A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.
Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.
Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.
Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the country. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.
Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education. From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.
MSN-to-PhD
Designed for highly motivated nursing students who possess a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and who want to pursue an advanced practice MSN degree in conjunction with our PhD program.
About the Program
The Penn Advantage
Home to some of the most forward-thinking scholars and researchers in the world, Penn offers the opportunity to work alongside faculty who are actively shaping the future of nursing science and healthcare. Our networks and longstanding clinical and community partnerships throughout greater Philadelphia and beyond provide uncommon access to research and practice resources.
Program Information
Full-Time
Program Length
5 years *
Financial aid available?
Yes
Start Semester
Fall
Learning Format
In-person *
Program length is dependent upon chosen MSN program.
Program Details
Curriculum
Each curriculum varies based upon your chosen MSN specialty program. Upon admission, you’ll be paired with two standing faculty members for mentorship and guidance. All standing faculty members have appointments in at least one of Penn Nursing’s four research centers which can also provide support services to you in your work.
Requirements
Minimum qualifications for the program
BSN degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Prerequisites
College level statistics course
Licensure
RN
Experience
See individual MSN concentrations for required program-specific RN experience
Application Deadlines
You will apply to both our MSN and PhD programs at the same time, and if accepted into both, have a place held for you in the PhD program while you complete the MSN program.
Full-time Enrollment
Deadline: November 3, 2025 Decision Notification: late-February
Part-time Enrollment
Spring 2026 Enrollment
Summer 2026 Enrollment
Fall 2026 Enrollment
Deadline: October 15, 2025 Decision Notification: late-December
Deadline: March 16, 2026 Decision Notification: late-April
Deadline: April 1, 2026 Decision Notification: mid-May
Discount available for employees of our Academic Practice Partners. Click here to learn more.
Your program costs will depend on your individual plan of study. Tuition is charged per CU based on your enrollment for the semester.
Summer 2025
Per CU rate*
Fall 2025 or Spring 2026
Per CU rate**
Fall 2025 or Spring 2026
Full-time***
Tuition
$6,890
$6,890
$27,419
General Fee
$510
$510
$2,054
Tech Fee
$126
$126
$476
Clinical Fee
None
None
$371
*Summer semesters are charged per CU regardless of enrollment status **Registration for less than 4 CUs is charged per CU ***Registration for 4 CUs is charged the full-time rate
Full-time status is registration of 3 or more CUs in any given term, and full-time fees are assessed based on enrollment status.
PhD
We are committed to assisting all full-time PhD students for four years of tuition, fees, living stipend, and health insurance. You may be internal or external funding, depending on the options available. The doctoral program leadership will determine which funding is most appropriate for all incoming students. Students who choose part-time enrollment are responsible for paying for their own tuition, fees, and health insurance.
Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance by visiting the University’s Student Registration & Financial Services website.
At the completion of this advanced level of nursing education, Penn Nursing MSN graduates will:
Use scientific inquiry to translate evidence into practice and promote clinical scholarship
Perform advanced nursing skills for specialty and subspecialty nursing practice
Lead quality improvement and manage care delivery models across settings
Leverage strong networks to advance in professional role
Our doctoral graduates go on to take coveted leadership roles in academia, healthcare, government, and related fields, and are integral to the growth of our profession.
