Masters of Science in Nursing FAQ

Plans of study range from 2.5 to 3.5 years.

Applications are accepted through Nursing CAS. The application deadline for a Spring start is September 30. The application deadline for a Summer/Fall start is January 31.

A bachelors of science degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program.

For additional admission requirements, visit our admissions pages for the Masters of Science in Nursing online program.

To ensure your success in the program, we suggest that you consider your work and family obligations. 

Most students find taking two courses per semester allows time for work and a personal life. If you have significant family and community obligations, one course per semester is recommended.

For every one credit hour in which you enroll, you will spend approximately two to three hours outside of class studying to ensure successful completion of course. Additional time may be necessary depending on your computer literacy, reading comprehension, and writing skills.

The exact cost of a program depends on whether you are a post-baccalaureate or post-master’s student and if you transfer in any coursework. For estimated tuition fees, see Missouri Online. Additional costs may include technology, clinical, or health insurance fees, as well as books, travel, and lodging. As our program is distanced-mediated, out-of-state tuition fees are not applicable. The University reserves the right to increase or decrease the fees charged for attendance and other services at the University when the Board of Curators considers it in the best interest of the University to do so.

Financial assistance programs are available. Contact the Nursing Student Affairs Office at 573-882-0277 or 800-437-4339 for further information.

For further information about financial assistance for graduate programs, contact the MU Office of Student Financial Aid at 573-882-7506.

Please see the information for Prospective Graduate Students.

General questions about the MS program and specific questions about applying to the Masters of Science Online Program can be answered by the staff in the Office of Student Affairs in the Sinclair School of Nursing. You may contact the Office of Student Affairs via telephone at 573-882-0277 or 800-437-4339 or email Leslie McPeak or Esther Ellis. For more specific information regarding the Masters of Science Online program that you cannot find on the MU Sinclair School of Nursing website or in the MU Sinclair School of Nursing Graduate Nursing Handbook, please contact Miriam Butler.

Clinical experiences are required in all MS(N) emphasis areas. Students have the opportunity to complete clinical in their own communities under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Clinical experiences vary depending upon the student’s emphasis area and may include preceptors who are nursing managers, nurse executives, advanced practice nurses, nurse educators in acute or long term care settings, and nurse faculty.

Nurse Leader students have no on-campus requirements. Nurse Educators have only one on-campus requirement during the duration of the program. NP and CNS students come once yearly. All MSN students will attend Level I on-campus days in June.

Yes. Part-time and full-time plans of study are available.

Yes. All students are assigned a faculty advisor and a graduate advisor to assist in mentoring and guiding students in meeting their academic and professional goals.

Students are able to start in the spring, summer or fall semesters

Please talk to your faculty advisor about meeting the demands of the full-time program and working full-time to see how this might work for you.