Science in Nursing (MSN) program, designed specifically for career changers who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are ready to pursue a future in nursing. The first cohort will begin in fall 2026.
Unlike traditional MSN pathways, Concordia’s program welcomes students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds — no prior bachelor’s in nursing is required. Students who have completed foundational science prerequisites can fast-track into the nursing profession while simultaneously earning a master’s degree.
The 64-credit, 22-month program blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinical experiences. This flexible model provides individualized faculty attention, small class sizes, and Concordia’s faith-based mission to support students as they transition into a new vocation.
“This program helps students turn their sense of calling into a rewarding career in nursing at a time when our communities need them most,” said Dr. Jessica Leiberg, dean of the School of Nursing. “We prepare graduates who are clinically excellent and also deeply grounded in compassion, service, and Christian vocation.”
The program arrives at a crucial moment: the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development projects a 22,900 RN shortfall by 2040. At the same time, many individuals are seeking stable, purpose-driven careers that cannot be replaced by technology. Nursing offers both job security and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Graduates of the Direct Entry MSN program will be positioned for long-term growth, with options to continue into advanced practice certifications such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) with additional coursework.
For more information, visit www.cuw.edu.
About Concordia University Wisconsin:
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education institution committed to the holistic development of students—mind, body, and spirit—for lives of service to Christ in the Church and the world. Learn more at cuw.edu.
