Earn your degree from a U.S. leader in nursing master’s education
As a nurse, you see the disparities in healthcare firsthand—and you’re ready to challenge the status quo. With an MSN public health specialization from Walden, you can take the lead in promoting health awareness and equitable access in your community. Gain the interdisciplinary perspective and skills to help empower entire populations to live healthier lives.
An MSN specialization in Public Health Nursing can prepare you to shift from direct patient care to managing community health initiatives, particularly for the underserved. Get the tools you need to make a tangible impact, from developing population-based nursing interventions to preparing for and responding to disasters.
OUR PRACTICUM PLEDGE™ TO YOU
Through a collaborative process, Walden's dedicated Field Experience Team partners with you to secure a site and preceptor.
IMPACTFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Practice new skills and build your confidence through immersive, interactive learning experiences—both in person and virtual.
BENEFIT YOUR COMMUNITY
Apply your new knowledge in a practicum project that addresses a real public health issue.
BE READY FOR WHAT'S NEXT
You can feel confident knowing that our coursework is aligned with standards established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
Choose the BSN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 53 quarter credits
- Core courses (23 cr.)
- Specialization courses (30 cr.)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN
Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-758-5249.
Choose the RN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) entering the MSN program with a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing.
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 79 quarter credits
- Foundations courses (26 cr.)
- Core courses (23 cr.)
- Specialization courses (30 cr.)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN
Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-758-5249.
If you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor's in nursing degree, you can use these tracks to get started on your doctoral nursing degree.
Add an MBA to Your MSN
UNLOCK YOUR BUSINESS POTENTIAL
Gain in-depth insights into nursing leadership and business management with Walden's new, streamlined MSN to MBA path.
- Earn your MSN and then complete your MBA in as few as 12 months.*
- Apply up to three courses from your MSN program to your MBA program.*
- Additional Believe and Achieve Scholarship® available.
Questions? Our Enrollment Specialists are here to give you answers.
*Walden Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduates can transfer up to four courses into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a Self-Designed specialization and complete the program in as few as nine months, depending on MSN program specialization . Tuition and time to completion for those with an MSN from another university may vary depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to completion may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions.
Personalized Practicum Support
After you register for the Walden University Practicum Pledge® (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure your site and preceptor to help you find a match. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your online MSN program.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations (RN-MSN): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN)
Program Admission Considerations (BSN-MSN): A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts.
More information for international applicants.
The progress you make now pays you back. You’ll receive your final courses tuition-free, depending on your program.
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we’re here to support you along your journey.
Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 53 quarter credit hours | $495 per quarter hour | $26,235 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $1,050 |
| $27,285* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$4,950 $22,335†* | ||
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
†*Represents BSN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours | $425 per quarter hour | $11,050 |
| 53 MSN quarter credit hours | $495 per quarter hour | $26,235 | |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $1,400 |
| $38,685* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$4,950 $33,735†* | ||
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 35 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109..
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
†*Represents course-based learning format, RN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
Program Outcomes
Advance Community Health and Safety
In our MSN specialization in Public Health Nursing, you’ll prepare to make the transition from one-on-one patient care to caring for whole populations. Explore the pressing issues facing public health today, including chronic disease, health inequities, and community-wide health concerns. Learn to identify high-risk sub-groups and create culturally sensitive, population-based nursing interventions that touch countless lives.
Career Impact
You’re a dedicated nurse—and a social justice warrior. An MSN in public health online can prepare you to work as a nurse leader and health advocate for underserved populations. Can open the door to new opportunities. Become a catalyst for improved health equity and health outcomes in your community.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, high rates of chronic disease, and an emphasis on preventive care, communities need knowledgeable public health nurses. Nurses who complete a public health nursing MSN program will be equipped to pursue roles in a variety of settings, including:1
- City, county, and state health departments
- Federal health agencies
- U.S. military and Department of Veterans Affairs
- Community service agencies
- Municipal health departments and agencies
- Community outreach services within hospitals, clinics, and other health service providers
- Nonprofit organizations with health or community service
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of this MSN in Public Health Nursing online program, you will:
- Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
- Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
- Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
- Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
- Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
- Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.
Meet Your Academic Team
Below are some of the distinguished faculty members who bring diverse industry expertise and a passion for teaching to the Walden community.
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FAQ About Walden’s Online Public Health Nursing Program
In general, RNs are responsible for coordinating patient care and executing treatment plans on a day-to-day basis. Nurses who go into public health, however, devote their careers to improving the health and wellness of entire communities. Typically employed by government health agencies or nonprofits, they focus on assessing the health and health needs of communities and populations; identifying high-risk groups; and developing culturally sensitive, acceptable, and realistic population-based nursing interventions.
Public health nurses are part public health specialist and part healthcare provider. Their role is to improve the overall health of a larger population. To do this, they help develop, initiate, and manage public health programs; advocate for public health policies; educate the community on important health matters; and provide direct healthcare to individuals in need.
The MSN with a specialization in Public Health Nursing is a program that develops nurses who can meet the need for solutions at the community and systems level, develop and advocate for public health programs that improve population outcomes, and assess the efficacy of these programs. Nurses in public health careers require a unique combination of clinical knowledge and strong community relationships to create the programs and policies needed to address health concerns in vulnerable populations.
Walden’s MSN Public Health Nursing specialization can help position you to work as a nurse leader within your community. An MSN in with a specialization in Public Health Nursing will provide you with the skills necessary to evaluate the needs of diverse populations and design/lead programs that provide education on preventative medicine, hygiene, and care to diverse communities. Public health nurses work with individuals and families in a range of settings including health departments, schools, homes, community health centers, clinics, correctional facilities, work sites, and mobile health services.
Public health nurses do not work in typical healthcare environments for nurses. Instead, they often work for county or city health departments, identifying and addressing healthcare needs within the community. They also work at private and public health agencies, federal health-related organizations, and mobile units that provide healthcare services. Public health nurses are prepared to take leading roles in improving health outcomes for entire populations, particularly those in underserved communities.
Yes, Walden’s MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In fact, three of Walden’s nursing degree programs are CCNE accredited: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.
Walden’s online classrooms feature state-of-the-art learning technologies, media, and support materials. Through interactive simulations, engaging case studies, and access to a robust online library, you will be highly prepared for a career as a public health nurse. In addition, Walden offers a support staff dedicated to your success, including student success advisors, graduation counselors, and practicum coordinators.
Walden’s fully online MSN Public Health Nursing specialization was developed by experts in the nursing field. Our teaching faculty are active practitioners, and many hold doctoral degrees. The program covers realistic and relevant scenarios to help you develop the skills needed to be successful in your career as a public health nurse.