Master of Science
i-LEAD in Nursing and Health Care Systems
With a master’s degree in this specialty, you can lead the changes you want to see in healthcare. You’ll get a business education that’s firmly rooted in nursing and health systems (how organizations provide health services). You’ll learn to lead projects that improve patient safety and quality of care by working with providers, executives, and technology experts.
Move from direct patient care to a higher-level, administrative role where you’ll strengthen the nursing profession.
Overview
Format
100% online
Fully remote program with opportunities to connect with your peers and teachers through virtual meetings and discussion boards.
Avg. time to complete
2-2.5 years
6 semesters
One low tuition rate for everyone
Whether you live in-state or out-of-state, you pay the same tuition. Get a great education from Colorado's top nursing college* without worrying about paying higher costs based on where you live.
Expert faculty dedicated to your success
Many of our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research. Our educators are passionate about helping students advance their knowledge and careers.
#8
Online nursing administration master's program in the U.S.*
Career
When you complete the MS i-LEAD in Nursing and Health Care Systems program, you’ll unlock a new professional path. This program prepares you for a career where you'll innovate in leadership and administration, what the program name i-LEAD stands for — I for Innovation, LE for Leadership, and AD for Administration.
Example job titles
- Nurse manager
- Nursing director
- Nurse administrator
What you can do
- Direct efforts to improve patient safety and quality of care
- Manage initiatives to educate and retain healthcare workers
- Lead teams and organizational change
Where you can work
- Hospitals
- Pharmaceutical and medical device companies
- Public policy, legislative, and regulatory entities
- + more
Admissions
Deadline(s)
| Start term | Application opens | Priority deadlinetooltip | Extended deadlinetooltip |
| Fall 2025 | August 15, 2024 | January 15, 2025 | July 1, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 | January 15, 2025 | July 1, 2025 | Not applicable |
Get started
1
Check the requirements
Understand the admissions requirements like how many letters of recommendation you need and what courses should be on your transcript.
2
Start your application
Work on your application and submit it through NursingCAS.
Curriculum
Practical training
In this program, you’ll transition from direct patient care to more of a behind-the-scenes role in nursing. Instead of a clinical placement, you’ll complete an internship, often where you work, focused on improving systems and processes in a healthcare facility.
Classroom learning
This program includes 27 credit hours of online classes. You’ll learn about nursing leadership essentials in classes such as policy and politics of health and systems and leadership theory.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Costs
| Residency status | Estimated total tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $23,550 |
| Nonresidents | $23,550 |
| Additional expenses | Time frame | Estimated costs |
| Matriculation fee | One-time | $140 |
| Other fees | By term | Fall $392, Spring $232, Summer $180 |
| Books and supplies | Total for program | $2,000 |
| CU health insurance (may be waived with proof of comparable personal health insurance) | By term | Fall $1,575, Spring $1,575, Summer $1,050 |
The college’s programs let you grab every opportunity. The classes and instructors help you get to where you want to go a lot faster. Now I’m a nurse educator, and that’s because of the foundation I got at CU. I cannot say it enough; I am constantly raving about it.
Krystal Hidalgo, RN, BSN, MS
CU Nursing Alum
MS i-LEAD in Nursing and Health Care Systems program
Become the nurse leader looked to first 
Get your degree from the top nursing college in Colorado. Start your journey to become a CU nurse leader today.
Disclosures
* According to 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Nursing Programs and Best Nursing Schools rankings.
**
Estimated total tuition based on 2024-2025 costs. Tuition estimates do
not include fees and other education-related costs. The in-state tuition rate is also available to nonresidents in this program through our Tuition Buy-down Initiative.
- Accreditation information.
- Certification and licensure for online students residing outside of Colorado: Please see the Nursing Certification Disclaimer and review the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements information.
- Gainful employment and program statistics: For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students completing our programs, and other important information, please visit the University of Colorado Denver Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.