UNC School of Nursing ranks 6th among online master’s programs in nursing administration
January 17, 2025
U.S. News & World Report published its 2025 Best Online Program rankings, and Carolina Nursing is ranked sixth among the Best Online Master’s Programs in Nursing Administration and Leadership in the United States, positioning us as the second-highest-ranked public school of nursing in this category.
Carolina Nursing’s online Health Care Leadership and Administration (HCLA) degree is designed to establish an academic foundation that blends business with person-centered care—to advance health for all in a way that is purpose-driven, inclusive, and that positively impacts health care delivery and outcomes.
A master’s degree in nursing opens the door to advanced leadership and administrative roles within health care,” said Valerie Howard, dean of the UNC School of Nursing. “Carolina Nursing’s high ranking reflects the expertise, commitment and collaborative effort of our faculty, staff and students, all working together to shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.”
Delivered in partnership with UNC Health and the UNC Center for the Business of Health, the HCLA program ensures students gain exceptional interdisciplinary training and real-world experience, equipping them to lead effectively in today’s complex healthcare environment.
With the support of world-class faculty, HCLA students will develop a robust foundation in systems-thinking, organization theory, human resource management, healthcare policy and advocacy, and leadership development through their coursework and clinical placements.
“Educating nurses and nurse managers in leadership is crucial for improving workforce retention,” Howard said. “By equipping them with the essential skills, fostering career advancement, and empowering them to succeed, we create leaders who can make a significant impact. At Carolina Nursing, we are dedicated to developing nurse leaders who not only help solve the current nursing shortage but also play a key role in strengthening the healthcare workforce for the future.”
Currently ranked 8th overall among master’s nursing programs and tied for 4th among undergraduate programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, Carolina Nursing offers top-ranked degree options for nursing students at all levels. See additional Carolina Nursing rankings here.
Carolina Nursing Expands Online Programs
Starting in the fall of 2025, Carolina Nursing will expand its online offerings to include all Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, including its top-ranked nurse practitioner tracks and post-graduate certificate programs. This transition will broaden access to Carolina Nursing’s nationally recognized programs, enabling students across North Carolina to pursue advanced nursing education with greater flexibility. By providing these online options, the school aims to meet the increasing demand for highly skilled nursing professionals, empowering students to advance their careers while balancing personal and professional commitments.
Applications for all MSN, DNP and post-graduate certificate programs are open until February 11, 2025. Learn more or start your application at the links below.
Online Graduate Programs
About the UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing
Established in 1950, the UNC School of Nursing is part of a cutting-edge, research-intensive university with top-ranked schools of medicine, public health, pharmacy, dentistry and social work located just steps away and adjacent to the renowned UNC Hospitals.
A globally top-ranked public school of nursing, Carolina Nursing provides a diverse, energetic and collegial environment for participating in world-class interprofessional education, scientific inquiry and practice opportunities. The school offers BSN, MSN, DNP and PhD degree programs, as well as post-graduate certificate programs.
As a leading provider of bedside nurses and nurse practitioners, educators, researchers and leaders devoted to public health and access, the UNC School of Nursing is uniquely positioned to serve the front lines of the most pressing health care challenges we face today.
For more information, visit nursing.unc.edu.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.