Everyday practice as a nurse can be as exciting as it is varied. However, there may come a time when you find yourself in search of greater autonomy and responsibility in the workplace. Or perhaps you’re seeking a specialized role in advanced fields like family practice nursing, nursing administration, or nurse midwifery. What is the next step to achieve these goals?

A master of science in nursing (MSN) degree can prepare nurses for this career advancement. The MSN degree is a graduate-level nursing qualification, often with a focus in a specialized field like nursing education or child health. It allows nurses to focus their work in a particular area of interest, gaining greater career autonomy and latitude in the process. Generalist MSN degrees are also offered at a number of Florida universities, including University of Central Florida and over a dozen campuses of Keiser University.

Nurses who earn an MSN degree frequently enjoy higher compensation than their peers. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Florida’s RNs is $60,420. However, the state’s nurse midwives earn $86,710 per year on average, while its nurse practitioners receive $88,080 in annual compensation. Nurse anesthetists do even better, taking home a median annual salary of $137,910. MSN specializations can thus bring about not only enhanced career fulfillment and challenge, but also better pay.

If you want to take up the challenge of pursuing an MSN degree, check out the list below. We’ve identified Florida’s best master of science in nursing programs, organized by major metropolitan area.

Cape Coral / Fort Myers area

Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Boulevard South | Fort Myers, Florida 33965
  • MSN: Nurse Anesthesia
  • MSN: Nurse Educator
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Keiser University - Fort Myers
9100 Forum Corporate Parkway | Fort Myers, Florida 33905
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
School Address Programs offered
Florida Gulf Coast University 10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965
  • MSN: Nurse Anesthesia
  • MSN: Nurse Educator
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Keiser University - Fort Myers 9100 Forum Corporate Parkway
Fort Myers, Florida 33905
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing

Deltona / Daytona Beach area

Keiser University - Daytona Beach
1800 Business Park Boulevard | Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
School Address Programs offered
Keiser University - Daytona Beach 1800 Business Park Boulevard
Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing

Fort Lauderdale

Keiser University - Fort Lauderdale
1500 NW 49th Street | Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Keiser University - Graduate School
1900 West Commercial Boulevard | Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Keiser University - Pembroke Pines
1640 SW 145th Avenue | Pembroke Pines, Florida 33027
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Avenue | Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314
  • Clinical MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical MSN: Gerontology-Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Health System Leadership
  • MSN: Nursing Education
  • MSN: Nursing Informatics
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
School Address Programs offered
Keiser University - Fort Lauderdale 1500 NW 49th Street
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Keiser University - Graduate School 1900 West Commercial Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Keiser University - Pembroke Pines 1640 SW 145th Avenue
Pembroke Pines, Florida 33027
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314
  • Clinical MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical MSN: Gerontology-Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Health System Leadership
  • MSN: Nursing Education
  • MSN: Nursing Informatics
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion

Jacksonville

Jacksonville University
2800 University Boulevard North | Jacksonville, Florida 32211
  • MSN / MBA Joint Degree
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Educator
  • MSN: Emergency Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Informatics Specialization
  • MSN: Leadership in the Healthcare System
  • MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Keiser University - Jacksonville
6430 Southpoint Parkway, Suite 100 | Jacksonville, Florida 32216
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
University of North Florida
One UNF Drive | Jacksonville, Florida 32224
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • MSN: Nurse Anesthetist
School Address Programs offered
Jacksonville University 2800 University Boulevard North
Jacksonville, Florida 32211
  • MSN / MBA Joint Degree
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Educator
  • MSN: Emergency Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Informatics Specialization
  • MSN: Leadership in the Healthcare System
  • MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Keiser University - Jacksonville 6430 Southpoint Parkway, Suite 100
Jacksonville, Florida 32216
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
University of North Florida One UNF Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32224
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • MSN: Nurse Anesthetist

Lakeland / Winter Haven area

Florida Southern College
111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive | Lakeland, Florida 33801
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nurse Educator
Keiser University - Lakeland
2400 Interstate Drive | Lakeland, Florida 33805
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
School Address Programs offered
Florida Southern College 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
Lakeland, Florida 33801
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nurse Educator
Keiser University - Lakeland 2400 Interstate Drive
Lakeland, Florida 33805
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing

Miami-Dade County

Ana G. Mendez University - South Florida
15201 NW 79th Court | Miami Lakes, Florida 33016
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Barry University
11300 NE Second Avenue | Miami Shores, Florida 33161
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
Florida International University
11200 SW Eighth Street | Miami, Florida 33199
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Child Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nurse Anesthetist
  • MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Florida National University - Hialeah
4425 West Jose Regueiro Avenue | Hialeah, Florida 33012
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nurse Educator
  • MSN: Nurse Leadership and Management
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Keiser University - Miami
2101 NW 117th Avenue | Miami, Florida 33172
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Miami Regional University
700 South Royal Poinciana Boulevard, Suite 100 | Miami Springs, Florida 33166
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
St. Thomas University
16401 NW 37th Avenue | Miami Gardens, Florida 33054
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
University of Miami
5030 Brunson Drive | Coral Gables, Florida 33124
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
School Address Programs offered
Ana G. Mendez University - South Florida 15201 NW 79th Court
Miami Lakes, Florida 33016
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Barry University 11300 NE Second Avenue
Miami Shores, Florida 33161
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
Florida International University 11200 SW Eighth Street
Miami, Florida 33199
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Child Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nurse Anesthetist
  • MSN: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Florida National University - Hialeah 4425 West Jose Regueiro Avenue
Hialeah, Florida 33012
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nurse Educator
  • MSN: Nurse Leadership and Management
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
Keiser University - Miami 2101 NW 117th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33172
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Miami Regional University 700 South Royal Poinciana Boulevard, Suite 100
Miami Springs, Florida 33166
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
St. Thomas University 16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, Florida 33054
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
University of Miami 5030 Brunson Drive
Coral Gables, Florida 33124
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner

Naples / Marco Island area

Keiser University - Naples
1336 Creekside Boulevard, Suite Two | Naples, Florida 34108
  • Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
School Address Programs offered
Keiser University - Naples 1336 Creekside Boulevard, Suite Two
Naples, Florida 34108
  • Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia

North Port / Bradenton / Sarasota area

Keiser University - Sarasota
6151 Lake Osprey Drive | Sarasota, Florida 34240
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
School Address Programs offered
Keiser University - Sarasota 6151 Lake Osprey Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34240
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing

Orlando

AdventHealth University
671 Winyah Drive | Orlando, Florida 32803
  • Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
Ana G. Mendez University - Metro Orlando
5601 South Semoran Boulevard, Suite 55 | Orlando, Florida 32822
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
ECPI University - Orlando
660 Century Point, Suite 1050 | Lake Mary, Florida 32746
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nursing Education
Keiser University - Orlando
5600 Lake Underhill Road | Orlando, Florida 32807
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
South University, Orlando Off-Campus Instructional Site
5900 Lake Ellenor Drive, Suite 150 | Orlando, Florida 32809
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
University of Central Florida
12201 Research Parkway, Suite 300 | Orlando, Florida 32826
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • MSN: Leadership and Management
  • MSN: Nurse Educator
  • MSN: Nursing and Healthcare Simulation
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
School Address Programs offered
AdventHealth University 671 Winyah Drive
Orlando, Florida 32803
  • Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
Ana G. Mendez University - Metro Orlando 5601 South Semoran Boulevard, Suite 55
Orlando, Florida 32822
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
ECPI University - Orlando 660 Century Point, Suite 1050
Lake Mary, Florida 32746
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nursing Education
Keiser University - Orlando 5600 Lake Underhill Road
Orlando, Florida 32807
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
South University, Orlando Off-Campus Instructional Site 5900 Lake Ellenor Drive, Suite 150
Orlando, Florida 32809
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
University of Central Florida 12201 Research Parkway, Suite 300
Orlando, Florida 32826
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • MSN: Leadership and Management
  • MSN: Nurse Educator
  • MSN: Nursing and Healthcare Simulation
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion

Palm Bay / Melbourne / Titusville area

Keiser University - Melbourne
900 South Babcock Street | Melbourne, Florida 32901
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
School Address Programs offered
Keiser University - Melbourne 900 South Babcock Street
Melbourne, Florida 32901
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing

Palm Beach

Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road | Boca Raton, Florida 33431
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Keiser University - West Palm Beach
2085 Vista Parkway | West Palm Beach, Florida 33411
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Palm Beach Atlantic University
901 South Flagler Drive | West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Health Systems Leadership
South University, West Palm Beach
9801 Belvedere Road | Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
School Address Programs offered
Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, Florida 33431
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Keiser University - West Palm Beach 2085 Vista Parkway
West Palm Beach, Florida 33411
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Palm Beach Atlantic University 901 South Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Health Systems Leadership
South University, West Palm Beach 9801 Belvedere Road
Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner

Pensacola

Pensacola Christian College
250 Brent Lane | Pensacola, Florida 32503
  • Master of Science in Nursing
University of West Florida
11000 University Parkway, Building 37 | Pensacola, Florida 32514
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nurse Education
  • MSN: Nurse Executive
School Address Programs offered
Pensacola Christian College 250 Brent Lane
Pensacola, Florida 32503
  • Master of Science in Nursing
University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway, Building 37
Pensacola, Florida 32514
  • MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSN: Nurse Education
  • MSN: Nurse Executive

Port St. Lucie

Keiser University - Port Saint Lucie
9400 Discovery Way | Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34987
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
School Address Programs offered
Keiser University - Port Saint Lucie 9400 Discovery Way
Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34987
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing

Tallahassee

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
334 West Palmer Avenue, 103 Ware Rhaney Building | Tallahassee, Florida 32307
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Florida State University
98 Varsity Way | Tallahassee, Florida 32306
  • MSN: Nurse Leader
Keiser University - Tallahassee
1700 Halstead Boulevard, Building Two | Tallahassee, Florida 32309
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
School Address Programs offered
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University 334 West Palmer Avenue, 103 Ware Rhaney Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32307
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Florida State University 98 Varsity Way
Tallahassee, Florida 32306
  • MSN: Nurse Leader
Keiser University - Tallahassee 1700 Halstead Boulevard, Building Two
Tallahassee, Florida 32309
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing

Tampa Bay

Keiser University - Clearwater
16120 US Highway 19 North | Clearwater, Florida 33764
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Keiser University - New Port Richey
6014 US Highway 19 North, Suite 250 | New Port Richey, Florida 34652
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Keiser University - Tampa
5002 West Waters Avenue | Tampa, Florida 33634
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
South University, Tampa
4401 North Himes Avenue, Suite 175 | Tampa, Florida 33614
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
University of South Florida
12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard | Tampa, Florida 33612
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Occupational Health
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • MSN: Family Health Nursing
  • MSN: Nursing Education
  • MSN: Pediatric Health Nursing
University of Tampa
401 West Kennedy Boulevard | Tampa, Florida 33606
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
School Address Programs offered
Keiser University - Clearwater 16120 US Highway 19 North
Clearwater, Florida 33764
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Keiser University - New Port Richey 6014 US Highway 19 North, Suite 250
New Port Richey, Florida 34652
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Keiser University - Tampa 5002 West Waters Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33634
  • Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
  • Master of Science in Nursing
South University, Tampa 4401 North Himes Avenue, Suite 175
Tampa, Florida 33614
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
  • RN-to-MSN Degree Completion
University of South Florida 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
Tampa, Florida 33612
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Occupational Health
  • MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
  • MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader
  • MSN: Family Health Nursing
  • MSN: Nursing Education
  • MSN: Pediatric Health Nursing
University of Tampa 401 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, Florida 33606
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner

Other Florida cities

Florida State University Panama City
4750 Collegiate Drive | Panama City, Florida 32405
  • Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
School Address Programs offered
Florida State University Panama City 4750 Collegiate Drive
Panama City, Florida 32405
  • Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
Category: 
Florida