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Master of Science in Nursing -  
Leadership

Advance your nursing career into leadership in just 15 months.

Take the next step toward your MSN-L

Complete the form today and receive personalized outreach within 24 hours – your future in MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration starts here.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Do you have any of the following?

Are you a Registered Nurse (in California or other SMU-approved states)?

Are you Alumni or a Sutter employee?

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Shape The Future of Healthcare:

A Master's Program Designed to Prepare Confident Nurse Leaders

In California for Job
Placement

90%

Average Graduation Rate
for the Past 3 Years

100+

Years of Educating
Nurses

Specialized Tracks

Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership

The MSN-Leadership track prepares you for advanced roles in hospital administration or as a team leader in healthcare organizations. You’ll build expertise in strategic decision-making, organizational management, and evidence-based leadership to improve patient care and healthcare delivery.

Format

Online

Upcoming Deadlines

November 1, 2025: Rolling Admission, Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
December 12, 2025: Rolling Admission, Spring 2026 Standard Application Deadline

Duration

15 months (4 semesters) 

Accreditation

WSCUC, CCNE

Master of Science in Nursing - Education

Launching Summer 2026, the MSN-Education track equips nurses to excel as classroom educators or clinical instructors. Begin your journey now by enrolling in the MSN-Leadership program, completing core courses, and seamlessly transition to the Education track when it becomes available.

Format

Online

Upcoming Deadlines

November 1, 2025: Rolling Admission, Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
December 12, 2025: Rolling Admission, Spring 2026 Standard Application Deadline

Duration

15 months (4 semesters) 

Accreditation

WSCUC, CCNE

Be Supported In Achieving Your Career Goals

The MSN-Leadership program is built to grow with you. Whether you aspire to lead in hospital administration or manage healthcare teams, you’ll gain the foundation, confidence, and skills to advance your career in the direction you choose.

SMU: Where Excellence Meets Real Results

Flexible Pathways

Begin in the shared MSN core curriculum, and up until your third semester you can choose to remain on the leadership track or switch to the education track—giving you the freedom to align your studies with your career goals.

Proven Expertise

Learn from experienced nursing leaders who bring more than 100 years of combined expertise in education and practice.

Top Career Outcomes

SMU is ranked #1 in California for post-graduate job placement, with 86% of employers preferring our graduates.

100% Online

Earn your degree completely online with the flexibility to study on your schedule.

Your Leadership Journey Starts Here

Complete the form above and discover how SMU can help you achieve your goals
with the flexibility, support, and expertise you deserve.

Our Campuses

Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at three campuses in Northern California and online.