Master of Science in Nursing

Woman standing in a business suit talking to three women with white coats sitting down

Bet Masters Degree MSN 2023-2024‌Explore the field of nursing from different perspectives and put exciting new theories and methods into practice.

There are many reasons why nursing professionals choose the University of Maryland School of Nursing to continue their career education. Our hands-on courses are taught by leading experts, and our researchers are making discoveries that are helping to transform health care. 

Our master's program is top-ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Three Master of Science in Nursing specialties are offered:

The Master of Science in Nursing program also offers these options to fit your career goals:

Additional graduate offerings:

Graduate Program Outcomes

You'll graduate with the skills to:

  • excel in a career as a clinical nurse leader, administrator, public health nurse, or informatician
  • work in a specialized area of nursing
  • be a leader in a professional organization, health care agency, or organization centered on policy
  • pursue a doctoral degree.

During your master's program coursework, you’ll develop a range of critical skills that will make you a more effective, more prepared, and more versatile nursing professional. Graduates of the master's program are prepared to:

  • Incorporate scientific inquiry and theoretical concepts into efforts to improve the care to individuals and communities
  • Lead evidence-based and interprofessional approaches for the design and delivery of comprehensive, culturally competent care to individuals/families, communities, and populations
  • Participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health care systems to foster safety and excellence in health care delivery
  • Engage in ethically sound, culturally sensitive, and evidenced-based practice to promote the health of individuals and communities
  • Commit to lifelong learning for self and promote lifelong learning to consumers
  • Practice advanced nursing roles in collaborative relationships across disciplines and in partnership with communities (i.e. nursing education, nursing administration, nursing informatics, advanced clinical practice, and clinical nursing leadership)

Additionally, as a University of Maryland School of Nursing student, your character, attitude, and ethics must be unimpeachable. We expect that you’ll value scientific inquiry’s essential role in professional practice while challenging yourself and your peers to make meaningful contributions to the nursing profession.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) approved the School of Nursing’s awarding of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree beginning in February 2019. Anyone admitted prior to this was admitted to a Master of Science (MS) program, per MHEC’s regulations. Students admitted to the master’s program prior to fall 2019, and any prior alumni, will continue to have the Master of Science (MS) degree designation on their diplomas and transcripts; however, if you choose, you may provide this MS to MSN Equivalency Letter to employers or academic institutions.

Students admitted in fall 2013 and earlier can consult these former plans of study.