common roles MSN graduates often pursue.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]MSN-holder Salaries in New Jersey[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Title[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$106,990[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$140,470[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Nurse Midwives[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$138,980[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Title”]Medical and Health Service Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$169,520[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Programs in New Jersey[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does an MSN make in New Jersey?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average salary for an MSN holder in New Jersey varies, but generally ranges from $106,990-$169,520, depending on role and specialty. For example, RNs who have a MSN and are working as a nurse practitioner earn higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is getting an MSN education worth it?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It certainly can be. It all depends on your personal, professional, and financial goals. If you desire to work in advanced nursing, with greater levels of autonomy, and higher salary earning potential, then an MSN education would definitely be worth it.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How fast can you get an MSN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can earn an MSN degree in just two years, although this time frame varies greatly depending on your starting education level, degree specialization, and course pace.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the easiest MSN to get?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN-to-BSN programs are usually easier to get into, and can be completed faster than direct entry MSN programs, because applicants hold a RN license and have already completed core classes.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]