nursing student checking heart of mannequin

Earn a Second-Degree MSN

Earn your MSN in 5 or 8 semesters through Marquette University and begin a new career as a nursing leader.

Why Marquette?

  • Our online nursing master’s program is in the top 18% of all nursing programs nationwide — recently named #36 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs.
  • Upon graduation, you will join our extended community of Marquette Nurses — professionals united by their passion for patient care and making an impact on the health care system, and recognized as skilled practitioners.

Marquette University Direct Entry MSN Program

If you are looking to find a career with greater purpose, now is the perfect time to consider a career change into nursing. Not only are nurses in high demand, our Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program can help you change careers sooner.

Our Direct Entry MSN program lets you leverage your non-nursing bachelor’s degree to transition into a career in nursing in as little as five semesters. Students may also elect to enroll in an extended option to complete their coursework over an eight-semester timeframe.

The Direct Entry MSN program is offered from two Wisconsin locations: the main Marquette campus in Milwaukee, and a satellite site in Pleasant Prairie. Milwaukee cohorts are enrolled each summer and complete coursework over five semesters following a predominantly in-person learning modality. Pleasant Prairie cohorts offer didactic coursework predominantly online, with spring and fall starts following a five-semester plan and summer starts following the extended eight-semester option.

The Direct Entry MSN and Extended Option program includes:

  • Coursework designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and maximize the development of essential competencies.
  • Options to complete your degree in as few as five semesters, or through our extended option over eight semesters.
  • High-fidelity simulation centers where you’ll hone your skills in a safe environment mimicking a real clinical setting.
  • Clinical practice at some of the top health care facilities in Metro Milwaukee, Southeast Wisconsin, and Northeast Illinois.

After graduating from the program and passing the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam, you’ll have the best possible preparation in place to pursue an exciting and diverse range of career opportunities.

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Use Your Non-Nursing Degree

Start Today with One of Our 3 Start Dates Per Year

Featuring hybrid online or traditional coursework, a combined overall 2021 NCLEX pass rate of 93% for first-time test takers across all prelicensure programs, and a unique blend of advanced nursing courses, hands-on labs, and real-world clinical practice, a future in nursing is closer than you think with our Direct Entry MSN.

With a master’s degree from Marquette, you will graduate ready to access more opportunities to continue your education, pursue advanced practice certifications and step forward as a nursing leader.

nursing student writing

On-Campus or Hybrid-Online

Learn about nursing theory in a format that works for you—hybrid-online or in-person.

Hands-on Labs

Apply advanced nursing skills using high fidelity manikins in a controlled setting.

nursing student practicing on manikin

Clinical Rotations

Gain real-world patient care experience helping nurses in diverse health care settings.

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