Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

King University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers three concentration options to prepare you for a specialty role in advanced nursing practice, leadership in the nursing profession, and future doctoral study.

Already have an MSN? Click here to see the Post-Master’s Certificate options.

Geared towards practicing nurses who have earned a BSN degree, the MSN program is offered in flexible online learning options. Through the program, you can obtain the advanced theoretical knowledge, research, and practice skills needed to excel in increasingly complex care settings. In-person Intensives are required at the beginning of each semester. If you live a great distance, there may be a virtual option.

Tennessee residents who want to earn their MSW or MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree at King can now apply for the Tennessee Behavioral Pathways scholarship, which provides up to $30,000 in tuition aid over a two-year period. More details and the portal to apply are available HERE.

Why Choose King University’s MSN Program?

Engaging Learning Environment

Our Master of Science in Nursing program has a low student-to-faculty ratio so that students can benefit from close interaction with their instructors and fellow peers. Students can receive personalized guidance and mentorship from our renowned faculty.

Clinical Experience and Service Learning

Requiring students to complete clinical hours, the MSN program provides the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in real nursing situations. In addition, all Master of Science in Nursing students can participate in a major service-learning project during their program of study within their specialty concentrations by assisting in health clinics, schools, and community programs.

Flexible Online Learning Option

Designed for practicing nurses who have busy schedules, our MSN program offers two learning formats:

• HyFlex learning format (for the FNP concentration only) attend class in person, synchronously online, or asynchronously online – whatever works for your busy schedule that week! Read more about how the HyFlex format works.
  • In person sessions take place in Abingdon, VA at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.
• Online learning format for all concentrations. THE FULLY ONLINE MSN PROGRAM allows students to learn without taking time off from their current full-time jobs.
  • There is a required 1 day in-person Intensive at the beginning of each semester. If you live very far away, we will work with you to accommodate you virtually; however, in-person attendance is always preferable for the Intensive if you live in the region. Sessions take place in Abingdon, VA at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.

Master of Science in Nursing Concentration

Within our MSN program, you may choose from three concentrations: Nurse Leadership & Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

How Long Does it Take to Earn an MSN Degree?

With the courses and clinical requirements or practicum, generally speaking, you could finish your MSN degree in as few as five consecutive semesters. However, the length of the MSN program varies depending on the chosen concentration and your personal schedule.

For more information about the curriculum and program length, please take a look at our MSN Student Handbook.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Career Outlook

Earning an MSN degree not only leads to a vast number of employment opportunities in the nursing field but also increases your earning potential. Registered nurses with MSN degrees are prepared to work in diverse settings as nurse educators, advanced nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse managers. If you are interested in climbing the career ladder in the nursing profession, getting a master’s degree in nursing is the gateway to your successful career.

From a perspective of salary growth, nurses with MSN degrees have a higher income, compared to nurses with bachelor’s degrees. According to PayScale, registered nurses with a BSN degree can make an average salary of $96,000 per year, while those with a Master’s degree in Nursing can make an average annual income of $104,000.

Master of Science in Nursing Admission Requirements

Students who are interested in applying to our MSN program must submit the following documents:

• Submit a completed application for admission to King University (www.king.edu/apply).
• Submit evidence of graduation from an accredited baccalaureate nursing program with a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale prior to enrolling.
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Students who do not meet this requirement may be conditionally accepted.
• Submit evidence of satisfactory completion of the following undergraduate courses with a course grade of C or better: Statistics, Nursing Research/Evidence Based Practice, and Health Assessment (as separate courses or integrated concept). Pathophysiology is highly recommended for the nurse practitioner concentrations.
• Applicants must submit a copy of current unencumbered Registered Nurse license with privileges to practice in any state where practicum hours will be completed. Applicant should not be on probation and must report any past or current disciplinary action taken by a State Regulatory Board directly to the Dean of the School of Nursing.
• Submit a personal essay- prompt provided by the Office of Admissions. Policies—Admissions 22
• Optional Interview.
• Submit a current curriculum vitae demonstrating professional endeavors and accomplishments, education, career, experience, professional memberships, community service/volunteer/military experience.
• Submit names and emails of two recommenders. Prefer at least one academic and one professional. (Note: Applicants for guaranteed admission to the MSN program must submit the names and emails of three recommenders. See below for details.) Students completing a BSN degree from King University may apply for guaranteed admission to a MSN program during the final semester of the BSN program.

Students applying for guaranteed admission must meet the following admission criteria in addition to those listed above:

• A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.5/4.0 or higher.
• Application must include two academic and one professional recommendation.
• The student will have received no academic sanctions during the BSN program.

Guaranteed admission is contingent on time of application and seats available per semester.

Guaranteed Admission

Students completing the BSN degree from King University may apply for guaranteed admission to the MSN program during the final semester of the BSN program. In addition to the standard MSN admission requirements, students applying for guaranteed admission must meet the following criteria:

• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Three letters of recommendation: Two academic and one professional.
• Received no academic sanctions during the BSN program.

Note: Guaranteed admission is contingent on the time of application and seats available per semester.

Helpful Links for Future MSN Students

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (AACN>CCNE)
• American Associate of Nurse Practitioner’s Certification Program
• American Nurses Association
• American Nurses Credentialing Center
• National Council State Boards of Nursing
• National League for Nursing (NLN)
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
• TN Nurses Association
• Virginia Nurses Association

Learn More about the MSN program at King University

Are you ready to pursue roles at the forefront of the nursing profession? If so, take the next step and apply to King University’s Master of Science in Nursing program or contact us to learn more about our program.