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Graduate Students

Registered Nursing.org has ranked NKU THE #1 MSN Program in the State of Kentucky!

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RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the Best Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Kentucky for 2025. These programs are recognized for their strong academic foundations, flexible learning opportunities, and commitment to advancing nursing education. Rankings are based on a detailed methodology assessing program quality, accessibility, and student success. Thank you RegisteredNursing.org for recognizing our faculty and staff who work hard to ensure our MSN programs remain best in Kentucky!
Building on your career
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Award winning programs. Convenient online options. Small class and cohort sizes.

Coupled with our personalized student focus, these features make Northern Kentucky University the premier choice for furthering your education and enhancing your career path.  Our graduate programs are born in theory and grown in practice, giving you the core competencies and the confidence needed to succeed and lead in your career.

How to Apply

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Orientation

Whether you are a part-time or full-time student, relocating or local, pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, new graduate student orientation is designed to assist both on campus and online students in your transition to graduate study at Northern Kentucky University.

Register for Orientation

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Academic Polices & Forms

General graduate student policies can be found in the graduate catalog. Students are governed by the catalog for the year he/she was admitted.  The student Honor Code sets standards of academic integrity and provides procedures that offers basic assurances of fundamental fairness to anyone accused of violations of these rules.

Academic Policies

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Financial Aid, Tuition & Fees

Several options are available to finance your graduate degree.  Financial aid is available for any degree-seeking student who has been fully admitted into a graduate degree program, as well as for students who have been admitted to the first term provisionally. 

Graduate Tuition and Fees

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Thesis, Dissertation & Capstone

After successful completion of the program requirements for the dissertation/thesis/project and after the committee has indicated the student has passed, the student should make all required changes to the document (if applicable to the student’s particular work).

Guidelines for Completion

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Graduation & Commencement

Commencement exercises at Northern Kentucky University are held in both May and December. The December ceremony is for students completing degree requirements in the fall and preceding summer semester. The May ceremony is for students completing degree requirements in the spring semester. Information regarding the ceremony, purchasing caps, gowns, hoods, and ordering announcements will be sent to all degree candidates.

Visit Commencement Site

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Graduate Student Life

There is no shortage of things to do in the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati area. Activities - both on and off campus - will entertain, and help you grow as a student and a person.  From Community Connections to the Campus Recreation Center, NKU offers ways to help the community and help yourself. Participate in Norse traditions by attending music and theater performances, athletic events and more.

Life @ NKU 

Program List
Looking for more information about our Online Course Schedules? Visit our Online Student Resources page for more details.

Online Program Cost

*Please note that the information provided on this website is provided for the convenience of the site user only. Information contained on the website is subject to change at any time without prior notice. The university reserves the right to modify, amend, or update any content, including but not limited to academic programs, policies, admission criteria, services offered, and online program costs. Annually, NKU’s tuition cost is re-evaluated by the Board of Regents and is subject to change. The above tuition information was obtained here. For more information on in-person/hybrid delivery course cost, click here.
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Micro-credentials

Micro-credentials can demonstrate your mastery of relevant workplace skills, abilities and competencies, which is professionally invaluable not only to you, but also to your employer. 

View the List

Office of Graduate Education

Northern Kentucky University
302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099

E-mail: graduate@nku.edu
Phone: (859) 572-6364
Fax: (859) 572-6670

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Northern Kentucky University
Nunn Drive | Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099

Phone: (859) 572-5100


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