Nursing Education
Designed for registered nurses looking to advance their career in nursing education, Western’s program combines the flexibility of online learning with hands-on practice experiences arranged by faculty in students’ local communities. The program’s innovative curriculum combines inclusive teaching strategies and advanced nursing knowledge and skills.
MSN in Nursing Education at WWU on the Peninsulas
Online and accessible to nurses on the peninsulas and throughout Washington state, the program combines asynchronous online coursework with hands-on practical experiences with nurse educator preceptors arranged by the faculty in the student’s community. The MSN in Nursing Education is a two-year, full-time, 48-credit (equivalent to 30 semester credits) non-thesis master's degree. Students complete a scholarly teaching project in the last two quarters of the program.
The program empowers students to excel in educating future nurses, communities, nursing staff, and patients. Graduates are prepared to integrate health equity and inclusive design principles into nursing education, including online formats and simulation modules. Real-world practice experiences in clinical and educational settings provide hands-on experience. The curriculum aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials and the National League for Nursing (NLN) Novice Nurse Educator competencies. Unique to Western’s program is inclusive online design, simulation design, and curriculum and program evaluation.
The curriculum meets the didactic requirement to sit for advanced credentialing including the NLN Academic Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) or Academic Novice Nurse Educator Certification (CNEn).
The Master of Science in Nursing Program has received Phase III approval from the Washington State Board of Nursing (WA BON).
The master's degree program in nursing at Western Washington University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
CCNE Site Visit occurred October 29-31, 2025
Nursing Education, MSN
Western’s online Master of Science in Nursing Education program prepares graduates to lead change for health equity by assuming leadership roles in nursing education. The program is a two-year, full-time, 48-credit non-thesis master's degree that combines online coursework and hands-on practical experiences arranged by the faculty in the community. Students collaborate with seasoned preceptors across various settings, including palliative care, public health, primary care, rural health, nursing education, and acute care. Students are empowered to educate future nurses, communities, nursing staff, and patients.
Online
What can I do with a degree in Nursing Education?
Graduating students will have many opportunities, such as academic educators, clinical educators, staff development educators, educational consultants, clinical coordinators, simulation educators, and community health educators. These professionals are pivotal in improving patient care, advancing healthcare education, and leading healthcare organizations and communities.
Admission Requirements
- Washington state registered nurse license
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university
- Two (2) references
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Short Essay Questions
- No GRE or other standardized test required
Learn what community college courses are equivalent to WWU courses.
Take the Plunge
Planning for your degree program and career can bring questions - and we want to help answer them!
Reach out for more information and connect with one of our WWU on the Peninsulas admissions counselors.
