A flexible pathway for BSN-prepared nurses and a certificate option for MSN/DNP-prepared nurses seeking a formal Nurse Educator credential.
Missouri Southern State University has approved a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education (MSN-NE) and Post Master Certificate in Nursing Education (PMC-NE) planned to launch in the 2026–2027 academic year. The program is being developed to respond directly to regional healthcare workforce needs, with a specific emphasis on strengthening the nursing faculty and clinical educator pipeline.
Southwest Missouri and surrounding rural regions continue to experience shortages of qualified nurse educators, limiting the ability of nursing programs and healthcare systems to expand capacity. The MSSU MSN is designed to prepare registered nurses for educational and leadership roles that support workforce growth, student success, and high-quality patient care.
The program has been developed in alignment with regional healthcare priorities and reflects input from academic and clinical partners committed to advancing nursing education and practice in the region.
Already have an MSN or DNP?
Earn your Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education and expand your role as a nurse educator without completing a second degree.
This degree fits if you..
Graduates of the MSN program will develop knowledge and skills in:
The MSSU MSN is designed to help address the regional shortage of qualified nursing educators by preparing graduates for educational and leadership roles across academic and healthcare settings. Graduates will be positioned to support nursing workforce development and improve access to high-quality nursing education.
Common career pathways include:
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Education is a fully approved program beginning Fall 2026. The curriculum is delivered 100% online, with a required three-day on-site Residency III immersive learning experience at the conclusion of the program.
Required Courses (MSN–Nursing Education):
The MSN in Nursing Education is structured to support working registered nurses while maintaining rigorous preparation for educator roles. Full-time and part-time pathways allow students to progress at a pace that aligns with professional and personal responsibilities.
The MSN in Nursing Education is structured to support working registered nurses while maintaining rigorous preparation for educator roles. Full-time and part-time pathways allow students to progress at a pace that aligns with professional and personal responsibilities.
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Requirement |
Details |
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Degree |
BSN or MSN/DNP/PhD from a nationally accredited nursing program (CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA) |
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GPA |
≥ 3.0 for full admission; 2.7–2.99 considered for conditional admission |
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Licensure |
Active, unencumbered U.S. RN license |
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Transcripts |
Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions |
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Résumé/CV |
Current résumé or curriculum vitae |
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Personal Statement |
Describing professional goals and interest in nursing education |
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References |
Two to three academic or professional letters of recommendation |
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Interview |
May be required at the discretion of the admissions committee |
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GRE |
Not required—based on limited predictive value for graduate success (Moneta-Koehler et al., 2017) |
