Become a Transformative Nurse Leader

Rockhurst University’s online Master of Science in Nursing–Leadership (MSN-Leadership) degree program combines the business of health care and the wisdom of nursing to address the needs of our rapidly changing health care system. This service-oriented program develops skills in team building, critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making to prepare aspiring leaders to achieve new professional heights as transformative nurse leaders in a variety of clinical and organizational leadership roles.

Delivered by the Saint Luke’s™ College of Nursing and Health Sciences, our online MSN-Leadership program can be taken on a full- or part-time basis, depending on your personal and professional responsibilities. Guided by Jesuit values, Rockhurst University offers a purposeful learning experience that integrates professional and personal growth, emphasizing ethics, compassion, and care for the whole person.

  • healthcare innovation
    Health care innovation
    meets academic excellence
  • transformative learning
    Transformative learning
    for professional and personal growth
  • clinical placement
    Business and Leadership skills
    with the wisdom of nursing
Admission Requirements
  • BSN from CHEA recognized school and nursing accreditation from CCNE or ACEN
  • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
  • Minimum BSN GPA: 3.0
  • Active unencumbered registered nurse license
  • 2 LORs (professional or academic)
  • Graduate Statistics
  • Personal Statement (400-800 words)
Program Features
  • 37 credit hours
  • 200 practicum hours
  • $734.69 per credit hour
  • 2 starts per year
  • 4 semesters (full-time)
  • 6 semesters (part-time)
Program Themes

Leadership and Management
Integrate people management, organizational processes, and financial decision-making best practices for quality health care improvement.

Evidence-Informed Quality Improvement
Adopt a lifelong learning approach to nursing that draws upon research and data to ensure safety and quality for patients and organizations.

Health Care Systems and Policy
Serve as an effective and collaborative nurse leader from organizational, systems, and policy perspectives.

State Authorization

Students from a number of states are welcome to apply to the online MSN-Leadership program. Please see our State Authorization page for more detailed information.

The Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is approved by the State of Missouri to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). As a participating institution, Saint Luke’s College may offer online programs to students in other SARA member states without seeking authorization in that state. 

Accreditation and Disclaimers

Rockhurst University and the Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Master of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)*.

*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Rockhurst University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.