master of nursing graduates leave commencement carrying diplomas

Master of Science in Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing Degree
(Nursing Education Or Nursing Administration)

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Combining a unique blend of online courses, hybrid classes, and clinical experiences, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) education program provides advanced degree options for BSN graduates. As an MSN student, you will have the opportunity to complete your master's in  nursing education or nursing administration.

Our accredited MSN program is offered through three different plans of study to best fit your needs: Part-time (three years), Full-time (two years) or Full-time Accelerated (18 months).

MSN Degree Core Classes

All MSN students will take the following 18 hours of core classes:

  • NUR 5013 Nursing Science
  • NUR 5033 Concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing
  • NUR 5043 Ethics and Policy Issues in Advanced Practice
  • NUR 5083 Nursing Research
  • NUR 5123 Information Systems
  • NUR 5533 Statistics & Data Analysis for Nursing

Nursing Education

The nursing education track will prepare you for academic, staff development, and patient education roles. The program will provide you with an excellent foundation in nursing education knowledge, leadership, and evidence-based practice, as well as adult educational theory and teaching strategies.

Nursing Administration

The nursing administration track will provide you with an in-depth study of nursing leadership principles and practices promoting nursing excellence and process improvement. You will gain valuable skills in communication, relationship-building, knowledge of the healthcare environment, leadership, professionalism and business skills.

The MSN degree is offered through SBU's College of Health Professions.

Want to Learn More?

To learn more about the MSN education program, application, financial aid and cost information, visit the MSN Graduate Studies page.

MSN Cost and Financial Aid Information

100%
Job
placement
rate

(employed as a MSN-prepared RN at the time of graduation)

Program Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes

nursing student practices with mannequin with instructor looking on

The SBU Advantage

  • Receive a high-quality, Christian higher education in partnership with a nationally recognized healthcare system, Mercy Health System.
  • Competitive tuition rates and available tuition assistance programs make an MSN degree from SBU an affordable option.
  • Part-time, full-time and accelerated options enable you to complete the MSN at a pace that works for you; it is possible to earn your MSN degree in as little as 18 months.
  • Courses are offered in an 8-week block format allowing you to begin the program at any point throughout the year.

Faith Integration

Southwest Baptist University is a Christ-centered university and is committed to the integration of faith and academics in all programs and degrees. Class discussions include open dialogue about how faith impacts the academic discipline. Students are encouraged to consider their own faith and how they will incorporate their faith in their chosen career paths. SBU's goal is to produce academically qualified career professionals who are also servant leaders in today's global society.

The MSN program prepared me to develop curriculum for a pediatric nursing orientation program and enhance ongoing pediatric nursing education. The practical experience allowed me to see many different job opportunities in nursing education and find the job best suited to my God given talents.

Elyse Nimmo '06, '08, '18, M.S.N., Fellowship Specialist for the Women's and Children's Cluster at Mercy Hospital Springfield
Elyse Nimmo

Admissions Information

Admission criteria for a new applicant with the BSN degree:

  1. Submit application to the graduate program in nursing
  2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; if a student’s GPA is less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required
  3. BSN degree from an accredited college or university
  4. Submission of two reference letters faculty and employer or others who can address the applicant's potential to succeed in graduate study
  5. Official transcripts submitted from all prior nursing programs (Submit to: SBU Office of the Registrar, 1600 University Ave, Bolivar MO 65613)

Admission criteria for an existing SBU student with the BSN degree:

  1. Submit application to the graduate program in nursing
  2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. If the student's GPA is less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required
  3. Reference letters may be required upon request

Course Transfer Equivalency

Nine graduate semester hours completed at another regionally accredited institution may be transferred and applied to the degree. These credits must be comparable to courses offered at Southwest Baptist University and must be approved by the MSN Faculty and Dean. Southwest Baptist University maintains a current database of course transfer equivalencies from hundreds of accredited colleges and universities. Students are welcome to search for and find course equivalents for pre-requisite courses and program requirements within the College of Health Professions degree programs.

Contact Information

Paula Palmer
Springfield Campus Admissions
(417) 328-8672
ppalmer@SBUniv.edu 

Full-Time Faculty

Brittney Hendrickson

Brittney Hendrickson, D.N.P., College Dean
Suzie Morrow

Suzie Morrow, D.N.P., Assistant Professor
Cindy Todd

Cindy Todd, D.N.P., Division Head

I chose to return to SBU for my master's degree because of the quality I know is associated with the institution, program, and overall education opportunities available at SBU. I gained a wealth of knowledge and had intense faculty interactions which enhanced my educational experience.

Pamela Sandvig '14, Director of RN-BSN Program at Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Pamela Sandvig, BSN alum

Sample Course Plans