University of Pennsylvania

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0, hold an active RN license, and complete prerequisite courses in statistics and pathophysiology. Relevant clinical experience is often required or strongly preferred for advanced practice tracks.

About This Program

Penn Nursing’s Online MSN delivers a rigorous Ivy League education through flexible online coursework, preparing nurses for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles across healthcare settings.

Career Outcomes

Graduates move into advanced practice and leadership positions at top hospitals, clinics, and academic medical centers.

• 1. Family Nurse Practitioner
• 2. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• 3. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• 4. Nursing Education Specialist

What You'll Learn

• Perform comprehensive health assessments and differential diagnoses for diverse patient populations.
• Prescribe and manage pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments in advanced practice settings.
• Apply evidence-based research to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
• Lead interdisciplinary teams in clinical decision-making and health policy advocacy.

Curriculum Highlights

Graduate nursing core courses, health policy and ethics, specialty tracks (AGACNP, FNP, leadership), supervised clinical practicums, and a capstone experience.

Top Employers

Top employers include major hospital systems like Penn Medicine, community health centers, private practices, and outpatient clinics.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0, hold an active RN license, and complete prerequisite courses in statistics and pathophysiology. Relevant clinical experience is often required or strongly preferred for advanced practice tracks.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: BSN
• GRE/GMAT: Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 100+ / IELTS 7.0+)