Emory School of Nursing Master's Degree Program Ranked Best in the Nation for the 4th Consecutive Year
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
For the fourth straight year, Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing’s master’s degree programs are ranked No. 1 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of graduate schools.
The report, released today, ranks both the school’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Master of Nursing (MN) programs No. 1 among all nursing schools. This year, the school’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was also ranked second in the nation, joining our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that earned a No. 2 ranking last fall.
Multiple graduate specialties also earned high rankings, including:
Master’s Specialties
#2 Best Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs (tied)
#3 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs (tied)
#4 Best Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
#6 Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs (tied)
DNP Specialties
#2 Best Gerontology, Primary Care Programs
#5 Best Gerontology, Acute Care Programs
#6 Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
#6 Best Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric, Primary Care Programs (tied)
#6 Best Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric / Mental Health, Across the Lifespan Programs (tied)
#20 Best Nurse Anesthesia Programs
“We are thrilled to have all three of our major degree programs ranked in the top 2 nationwide,” says Interim Dean Lisa Muirhead, DNP, APRN-BC, ANP, FAANP, FAAN. “This kind of recognition speaks to the outstanding nature of our Emory Nursing community. Our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends work tirelessly each day to redefine what is possible in nursing and shape the future of the profession through innovation, leadership, and impact.”
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.
“These latest rankings are a highlight of my tenure at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing,” says former Dean Linda McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, FRCN. “While my retirement began in January of this year, I had the pleasure of working alongside our dedicated community last year as they worked hard toward these top rankings. I remain incredibly proud of our work, and I look forward to seeing the positive and far-reaching impact that the School of Nursing will continue to have on nursing education, research, policy, and health care delivery for all.”
