Master of Science in Nursing - Leadership

Program Highlights

  • Leadership for Modern Healthcare: Develop the ability to evaluate, apply, and sustain evidence-based leadership strategies that improve patient care delivery and organizational performance.
  • Focus on Innovation & Accountability: Learn to create forward-thinking healthcare environments that prioritize patient safety, quality outcomes, workforce engagement, and financial stewardship.
  • Impact at Every Level: Gain the tools to lead within clinical systems, academic settings, and global health environments.

Program Structure

  • 36 credit hours
  • Fully online, using a blend of asynchronous and synchronous coursework
  • Complete in 6 semesters (full-time) including summers, or 8 semesters (part-time)

Certification Opportunities

Graduates may be eligible to sit for:

  • Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) through ANCC
  • Certification in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) through AONL

Eligibility typically requires at least one year of experience in a nursing administrative role (requirements subject to change based on accrediting bodies).

Program Outcomes 

View Program Outcomes

Progression Plans

Students in the MSN-NL program have two options for progression, including full-time and part-time:

View Full-Time Progression Plan

View Part-Time Progression Plan

Computer Requirements

All nursing course work is offered online via online technology. Computer skills are required of all students, and access to adequate computing equipment is required. Please view WVU's Recommendations for minimum computer requirements.

Clinical Placements

Clinical experiences are a key component of the MSN – Nursing Leadership program, allowing students to apply leadership principles in real‑world healthcare environments. These placements provide opportunities to collaborate with experienced nurse leaders, participate in organizational projects, and develop competencies essential for executive nursing practice.

How Clinical Placements Work

  • Flexible, Student‑Centered Model: Students may complete clinical hours within their current workplace or another approved healthcare organization that aligns with program objectives.
  • Supported Placement Process: Our clinical placement team and faculty advisors guide students through selecting appropriate sites and preceptors, ensuring experiences meet accreditation and curriculum requirements.
  • Qualified Preceptors: Preceptors are experienced nursing leaders—such as nurse managers, directors, or executives—who provide mentorship and support as students develop advanced leadership skills.
  • Professional Growth Opportunities: Clinical experiences focus on strategic planning, quality improvement, financial and workforce management, regulatory compliance, and strengthening organizational culture.

Requirements

  • Students must complete all required clinical hours as outlined in the program curriculum.
  • All clinical sites and preceptors must receive formal approval before hours may be logged.
  • Additional requirements—such as background checks, immunizations, or site‑specific onboarding—may apply depending on the placement location.

State Approvals for Clinical Placements

Universities offering distance education must abide by the laws of each state in which students are placed for their practicum experience. There are several states at this time that may not allow WVU nursing students to participate in a practicum experience, and therefore a site placement cannot be guaranteed. A State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) must be in place to allow a WVU nursing student to participate in clinicals. Visit WVU Online to determine if your state has been approved for clinical placements or request information below. 

Accreditation

The Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing, Master's Degree Program in Nursing, Post-master’s APRN Certificate Programs, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Information Request

Our Student Services staff will be glad to answer your questions in person or by phone/e-mail. Please fill out the information request form via WVU Online and someone will be in touch.