Is an MSN Worth It? Reasons to Pursue This Advanced DegreeWritten by:
University of Tulsa
• Aug 19, 2026
In the evolving field of health care, clinicians are distinguished by their skills, experience, and professional credentials. Although it’s possible to practice as a registered nurse (RN) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), some health care organizations are advocating to raise the educational standard to at least a bachelor’s degree and preferably a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
Pursuing an advanced degree requires an investment of time and effort, but it’s an investment with significant long-term potential. Learn how an MSN degree can unlock your career opportunities, increase earnings, and improve overall job satisfaction.
What Is a Master of Science in Nursing Degree Program?
An MSN is an advanced graduate degree designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles, leadership positions, and specialized areas of health care. This degree not only deepens clinical expertise but also provides the education required for roles that influence health care policy, administration, and nursing education.
When considering an MSN degree path, it’s important to understand the different types of programs. Each offers unique advantages, depending on where you are in your nursing career and what you aim to achieve.
MSN Program Coursework
Unlike ADN and BSN programs, MSN program curricula vary because of their specialties. Generally, they consist of two parts: core coursework and specialty coursework.
MSN Core Coursework
Core coursework is foundational to all MSN students, regardless of their specialty. This typically covers:
Pathophysiology: Provides an in-depth study of degenerative changes, congenital abnormalities, environmental exposures, infections, and illnesses
Pharmacology: Explores how drugs affect the human body and biological systems
Health Care Policy and Ethics: Covers health care policies, ethical considerations, and the role of nurses in influencing health care systems
Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Trains students in research methodologies, critical analysis, and evidence-based practices in clinical settings
MSN Specialty Coursework
The latter part of an MSN program is dedicated to specialty coursework. These courses provide the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to excel in specific nurse specialty roles. Specialty coursework includes:
Leadership and Management: Teaches the leadership skills necessary to manage health care teams and drive positive organizational change
Population Health: Studies disparities, social determinants of health, and the correlation between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.
Nursing Education: Focuses on curriculum development, instructional strategies, and educational technology for preparing future nurses
Advantages of Earning an MSN Degree
A large part of determining whether an MSN is worth it means understanding if the additional time and effort pay off in the long run. Consider the many advantages of earning this advanced degree and how it can influence your salary, job satisfaction, and other important career factors.
ROI: Investment vs. Salary
An MSN is an investment in the future. According to the Education Data Initiative, the cost of an MSN is about $61,380 as of 2026. The University of Tulsa’s online MSN program has a tuition of $659 per credit hour, significantly less than the national average.
As the Education Data Initiative notes, MSN graduates tend to enter some of the highest-paying and most in-demand roles. These high-paying careers can mean a high return on investment (ROI) for MSN graduates.
For example, RNs, who aren’t required to have an MSN, earned a median annual salary of $93,600 in 2024, according to the BLS, with positions projected to increase by 5% between 2024 and 2034.
For the same period, medical and health services managers, including executive nurse leaders and nurse administrators, earned a median of $117,960 in 2024, with projected job growth of 23%.
Personal Satisfaction
Pursuing an MSN degree allows nurses to align their careers with their personal passions and interests. Whether it’s providing advanced patient care, influencing health care policy, or educating the next generation of nurses, an MSN provides the opportunity to find greater personal fulfillment in the work.
Broadening Career Opportunities
MSN-prepared nurses can pursue a wide range of career opportunities beyond clinical care. Whether it’s teaching, research, public health, or executive leadership, an MSN opens doors to diverse and fulfilling career paths.
Making a Difference in the Community
Many MSN roles, such as public health nurse, allow nurses to make a tangible difference in their communities. MSN-prepared nurses can play a vital role in improving access to health care or providing education on disease prevention, all of which can improve community health.
Elevating the Standard of Care
Organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) support raising the minimum level of nursing education to promote better patient outcomes. MSN-prepared nurses are often at the forefront of implementing evidence-based practices that elevate the standard of care in health care settings.
Teaching and Mentorship Opportunities
An MSN degree qualifies nurses to become educators, either in academic settings or within health care organizations. Teaching and mentoring the next generation of nurses is a rewarding way to give back to the profession and ensure the future of nursing can meet the challenges ahead.
Enhanced Influence in the Health Care Industry
MSN graduates often have greater influence in shaping health care policies and practices. Whether through leadership roles, research, or advocacy, they’re positioned to drive change and improve health care systems.
DNP Degree Preparation
For those considering further education, an MSN degree is a critical stepping stone toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The MSN provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in a DNP program, which focuses on leadership and advanced clinical practice.
Roles MSN Graduates Qualify For
Earning an MSN degree opens the door to a wide range of advanced nursing roles. These roles can be broadly categorized as APRN roles, generalist roles, and nonclinical career paths.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Roles
APRNs are nurses who’ve completed advanced clinical training and who are licensed to provide specialized care in various settings. Below are some APRN roles.
Certified Nurse Midwives
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) specialize in women’s reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and gynecological services. They typically work in hospitals, birthing centers, outpatient clinics, and private practices.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) focus on improving patient outcomes through expert clinical practice, research, education, and leadership in specific patient populations or health care settings. They typically specialize in a particular area of health care, such as adult health, pediatrics, critical care, or mental health.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who administer anesthesia and provide anesthesia care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures. They typically work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, dental offices, and military health care facilities.
MSN Generalist Roles
MSN graduates can also pursue generalist roles that focus on leadership, research, and public health. Below are some MSN roles.
Clinical Nurse Leaders
Clinical nurse leaders (CNLs) are advanced generalist nurses who oversee the coordination of patient care, ensuring that health care services are delivered efficiently and effectively across various departments. They focus on improving patient outcomes by integrating evidence-based practices, leading quality improvement initiatives, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Clinical Research Nurses
Clinical research nurses (CRNs) manage and conduct clinical trials, ensuring that research protocols are followed and patient safety is maintained throughout the study. They play a key role in collecting and analyzing data, monitoring patient progress, and ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
Public Health Nurses
Public health nurses focus on protecting the health of communities by providing education, disease prevention, and health promotion services. They work in various settings, such as schools, community centers, and public health departments, to address health disparities and improve overall community well-being.
Nonclinical MSN Career Paths
For those interested in roles beyond direct patient care, an MSN degree offers pathways to various nonclinical careers, including those below.
Certified Nurse Educators
Certified nurse educators (CNEs) teach and mentor nursing students; they also develop and implement nursing education programs. They ensure that future nurses are well prepared for clinical practice by combining their expertise in nursing with advanced teaching strategies and curriculum development.
Executive Nurse Leaders
Executive nurse leaders oversee nursing departments and health care operations, ensuring that patient care is delivered effectively and efficiently across an organization. They play a critical role in strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development, while also leading initiatives to improve quality of care and nursing practice standards.
Nurse Administrators
Nurse administrators manage the day-to-day operations of nursing departments, including staffing, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with health care regulations. They also focus on improving patient care by implementing policies, overseeing quality improvement initiatives, and supporting the professional development of nursing staff.
Informatics Nurse Specialists
Informatics nurse specialists integrate nursing science with information technology (IT) to improve health care outcomes by managing and analyzing patient data. They play a key role in designing and optimizing electronic health records (EHRs), implementing health care technologies, and training staff on the effective use of digital systems to enhance patient care.
An MSN Is Worth It for Career-Minded Individuals
In the dynamic and demanding field of health care, earning an MSN is well worth it if you have ambitious career goals and want enhanced job security. An MSN not only provides advanced clinical training and specialized knowledge but also opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in clinical, leadership, administrative, and educational roles.
If you want to advance your nursing career, pursuing an MSN is a worthwhile investment that offers long-term career stability, growth, and the opportunity to elevate the standard of care in health care. Get started by learning more about a nursing program that supports your long-term goals: the online MSN program at The University of Tulsa.
Designed for working RNs with leadership aspirations, this online program features three specialty tracks that enable students to customize their learning path:
Leadership and Innovation: Gives nurses the foundation for senior and executive roles
Public Health Global Vision: Prepares nurses for consulting and director-level roles that improve community and occupational health standards
Education and Elevation: Provides a basis for the next generation of educators, curriculum developers, and program experts to shape the future of nursing
Find out how TU’s online MSN program can help you take control of your nursing career.
Recommended Readings
Leveraging Nursing Technology: Tools for Nurse Leaders
Jessika Evans’ Story of Transformation at TU: From BSN to MSN
Director of Nursing: Salary and How to Become One
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
American Nurses Association, How to Become a Nurse Administrator
American Nurses Association, How to Become a Research Nurse
American Nurses Association, Shaping Future Healthcare: The Path to Becoming a Nurse Educator
Association of Public Health Nurses, What Is a PHN?
Cleveland Clinic, Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Education Data Initiative, Average Cost of a Master’s Degree
Indeed, BSN vs. MSN: What’s the Difference? (Plus Jobs You Can Get With Them)
Indeed, “How to Become an Informatics Nurse Specialist in 5 Steps (With FAQs)”
Indeed, What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Nursing? (9 Jobs)
Indeed, How To Become a Clinical Informatics Specialist (With FAQs)
Indeed, What Is A Midwife? (With Duties and Types to Consider)
Indeed, What Is the Role of a Nurse Executive? A Career Guide
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, What Is a CNS?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Healthcare Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
