Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing Informatics program at Columbia Southern University allows students to identify, manage, and communicate data and information within nursing practice, promoting individual and community health while enhancing patient safety through the integration of information technology, nursing science, and computer science.
Aligned with "The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education" (2021) by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, this program encourages students to assess the effects of economic, sociocultural, ethical, and political factors on population health management relevant to nursing. They will incorporate social justice and person-centered care standards to improve quality and safety outcomes in diverse settings. The program also emphasizes evaluating health care information technologies to enhance the delivery of safe, high-quality care in compliance with regulatory standards.
Graduates will acquire nursing leadership skills, empowering others to improve population health and patient-centered care as active members of an interprofessional team. They will refine effective communication skills essential for engaging diverse audiences, resolving organizational issues, and making informed decisions. Graduates should integrate scholarship into practice, using critical thinking and clinical reasoning to apply evidence-based practices, solve problems, and drive transformative changes in health care.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
Columbia Southern University’s nursing programs are currently seeking authorization from the Boards of Nursing in the District of Columbia, Idaho, Utah, and Washington. Currently, CSU is unable to admit students residing in these states/territories until formal approval is granted but is actively working to secure the necessary authorization.
Applicants must reside and be licensed in the states/territories where Columbia Southern University has the necessary authorization throughout the duration of the program. Students are required to complete all experiential learning experiences only in the states/territories where they hold a valid nursing license, and only in the states where CSU has the necessary authorization.
Columbia Southern University’s nursing programs are post-licensure and do not lead to professional licensure or certification.
Degree at a Glance
- Number of Credits
- Maximum Transfer Credits
- Tuition Per Credit *
- Next Start Date
Compare our tuition to other MSN Programs
Program Summary
Program Description
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:
Concentration
Concentration Outcomes
Curriculum
For more information regarding courses outside the recommended course of study, view the full course listing.
( * Indicates recommended course of study. )
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Course Number Course Title Credit Hours {{ CourseNumber }} {{ CourseName }} {{ CourseHours }} Concentration Courses -
To fulfill the General Concentration for this degree, student may choose any 5000-6000 level course not used to satisfy program requirements. Student can review all available courses at our full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing general concentration course options.
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The following courses indicated by * are recommended to satisfy General Education Requirements.
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To fulfill open electives, students may choose any course not used to satisfy program requirements, taking into consideration the degree program upper-level requirements. Students can review all available courses at our full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing open elective options.
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Course Number Course Title Credit Hours {{ CourseNumber }} {{ CourseName }} {{ CourseHours }} Program Electives
Tuition Rates
Our goal is to provide the strongest online academic programs at an affordable rate. On average, our tuition is less than half the cost of our competitors.
| Course Type | Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour* |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $270 |
| Graduate | $349 |
| Doctoral | $545 |
*Rates are per credit hour. Most courses are three (3) credit hours. Tuition and fees are payable in U.S. funds. Tuition rates are subject to change. CSU’s tuition rate for associate, bachelor’s and master’s courses is $250 per credit hour for all active-duty military members using tuition assistance except those who are using a Learning Partner discount.
The lower rate is offered to keep the tuition rate at the DoD cap of $250.
† CSU Learning Partners receive a tuition discount that is applied to the full tuition rate.
MSN - Nurse Education, Informatics or Leadership & Administration
| Tuition per Credit Hour (Grad Level) | Total Credit Hours | Additional Cost for Textbooks? | Fees (resource, tech and/or service) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University | $349 | 36 | Additional cost included | $45/ course |
| Chamberlain University | $720 | 36 | +$ Additional costs | $75/ course + $200/ session |
| Western Governors University | $5,035/ 6 months | 36 | Additional cost included | $200/ 6 months |
| Purdue Global University | $420 | 60 | Additional cost included | $295/ term |
| Rasmussen University | $276 | 48 | +$ Additional costs | $195/ course |
| Grand Canyon University | $590 | 36-40 | +$ Additional costs | $160/ course + $550 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $637 | 36 | +$ Additional costs | — |
| Walden University | $500 | 53 | +$ Additional costs | $175/ qtr |
| Capella University | $450 | 54 | Additional cost included | $125/ qtr |
| University of Phoenix | $540 | 34 | Additional cost included | $195/ course |
| Herzing University | $625 | 36 | Additional cost included | $545/ semester |
- WGU tuition and fees are a flat amount charged every six months and use CUs, not credit hours. Back to WGU Tuition
Information on tuition and fees updated as of February 13, 2025.
Ways to Save
Paying for school is possible. At CSU, there are many Ways to Save including scholarships, military tuition assistance, Learning Partnerships and more.
Accreditations & Institutional Recognition
Columbia Southern University is recognized for its integrity, rigorous academic material, transparency and high-caliber instruction.
