UnisHub University Compass

Nursing Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Nursing Science is a specialized academic field dedicated to advancing the theoretical and practical foundations of nursing through rigorous research and evidence-based innovation. It equips advanced practitioners and scholars with the expertise to lead in clinical transformation, healthcare policy, and the development of new nursing knowledge.

  • Advanced Clinical Practice: Explores complex patient care strategies, diagnostic reasoning, and intervention techniques at the highest level of nursing proficiency, emphasizing outcomes in diverse healthcare settings.
  • Research Methodologies: Focuses on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches to design, conduct, and evaluate studies that address pressing issues in patient care and health systems.
  • Healthcare Administration and Leadership: Develops skills in managing complex nursing operations, optimizing resource allocation, and leading interdisciplinary teams within evolving healthcare environments.
  • Translational Research and Clinical Application: Bridges the gap between scientific discovery and real-world practice by applying research findings to improve patient outcomes and refine nursing interventions.
  • Nursing Knowledge Development: Encourages original scholarship that expands the discipline’s theoretical frameworks, contributing to the evolution of nursing as a science and profession.

Nursing Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

4,245
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
150
Universities & Colleges
3
Career Pathways
Career & Salary Outlook Schools Offering This Program Related Programs

Nursing Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Nursing Science degrees, including Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses and Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 3,663,650 professionals.

National Average Salaries

Occupation Median Salary Salary Range Total Employment Hourly Rate
Nurse Practitioners 29-1171 $129,210 $97,960 - $169,950 307,390 $62.12
Registered Nurses 29-1141 $93,600 $66,030 - $135,320 3,282,010 $45.00
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1072 $79,940 $47,950 - $130,040 74,250 N/A

Salary Comparison

Nursing Science Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $85,040 in Arkansas to $135,317 in California—a 59% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Oregon, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,663,650 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.

Average Salary Range:

Top Universities for Nursing Science by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 100 institutions offering Nursing Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Nursing Science is found at University of Massachusetts, Boston (365 graduates), EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc, San Juan (362 graduates), EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc (EDP), San Sebastian (268 graduates), Rivier University (244 graduates), and EDP University of Puerto Rico, Manati (224 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 4,129 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.

College Name Award Levels Graduates Admissions Location Control Website
University of Massachusetts
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 365 SAT: 1080-1290
ACT: 24-30 		Boston, Massachusetts Public umb.edu
EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc
Associate's
Bachelor's
 362 N/A San Juan, Puerto Rico Private edpuniversity.edu
EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc (EDP)
Associate's
Bachelor's
 268 N/A San Sebastian, Puerto Rico Private edpuniversity.edu
Rivier University
Bachelor's
Master's
 244 N/A Nashua, New Hampshire Private rivier.edu
EDP University of Puerto Rico
Associate's
Bachelor's
 224 N/A Manati, Puerto Rico Private edpuniversity.edu
Duquesne University
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
 216 SAT: 1160-1350
ACT: 26-31 		Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Private duq.edu
Rush University
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 160 N/A Chicago, Illinois Private rushu.rush.edu
University of Maine (UMFK)
Bachelor's
 146 N/A Fort Kent, Maine Public umfk.maine.edu
Rutgers University
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 145 SAT: 1270-1480
ACT: 28-33 		New Brunswick, New Jersey Public newbrunswick.rutgers.edu
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Bachelor's
Master's
 143 SAT: 1120-1270
ACT: 21-26 		Mahwah, New Jersey Public ramapo.edu
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 110 SAT: 1120-1340
ACT: 25-32 		Chicago, Illinois Public uic.edu
Augusta University (AU)
Doctorate (P)
 98 SAT: 1020-1230
ACT: 19-26 		Augusta, Georgia Public augusta.edu
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's
 95 SAT: 1030-1210 Millersville, Pennsylvania Public millersville.edu
Wagner College
Master's
 77 SAT: 1150-1320
ACT: 23-27 		Staten Island, New York Private wagner.edu
EDP University of Puerto Rico
Associate's
Bachelor's
 67 N/A Humacao, Puerto Rico Private edpuniversity.edu
EDP University of Puerto Rico
Associate's
 66 N/A Villalba, Puerto Rico Private edpuniversity.edu
Kean University
Bachelor's
Master's
Post-Master's
 65 SAT: 1020-1198 Union, New Jersey Public kean.edu
Monmouth University
Master's
Doctorate (P)
 64 SAT: 1125-1270
ACT: 24-28 		West Long Branch, New Jersey Private monmouth.edu
Benedictine University (BenU)
Master's
 57 N/A Lisle, Illinois Private ben.edu
Bellevue University
Bachelor's
 52 N/A Bellevue, Nebraska Private bellevue.edu
University of California (UCI)
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
 48 N/A Irvine, California Public uci.edu
Walden University
Doctorate (R)
 46 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota Private waldenu.edu
Rogers State University (RSU)
Bachelor's
 46 N/A Claremore, Oklahoma Public rsu.edu
Touro University Nevada (TUN)
Master's
Post-Master's
 40 N/A Henderson, Nevada Private tun.touro.edu
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 38 N/A Little Rock, Arkansas Public uams.edu
Fort Hays State University (FHSU)
Master's
Doctorate (P)
 37 SAT: 970-1200
ACT: 19-25 		Hays, Kansas Public fhsu.edu
Northern Illinois University (NIU)
Master's
 35 N/A Dekalb, Illinois Public niu.edu
University of Rhode Island (URI)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 29 SAT: 1030-1270
ACT: 26-31 		Kingston, Rhode Island Public web.uri.edu
University of Vermont (UVM)
Master's
Doctorate (P)
 28 SAT: 1250-1420
ACT: 29-32 		Burlington, Vermont Public uvm.edu
Wichita State University (WSU)
Master's
Doctorate (P)
 26 SAT: 970-1250
ACT: 18-26 		Wichita, Kansas Public wichita.edu
College of Our Lady of the Elms (Elms College)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
 26 SAT: 1150-1320 Chicopee, Massachusetts Private elms.edu
Vanderbilt University (VU)
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 25 SAT: 1510-1560
ACT: 34-35 		Nashville, Tennessee Private vanderbilt.edu
University of Puerto Rico (UPR‑MSC)
Master's
 25 N/A San Juan, Puerto Rico Public rcm.upr.edu
American College of Education (ACE)
Master's
 24 N/A Indianapolis, Indiana Private ace.edu
Fresno Pacific University (FPU)
Master's
 22 N/A Fresno, California Private fresno.edu
Metropolitan State University
Doctorate (P)
 22 ACT: 16-23 Saint Paul, Minnesota Public metrostate.edu
Goodwin University
Master's
 21 N/A East Hartford, Connecticut Private goodwin.edu
Texas Woman's University (TWU)
Doctorate (R)
 19 N/A Denton, Texas Public twu.edu
Governors State University (GSU)
Master's
 18 N/A University Park, Illinois Public govst.edu
Minnesota State University
Doctorate (P)
 18 ACT: 22-25 Mankato, Minnesota Public mnsu.edu
University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 18 SAT: 1100-1280
ACT: 22-27 		Greensboro, North Carolina Public uncg.edu
The Catholic University of America
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 17 N/A Washington, District of Columbia Private catholic.edu
University of Maryland (UMB)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 17 N/A Baltimore, Maryland Public umaryland.edu
University of Kansas (KU)
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 16 SAT: 1050-1290
ACT: 21-27 		Lawrence, Kansas Public ku.edu
Touro University California (TUC)
Master's
 16 N/A Vallejo, California Private tu.edu
Universal Technology College of Puerto Rico (UNITEC)
Bachelor's
 15 N/A Aguadilla, Puerto Rico Private unitecpr.edu
Columbia University in the City of New York
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 14 SAT: 1490-1570
ACT: 34-35 		New York, New York Private columbia.edu
Moravian University
Master's
 14 SAT: 1060-1230
ACT: 24-28 		Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Private moravian.edu
The University of Texas
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (R)
 14 SAT: 1010-1220
ACT: 19-25 		Tyler, Texas Public uttyler.edu
Sacred Heart University (SHU)
Doctorate (P)
 13 N/A Fairfield, Connecticut Private sacredheart.edu
ICPR Junior College (ICPR)
Associate's
 13 N/A Mayaguez, Puerto Rico Private icprjc.edu
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Master's
 12 N/A Rock Island, Illinois Private trinitycollegeqc.edu
Salem State University (SSU)
Master's
 11 SAT: 990-1160 Salem, Massachusetts Public salemstate.edu
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Doctorate (R)
 10 SAT: 1040-1210
ACT: 20-26 		Boca Raton, Florida Public fau.edu
Emory University
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 10 SAT: 1460-1550
ACT: 32-34 		Atlanta, Georgia Private emory.edu
North Park University
Master's
 10 N/A Chicago, Illinois Private northpark.edu
Rutgers University
Master's
 10 SAT: 1010-1255
ACT: 18-26 		Camden, New Jersey Public camden.rutgers.edu
The University of Texas
Doctorate (R)
 10 SAT: 1230-1490
ACT: 27-33 		Austin, Texas Public utexas.edu
ICPR Junior College
Associate's
 10 N/A Manati, Puerto Rico Private icprjc.edu
University of Nevada (UNLV)
Doctorate (R)
 9 SAT: 980-1230
ACT: 18-24 		Las Vegas, Nevada Public unlv.edu
Rutgers University
Doctorate (R)
 9 N/A Newark, New Jersey Public newark.rutgers.edu
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Doctorate (R)
 9 N/A Galveston, Texas Public utmb.edu
Georgia State University
Doctorate (R)
 8 SAT: 1040-1280
ACT: 19-26 		Atlanta, Georgia Public gsu.edu
Indiana University (IU Indianapolis)
Doctorate (R)
 8 SAT: 1040-1230
ACT: 21-28 		Indianapolis, Indiana Public indianapolis.iu.edu
University of Southern Mississippi (USM)
Doctorate (R)
 8 ACT: 19-27 Hattiesburg, Mississippi Public usm.edu
Montana State University (MSU)
Doctorate (P)
 8 SAT: 1060-1270
ACT: 20-27 		Bozeman, Montana Public montana.edu
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
Doctorate (R)
 8 SAT: 940-1170
ACT: 17-24 		Indiana, Pennsylvania Public iup.edu
The University of Tennessee
Doctorate (R)
 8 SAT: 1190-1340
ACT: 25-31 		Knoxville, Tennessee Public utk.edu
Dewey University
Associate's
 8 N/A Manati, Puerto Rico Private dewey.edu
University of Alabama (UAB)
Doctorate (R)
 7 SAT: 1130-1400
ACT: 22-30 		Birmingham, Alabama Public uab.edu
University of Iowa
Master's
Doctorate (R)
 7 SAT: 1130-1320
ACT: 22-28 		Iowa City, Iowa Public uiowa.edu
University of Massachusetts
Doctorate (R)
 7 SAT: 1300-1480
ACT: 29-33 		Amherst, Massachusetts Public umass.edu
University at Buffalo (UB)
Doctorate (R)
 7 SAT: 1210-1380
ACT: 27-32 		Buffalo, New York Public buffalo.edu
Duke University
Doctorate (R)
 7 SAT: 1510-1570
ACT: 34-35 		Durham, North Carolina Private duke.edu
University of Virginia (UVA)
Doctorate (R)
 7 SAT: 1410-1530
ACT: 32-34 		Charlottesville, Virginia Public virginia.edu
Washington State University (WSU)
Doctorate (R)
 7 N/A Pullman, Washington Public wsu.edu
World Mission University (WMU)
Bachelor's
 7 N/A Los Angeles, California Private wmu.edu
Atlantis University (AU)
Bachelor's
 7 N/A Miami, Florida Private atlantisuniversity.edu
University of San Diego (USD)
Doctorate (R)
 6 N/A San Diego, California Private sandiego.edu
University of Northern Colorado (UNCO)
Doctorate (R)
 6 SAT: 970-1180
ACT: 17-26 		Greeley, Colorado Public unco.edu
Saint Xavier University (SXU)
Master's
 6 N/A Chicago, Illinois Private sxu.edu
Pittsburg State University
Master's
 6 ACT: 18-24 Pittsburg, Kansas Public pittstate.edu
Colby-Sawyer College
Master's
 6 N/A New London, New Hampshire Private colby-sawyer.edu
Adelphi University
Doctorate (R)
 6 SAT: 1140-1310
ACT: 24-30 		Garden City, New York Private adelphi.edu
University of St Thomas
Master's
 6 SAT: 1075-1340
ACT: 22-28 		Houston, Texas Private stthom.edu
The University of Texas Health Science Center
Doctorate (R)
 6 N/A San Antonio, Texas Public uthscsa.edu
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Doctorate (R)
 6 SAT: 1030-1270
ACT: 22-30 		Richmond, Virginia Public vcu.edu
ICPR Junior College
Associate's
 6 N/A Hato Rey, Puerto Rico Private icprjc.edu
Endicott College
Doctorate (R)
 5 SAT: 1160-1340
ACT: 26-29 		Beverly, Massachusetts Private endicott.edu
University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL)
Doctorate (R)
 5 SAT: 1030-1220
ACT: 20-27 		Saint Louis, Missouri Public umsl.edu
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
Doctorate (R)
 5 N/A Omaha, Nebraska Public unmc.edu
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU Metro)
Master's
Doctorate (P)
 5 N/A Teaneck, New Jersey Private fdu.edu
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Doctorate (R)
 5 SAT: 1370-1530
ACT: 30-34 		Chapel Hill, North Carolina Public unc.edu
Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU)
Master's
 5 N/A Bartlesville, Oklahoma Private okwu.edu
East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
Doctorate (R)
 5 SAT: 950-1170
ACT: 19-26 		Johnson City, Tennessee Public etsu.edu
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)
Doctorate (R)
 5 N/A Memphis, Tennessee Public uthsc.edu
Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU)
Doctorate (R)
 4 N/A Tempe, Arizona Public asu.edu
University of Connecticut (UConn)
Doctorate (R)
 4 SAT: 1210-1420
ACT: 29-33 		Storrs, Connecticut Public uconn.edu
University of Central Florida (UCF)
Doctorate (R)
 4 SAT: 1190-1350
ACT: 25-29 		Orlando, Florida Public ucf.edu
University of Florida (UF)
Doctorate (R)
 4 SAT: 1300-1480
ACT: 28-33 		Gainesville, Florida Public ufl.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Nursing Science programs

How much can I earn with a Nursing Science degree?

Salaries for Nursing Science graduates vary by role and location. Nurse Practitioners earn a median of $129,210 annually, while Registered Nurses earn around $93,600. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $135,317 compared to $85,040 in Arkansas. Approximately 3,663,650 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.

Which universities have the largest Nursing Science programs?

Currently 150 accredited institutions offer Nursing Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Massachusetts, Boston (365 graduates), EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc, San Juan (362 graduates), and EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc (EDP), San Sebastian (268 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.

Is enrollment in Nursing Science growing or declining?

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 3,368 in 2010 to a peak of 4,613 in 2020, before declining slightly to 4,245 in 2023-24. This represents a 26% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.

What career paths are available with a Nursing Science degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 3,663,650 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.

Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Related Health Programs

Explore similar degree programs within the Health field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.

Clinical Laboratory Assistant

A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians or laboratory scientists or technologists, to perform waived testing procedures (Clinical Laboratory Improvement...

614 graduates (2023-2024)
31 schools offer this
View Program

Occupational Therapy Assistant

A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of occupational therapists, to direct patient participation in skill-enhancing, learning, and motivational tasks; correct or...

3,178 graduates (2023-2024)
214 schools offer this
View Program

Pharmacy Technician

A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of pharmacists, to prepare medications, provide medications and related assistance to patients, and manage pharmacy...

7,541 graduates (2023-2024)
365 schools offer this
View Program

Physical Therapy Assistant

A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of a physical therapist, to implement physical therapy treatment care plans, train patients, conduct treatment...

5,633 graduates (2023-2024)
365 schools offer this
View Program

Anesthesiologist Assistant

A program that prepares individuals to assist anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists in developing and implementing patient anesthesia care plans, including preoperative, surgical theater,...

423 graduates (2023-2024)
21 schools offer this
View Program

Emergency Care Attendant

A program that prepares individuals to assist licensed EMTs, under the supervision of a physician, to prepare and transport ill or injured patients,...

3,923 graduates (2023-2024)
77 schools offer this
View Program
Found this helpful? Share it!

Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.