MORGANTOWN, W. Va. — The West Virginia University School of Nursing has received one of the top 100 rankings in the country by U.S. News & World Report for the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for 2026.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at WVU offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses the opportunity to earn a master’s degree online on a part- or full-time basis. The specialty track prepares students to certify as family nurse practitioners (FNPs).
“We pride ourselves on academic excellence at every level here at the WVU School of Nursing,” said Dr. Tara Hulsey, Dean and E. Jane Martin Endowed Professor. “This ranking underscores not only our outstanding curriculum and the expertise of our faculty, but also the dedication of our students pursuing higher levels of education to best serve their patients.”
According to U.S. News & World Report, schools are ranked using five categories, including engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer assessment, services and technology, and student excellence. Of the 201 schools ranked for their nursing master’s program, WVU School of Nursing landed at No. 98.
“We’re honored to be recognized as one of the top 100 online programs in the country,” said Dr. Kendra Barker, track coordinator for the FNP program. “We now also offer our students the opportunity to practice their skills hands-on at one of our state-of-the-art simulation labs, either in Morgantown or Charleston.”
As an alum of both the MSN program and the post-master’s FNP certificate program, Barker said she was able to balance work, family and school responsibilities, thanks to the part-time progression plan.
Established in 1960, the WVU School of Nursing offers innovative academic programs to meet the needs of the healthcare workforce in-person at five campus locations, as well as online program options with WVU Online.
The WVU School of Nursing offers additional graduate level programs, including Post-Graduate Certificates; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP); DNP Nurse Anesthetist; and PhD.
WVU School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
For more information, visit nursing.wvu.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu