Careers and Outcomes - Master of Science in Nursing - School of Nursing

A graduate nursing student uses an otoscope to look into his patient's ear.

Raise your potential with an MSN

Better job options. Higher pay. A need for your services.

With a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, you’re set up for a more rewarding career in health care.

Choose a path that fits your goals

What is your vision for success?

A master's degree can prepare you for advanced study or a high-level career.

Get ready for doctoral (DNP) programs: Level up your training and get equipped for roles in nursing leadership and administration. You can earn your DNP at Missouri State in two years.
Boost your career readiness - Set your sights on the workforce. Secure a job in nursing practice or earn the skills to get a promotion.

What can you do with a master’s degree in nursing?

Your options may depend on the area you pursue.

While in our program, you’ll have clinical experiences that'll prepare you for real-world practice.

Adult gerontology-acute care nurse practitioner

Prepare to work with adults who have critical needs. You'll be able to:

Develop treatment plans.
Perform advanced tests and procedures.
Educate patients and families.
Offer palliative care.
Manage symptoms of long-term patients.
Work in hospitals, hospice centers, long-term care facilities, intensive care units, outpatient surgery centers and emergency departments.

Family nurse practitioner

Help patients of all ages with health care services.

You can work with older (adult/geriatric) or younger (pediatric) patients.

Your hands-on job duties may have you:

Conduct physical exams.
Provide screening services.
Perform and order diagnostic tests.
Give medicines and treatments.
Consult with doctors and other health care professionals.
Work in primary care clinics, hospitals, private practices, community health centers, long-term healthcare facilities, urgent care centers, schools, and government and corporate facilities.

Practice leadership

Want to impact the future of nursing?

Guide future nurses, current nurses and your community.

Improve healthcare policies.
Lead and educate teams of nurses.
Research innovative nursing and healthcare practices.
Manage operational resources and equipment.
Work in hospitals, government agencies, private practices, nonprofit organizations, schools and universities, healthcare consulting firms and public health centers.

Practice leadership is perfect for work in advisement, research and management roles.

Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner

Provide strategies to help your patients manage their mental health needs.

Evaluate and diagnose mental health conditions.
Develop treatment plans.
Educate patients and community members about mental health.
Prescribe medications.
Collaborate with psychiatrists, social workers and other healthcare professionals.
Work in hospitals, mental health clinics, private practices, community/public health centers and schools.

Continue your education

Want to enhance your nursing credentials?

An MSN can give you valuable academic and professional experiences that will equip you with the knowledge to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at MSU.