MSN Degree Programs

The Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) is the next step for students who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a registered nursing license. The degree program provides advanced training for nurses who wish to open up their own nursing practice, find work as a clinical nurse specialist, or become an educator in the field. Students who complete a Master of Science in Nursing degree program acquire essential critical thinking skills and knowledge to apply in a nursing facility environment. The typical MSN degree program is a combination of classes and hands-on experience.

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program provides an interdisciplinary approach to learning, equipping nursing students with the tools and resources they need to solve today’s most common health problems. The program generally takes between 18-24 months of full time study to complete; however, some programs require three years of study beyond the BSN. Students learn how to apply various methods in nursing research to current problems, and can practice using conceptual models to analyze data and research. They may also use online technologies and a variety of advanced statistical methods as part of their training.

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing may choose to enroll in a ‘master’s entry’ program that consists of an accelerated registered nurse licensure program before the MSN degree curriculum. After enrolling in the Master of Science in Nursing degree program, students can choose from a variety of specializations in the field. The most common courses of study include:

Health Systems Management

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Disaster Response

Critical Care as Nurse Practitioner

Public Health Nursing

The MSN degree program is comprised of a core curriculum in addition to classes in the student’s area of concentration. Courses in the core curriculum may include:

Clinical Pharmacology

Family Violence

Leadership and Management in Health Care

Case Management

Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

Local schools with MSN programs:

College of Mount St. Joseph  -  Master of Nursing

Northern Kentucky University  -  School of Nursing & Health Professions MSN

University of Cincinnati  -  College of Nursing MSN

Xavier University  -  School of Nursing MSN

Additional Nursing Careers for MSN Degrees:

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Educator