Online MSN/MBA Dual Degree Programs – Nursing & Business
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 112 schools in our MHAOnline.com database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
“As nurses gain experience and advance their education, the spheres of healthcare they influence expand. The MSN/MBA is one way nurses can earn an advanced degree. With this unique option, nurses gain two degrees as part of one program of study: the master’s of science in nursing and the master’s of business administration.”
Billie Madler DNP, Associate Dean of Nursing and Professor of Nursing, University of Mary’s Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences
Our healthcare systems are evolving rapidly, and to keep up, nurses at the executive level must have more than training in nursing. A dual degree in nursing and business prepares nurses in administrative roles to manage a healthcare organization, set policies, make data-based decisions, and ultimately ensure that patients receive the highest-quality care.
Dual degree programs take less time to complete and require fewer credits than taking the two degrees separately. Various institutes offer an online dual degree in nursing and business. These programs can typically be completed in two to three years. The curriculum explores a blend of nursing and management topics, such as advanced nursing practice, nursing leadership, managerial economics, operations management, and financial management.
These programs can help professionals develop into effective leaders who can oversee the financial, accounting, and management side of a healthcare operation and develop sound patient care systems.
The following guide covers online dual degree programs in nursing and business, as well as insights from two experts in this field.
| Featured Online Nursing Programs (for BSN-Prepared RNs) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Purdue Global | Online MSN - Executive Leader | View Full Profile |
| Purdue Global | Online MSN - Nurse Educator | View Full Profile |
| Arizona State University | Nursing (MS) | View Full Profile |
| Lamar University | MSN-MBA Dual Degree | View Full Profile |
| Rasmussen University | MSN - Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics | View Full Profile |
| Rasmussen University | MSN - Nursing Leadership and Administration | View Full Profile |
| University of West Florida | Online MSN - Nursing Leadership | View Full Profile |
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 112 schools in our MHAOnline.com database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details. |
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Meet the Expert: Kelly Hudock, CRNP, DNP, CNE
Dr. Kelly Hudock has been teaching at St. Joseph’s College of Maine since 2012. She graduated with her BSN in 1990 and her MSN-FNP in 2000. She has worked in various clinical settings, including medical-surgical units as a nurse and private practice, nursing home, palliative care/hospice, long-term care/subacute care, and retail healthcare as an NP.
Dr. Hudock received her DNP from Rush University in 2011. At St. Joseph’s College, she was a faculty member, FNP coordinator, and graduate program director. Since 2021, she has been the chair of the nursing department.
MHAOnline.com: What is something you wish the public understood about dual MBA/MSN degree programs?
Dr. Hudock: Dual degrees such as MSN/MBA or MSN/MHA are designed for nurses who want to expand their leadership skills and knowledge. Healthcare is continually changing. We see new developments every day.
However, many people don’t realize that nurse leaders are behind these new ways of providing care or new approaches to care. Many nurse leaders, such as charge nurses or unit managers of a hospital unit, have a bachelor of science in nursing. But this may not be where these new care methods are conceived. That happens at a higher level- a supervisor, director, vice president, or chief nursing officer.
To achieve this higher level, BSN-prepared nurses need more education. These dual degrees fit that bill. Not only do they focus on the next level of nursing skill and knowledge, but they also tie in the business aspects of healthcare through the MBA or MHA aspect.
MHAOnline.com: What advice would you give to aspiring MBA/MSN degree-seeking students?
Dr. Hudock: If you are a BSN-prepared nurse looking for the next step in leadership, you have some choices. You need to look at programs carefully. Ensure the program you are considering has both MSN and MBA or MHA accreditation. Nursing programs should have specific accreditations such as NLN, CCNE, or ACEN. MHA and MBA should have similar accreditation organizations. Consider how the programs ranked in terms of quality and affordability. Check out different sites, such as Princeton Review or EduMed. Examine the curriculum to ensure it meets your needs. The courses should be clearly listed on the university website. Consider the modality of classes: are they online or in person? Can you manage an in-person course or an online course? Finally, if you still have questions, see if you can speak with the program director.
Meet the Expert: Billie Madler DNP, APRN, FNP
Dr. Billie Madler serves as the associate dean of nursing and a professor of nursing at the University of Mary’s Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences. She holds a doctor of nursing practice degree from Minnesota State University and both a master of science in nursing and a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Mary.
Her nursing career began in critical care, including the ICU and flight team, which honed her ability to think critically, act decisively, and show genuine compassion. As a nurse practitioner, she expanded her expertise across various settings such as emergency rooms, urgent care, rural health, and women’s health. Her commitment to the profession is further recognized by her fellowship with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Dr. Madler emphasizes the importance of quality curriculum and nurturing relationships in nursing education, striving to translate nursing wisdom to students meaningfully.
MHAOnline.com: What is something you wish the public understood about dual MBA/MSN degree programs?
Dr. Madler: I think the public generally understands the role of nurses as caregivers. However, they may not understand the scope of care that nurses apply across various settings and patient populations. As nurses gain experience and advance their education, the spheres of healthcare they influence expand.
The MSN/MBA is one way nurses can earn an advanced degree. With this unique option, nurses gain two degrees as part of one program of study: the master’s of science in nursing and the master’s of business administration. These degrees are complementary to one another in the preparation of nurses seeking healthcare leadership positions. In this educational path, nurses build upon not only their nursing expertise but also gain high-level business savviness, which is necessary in the highly dynamic healthcare field.
Nurses, who have always had a special focus on patient outcomes, healthcare quality, and patient advocacy bring a multitude of real-life applications that serve as a bedrock for them to build upon. The result in a dual degree program such as this the MSN/MBA in healthcare administration, is a nurse who is well informed and especially equipped to lead people and systems of care that maintain high quality and have financial sustainability.
MHAOnline.com: What advice would you give to aspiring MBA/MSN degree-seeking students?
Dr. Madler: Go for it! Nurses have a duty to influence care and, subsequently, the outcomes of that care from multiple perspectives. Nurses at the bedside make a difference for many patients, one on one, every day they work. Because of nurses’ unique insights about patient care, which is unmatched by any other health profession, they have significant contributions to offer at healthcare decision-making tables.
Nurses’ opportunity for influence in the healthcare industry is exponential when they have earned an advanced degree and gained additional understanding in, for example, business principles, systems thinking, and evidence-based practice. You see, our MSN/MBA graduates are professionals who can combine their nursing experience and advanced knowledge gained from graduate studies to positively influence organizational decision-making that is financially responsible, morally courageous, and focused on patient-centered care.
Meet the Expert: Manjula Das, MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN
Manjula Das is a dynamic and compassionate healthcare leader pursuing a DNP executive track program at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON). Working as a lead clinical nurse at Howard County Medical Center, Johns Hopkins (JHHCMC), she brings a wealth of experience and expertise in critical care nursing and patient care management. Das is renowned for her skills in nursing leadership and advanced life support, consistently striving to enhance the safety and quality of patient care. Her role extends to precepting new employees and nurse residents, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest hospital policies and protocols.
Beyond her professional commitments, Das is a passionate dancer and an avid nature photographer, capturing the beauty and tranquility of the natural world through her lens.
MHAOnline.com: What is something most people don’t know about MSN/MBA programs?
Das: One lesser-known aspect of the MSN/MBA dual degree program is how it uniquely prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare professional settings and personal life, especially in budgeting and financial management. While many know that the program combines advanced nursing practice with business management skills, it also emphasizes integrating these disciplines to address complex healthcare challenges and provide patients and families with value-based and quality outcome care.
In addition, students learn about clinical care and healthcare policies, finance (corporate and healthcare), and strategic planning. This combination equips them to tackle healthcare delivery systems, patient care quality, and organizational management, making them valuable assets. Additionally, the program often includes opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to work with peers from various fields and further enriching their educational experience.
MHAOnline.com: What advice would you give to a student considering an MSN/MBA dual degree program?
Das: I am so glad I could do an MSN/MBA dual degree program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and Carey Business School. I want to thank the school faculty and program coordinators who supported me throughout the program. It wasn’t easy, but with great support, everything is possible.
I would advise students to research the program and make sure it aligns with their future career and personal goals, understand and dedicate commitment to the program, leverage the nursing background to their advantage, network actively, focus on skills development, seek internships or practical experience, balance the time, stay open-minded, utilize resources, and reflect on your goals as you advance in the program.
By following these steps, students can maximize their experience and prepare for a successful career in the evolving healthcare landscape. Looking back, I don’t regret taking the MSN/MBA dual degree program; instead, I am so proud and confident. If I can do it, you can do it.
Featured Online Dual Degree Programs in Nursing & Business
Lamar University offers an online dual degree program with an MBA in healthcare administration and MSN.
This 61-credit program features courses such as business principles for nurse leaders; microeconomics principles; role development for nurse administrators; planning and organizing healthcare delivery; directing and controlling healthcare delivery; health information systems; administrative practicum I-II; theoretical foundations; nursing research; advanced nursing issues and health policy; and evidence-based project I-II. Additionally, the MBA portion features instruction in managerial accounting; financial management; managerial decision-making; marketing management; strategic management; business intelligence; human resource management; and employment law.
- Location: Beaumont, Texas
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, AACSB
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 months
Carlow University offers an online dual degree program with an MSN and MBA in healthcare management. The MBA in healthcare management consists of 60 credits plus two clinical practicums and field hours for some MSN courses. Business courses may include business writing; advances in IT management; strategic analysis; decision-making; management organization and change; marketing management; business analytics; employment law; healthcare project management; and financial analysis and planning.
The MSN curricula includes courses such as include scholarly writing; organizational leadership; health promotion in families and communities; health policy and healthcare economics; ethical and legal healthcare issues; quality and data analytics; evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) and intervention research; fiscal management; key concepts in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment for nurse educators; organizational leadership; foundations: nurse as educator; and evaluation and measurement in healthcare. MSN-MBA students also complete an education internship capstone and nursing leadership internship capstone.
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Grand Canyon University provides an online MSN and MBA in nursing leadership and healthcare systems. This 19-course program has classes such as an introduction to graduate studies in the College of Business, accounting practices, finance principles, economics, quantitative methods, marketing management, operations management, managerial accounting, managerial finance, strategic management, and organizational development and change.
The MSN portion offers instruction in the principles of healthcare financial management; acquiring, developing, and leveraging human capital; performance improvement and quality in healthcare; and the leadership in healthcare systems practicum.
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Five semesters
Purdue Global provides an online MSN-MBA dual degree program with a concentration in healthcare management. It includes two local clinicals for the MSN portion.
The courses include advanced nursing roles; theoretical foundations of advanced practice nursing; epidemiology and health promotion; health policy, ethical, and legal perspectives of the healthcare system; and several one-credit courses including rating key elements of evidence-rating process; understanding statistical overview of research; interdisciplinary system approach in evidence-based practice; evaluating the level of evidence in existing practice and research; financial models and reimbursement; healthcare policy models; interprofessional practice and global healthcare environment; and healthcare reform and genetics and genomics research.
There’s also an executive leader concentration available with instruction in informatics – science, standards, regulations, and quality improvement; producing positive healthcare results with data analytics; applying principles of advanced nursing practice – clinical; and evaluating and disseminating principles of advanced nursing practice – clinical.
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 2.5 years
Benedictine University offers an online dual master of science in nursing and a master of business administration (MSN/MBA) program. The program does not require campus visits. However, it is important that a student be admitted to both programs in order to pursue the degree. The dual format allows students to complete both degrees in less time than taking both degrees separately.
To apply, students must submit an online application, official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended (with proof of bachelor’s degree), letters of recommendation, and a current resume, among other documentation.
The dual program requires only 23 courses for completion. (If students pursued both degrees separately, they would be required to complete 28 courses.) The MSN component of the program includes courses such as health promotion and interprofessional collaboration, healthcare policy and advocacy, advanced knowledge of healthcare systems, and nursing leadership and systems thinking. The MBA courses included in the curriculum are macroeconomics, operations management, financial management, managerial economics, and marketing management.
The program teaches students to read healthcare financial statements, gain a thorough understanding of micro and macroeconomics and business concepts, and develop models for boosting an organization’s productivity and performance.
- Location: Lisle, Illinois
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 months
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Carey Business School offer an online dual degree program: an MSN in health systems management and an MBA. While all courses are offered online, some MBA courses may have a residency component. The MSN component of the program teaches students to transform good health systems into great ones, while the business component teaches them the hands-on skills to lead an effective organization.
Admission requirements for this dual program include a bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited university, a GPA of at least 3.0, official transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and an RN license from an authorized state.
The program comprises 65 credit hours. The dual degree includes a wide range of courses such as the philosophical basis if advanced nursing practice, health systems management, healthcare context for advanced nursing practice, statistical analysis, and business law. Through the coursework, students are trained to become effective leaders and use these skills to further their careers. They learn how to manage health systems today, where technology and data-based decision making is vital.
Needless to say, the program can open up lucrative opportunities for students in business and nursing. Graduates can take up leadership roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and ambulatory care facilities.
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), AACSB
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months
Jacksonville University offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) and master of business administration (MBA) joint degree program. The program is ideal for nurses who wish to advance their careers to the executive level.
Admission requirements for the dual degree include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a grade point average of 3.0 or above, a completed online graduate application, a GRE score, a current RN license, and a TOEFL score (for international students). GRE scores can be waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The program consists of 48 credit hours: 30 in the Davis College of Business and 18 in the Keigwin School of Nursing. The MSN courses include nursing leadership and advanced roles, nursing research and theory, and organization, delivery, and policy in healthcare. The MBA courses include accounting for managerial control, quantitative methods for decision-making, the economics of high performance, and strategic marketing in a digital economy.
The coursework gives students an advanced view of nursing and helps them develop skills in healthcare planning and management, critical thinking, and decision-making. Students also learn the various principles of nursing and patient care. Overall, the program can serve as a springboard for leadership roles in nursing and management.
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 30 months
The University of Mary offers a fully online master of science in nursing and master of business administration (MSN-MBA) dual degree program. The program provides students with a blend of nursing and management skills required to succeed in administrative roles in healthcare.
Admission to the program requires a completed application, an undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or higher, a current RN license, official transcripts from all institutions attended, and letters of recommendation.
The curriculum consists of 60 credit hours. Some of the courses included in the dual program are as follows: the design of nursing research, resilient nursing leadership, professional roles in advanced nursing, operations management, managerial accounting, and law in the managerial environment. Students learn how to deal with issues in nursing and healthcare administration, evaluate global healthcare problems, and work with different teams to effect changes in a healthcare system. At the same time, they also learn how to be ethical in all the policies and practices they employ.
Graduates of this dual program can pursue a number of opportunities in both business and nursing.
- Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 27 months
Saint Joseph’s College offers an online master of science in nursing and a master of business administration (MBA) in leadership. The dual degree program is ideal for registered nurses planning to pursue leadership roles as managers, directors of nursing, chief nursing officers, or hospital administrators.
Admission requirements for this program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, an unencumbered RN license in the U.S., a cumulative GPA of 3.0, official transcripts, a criminal background check, and TOEFL scores (for international applicants).
The program comprises 60 credit hours. The coursework includes topics such as nursing informatics, nursing research methods, advanced pharmacology, knowledge-based decision-making, self-leadership, and quality leadership. Students learn how to analyze emerging technology, use information technology to develop better health systems, improve overall healthcare through collaboration, and identify the barriers to organizational leadership.
The program can help registered nurses develop into more effective and efficient leaders.
- Location: Standish, Maine
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months
Kent State University offers an online master of science in nursing and master of business administration dual degree program. The program combines nursing knowledge with practical management skills, making it ideal for nurses seeking executive roles in healthcare organizations.
To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, completion of an undergraduate statistics course (with a minimum C grade), an active unrestricted RN license, GMAT or GRE scores, and TOEFL scores (for international students).
The 64-credit-hour program helps students develop leadership skills and boost their knowledge of nursing. The coursework includes instruction in the theoretical basis for nursing practice, leadership in nursing and healthcare management, healthcare organization structure and behavior, health policy and advanced nursing practice, nursing and healthcare management, and healthcare economics.
The program helps students become better leaders while helping them develop problem-solving skills and management abilities. Notably, students also get first-hand interactions with healthcare leaders. On completion of the dual program, students can pursue executive positions in health-related companies and agencies.
- Location: Kent, Ohio
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 months
The University of Texas at Tyler offers an online master of science in nursing and master of business administration dual degree program. This combined degree takes 63 credit hours to complete, while the two degrees taken separately would require 73 to 76 hours. Working professionals in nursing are ideal candidates for this dual program.
For admission to the program, applicants must apply to the MSN administration program through the School of Nursing and to the MBA program through the College of Business. Admission requirements include a bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited college or university, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, letters of recommendation, a current resume, proof of a current license to practice professional nursing, satisfactory GMAT scores, and proof of English proficiency for international students.
The program lays a strong foundation for those pursuing doctoral studies or executive positions in healthcare. The curriculum explores translational science, healthcare informatics, leadership in healthcare, organizational behavior, advanced financial management, and accounting for management control. Students are trained to demonstrate organizational leadership, manage regulatory issues, and design better healthcare delivery systems. They also become proficient in using accounting data to make decisions and take up financial management in a company.
The program serves as a solid preparatory ground for anyone looking to further their career in healthcare administration. Graduates can pursue opportunities in healthcare, research, and education.
- Location: Tyler, Texas
- Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 to 48 months
California University of Pennsylvania offers a 100 percent online master’s degree in nursing administration and leadership combined with a master of business administration dual degree program. Students learn how to deal with business issues related to healthcare. The flexibility in the program is a big plus for working professionals.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, official transcripts from an accredited BSN program, and an unencumbered RN licensure, among other requirements.
The combined degree comprises 54 credit hours (as opposed to 66 credit hours required for both degrees separately). The curriculum has been designed with the expertise of nurse administrators and leaders in healthcare, making it relevant and practical. Some courses included are nursing administration and leadership roles, health policy in nursing, theory and research in nursing, international business management, human resource management, and strategic management.
The coursework helps students develop a broad range of skills relevant to medical and healthcare settings. Additionally, they learn how to solve business issues arising in healthcare settings. Nurses who wish to work in an executive capacity in a clinic or hospital or with a government organization can find the program most valuable.
- Location: California, Pennsylvania
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 30 months
