School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing

A nursing graduate student performs an eye exam on a classmate.

Greater Care, Greater Impact

Already a registered nurse with a BSN? Take the next step toward transformative roles in health care!

A master's in nursing (MSN) gives you advanced leadership and clinical practice for more job options and higher earning power.

This program is available in a flexible, online/hybrid format.

Degree options

Take the path for you. Choose one of four options within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

All options are CCNE-accredited.

A nursing student adjusts the IV tube on a patient's arm while another student checks the patient's heartbeat with a stethoscope.
Traditional Option
Adult gerontology-acute care nurse practitioner
Gain experience in managing the health of adult patients, from young adults to senior citizens. Classes available online.
A graduate nursing student uses wrapping to bandage a patient's foot.
Traditional Option
Family nurse practitioner

Prepare, evaluate and treat patients of all ages as a health care provider. Classes available online and seated. We have a 100% job placement rate for family nurse practitioners.

Dr. Missy Penkalski, an associate professor, shows a nursing student how to monitor the level of the fluid in an IV bag. Other nursing students are checking IV bags in the background.
Traditional Option
Practice leadership
Share your clinical expertise. Lead health care teams and find innovative ideas to enhance your patients' quality of care. Classes available online.
A nursing graduate student informs her patient on a medical treatment.
Traditional Option
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner
Determine treatment plans for psychiatric needs and steer patients toward mental wellness. Classes available online and seated.
A nursing student practices administering a needle into a mannequin arm while another student observes.
Accelerated Option
Practice leadership
Want to achieve your goals faster? Start earning your master's degree while you complete your bachelor's degree.
Missouri State MSN

Why earn a master's degree in nursing?

Advance and gain influence in your career — Elevate your credentials to improve patient care at a higher level. You'll have the skills to take on responsibilities in leadership, advanced practice and specialized roles.

Flexible classes make life easier — Keep working while you earn your degree. The nurse educator option is available 100% online. The family nurse practitioner option has seated and online courses.

Reap the rewards of your education — A master’s degree enhances your credentials and career prospects, qualifying you for better jobs and a higher salary.

Great quality taught by experts — Your faculty are nursing professionals with published research. Through this accredited master's program, you'll gain essential insight from your instructors' clinical experiences.

Five nursing student practice stitching up a wound, as demonstrated by their professor in a classroom.
A graduate nursing student uses a tool to look into a classmate's eye.
Careers and outcomes
Explore your potential career paths
Teach, administer or work hands-on in high-level nursing roles.

Ethics

Mission Statement and School Goals: Here, you'll live by a code of ethics and adopt a culture of caring.

Accreditation

The BSN, MSN, DNP and post-master's certificate programs at Missouri State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation).

Graduate Nurse Practitioner Programs are not regulated in Texas by Section 132.001(1)(B).

Approval

Missouri State Board of Nursing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (four-year BSN).

Immersive academics

Advisement
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Courses
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Facilities and resources
Explore your places to study and learn
Transfer credit
Bring college credit with you to MSU

Helping you succeed

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Scholarships and financial aid

Find support for your education

Nursing students and a physical therapy instructor transfer a student from a Hoyler lift sling into a wheelchair.
Student opportunities

Get involved on and off campus

Dr. Melissa Penkalski dressed in her white coat rests her arm on primary care textbooks.
Faculty and staff

Meet your department

A nursing faculty member and a student pose for a photo at the pinning ceremony. The student holds a certificate for her contributions to the Student Nurse Organization.
Alumni and friends

Stay in touch with your alma mater