MSN--overwhelmed with options

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I've been thinking about going for the MSN in Nursing Education for years, but every time I look at options, I get overwhelmed. I really want a good education and I'm wary of all the online private universities. Sometimes I find a program that looks good, but then realize the out-of-state tuition is just beyond what I can bring myself to spend.

How did you all choose your MSN program? And has anyone found that their degree from a private university like Western Governors or Chamberlain isn't valued?

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I enthusiastically echo the 'traditional school' proponents. If you're concerned about flexible scheduling, keep in mind that grad school is very different from undergrad. In my program, the students actually helped develop class schedules so that they all occurred on the same weekday - to make it easier for those of us who had to work full time while in school. Many classes are available in a distance/online. Even the 'classroom' courses only meet one day a week.

I also feel that it's important to choose a graduate program that offers a practicum/residency to actually apply all that advanced knowledge. This can open doors for you and help establish a professional network that will be invaluable for your career growth. Finally, be sure to investigate the Federal tuition support programs that are available for nurses seeking higher education in order to teach. These funds are distributed through schools - not available to individuals.

I've been in workplace (non academic) education for quite a while. It's a very rewarding career path, but advancement does require experience in education. Most of us begin the process as unit-based educators & BLS instructors. Wishing you all the best on your choice and future career.

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Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.

I wonder how much the first poster to respond knows about the institution particularly since one of the main reasons that it is affordable is because it is NOT for profit. Not here to sing the praises of WGU although I could, just wanted to point out that point for anyone who cared to receive correct information.

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Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.
I spoke with my nurse educator about this same thing: WGU vs our State University---and they said WGU was recognized (and used) by several of the staff at our facility including management.

When I did my research I received this same information about and my manager just the other day said it was viewed as a good school. There is a thread on the school page with WGU listed and these same questions asked and answered a dozen times. Personally I have gotten 90% positive comments from people who actually attended the school and could speak on their experience. Maybe you can research the other schools listed on this site on the school tab and compare comments.

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I am confused about the poor perception of . I work in academia, and have observed faculty members who have nursing graduate degrees from WGU perform exceptionally well. I am not personally familiar with their program, only their graduates.

Education of nurses traditionally has faculty in close, consistent contact with students of their program. I find that many of my colleagues are non-plussed with the advent of programs that lose that contact. The perception is that the loss of contact equals a lesser-quality program.

I find that students have their own unique learning styles, and some students have a richer learning experience without the distractions of a roomful of other students that a physical classroom typically has.

Also - I have sat in on many hiring committees for faculty, and the pedigree of someone's education only has so much weight, because by the time you obtain a MSN or PHD/DNP/EdD, you generally have quite a bit of history to add to the whole picture. Honestly, by the time you're sitting in the chair answering interview questions, What and How you answer questions either confirm or deny an interview-panel members pre-conceived notion about you. Not only that, but there is generally more than one person sitting in on the interview.

My advice to you is to enter the program that is the best fit for you and your circumstances. A degree holder from Fancy-University can just as easily bomb a faculty interview as a degree holder from Online-U. I've seen it happen.

Best of hope for your continued success on your educational journey.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I recommend a reputable school since you will be likely entering academia. Not because there aren't great programs out there but at this point in your career the name of the school may directly effect your ability to gain good employment. My courses were mostly online...however, I was either teaching or planning 2 days per week. Just remember you get out of what you put into it.

I chose a program that provided extensive practicum hours and had a philosophy that I felt "at home" with. I also wanted a program with an on-site residency. This helped me establish that yes, I was on track and that I learned the needed information.

Good luck with your decisions, it definitely isn't easy.

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Well, I took much of the advice here and I start at a state university this month. Classes meet for one day about every two weeks, at least to begin with; the commute will be about 1-1.5 hours, but I won't have to do it very often. The idea of online-only was tempting but I feel more confident about getting a quality education and respected degree this way. My brother and SIL both have master's degrees in education (not nursing) from and only have good things to say about it, and I believe all of you in what you say; but I don't know what will happen with any online university in the future (there was also a time when University of Phoenix was considered highly reputable), but I can feel confident my degree from the state university will always have value. And I'll never have to explain to anyone what kind of school it is!

Discovering afterward that most of the tuition is paid for because I'm a state employee was just icing on the cake. (Our tuition allowance is sort of stingy compared to other places I've worked, but in this case, everything comes together and I won't have to pay more than a thousand or so per quarter at most.)

I can't say the classes sound very exciting, but I'm looking forward to meeting my classmates and professors. I'm not someone who really enjoys school or classrooms, but I love learning and I'm looking forward to that stimulation. I've been out of school almost ten years, after 22 without a break.

Thanks, everyone, for the discussion.

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I am really considering Aspen. Do you not like it. Is it alot of work?

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