Old Dominion University’s Master of Science in Nursing prepares registered nurses for advanced practice and specialized roles, with tracks available online and on campus in Virginia. The MSN at ODU’s Ellmer School of Nursing offers nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse-midwifery concentrations, so you can match your degree to the patients and setting you want to serve.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and was ranked among the top 10% of nursing master’s programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Nationally Top Rated
U.S. News & World Report in its Best Graduate Schools ranked ODU's master of science in nursing program among the top 10% in the nation. In 2021, Nurse Practioner Online rated the ODU Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program best program.
Explore MSN Concentrations
Choose the advanced practice role that fits your goals. Each concentration has its own admission requirements and clinical focus; follow the links for details.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurse Practitioner
What Can You Do With an MSN?
An MSN qualifies you for advanced practice and specialized nursing roles that a BSN alone does not, often with greater autonomy, scope, and earning potential. In fact, Nurse Practitioner is the #1 rated career with a median salary of $129,000 per year.
Where you can work depends on your concentration:
- Nurse practitioner roles (family, pediatric, neonatal, psychiatric mental health): assess, diagnose, and treat patients, with prescriptive authority in Virginia and most states.
- Clinical nurse specialist roles: lead practice improvement and specialized care in gerontology, pediatrics, or neonatal settings.
- Certified nurse-midwife roles: provide primary and reproductive health care across the lifespan as a licensed, independent provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
An MSN is a graduate degree that prepares registered nurses for advanced practice and specialized roles, such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse-midwife. It builds on a BSN with advanced coursework and supervised clinical practice in a chosen concentration.
ODU offers clinical nurse specialist tracks (gerontology, pediatric, neonatal), nurse practitioner tracks (family, neonatal, pediatric, and psychiatric mental health), and nurse-midwifery. Each links to its own page with specific requirements.
Several ODU MSN tracks are available online, including the nationally recognized Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program.
An MSN is a master’s degree that prepares you for a specific advanced practice role and is the faster path into practice. A DNP is a practice doctorate focused on the highest level of clinical leadership. Many nurses earn an MSN first and a DNP later.
Depending on your concentration, you can practice as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse-midwife, with advanced scope and, for NP and midwifery roles, prescriptive authority.
Yes. The master’s nursing program at Old Dominion University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the program has been ranked among the top 10% nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Apply to ODU's MSN
Ready to advance your nursing career? Review the graduate nursing requirements, then start your application. Not sure which track is right for you? Request information or talk with an advisor first.
Licensure & Certification
See if the ODU Advance Practice MSN program meets eligibility requirements for licensure or certification in the state where you plan to reside after graduation.
Accredited by CCNE
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Old Dominion University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).