A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year undergraduate degree that prepares students for careers as registered nurses (RNs). The curriculum combines foundational coursework with specialized topics such as nursing theory, health assessment and public health.
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level degree designed for registered nurses who want to advance into specialized, leadership or independent practice roles, such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator or nursing administrator.
Many nurses choose to advance from a BSN to an MSN to expand their scope of practice, increase earning potential and take on greater responsibility in patient care and leadership. While MSN programs involve more rigorous, focused coursework, they also open doors to higher paying positions andab meaningful career growth. The online MSN programs at Arkansas State University provide flexible, career-relevant pathways for nurses looking to deepen their expertise and make a broader impact in the healthcare field.
Understanding the BSN vs. MSN Educational Foundation
While both degrees prepare nurses to deliver exceptional patient care, BSN and MSN degrees differ significantly in scope, depth and specialization. The BSN establishes the foundation for professional practice, while the MSN builds on that foundation to develop advanced clinical expertise, leadership ability and specialized knowledge for expanded nursing roles.
The traditional BSN program typically takes four years to complete. However, A-State’s accelerated online BSN program allows students to earn their degree in approximately 15 months (or 67 credit hours), offering a faster route for motivated learners. Core BSN coursework covers foundational sciences such as anatomy and physiology (with labs), microbiology, chemistry and statistics, along with essential nursing courses in health assessment and evidence- and practice-based nursing research. Students also complete 700 to 1,000 clinical hours — depending on program and state requirements—of hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings.
An MSN program generally requires 18 months to three years of study in a traditional university setting. A-State’s online MSN programs can be completed in as few as 12 to 26 months, depending on the specialization. Core coursework includes topics like advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment, with additional studies in nursing ethics, healthcare policy and leadership.
Specialized courses prepare students for focused roles, such as a family nurse practitioner or a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. MSN students also complete 500 to 600 clinical or practicum hours, gaining advanced clinical experience that bridges theory and practice.
MSN vs. BSN Salary: What the Data Shows
Demand for skilled nursing professionals is high and expected to continue. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these positions are projected to grow 35% through 2034, with an average of approximately 32,700 job openings each year, over the decade.
The median annual salary for a BSN graduate is approximately $89,010, while the median yearly salary for an MSN graduate is approximately $129,480. It’s important to note that salaries vary widely depending on factors such as specialty and experience. For example, nurses with MSN degrees in senior roles tend to earn more than those who are just starting their careers.
Salaries and career opportunities also vary based on location, with factors such as cost of living, demand and state regulations in a given area taken into consideration. Urban areas and states with large population centers have high demand for nursing professionals, while some rural states may offer lower salaries, but the cost of living is also lower. In terms of long-term earnings projections, nurses with an MSN may earn between $500,000 and $1 million more in a span of 20 years than nurses with a BSN.
Career Options With a BSN
Graduates with a BSN have access to a wide range of career opportunities, including positions as staff nurses, charge nurses and clinical nurses. Direct patient care roles often focus on specialties such as pediatrics, oncology and critical care, while non-bedside positions may involve health coaching, nurse informatics or consulting. According to an article published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a 2022 survey found that 28% of hospitals and other healthcare employers require a BSN for new hires, reflecting the growing demand for nurses with advanced education.
BSN-prepared nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, schools and assisted living facilities. Many choose to specialize in areas such as emergency care, intensive care, pediatrics or dialysis nursing. A BSN also provides a strong foundation for career advancement, allowing nurses to pursue leadership roles as nurse practitioners, public health nurses or travel nurses.
Expanded Career Opportunities With an MSN
MSN-prepared nurses qualify for advanced practice roles including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or nurse midwife. Many also transition into leadership and administrative roles such as nurse manager, director of nursing or chief nursing officer (CNO), positions that shape organizational strategy and guide healthcare teams.
MSN graduates can also choose from clinical and non-clinical specializations based on their interests and career goals. Opportunities include becoming a nurse educator for schools or public health organizations, pursuing advanced practice roles in areas like psychiatric mental health or earning specialty certifications in fields such as oncology, pediatrics or critical care. This flexibility allows MSN-prepared nurses to tailor their careers while making a lasting impact on patients and communities.
Deciding Between BSN and MSN: Key Considerations
If you’re not certain whether a BSN or MSN is the right option for you, several factors can help you make an informed decision. Reflecting on your long-term career goals, time commitment and financial investment can clarify which program best fits your career aspirations and lifestyle.
- Career goals: Think carefully about the nursing career you’d like to build. Evaluate the patient populations or healthcare settings that interest you most and assess your strengths and motivations.
- Timeline: Program length and clinical requirements vary by degree. Consider whether the time commitment and clinical hours required for each fit your current responsibilities and life goals.
- ROI: Weigh the cost of tuition and time spent earning your degree against the potential rewards, such as career advancement and salary growth.
- Requirements: Students considering a nursing program should also take other requirements into account, such as admission criteria, prerequisites, prior work experience and professional readiness.
Although earning an MSN requires more time and financial investment than earning a BSN, an MSN offers access to advanced roles, higher earning potential and the opportunity to make a broader impact in healthcare. For nurses committed to continued growth and leadership, pursuing an MSN can be a meaningful, rewarding next step.
Advance Your Nursing Career Today
Advancing from a BSN to an MSN expands your professional reach, opening the door to leadership opportunities, specialized roles in clinical and educational settings and increased earning potential.
With affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition and full accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Arkansas State University’s online MSN programs allow you to prepare for advanced opportunities on a flexible schedule.
You’ll learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world insight into every course, while benefitting from dedicated technical support and academic advising. Graduates become part of a strong network of healthcare professionals who are driving innovation, improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of nursing leadership. If you’re ready to elevate your impact, whether through direct patient care, teaching future nurses or leading healthcare teams, an MSN program can help you achieve your goals.