USD announces the new Master of Science in Nursing Leadership program starting Fall 2025.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The healthcare industry is experiencing a growing nursing shortage, along with increasingly complex patient needs and rapidly evolving technologies. To address these challenges and meet rising healthcare demands, there is a greater need for nurse leaders in executive roles to drive policy, innovation, and workforce development.
The University of San Diego’s new online MSN in Nursing Leadership (MSN-NL) program is designed to help bridge that gap by equipping students with expert knowledge, clinical leadership experience, and dedicated faculty support to become transformational nurse leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern healthcare.
Offered by the nationally ranked Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, this new program is for registered nurses who are ready to take the next step in their careers. Students will be prepared to expand their reach and take on greater influence and responsibility in healthcare while advancing health equity and improving patient outcomes.
“The Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Leadership program at the University of San Diego is designed to develop transformational nurse leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern healthcare,” says Co-Program Director Nadine Kassity-Krich. “What sets this program apart is its innovative, interdisciplinary approach that blends evidence-based leadership, customized clinical placements, and real-world application.”
The curriculum consists of 36 units spread across 20 months (five semesters), including four clinical practicums. The coursework focuses on key topics such as quality and safety initiatives, organizational change, and financial and policy acumen. In their final semester, students complete a capstone clinical practicum as part of a systems-based practice course, integrating all competency-based learning from the program.
Upon graduation, students will be equipped to:
- Apply knowledge from nursing, other disciplines, sciences, and liberal arts to advance the professional nursing practice and promote health equity.
- Coordinate resources within a complex health system to provide safe, quality, and equitable care across various populations.
- Foster participation in activities and self-reflection to nurture personnel, professional, and leadership development.
Additionally, students can choose a specialty track in either informatics or education, requiring an extra 9–10 units of coursework over an additional two terms.
This program is ideal for nurses at all levels, particularly those with strong leadership and critical-thinking skills who aspire to advance into higher-level administrative or executive roles within healthcare. This includes nurses interested in policy and advocacy, emerging nurse managers and supervisors, and experienced nurses aiming to further their healthcare careers.
Graduates of the MSN-NL program will be prepared to step into high-impact leadership roles in healthcare management, administration, and education, including positions such as nurse manager, director of nursing, chief nursing officer (CNO), and healthcare administrator. These roles often come with increased earning potential, career flexibility, work-life integration, and opportunities to drive policy and improve patient care outcomes; MSN-NL graduates will be at the forefront of healthcare transformation.
Experienced and passionate leaders teach the MSN-NL program, bringing deep expertise in healthcare. Faculty members specialize in areas such as informatics, nursing education, patient care management, surgical and pediatric care, bedside nursing, and clinical practice.
Degree candidates can complete the online program in just 20 months (five semesters) on an asynchronous schedule. With rolling admissions, students have the flexibility to enroll in the spring, summer, or fall term. Each 14-week term is broken into two 7-week courses, allowing students to focus on one course at a time. The curriculum also includes four in-person practicums, which are spread across an entire term and tailored to your interests, experience, and long-term career goals. This structure makes the degree ideal for busy working professionals who may not be able to commit to an on-campus program.
The program’s inaugural term begins on September 2, 2025, with a priority application deadline of July 7, 2025, and a regular application deadline of August 1, 2025.
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your nursing career — connect with a USD enrollment advisor today to get started