Cost & earnings at University of Missouri-Kansas City What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Nursing graduates earn a median $96,126 Across 708 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Missouri–Kansas City prepares registered nurses for advanced practice, leadership, administration, research and clinical specialist roles. It suits experienced RNs seeking promotion into management, clinical expert positions or research and quality-improvement careers, and also those preparing to progress to doctoral study.
The UMKC Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offers flexible pathways focused on Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Core coursework builds advanced clinical judgement and scholarship and commonly includes advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, evidence-based practice, nursing research methods and biostatistics. Specialized modules vary by track:
All students undertake practicum hours in clinical or administrative settings in the Kansas City metropolitan area, supported by UMKC’s partnerships with hospitals, community clinics and health systems. Program completion typically requires a culminating project — either a capstone or a supervised research thesis — that demonstrates competency in the chosen concentration.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution and hold an active, unencumbered RN licence in the United States. Typical academic requirements include a competitive undergraduate GPA and submission of official transcripts. Applicants must provide a professional CV or résumé, a personal statement describing career goals and reasons for graduate study, and professional references—often from clinical supervisors or academic faculty.
Some flexibility exists for experienced RNs without a BSN through bridge or RN-to-MSN pathways; these applicants should contact the School of Nursing & Health Studies for information on prerequisite coursework and clinical requirements. International applicants must meet English language proficiency standards and provide credential evaluation for foreign transcripts. Selected applicants may be invited to interview as part of the admission decision.
Graduates move into a wide range of advanced nursing roles. Common career outcomes include senior nurse manager or director of nursing, clinical nurse specialist, nurse researcher or outcomes analyst, quality improvement coordinator, nurse educator, clinical practice leader and healthcare policy or administration roles. Those focused on research often join academic teams, hospital research departments or pursue external funding for clinical trials and health services research.
An MSN from UMKC also prepares nurses for further doctoral study (DNP or PhD) if they are interested in advanced clinical practice at the highest level or an academic/research career. Employers in the Kansas City region and beyond value graduates for their blend of clinical expertise, leadership skills and applied research capability.
UMKC’s School of Nursing & Health Studies is positioned in a major urban healthcare market, offering direct clinical access to a diverse patient population and established partnerships with regional hospitals and community health organisations. The programme emphasises interprofessional education, applied research and hands-on preparation through simulation labs and supervised practicum placements.
Students benefit from faculty who combine clinical leadership and research experience, and from a curriculum designed to integrate administration, evidence-based practice and quality improvement. The programme is delivered with flexible scheduling and blended learning options to accommodate working nurses. UMKC’s focus on community-engaged care and health equity supports graduates aiming to lead improvements across clinical, organisational and population health settings.
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