Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

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Help and heal in the spirit of aloha

Hawai‘i Pacific University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares compassionate, culturally competent nurse leaders to deliver exceptional care across diverse communities. Grounded in the values of pono (integrity), kuleana (responsibility), and aloha (love and unity), the CCNE-accredited MSN program blends rigorous academic preparation with the flexibility and inclusivity of online learning.

Through asynchronous coursework and local clinical placements, you’ll build the advanced knowledge and skills needed to serve adult populations across primary care, mental health, and acute care settings.

 

CALENDAR

Length: 28 months

Total Credits: 45 - 48 credits

Application Deadline: 
Summer
April 21, 2025

Upcoming Start Date: 
Summer
May 5, 2025

Pre-qualify

Program at a Glance

Online Coursework

100% online coursework with mobile-friendly delivery

class size

Small classes with faculty who care about your success and well-being

3 concentrations

Choose from 3 concentrations and prepare for national NP licensure

class size

Dedicated student support from first contact through graduation

In as few as 28 months

Earn your MSN-NP in as few as 28 months

student transfer

Transfer up to 12 credits

Customize your MSN with one of three in-demand concentrations

Family Nurse Prectitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Designed for nurses who want to provide primary care services to patients across their lifespan

View MSN-FNP Program

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  (PMHNP)

Designed for nurses interested in providing a wide range of mental health services to patients of all ages

View MSN-PMHNP Program

Adult Gerontology Acute Care

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

Designed for nurses who wish to treat patients with acute, chronic illness

View MSN-AGACNP Program

Is This MSN Program Right for You?

This MSN program is ideal for licensed registered nurses who:

  • Hold a BSN and want to take on advanced clinical or leadership roles
  • Seek to specialize in high-demand fields like family practice, mental health, or acute care
  • Need a flexible format to balance work, life, and graduate study
  • Are interested in eventually pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

If you're motivated to elevate your impact in healthcare, HPU's MSN program is designed for you.

Check Admissions Requirements

Why Choose HPU’s MSN Program?

Designed for Working Nurses

Balance your education and your career with a flexible format. Our asynchronous courses allow you to study when and where it works for you.

Nationally Accredited

Our MSN program is CCNE-accredited and designed to meet national standards for advanced nursing education.

Expert Faculty

Learn from active nurse practitioners and nursing educators with real-world experience across diverse care settings.

Specialize in a High-Demand Field

Choose from three advanced practice MSN specializations: FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP.

Meet our MSN Faculty
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American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education logo

CCNE

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Hawai‘i Pacific University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties

Member of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education logo

WASC

Accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC/WSCUC)

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National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

Participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) to offer distance education in member states

Online MSN Curriculum Overview

Our MSN program requires 45–60 credit hours, depending on your specialization and whether you study full-time or part-time. The program combines advanced nursing coursework with clinical practice requirements, preparing you for national certification and APRN licensure.

The MSN curriculum at HPU combines foundational nursing theory, advanced clinical training, and leadership development.

 

Foundational Clinical Knowledge

Advanced Pathophysiology (NUR 6010): Explore human disease processes across the lifespan with a focus on case-based diagnostic reasoning and holistic care.

Advanced Pharmacology (NUR 6025): Apply advanced pharmacologic principles to diverse patient populations through real-world case studies.

Advanced Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning (NUR 6030): Build expertise in clinical data collection, interpretation, and diagnostic decision-making across patient lifespans.

 

Research & Evidence-Based Practice

Advanced Nursing Research (NUR 6020): Examine qualitative and quantitative research methods to guide evidence-based practice in clinical settings.

 

Role Development & Leadership

Introduction to Advanced Practice Roles (NUR 6000): Explore the scope of advanced nursing roles in diverse communities, including case management, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Development & Implementation of Health Care Policy (NUR 8050): Learn to shape health policy and lead systemic change while balancing access, quality, and resource stewardship.

For full course listings per MSN specialization, visit our Curriculum Page.

Clinical Placement Support

As part of our shared kuleana, we help you arrange clinical experiences close to home — ensuring access to quality training in real-world care environments. You’ll complete over 600 hours of supervised practice aligned to your specialization.

Explore Full Curriculum

MSN Career Outcomes

Career Paths

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Telehealth NP
  • Nurse Educator
  • Clinical Nurse Leader

Practice Settings

  • Primary care clinics
  • Mental health centers
  • Hospitals and ICUs
  • Veterans’ health programs
  • Schools and community clinics

Job Outlook

  • Median NP Salary: $129,480 (BLS)
  • Projected Growth: 40% from 2023 through 2033 (BLS)
  • Top Employers: Kaiser Permanente, VA Health Systems, Hawai‘i Pacific Health
Explore MSN Careers

“HPU’s convenient MSN-FNP program afforded me the opportunity to further my education and career, a dream that has become a reality. Their professional and nurturing environment provides an outstanding foundation for graduates to pursue fulfilling and successful careers.”

—Mai Kinimaka
HPU MSN-FNP Graduate

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must hold:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited university
  • 3.0 GPA from undergraduate degree preferred
  • U.S. unencumbered state RN license
  • Undergraduate statistics course is required

To complete your application, you’ll need:

  • Application and application fee
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Statement of purpose
Start Your Application

 

Tuition & Financial Aid

HPU’s online MSN program is designed to be affordable, flexible, and accessible for working nurses advancing into APRN roles.

  • $1,065 per credit
  • Program length and total cost vary by specialization
  • Eligible for federal financial aid and scholarships
  • Employer-sponsored tuition assistance welcome
  • Special tuition benefits available for active-duty military and veterans
View Full Tuition & Fees Info

FAQs: MSN Program