Online MSN

Master of Science in Nursing Education and Faculty Role

U.S. News - Grad Nursing - Nursing Education 2023
CCNE Accredited
NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Duquesne University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Advance nursing as an educator. One student at a time.

You know firsthand the impact faculty, instructors and mentors have had on your nursing career. With a Duquesne University Master of Science in Nursing Education and Faculty Role, you can play a pivotal role in the lives of tomorrow’s nurses. Impact the future of nursing in your community and around the world.

The best way to prepare for the future of nursing is to help shape it, which is why we’re consistently recognized by the National League for Nursing (NLN) as a Center for Excellence that nurtures the creation of a strong and diverse nursing workforce through technology-infused education, community-based practice and ethical behavior. Our curriculum is designed to help prepare you to sit for the Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) exam.

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Have you already earned your MSN in a different area of focus but would like to expand your scope of practice as a Nurse Educator?


Duquesne University is proud to offer a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education.

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Study 100% online

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3 start dates per year

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No GRE required

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Prepare for CNE certification

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Tuition discounts available

Why earn your MSN degree in Nursing Education online?

Earning your MSN in Nursing Education online means you can keep your current job and study as your schedule allows, attending class from the convenience of wherever you choose.

As an online nursing student, you can benefit from our nurturing, flexible and scholarly environment. We aim to encourage and motivate you at every turn through active participation in your learning and professional development.

Benefits of an online MSN in Nursing Education.

As an online nursing student, you’ll receive many of the benefits of being on campus, as well as exclusive online services:

  • Graduate academic advisor
  • Nursing faculty mentor
  • Research assistance
  • Technical support for Blackboard
  • Online library access
  • Online writing support
  • Continuing education and conference opportunities
  • New student orientation and residency opportunities

Why choose Duquesne’s Nursing Education program?

The Duquesne University School of Nursing is a recognized pioneer in nursing education. We created Pennsylvania’s first BSN program in 1937 and delivered the nation’s first online nursing PhD program in 1997.

The faculty who lead our online MSN in Nursing Education program are advanced-practice nurses with extensive teaching experience in both clinical and academic settings. In fact, Dr. Joan Such Lockhart, our Nursing Education and Faculty Role coordinator, led Nicaraguan initiatives in cancer nursing, curriculum development and oncology research that resulted in a sustained nurse-led cervical-breast cancer health program. Our faculty have also found success as authors — many having published books related to nursing education.

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We are shaping the next generation of nurse educators.

Meet Tracy Chesney, Ph.D.(c), MSN-Ed, RN, CNE, CHSE, CHSOS

Tracy Chesney has a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of New Mexico and is earning her Ph.D. in nursing from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of New Mexico. Chesney decided to earn a doctorate degree because of her desire to improve nursing education and help students transition into their professional practices. Initially, she began earning her Ph.D. elsewhere but learned about Duquesne University at a nursing educators’ conference. After meeting the dean soon after and learning more about the school, Chesney decided Duquesne University suited her research interests best. She is set to graduate in December 2022.

MSN in Nursing Education Courses & Curriculum

36 Credit Hours | 12 Courses

The Nursing Education and Faculty Role program is structured to teach you in-depth clinical theory and experience beyond your current degree. Coursework focuses on curriculum design and evaluation, in addition to the legal environment for the nursing faculty member. Learning experiences also focus on the classroom and clinical setting, as well as the college lab environment, simulation and online teaching.

Enhance your MSN in Nursing Education by adding a concentration in Forensic Nursing or Transcultural Nursing.

Duquesne University helps you prepare for professional nursing certification.

Duquesne University is known for our personalized student support. It’s what sets us apart. Our curriculum is built to prepare you to sit for nurse educator certification exams — and you’ll receive regular, one-on-one support from our faculty throughout the program. We’re on this journey with you. And your success is our highest priority.

Note: If you have previously earned master’s-level nursing credits with a grade of “B” or higher, you may be able to transfer up to 9 credit hours and apply them toward your MSN at Duquesne.

Online Admissions for the Nursing Education Programs

Admission Requirements

To qualify for our online MSN program, you must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Have at least 1 year of full-time work experience as an RN (prior to registration in clinical or specialty courses)
  • Hold a current, unencumbered RN license
  • Complete an undergraduate-level statistics course with a “C” or higher

The faculty admissions committee may look more closely at nursing and science grades when making admissions decisions.

Admission Process

  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Professional goal statement
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Two electronically submitted references (one academic and one professional in a supervisory role)
    • The supervisor reference letters must come from a direct supervisor who is responsible for your performance evaluation
    • If you have been out of school more than five years, please speak with your Enrollment Advisor for advice