About This Degree
WGU Catalog 2026-03The Master of Science in Nursing Education degree is a competency-based program that prepares graduates to be academic nurse educators in various educational and practice settings. Graduates are prepared to lead collaborative academic-practice partnerships to strengthen nursing practice by developing nurses who will lead and advance health in diverse populations. As academic nurse educators, graduates demonstrate a professional presence by helping nursing students acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies to work effectively in inter-professional teams across a variety of academic and healthcare settings. The WGU Master of Science in Nursing Education content is based on national standards and evidence-based research related to effective teaching, learning, curriculum design and development and nursing role development. It provides the knowledge and skills that enable educators to teach effectively in clinical and lab, online, hybrid, virtual and classroom learning environments. The content, resources, activities, and assessments in this program are consistent with recommendations from American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), The Essentials of Master's Education in Nursing (2011) and the National League for Nursing (NLN), Scope of Practice for Academic Nurse Educators (2012). The hallmarks of our program include: (a) authentic learning experiences, b) evidence-based course preparation, and c) self-paced learning in an asynchronous online learning environment. Developing context-based curriculum, objectives, and learning materials are an essential aspect of an academic educator role. MSN Education graduates will experience theoretical applications and practical perspectives regarding learning styles, the development and socialization of learners, strategies to facilitate learning, and contemporary design and development of high-quality courses and assessments.
Official catalog text — WGU-authored.
Degree History
First offered2017-01StatusCurrentCUs (latest)150(was 141)
College of Health Professions→Leavitt School of Health
Program Learning Outcomes
WGU Catalog 2026-03Official WGU-authored outcomes from the catalog Program Outcomes section.
- •The graduate creates an environment in diverse academic settings that facilitates student learning and the achievement of desired cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes.
- •The graduate synthesizes contemporary theories, concepts, and principles in the development of assessments for student learning outcomes in various educational settings.
- •The graduate designs learning objectives and curricula based on programmatic outcomes and utilization of evidence for best practice.
Course Roster (33 courses)
WGU Catalog 2026-03Term 1
| Code | Title | CUs |
|---|---|---|
| C494 | Advanced Standing for RN License | 50 |
Term 2
Term 3
Term 4
Term 5
Term 6
Term 7
Term 8
Term 9
Term 10
Total: 141 CUs across 33 courses. Degree total per catalog: 150 CUs.