Online MSN – Nursing Education
Educate and Empower the Next Generation of Nurses
Online Coursework
As Few as 2 Years
33 Credit Hours
$500 per Credit
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Begin Your Journey to a Nursing Education Career at DSU
- Apply By: 08/14/2026
- Start Class: 08/25/2026
Gain the skills needed to prepare future nurses for success by earning your Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education online with Delaware State University. You’ll learn from expert faculty who champion health equity and empower you to carry that mission forward. There’s no need to pause your life to get started — our flexible coursework enables you to keep showing up for your patients and family as you advance in nursing education.
Program Details
- Prepare to thrive in nursing education with one of the nation’s 10 best HBCUs1
- DSU ranks among the 10 best nursing schools in Delaware2
- We’re one of Delaware’s top educators of nurses of color3
More Information About This Program
Click on each tab below to learn additional details regarding the program requirements and features.
Curriculum
Bring Your Passion for Nursing to the Classroom
11 courses
33 credit hours
DSU’s online MSN in Nursing Education program equips you with the tools needed to shape the future of this growing field. You’ll learn an array of established and emerging instructional techniques to make a meaningful impact on nursing education and empower the next generation of nurses to thrive.
Our coursework delivers expertise in curriculum development, learning theory and instructional design. You’ll also engage in research activities to discover important findings and influence nursing education beyond the classroom.
Reach Your Potential as a Nurse Educator
Become Part of Our Tradition of Excellence
As a leading HBCU, DSU delivers an empowering MSN program recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Advance as a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
After graduation, you’ll be prepared to sit for the CNE exam, earning a credential that demonstrates your knowledge and readiness for nursing instructor positions.
Build Real-World Leadership Skills
Through practicum coursework, you’ll gain hands-on experience in real-world settings with guidance from DSU’s expert faculty.
Admission Requirements
Apply Now To Earn Your MSN in Nursing Education Online
Application Deadline 08/14/26
Start Date 08/25/26
Delaware State offers a welcoming and supportive admission process for students ready to pursue their nursing education master’s degree. There are no GRE/GMAT requirements, and our application fee waiver makes it easier to get started.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $50 (a waiver is available) |
| Degree and Minimum GPA | Baccalaureate program in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited (ACEN, CNEA or CCNE) institution with at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale |
| Transcripts | Official college transcripts from all institutions attended |
| Transfer Credits | Transfer up to nine credits |
| Additional Requirements | Current, unencumbered RN license in the U.S. |
International Students
DSU offers a welcoming community to students from around the world. In addition to the basic admission requirements, you’ll submit the following items with your application. Be sure to apply at least 90 days before classes start so that you have ample time to meet these requirements.
| RN License | You must have an RN license for the state in which you plan to practice |
|---|---|
| Visa | Only F-1 visas are accepted for international admission to degree programs. If you’re an F-1 transfer student, we require a copy of your I-20 form upon admission |
| Financial Documentation | International applicants must submit proof of funds to cover at least their first year of study. If living with a friend or relative in the U.S., students must submit additional documentation, such as an affidavit of free room and board with supporting documents. For financial documentation, international students must forward the required financial evidence to the Office of International Affairs |
| Transcript Evaluation | Transcripts must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation agency (such as WES or ECE) and sent to DSU |
| Standardized Test Scores | Acceptable tests include TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT or ELI |
Begin Your Journey to Delaware State University
Each student follows a unique path to DSU, and we’re here to make your journey a success. Visit our Admissions Hub to explore the steps you’ll complete when applying for an online program. You can also learn about transferring credits, using military benefits and taking the next step as an international student.
AdmissionsTuition & Aid
Review the Tuition for DSU’s Online MSN in Nursing Education
Calculate your cost for attending Delaware State University Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Earning your master’s in nursing education is an investment in your future. With Delaware State’s online program, you have a cost-effective path to your goals. Plus, explore your financial aid options to make our MSN program work for your budget.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $500 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 33 |
| Total Estimated Tuition | $16,500 |
| Additional Fees |
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| Other Costs to Budget For | The estimated tuition does not include expenses incurred during the online program |
Supporting the Ambitions of Military Students
DSU is proud to support the educational goals of active-duty and veteran service members. Here, you’ll receive guidance for your mission to continue your education, and you can make the most of the benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Plus, learn how you can receive credit for the knowledge and skills gained through your military service.
Tuition & Financial Aid
When you succeed professionally, your entire community rises with you. Knowing that education plays a central role in that success, DSU offers cost-effective tuition so that financial barriers don’t stand between you and your goals. Visit our Tuition and Aid page to learn how to make online education fit your budget.
Tuition Details
Shape the Future of Healthcare as a Nursing Instructor
The demand for nursing instructors at colleges and universities is projected to grow 17% through 2034,4 making now an excellent time to step into these rewarding roles. By completing an online master’s in nursing education program, you can prepare to teach nursing courses in higher education and a variety of clinical settings. You’ll also develop leadership skills for advanced nursing positions to make a meaningful impact as this field evolves.
Thrive in Nursing Education and Administration
Nursing Instructor (Post-Secondary) $86,530 per year5
Healthcare Administrator $117,960 per year6
What You’ll Learn
Delaware State University’s MSN in Nursing Education helps you build pedagogical competencies for teaching in accredited nursing programs. To enhance your career prospects, our curriculum provides a foundation for pursuing certification related to nursing education roles.
- Communication
- Education principles
- Financial acumen
- Leadership
- Technological proficiency
Program Outcomes
- Formulate effective communication to support safe healthcare practices
- Synthesize leadership concepts, principles and ethical reasoning to propose solutions and influence decision-making for quality outcomes in healthcare
- Maximize professional standards in the practice of healthcare with integrity, caring, accountability, respect and excellence in nursing practice
- Influence healthcare professionals to create safe, effective and culturally competent healthcare
- Combine knowledge, skills and clinical reasoning to identify gaps in theory and practice and formulate research questions
Learn From Faculty Who Believe in Your Potential
Our faculty will welcome you like family and provide personalized mentorship to bring your goals to life. They understand your perspective and experiences — after all, many of our instructors walked similar paths before becoming leaders in their fields. Rely on their professional expertise as you prepare to advance in the career that interests you.
Karen L. Panunto, EdD, Associate Professor and MSN Program Director in the Department of Nursing
Faculty Spotlight: Karen L. Panunto, EdD
Karen L. Panunto, EdD, is an associate professor and the MSN program director in the Department of Nursing at Delaware State University. She provides leadership for four graduate nursing options while overseeing the RN to MSN Dual Degree Pathway and major accreditation, curriculum and evaluation initiatives.
A dedicated educator and leader, Dr. Panunto is deeply committed to advancing high-quality nursing education, improving geriatric care and preparing nurses to excel in diverse and evolving healthcare environments. She directs statewide efforts to integrate age-friendly, dementia-friendly and 4M competencies into nursing education and community-based care. Her work spans curriculum design, faculty development and strategic partnerships that strengthen Delaware’s healthcare workforce.
Related Programs
At DSU Online, we offer multiple pathways to advance your nursing career and help you make a difference in the communities that need you most. Discover how these online MSN programs can elevate your healthcare practice, and choose the career-ready option that aligns with your professional goals.
Sources
- U.S. News & World Report. “Delaware State University Rankings.” Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/delaware-state-university-1428/overall-rankings.
- Nurse.org. “Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Delaware.” Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools-in-delaware/.
- State of Delaware. Office of Management and Budget, Budget Development and Planning. “FY27 Governor’s Recommended Operating Budget – Higher Education.” Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://budget.delaware.gov/budget/fy2027/documents/operating/higher-ed.pdf.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Postsecondary Teachers.” Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023. “25-1072 Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary.” Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes251072.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Medical and Health Services Managers.” Retrieved February 17, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm.