What is a Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Degree?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level degree for individuals in the nursing field who are looking to expand their career opportunities and seek advanced licensure.

You may also see this credential called an MS in Nursing or, less commonly, a Master of Nursing — these all refer to the same graduate-level degree covered here. An MSN differs from RN licensure: RN is the state-issued license nurses hold after an associate’s or bachelor’s program, while an MSN is a graduate degree pursued after (or, in direct-entry programs, on the way to) becoming an RN.

Nurses with an MSN degree may often take on managerial or leadership roles, including those of a health care administrator, department manager and patient safety director, career paths reflected in AACN’s overview of master’s-prepared nursing roles. Some nurses may use their MSN as a stepping-stone toward becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) or other nursing specializations.

How Do I Earn a Master’s in Nursing Degree?

Most MSN degree programs require some level of postsecondary education before admission. There are three common paths into an MSN program:

BSN-to-MSN: earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) first, then apply directly to a master’s in nursing program, a pathway AACN describes as typically taking 18–24 months of full-time study.
Non-BSN entry: apply with a bachelor’s degree in another field, and complete prerequisite science and health courses, such as microbiology and human anatomy, before or during the program (often called a direct-entry MSN program), a route AACN describes as typically running 15–30 months of full-time study.
RN-to-MSN: apply as an associate-level registered nurse (RN), without first completing a BSN. Some of these programs include an accelerated path that awards a BSN degree en route to the MSN.

The admissions process varies by school, so be sure to review the requirements for your chosen program. Here are the typical admissions requirements for a master’s in nursing program:

Complete an application and pay any required fees.
Submit transcripts from your prior postsecondary education.
Demonstrate you’ve taken the required prerequisite courses.
Submit GRE scores, if applicable.
Send letters of recommendation.
Submit a copy of your RN license, if required.
Complete an admissions interview and/or essay.

Although some students complete their MSN degree on campus, there are a number of online MSN programs offered from universities with on-campus counterparts.

Certain components of the degree, however, may require hands-on interaction, such as the laboratory component of a science course. MSN curricula also include supervised clinical practice experiences that faculty evaluate for program outcomes, per CCNE accreditation standards, and many programs build a capstone or scholarly project into that clinical experience.

How long does it take to earn an MSN?

Program length depends mainly on the entry path and pace. A full-time BSN-to-MSN program is often designed to be completed in about 2 years, consistent with AACN’s estimate of 18–24 months of full-time study for this pathway, while part-time schedules typically take longer. RN-to-MSN and other bridge programs that combine BSN- and master’s-level coursework generally take longer than a standalone MSN, since they also cover undergraduate-level content along the way.

Direct-entry programs for non-BSN applicants can run longer too, since they build in the prerequisite and foundational nursing coursework a BSN graduate would already have completed. Confirm a specific program’s format — full- or part-time, its clinical-hour requirements and any bridge coursework — to get an accurate timeline.

Is a Master’s in Nursing Degree the Best Option for Me?

Nursing field occupations require attention to detail and quick problem-solving. Ideal candidates for an MSN degree program are passionate about patient care, excel at critical thinking and work well under pressure. Those who are seeking an MSN should be comfortable with more responsibility and working independently.

Patience, communication and familiarity with computers and technology are also important skills for an MSN program as the field is ever-changing. MSN degrees may prepare you for managerial positions. Technology in health care is always advancing, so it is also important to stay on top of continuing education and breakthroughs in the field.

If you are an independent and critical thinker who works well in high-pressure environments and loves to care for others, an MSN may be right for you.

Benefits of a Master’s in Nursing Degree

There are many benefits to pursuing a Master’s in Nursing. Here are just a few of the advantages of an MSN degree.

Different Specializations

Graduate degrees in nursing allow students to choose an area of specialization. You might focus on becoming a family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, gerontology nurse practitioner, women’s health nurse practitioner or another area of interest.

Learn Additional Skills

An MSN program helps nursing professionals build on the skills they learned in their undergraduate education or career experience. MSN programs tend to focus on communication, attention to detail and leadership skills, often through coursework covering leadership competencies, health policy and advanced clinical leadership advocacy.

Prepare for Advanced Licensure

Earning an MSN is a good first step toward obtaining an advanced nursing license, such as nurse practitioner. Note that current entry-level nurse anesthetist education now culminates in a doctoral degree rather than an MSN. Licensing requirements vary by state, but an accredited master’s program aligned to your intended role and population focus will prepare you for the corresponding certification exam and clinical-hour requirements.

Apply for Advanced Positions

It is possible to become an RN and have a long, successful career, but earning an MSN opens up even more career opportunities with a higher potential salary, as BLS wage data for advanced-practice roles shows. A graduate degree is often required for advanced nursing positions.

Work Toward a Doctorate

Some nursing graduates may decide to further their education with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). According to the 2017 National Nursing Workforce Study, 41.8% of RNs identified a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the degree that qualified them for their first U.S. nursing license, 17.1% held a master’s degree, and 1.1% held a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). DNP programs are offered through both post-baccalaureate and post-master’s pathways, so an MSN is not required to begin a DNP — though for nurses who already hold one, a post-master’s DNP program can build directly on it.

What Is the Value of a Master’s in Nursing?

Earning an MSN is an investment in a future career. Program costs vary by institution, but there are many ways to finance a degree. For example, some nurses may qualify for loan repayment programs that repay a portion of qualifying loans in exchange for a required period of service in an eligible role or facility, depending on the specific program’s rules. Additionally, an MSN may open advanced career opportunities that pay more than occupations requiring an undergraduate education.

Nurse midwives, nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists each had a median annual wage above $100,000 in May 2025. According to May 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage of a nurse midwife is $134,040, a nurse practitioner earns a median of $132,300 a year and a nurse anesthetist earns a median of $236,590. By comparison, the median annual wage of an RN was $97,550.

It is also important to consider the quality of the education received while earning an MSN. Many institutions provide access to state-of-the-art equipment and programs geared toward fully preparing students for entry to a professional career. Exam preparation resources and the experience gained from clinical hours may help graduates earn a professional nursing license.

A master’s in nursing degree is a great option for those who want to take on an advanced position in the field. An online program is often more convenient, especially for working professionals. There are also many other types of online nursing degrees to choose from; most of these can also be found online. Consider these related nursing programs: