MSN Degree in California

California's healthcare industry is booming - don't miss out on the opportunity to advance your nursing career with the top ten MSN programs in the state!
MSN Degree in California

Nursing professionals in California looking to take their careers to the next level can benefit significantly from pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The healthcare industry in California is expanding rapidly, providing numerous opportunities for nurses with advanced degrees. However, with multiple MSN programs available, selecting the right one can be daunting.

Fortunately, we're here to help! In this article, we'll delve into the top ten best MSN programs in California. From specialized tracks and accreditation to tuition costs, we'll provide you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision and advance your nursing career.

West Coast University-Los Angeles

West Coast University's MSN program is tailored for students seeking a flexible and customizable program that allows them to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. The program offers online and on-campus options and allows students to choose from a variety of specializations, including Nurse Educator, Nursing Leadership, and Nurse Practitioner.

School Details:

Campus:Los Angeles, CA
Founded:1909
Retention Rate:60%
Admission Rate:100%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:28:1
Students Enrolled:6,000
Type of Institute:Private

Program Details:

Admission Requirements:BSN, RN license, 1 year of clinical experience, minimum GPA of 3.0
Tuition:$42,484 per year
Program Length:2 years
Accreditation:CCNE
Specializations:Nurse Educator, Nursing Leadership, and Nurse Practitioner

University of California-Los Angeles

The MSN program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is known for its strong focus on research and evidence-based practice, preparing students to become leaders in the nursing profession. The program offers a variety of specializations, including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthesia, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and provides students with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

School Details:

Campus:Los Angeles, CA
Founded:1919
Retention Rate:97%
Admission Rate:12%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:18:1
Students Enrolled:44,000
Type of Institute:Public

Program Details:

Admission Requirements:BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or MAT scores
Tuition (in-state):$13,226 per year
Tuition (out-state):$28,328 per year
Program Length:2 years
Accreditation:CCNE
Specializations:Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthesia, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and more

University of California-Irvine

The MSN program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is designed for students interested in advancing their nursing practice and making a positive impact on patient care. The program offers a variety of specializations, including Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and leadership development.

School Details:

Campus:Irvine, CA
Founded:1965
Retention Rate:94%
Admission Rate:28%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:18:1
Students Enrolled:36,000
Type of Institute:Public

Program Details:

Admission Requirements:BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE scores
Tuition (in-state):$13,349 per year
Tuition (out-state):$28,451 per year
Program Length:2 years
Accreditation:CCNE
Specializations:Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and more

University of California-Davis

The MSN program at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is known for its innovative approach to nursing education, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience and community engagement. The program offers a variety of specializations, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Specialist, and emphasizes the use of technology to enhance patient care.

School Details:

Campus:Davis, CA
Founded:1905
Retention Rate:93%
Admission Rate:41%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:20:1
Students Enrolled:39,000
Type of Institute:Public

Program Details:

Admission Requirements:BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or MAT scores
Tuition (in-state):$13,598 per year
Tuition (out-state):$28,700 per year
Program Length:2 years
Accreditation:CCNE
Specializations:Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and more

University of San Diego

The MSN program at the University of San Diego (USD) emphasizes the integration of theory, research, and practice to prepare nurses to be leaders in healthcare. The program offers a variety of specializations, including Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Practitioner, and Healthcare Informatics, and provides students with opportunities for interprofessional collaboration and community engagement.

School Details:

Campus:San Diego, CA
Founded:1949
Retention Rate:89%
Admission Rate:49%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:14:1
Students Enrolled:9,073
Type of Institute:Private

Program Details:

Admission Requirements:BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or MAT scores
Tuition:$33,480 per year
Program Length:2 years
Accreditation:CCNE
Specializations:Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Informatics, and more

Point Loma Nazarene University

The MSN program at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is known for its emphasis on compassionate care and service to underserved populations. The program offers a variety of specializations, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator, and provides students with opportunities for hands-on experience and spiritual growth.

School Details:

Campus:San Diego, CA
Founded:1902
Retention Rate:80%
Admission Rate:66%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:14:1
Students Enrolled:4,000
Type of Institute:Private

Program Details:

Admission Requirements:BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0
Tuition:$24,480 per year
Program Length:2 years
Accreditation:CCNE
Specializations:Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and more

San Diego State University

The MSN program at San Diego State University (SDSU) prepares nurses to be leaders in healthcare through a curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice, innovation, and interprofessional collaboration. The program offers a variety of specializations, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Anesthesia, and provides students with opportunities for hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings.

School Details:

Campus:San Diego, CA
Founded:1897
Retention Rate:89%
Admission Rate:34%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:27:1
Students Enrolled:35,000
Type of Institute:Public

Program Details:

Admission Requirements:BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or MAT scores
Tuition (in-state):$8,304 per year
Tuition (out-state):$18,814 per year
Program Length:2 years
Accreditation:CCNE
Specializations:Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, and more

California State University-Long Beach

The MSN program at California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in a variety of healthcare settings. The program offers a variety of specializations, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Leadership, and provides students with opportunities for interprofessional collaboration and community engagement.

School Details:

Campus:Long Beach, CA
Founded:1949
Retention Rate:87%
Admission Rate:39%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:23:1
Students Enrolled:37,776
Type of Institute:Public

Program Details:

Admission Requirements:BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or MAT scores
Tuition (in-state):$8,342 per year
Tuition (out-state):$17,822 per year
Program Length:2 years
Accreditation:CCNE
Specializations:Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Leadership, and more

California State University-Fullerton

The MSN program at California State University-Fullerton (CSUF) offers a curriculum that prepares nurses to be leaders in healthcare through a focus on evidence-based practice, innovation, and interprofessional collaboration. The program offers a variety of specializations, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Nursing Leadership, and provides students with opportunities for hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings.

School Details:

Campus:Fullerton, CA
Founded:1957
Retention Rate:86%
Admission Rate:53%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:25:1
Students Enrolled:40,235
Type of Institute:Public

Program Details:

Admission Requirements:BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or MAT scores
Tuition (in-state):$6,946 per year
Tuition (out-state):$18,826 per year
Program Length:2 years
Accreditation:CCNE
Specializations:Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Leadership, and more

San Jose State University

The MSN program at San Jose State University (SJSU) prepares nurses to be leaders in healthcare through a curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and innovation. The program offers a variety of specializations, including Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Leadership, and provides students with opportunities for hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings.

School Details:

Campus:San Jose, CA
Founded:1857
Retention Rate:88%
Admission Rate:55%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:26:1
Students Enrolled:35,307
Type of Institute:Public

Program Details:

Admission Requirements:BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or MAT scores
Tuition (in-state):$8,037 per year
Tuition (out-state):$17,721 per year
Program Length:2 years
Accreditation:CCNE
Specializations:Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Leadership, and more

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