Main content
Emory School of Nursing master's degree programs recognized as best in nation
Media Contact
Lauren Powers
Director of Communications and Marketing
Fayron Epps

Master’s degree programs at the Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing are the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of graduate schools, released today.

The school’s Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Nursing programs came in at the top spot among all nursing schools, while the Doctor of Nursing Practice program retained its No. 6 standing. U.S. News placed the school No. 2 in its undergraduate program rankings last fall.

Multiple graduate specialties at the School of Nursing also earned high marks in today’s rankings, including: 

Master of Science in Nursing

  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care – No. 4
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care – No. 4
  • Family Nurse Practitioner – No. 6

Doctor of Nursing Practice

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care – No. 5
  • Family Nurse Practitioner – No. 5
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care – No. 6

“We are always honored to be recognized among the top nursing programs,” says Dean Linda McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, FRCN. “This recognition is a testament to our diverse and excellent faculty, staff and students, along with our alumni and partners, who shape the future of nursing and impact our world’s health and well-being. I am incredibly proud of our entire school community.”

The accolades come during a period of growth for the school in research and enrollment. Third among all nursing schools for National Institutes of Health grant funding, the school also received record funding in 2022 from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration and other federal agencies for health care delivery, research and training programs.

Enrollment has grown from 475 students to nearly 1,300 students during McCauley’s 14-year tenure, and 100 percent of graduates across all programs are employed within six months of graduation. The school recently launched psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and cardiovascular perfusion science programs to meet current and emerging health care needs. Last fall, the school opened its Emory Nursing Learning Center — a $20.6 million, 70,000-square-foot expansion for simulation and continuing education.

The National League for Nursing has recognized the school as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education for its work in enhancing student learning and professional development and promoting the pedagogical expertise of faculty, and the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) has tapped 74 faculty and alumni as AAN Fellows, the profession’s most accomplished leaders in education, management, practice and research. The school is also ranked among the top 10 nursing schools by Nurse.org.

U.S. News assesses both nursing master's programs and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs on their research activity, faculty resources, student excellence, and qualitative ratings from experts. Information on their ranking methodology can be found here

About the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing  

As one of the nation's top nursing schools, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University is committed to educating visionary nurse leaders and scholars. The school offers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and non-degree programs, bringing together cutting-edge resources, distinguished faculty, top clinical experiences, and access to leading health care partners to shape the future of nursing and impact our world's health and well-being.


Recent News