2026 Nursing Education Degree Coursework Explained: What Classes Can You Expect to Take?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Many aspiring nurse educators struggle to understand what coursework a nursing education degree entails, complicating their academic planning. According to the National League for Nursing, over 55% of nursing students recognize gaps in their knowledge of teaching methodologies and clinical instruction skills. This knowledge gap can hinder their readiness for faculty roles that demand both clinical expertise and educational competence.

This article clarifies the core classes within the nursing education curriculum, illustrating how these courses equip students with essential teaching techniques, curriculum development skills, and clinical training approaches to successfully advance in academic and healthcare settings.

Key Benefits of Nursing Education Degree Coursework

Nursing education coursework cultivates advanced clinical teaching skills, enabling graduates to effectively train future nurses and improve patient care standards.
The curriculum strengthens leadership and communication abilities, critical for managing healthcare teams and fostering collaborative medical environments.
Completing nursing education courses is linked to a 12% higher median salary compared to clinical nursing roles, enhancing career advancement opportunities.

What Types of Class Do You Take in a Nursing Education Degree?

The curriculum in a nursing education degree typically balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare students for academic and clinical teaching roles. Industry trends show a growing emphasis on evidence-based teaching methods to enhance nursing training outcomes.

Below are the main categories you can expect to encounter:

Core Foundational Classes: These classes cover essential nursing concepts, education theory, and curriculum development, building a strong base in both clinical nursing knowledge and pedagogy important for teaching roles.
Specialization or Elective Courses: Offering the chance to explore areas like adult education, simulation-based learning, or leadership within nursing education, these courses provide tailored skills for diverse educational settings.
Research and Methods Coursework: Focused on educational research, assessment strategies, and program evaluation, these classes develop students' abilities to critically analyze and improve nursing education practices.
Practicum, Internship, or Capstone Experiences: Practical teaching opportunities in clinical or classroom environments allow students to apply theory, refine instructional techniques, and gain supervised, real-world experience.

Students interested in flexible pathways can explore programs like RN to BSN online no clinicals, which offer alternative clinical requirements.

What Are the Core Courses in a Nursing Education Degree Program?

Core nursing education courses provide essential knowledge and practical skills that prepare students to effectively teach and lead within healthcare settings. These are designed to integrate theory, research, and applied practice.

The following list highlights the key courses that build foundational expertise in nursing education:

Foundations of Nursing Education: This course explores teaching theories and diverse learning styles, helping students understand how to adapt instructional methods for varied nursing learners.
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Education: Students learn to apply research methodologies and critically evaluate evidence to inform educational strategies and improve outcomes.
Curriculum Design and Assessment Strategies for Healthcare Learners: Focused on creating effective nursing curricula, this course covers principles of course development, learner evaluation, and outcome measurement.
Professional Roles, Ethics, and Legal Considerations in Nursing Education: Students gain insight into ethical responsibilities, legal issues, and professional standards that guide nursing educators.
Clinical Teaching and Simulation Techniques for Nursing Students: This practical course emphasizes hands-on strategies such as simulation to enhance clinical instruction and student engagement.

As nursing education programs often complement broader healthcare pathways, prospective students may also explore related fields such as medical billing and coding online schools to expand their healthcare expertise.

What Elective Classes Can You Take in a Nursing Education Degree?

Elective courses in a nursing education degree enable students to customize their learning experience, aligning it with personal interests or future career plans. Nearly 65% of students opt for electives to build expertise in specialized nursing education areas.

Below are some common and impactful elective options available:

Simulation and Technology in Nursing Education: This course centers on the use of cutting-edge simulation technologies to enhance practical training methods, helping students improve their instructional and technical skills for modern nursing environments.
Healthcare Policy and Advocacy: Students explore healthcare laws, regulations, and advocacy strategies, preparing themselves to influence policies and lead initiatives that shape nursing education and practice standards.
Mental Health Nursing Education: Focused on mental health challenges and therapeutic communication techniques, this class equips future educators to train nurses in supporting psychological well-being.
Curriculum Development and Instructional Design: This elective teaches how to design effective, adaptable nursing education programs tailored to diverse learner needs and evolving healthcare demands.

A nursing education professional who recently completed his degree shared his impressions of the elective courses he selected. He described how balancing rigorous coursework with hands-on practice was initially daunting but ultimately rewarding, saying, "Choosing electives allowed me to dive deep into areas I'm passionate about, especially curriculum design."

He also highlighted the process of applying theoretical knowledge to develop real-world teaching strategies, which often required trial, error, and refinement. Despite the challenges, he emphasized that the electives broadened his skillset and confidence, making him feel better prepared for academic and clinical educator roles.

Are Internships or Practicums Required in Nursing Education Programs?

Hands-on experiences are essential components of nursing education programs, allowing students to translate classroom theories into real-world practice. These practical opportunities contribute significantly to developing clinical and instructional skills.

Key aspects of internships and practicums in nursing education include:

Program Requirements: Most programs mandate a clinical placement to meet accreditation and competency standards, ensuring students demonstrate practical abilities in educational or healthcare settings.
Duration and Hours: Students typically complete between 100 to 500 clinical hours, varying according to the program's focus and level, providing substantial hands-on time.
Types of Experiences: Engagement often involves teaching nursing concepts, curriculum development, observing seasoned instructors, and collaborating with patients or healthcare teams to apply knowledge actively.
Skills Development: These experiences cultivate essential skills such as effective communication, instructional strategies, clinical decision-making, and professional observation, supporting overall student growth.

Nearly 90% of nursing education programs require students to complete a practicum or clinical internship. This ensures students gain meaningful exposure before advancing in their careers.

Is a Capstone or Thesis Required in a Nursing Education Degree?

Capstone projects and theses both serve as culminating experiences that showcase a student's mastery of nursing education through academic and practical application. Nearly 60% of U.S. master's programs in nursing education offer students a choice between these two options to align with diverse career aspirations.

Here's a closer look at their key distinctions and roles within degree programs:

Nature of the Project: A thesis involves original research aimed at contributing new knowledge to nursing education, requiring rigorous investigation. In contrast, a capstone focuses on applying theories to practical challenges, such as developing curriculum or implementing educational strategies.
Requirements and Time Commitment: Theses demand extensive research, writing, and analysis, often taking more time and effort. Capstones, while comprehensive, are usually less research-intensive and emphasize project management and practical outcomes.
Skills Developed: Completing a thesis builds strong research, critical thinking, and academic writing skills essential for scholarly or research careers. Capstone projects enhance problem-solving, leadership, and applied educational skills useful in clinical teaching or administrative roles.
Career and Academic Goals: Students pursuing doctoral studies or scholarly work generally prefer theses for their research focus. Those aiming for roles in clinical education or nursing administration more often select capstones to demonstrate practical expertise.
Program Structure: Many nursing education master's programs allow students to choose their culminating project path, ensuring flexibility and alignment with individual goals while requiring critical thinking and integration of course knowledge.

When I spoke with a professional who completed a nursing education degree, she reflected on her experience deciding between a capstone and thesis. She shared that opting for the capstone allowed her to directly apply classroom concepts to a real-world educational initiative, which was both challenging and rewarding.

"The process pushed me to think creatively about problems educators face daily, and managing the project timeline was intense but satisfying," she explained. Although she initially worried about not conducting original research, she found the project's practical impact deeply meaningful and relevant to her work setting.

"Looking back, the capstone gave me confidence in leading educational programs and communicating effectively with colleagues," she added. Her experience highlights how these culminating projects shape skills and career readiness in different yet valuable ways.

Is Nursing Education Coursework Different Online vs On Campus?

The coursework for nursing education remains largely consistent whether delivered online or on campus. Both formats follow the same curriculum, maintain equivalent learning outcomes, and uphold comparable academic standards to ensure students acquire essential knowledge and skills.

Core topics, including instructional strategies, curriculum development, and clinical teaching techniques, are comprehensively addressed in each format. Consequently, students can expect a uniform educational foundation regardless of the study mode they choose. Differences arise primarily in how the content is presented and experienced.

Online courses utilize virtual lectures, discussion boards, and recorded demonstrations, offering greater flexibility for students to study at their own pace. In contrast, on-campus programs emphasize face-to-face instruction and direct collaboration with faculty and classmates.

While assessments are similar, online exams may involve remote proctoring, whereas in-person tests occur under controlled conditions. Hands-on components like clinical practicums still require physical attendance to develop practical skills essential for nursing education careers.

Breakdown of Public Fully Online Title IV Institutions (in percentages)

Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023

How Many Hours Per Week Do Nursing Education Classes Require?

Most students pursuing nursing education degree programs typically dedicate between 12 to 20 hours per week to coursework. This weekly time commitment for nursing education courses usually includes attending lectures or online sessions, reviewing readings and research materials, completing assignments, participating in group discussions, and engaging in applied learning activities.

Below is a breakdown of key factors that influence nursing education class hours per week:

Enrollment Status: Full-time students generally spend more hours weekly than part-time students, as they enroll in more credits and related coursework.
Course Level: Advanced or specialized courses require additional study time for in-depth projects, research, and practical application beyond introductory material.
Format of Study: On-campus programs demand more in-person participation, while online courses offer scheduling flexibility but require disciplined time management.
Credit Load: The number of credits taken per term correlates directly with weekly hours; more credits mean more hours committed to study and assignments.
Practicum and Project Work: Applied learning components such as clinical practicums or simulation exercises increase weekly workload because of hands-on experience and observation duties.

For those considering alternative healthcare career options, a low cost medical coding and billing online program might offer a different time commitment and learning structure, given the complexity of nursing.

How Many Credit Hours Are Required to Complete a Nursing Education Degree?

The total credit hour requirements for nursing education programs play a critical role in determining the length of study, student workload, and graduation timeline. These requirements vary depending on the degree level and program structure, making it important for students to assess their options carefully.

Typical credit hour requirements for nursing education programs can differ widely between undergraduate and graduate levels. Below is a summary of the common credit-hour components you can expect:

Core Coursework: Usually accounts for the majority of credit hours, with undergraduate degrees requiring around 120 to 130 credits overall, most of which are from core nursing and education classes. Graduate programs feature 30 to 45 credit hours or more in advanced topics like nursing theory, curriculum design, teaching methods, and healthcare policy.
Electives: Students often choose elective courses to deepen clinical expertise or explore specialized interests within nursing education. Electives typically make up a smaller portion of the credit hour total but provide important flexibility for individual career goals.
Experiential Learning: Practicums, internships, capstone projects, or theses are essential components ensuring practical teaching and research experience. Doctoral programs especially require a significant number of credits in these applied areas, sometimes exceeding 60 credit hours when combined with research requirements beyond the master's degree.

To find programs that fit personal and professional needs, individuals might explore options through an online nursing program or traditional on-campus paths.

How Does Nursing Education Coursework Prepare Students for Careers?

Nursing education coursework plays a crucial role in preparing students for careers by integrating essential skills, knowledge, and applied learning experiences that translate directly to the workplace. This equips future nurses and educators with the competencies needed for professional readiness.

Employment for nurse educators is expected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, reflecting the rising demand in healthcare education. Here are the ways the coursework influences career readiness:

Skill Development: Students gain critical thinking abilities and nursing-specific knowledge that support sound clinical and educational decisions. These skills are foundational for success in diverse healthcare and academic settings.
Applied Learning Experiences: Coursework often includes clinical simulations and real-world projects, allowing students to practice problem-solving and decision-making in healthcare environments. This hands-on practice is vital for career readiness and confidence.
Industry Tools and Technologies: Learning to use current healthcare technologies prepares students for efficient patient management and teaching in technologically advanced settings, enhancing their professional adaptability.
Communication and Leadership Competencies: The curriculum emphasizes development in communication, leadership, and ethical practice. These competencies are indispensable for nursing careers and for guiding future healthcare professionals effectively.
Professional Networking Opportunities: Internships and collaborations with healthcare providers offer students valuable connections and experience, supporting career advancement and professional growth.

Many students seeking affordable paths consider the cheapest DNP online program as a practical option to advance their nursing education without excessive financial burden.

How Does Nursing Education Coursework Affect Salary Potential After Graduation?

Completing nursing education coursework plays a crucial role in boosting salary prospects by equipping students with valuable expertise that employers seek. Nurse educators often benefit from higher earnings as a result of specialized training and credentials.

For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurse educators earn a median wage near $83,160 annually, with top earners exceeding $115,000.

Coursework contributes to salary growth in several key areas, including:

Specialized Skill Development: Courses teach advanced topics like curriculum design, teaching strategies, and clinical instruction, making graduates more competitive for roles that offer increased pay.
Advanced Coursework and Certifications: Completing targeted classes prepares students for certifications such as the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), which are linked to higher salaries and career advancement.
Leadership and Management Training: Education programs often include leadership development, positioning graduates for administrative or managerial positions with greater financial rewards.
Applied Practical Experiences: Practicums and capstone projects enhance hands-on skills and problem-solving abilities, improving qualifications for specialized or supervisory roles.
Preparation for Certification Exams: Specific coursework aligned with credentialing requirements ensures readiness for exams that can increase employability and earning potential.

What Graduates Say About Their Nursing Education Degree Coursework

Kyle: "The nursing education coursework was surprisingly affordable, especially considering the quality of learning I received. Taking classes online gave me the flexibility I needed while working full-time, and the interactive modules kept me engaged throughout. This degree truly opened doors for me to become a nurse educator at a reputable hospital. "

Tara: "Reflecting on my nursing education journey, I found the cost reasonable compared to other programs, which eased my concerns about finances. Though studying on campus meant commuting, it offered invaluable face-to-face collaboration with peers and faculty. The coursework deeply enriched my clinical teaching skills, advancing my career in academic nursing. "

Elias: "From a professional standpoint, investing in nursing education courses was well worth it given the competitive tuition rates and comprehensive curriculum. I opted for a hybrid approach-part online, part in-person-which suited my learning style perfectly. Since completing the program, I've gained confidence and credibility, resulting in a meaningful promotion as a nursing instructor. "

Other Things You Should Know About Nursing Education Degrees

What kinds of teaching methods are emphasized in nursing education degree coursework?

Nursing education degree programs focus heavily on developing effective teaching strategies tailored to healthcare settings. Coursework often includes training in simulation-based learning, interactive lectures, and the use of technology such as virtual labs. This equips students with the skills to engage diverse learner groups and enhance knowledge retention in clinical environments.

Are there specific courses on curriculum development in nursing education programs?

Yes, courses on curriculum development are typically included. These classes teach students how to design, implement, and evaluate nursing education programs that meet accreditation standards. Topics often cover instructional design principles, assessment techniques, and aligning content with regulatory requirements.

Do nursing education degree programs cover leadership and administration topics?

Many nursing education curricula incorporate leadership and administrative coursework. Students learn about managing educational programs, supervising staff, and navigating healthcare policies. This training prepares graduates to assume roles that combine teaching responsibilities with management duties in nursing education settings.

What courses in nursing education degree programs prepare students for interprofessional collaboration?

In 2026, nursing education programs often include courses like "Interprofessional Practice" and "Collaborative Healthcare Skills," focusing on team dynamics, communication, and strategies for effective collaboration across medical disciplines to ensure comprehensive patient care.