Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Online Degree ProgramThe Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is designed to enhance candidates’ ability to provide more advanced theoretical and evidenced based nursing care in an ethical manner to socioeconomic and culturally diverse patient populations in various healthcare settings utilizing industry-relevant evidence, technology and information systems.
The MSN degree program is designed to equip the graduate with knowledge, professional integrity, and the nursing skills required to deliver quality and safe nursing care to a variety of populations. The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is also essential and candidates will be required to analyze, synthesize, and utilize knowledge during their program of study. A culminating capstone project allows candidates to integrate prior and current learning in a meaningful capstone experience. Students may select a concentration as a nurse executive leader or nurse educator in healthcare administration.
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation. As such, Trident has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
The Trident Difference
EdActive™ Learning Approach
Students are presented with a question or issue. They do their own research, apply their own experience and present their solution. Feedback and suggestions are received and the student applies the learning to their next task.
Flexibility
With flexible, 100% online classes you can manage your own time to deliver on deadline, with milestones to keep you on track. Faculty is responsive to student needs without daily micro-management.
Affordability
Trident is competitively priced with no application or lab fees. Scholarships and grants are available for those who qualify*.
Accreditation
Trident University International is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
- Demonstrate interprofessional communication in the role of professional nurse to promote inter- and intra-disciplinary care to optimize healthcare outcomes across diverse populations.
- Utilize empirical evidence and evidence-based frameworks/model/theories to promote critical thinking and clinical reasoning in professional nursing practice.
- Apply modern principles of professional practice and human interaction to enhance nursing and healthcare outcomes.
- Implement evidence-based practice to support nursing practice when managing or leading across the healthcare continuum.
- Integrate knowledge, skills and abilities with professional, legal, and ethical standards to promote caring and social justice in nursing practice.
- Incorporate information and technology to communicate, mitigate error, and utilize knowledge to create a culture of quality and safety.
The Master of Science in Nursing courses are designed to elevate registered nurses into advanced practice by building deeper competency in clinical reasoning, advanced health assessment, pathopharmacology, nursing theory, evidence-based research and the financial dimensions of healthcare.
The MSN requires 36 credits for degree completion. See the Trident University Catalog for all requirements and full descriptions of all course offerings.
The following standard transfer policies apply:
- Credits are considered for transfer from:
- Any regionally or nationally accredited college or university
- The American Council on Education (ACE)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
- The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
- Excelsior
- Other non-traditional forms of learning as deemed appropriate by College Deans or designees.
- Decisions on the transfer of credits are ultimately at the discretion of the College Deans or designees.
- Students may formally appeal transfer decisions to the Provost or designee. Appeals must be submitted in writing and must be accompanied by supporting documentation or evidence such as a course syllabus.
- Students are urged to review the specific policy statement applicable to each degree program regarding maximum transferable credits to the program and concentration, or both.
- Transfer credits will not be included in the calculation of overall GPA.
If you plan to transfer-in potential credit, please review our transfer policy.
Did you know, you could potentially take fewer classes and shorten time to graduation by earning credit for prior learning*? Talk to your Student Success Advisor about this and other Prior Learning Assessment opportunities!
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the transfer credit policies.
Tuition cost for the master's degree program
| Tuition type | Per credit cost | Total tuition cost1 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $610 | $21,960 |
| Retired Military Veteran | $4572,3 | $16,452 |
| Military Immediate Family Members Department of War Federal Civilian Employees |
$350 | $12,600 |
| Active Duty Reservist National Guard |
$2502,3 | $9,000 |
1Total Tuition Cost displayed is based on the total number of credits required for the program and may vary based on transfer credit applied. In addition, all students will be charged a one-time graduation fee of $150. Other fees may apply and all fees are subject to change without advance notice. See the University Catalog for more information.
2 Tuition per credit represented with applicable military grant applied.
3 Tuition rate available to immediate family members (does not apply to DOW Federal Civilian Employees.)
Seeking more information on the cost of attending Trident University International? Visit Trident's Financial Aid Resources page where you will find financial aid tools including Trident's Net Price Calculator and Shopping Sheet, a guide to assist in early financial planning for college. Students can find information regarding Cost of Attendance on the Trident Tuition and Fees page.
Ways to Save
Scholarships & Grants
Trident offers an assortment of scholarships and grants to help make college more affordable for our students.*
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University’s Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
Credits for Prior Learning
Trident may award graduate credit for professional training and certifications.* Students may submit the request for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) during the admissions process. For questions or assistance contact an Admissions Advisor at admissions@trident.edu.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is designed to help candidates develop advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities to elevate the professional practice of the graduate. The degree program focuses on an evidence-based approach to nursing across diverse populations. Candidates have the opportunity to prepare to function in either the specialty role of a nurse educator or a nurse executive.
In the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, candidates will have the opportunity to elevate their skills to analyze and solve problems by promoting improved care and communication with clients/patients, aggregates, and populations. Candidates will explore theoretical and evidence-based models and frameworks that guide professional decision-making. Ethical, legal, and leadership principles necessary to promote advocacy, collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusion as an advanced practice nurse will also be explored.
Classes at Trident begin every 6 weeks and are delivered asynchronously online with some course assignment requirements completed in your local community. Completion of the application and admissions process will depend on how quickly you begin. Speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-800-375-9878, ext. 1053) or request information online. Once you have completed the online request, you may hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.
Trident’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program requires a total of 36 semester credits to graduate. You may be eligible to transfer-in up to six (6) semester credits of core course credit.* An admissions advisor can provide more information. The MSN program accepts 6 qualifying hours of transfer credit toward your degree.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
If you have an interest in expanding your knowledge, skills, and abilities to become a nurse educator or nurse executive (leader), then the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program could be right for you! In addition, the MSN program at Trident is developed for working adults. You can pursue the MSN degree program online with the flexibility for weekly study designed to fit a busy schedule.
Yes! The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs at Trident are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
