Choose a Master’s in Nursing to Advance Your Career
Once you’ve made the decision to become a nurse, you’ll need to choose a degree type. Each nursing degree type provides a different level of education and opens opportunities to varying nursing roles. Should you earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)?
What is a Master’s in Nursing (MSN)?
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, is a graduate nursing degree that builds on the nursing skills and knowledge typically gained through an undergraduate nursing degree.
MSN vs. BSN Education
The nursing job market continues to show a strong preference for nurses who have achieved a BSN degree or higher. Why? Because generally speaking, higher levels of nursing education are associated with improved patient outcomes.
When it comes down to an MSN or a BSN, what are the educational differences? Both degrees go beyond fundamental nursing skills by teaching students about nursing research, nursing management and community health. A master’s-level education, however, dives deeper into the profession, preparing students for advanced practice, leadership, education and administration roles.
More Opportunities
An MSN can open the door to opportunities, including more advanced roles, potentially higher salaries and upward mobility in your career that may not be available to those without a master’s degree.
A master’s degree provides the academic foundation required to pursue advanced-practice certification and seek out the highest-paying positions in the nursing profession, which include:
- Nurse Administrator
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Practitioner
Getting your MSN to take on roles such as these allows you to become an expert in your field and take your career further than you would be able to with a BSN.
Similar Time Investment
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline, our Direct Entry MSN program makes it possible to earn a quality master’s degree in five or eight semesters, which is a few more months of study when compared with most accelerated BSN programs offered today. This slightly higher time investment is worth it when considering all the doors that open for MSN holders.
Program Highlights
Our DE-MSN program can offer an advantage over other traditional or direct entry programs. Request more information to get in contact with an admissions adviser and learn about what could make us the right choice. Some of our program highlights include:
- Five- and eight-semester program formats, with our eight-semester format offering predominantly online courses at our Pleasant Prairie program site.
- Three start dates per year for our five-semester format, summer start only for our extended eight-semester format
- Predominantly online nursing coursework at our Pleasant Prairie program site and predominantly in-person nursing coursework at our Milwaukee campus, paired with in-person nursing clinical simulations in labs and clinical courses at top area hospitals
- Strong NCLEX-RN outcomes, with MSN students at Marquette University achieving a 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate of 93.86%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a direct entry MSN and a traditional MSN?
Regardless of which MSN program type you complete, you will earn the same degree. The differences lie in degree requirements and timeline.
A direct entry MSN program is designed for students who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to enter the nursing profession at the graduate level. These programs include foundational nursing coursework and clinical training, supplemented with advanced MSN-level study.
A traditional MSN program is intended for licensed RNs, typically those who already hold a BSN. These programs focus on advancing clinical knowledge, leadership skills or specialization without repeating undergraduate nursing content.
Does an MSN lead to APRN certification?
MSN programs are designed to prepare graduates for advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) roles, such as Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist, but an MSN does not directly qualify you to enter APRN roles.
You must gain additional experience and pursue additional training and education through post-master’s certificate programs to enter these sought-after advanced practice roles. An MSN is a crucial step to entering these roles, but it is not the only step.
How long does it take to earn an MSN?
How long it takes to complete an MSN degree depends on your program format. A traditional MSN typically takes two to three years complete but only after completing a BSN degree and gaining experience. If you go through a four-year BSN degree path, gain experience and enroll as an MSN student, it can take approximately seven years from the start of your nursing education.
A direct entry MSN program like Marquette’s can be completed in five or eight semesters, without requiring a previous nursing degree. Note that you must have completed a previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree to qualify. This can mean entering nursing practice with an MSN years sooner than through the traditional route.
Take Charge of Your Future in Nursing
Contact us to learn more about the high value of a master’s degree in nursing.