Top Mississippi MSN Degree Programs + Online Options
Credit: Solskin / Digital Vision / Getty ImagesA lack of qualified nurses continues to strain healthcare services across the nation, especially in the Magnolia State. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, the state ranks last for healthcare access and outcomes. Nurses in Mississippi can positively impact a state that critically needs educated healthcare workers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6.1% increase of registered nurses (1,980 new positions) and 7.1% increase (260 new jobs) of nurse practitioners in Mississippi from 2018-28. However, this rapid growth still falls short of the state’s demand for new nurses.
The need for trained nurses continues to grow, especially as nursing schools across the country struggle to find qualified faculty and nursing educators.
Online nursing programs cannot meet the demand of new applicants, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Nursing educators continue to retire faster than schools can train their replacements. To address the problem, nursing students could receive monetary incentives to become nurse educators or higher salaries once they graduate.
Read on to learn more about the top online nursing programs in Mississippi, career options for graduates, and what nurses in the state can expect to earn.
Explore the Best Mississippi MSN Degree Programs and Schools
University of Mississippi
- University, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
RNs with a bachelor's degree can take their education to a new level at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The university is ideal for prospective nurse educators, nurse practitioners, or nurse administrators seeking a successful career.
- Campus: Jackson, MS
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $389/credit in-state; $1,058/credit out-of-state
- Minimum time commitment: 37-51 credits
- Online availability: Hybrid (online/on campus)
- Degree requirements: BSN, 3.0 GPA, statistics course, GRE, clinical experience, RN license, TOEFL (if applicable)
- Programs: RN-to-MSN; MSN (Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner)
55%
$ 9,072
89%
$26,294
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 22,300
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Southern Mississippi
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The University of Southern Mississippi's MSN programs are ideal for prospective advanced practice nurses. Graduates know how to deliver patient-centered healthcare. Candidates complete a core curriculum in addition to evidence-based practice courses in statistics and research, role development and ethics, and healthcare finance and policy.
- Campus: Hattiesburg, MS
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: ACEN
- Tuition: $388/credit in-state; $865/credit out-of-state
- Minimum time commitment: 44-47 credits
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: BSN, 3.0 GPA, GRE, statistics course, three letters of reference, RN license
- Programs: RN-to-MSN; MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner; Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; Family Nurse Practitioner
68%
$ 9,094
70%
$11,094
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 14,146
- Institution Type
- Public
Delta State University
- Cleveland, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
At the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, students can enroll in a master's program towards becoming a Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator or Nurse Practitioner. These programs require students to already hold a current RN license and a bachelor's degree. On completion of their degree, students can work in various fields of healthcare and in academic settings.
- Campus: Cleveland, MS
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $334/credit
- Minimum time commitment: 44 credit hours for nurse administrator, 45 for nurse educator, 42 for nurse practitioner
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: BSN, GPA of 3.0 minimum, GRE, one year work experience, RN license, resume, personal statement, three letters of reference, interview, pathophysiology course, interview
- Programs: MSN Nurse Educator, MSN Nurse Administrator, MSN Nurse Practitioner (Family, Gerontological, Psych Mental Health)
68%
$8,435
64%
$8,435
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,556
- Institution Type
- Public
William Carey University
- Hattiesburg, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
At William Carey University, the MSN programs are based on the belief that those who have a graduate education are able to deliver healthcare in the best possible way. The programs continue where the baccalaureate education finished off. These degrees can prepare nurses to take on education positions in healthcare institutional settings and in academic settings, thereby addressing the significant shortage of nursing in the state.
- Campus: Hattiesburg, MS
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $315/trimester hour
- Minimum time commitment: Six semester hours
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Transcripts, two letters of recommendation, RN license, resume, personal statement
- Programs: MSN Nursing Education, MSN Case Management, MSN Gerontological Nursing, MSN Healthcare Simulation Education, MSN Nursing Administration, MSN Population-Focused Nursing
50%
$11,875
87%
$11,875
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,738
- Institution Type
- Private
Mississippi University for Women
- Columbus, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The MSN programs at "The W," as the Mississippi University for Women is known, were established in 1975. The goal has always been to ensure students are able to achieve a master's degree of the highest possible quality. It is one of the oldest and most historic programs in the field, and it has been accredited for all that time, demonstrating a reputation for top quality.
- Campus: Columbus, MS
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Tuition: $2,770/semester in-state; $7,630/semester out-of-state
- Minimum time commitment: 39 credit hours
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Transcripts, GPA of 3.0 minimum, GRE, three letters of recommendation, immunizations, BSN, statistics course, RN license, two years work experience, professional leadership and research skills, pathophysiology course, background check, drug screening, interview
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
76%
$7,656
75%
$7,656
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,477
- Institution Type
- Public
Alcorn State University
- Alcorn State, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
At Alcorn State's Graduate Nursing Department, students are geared towards becoming the best professional nurses in their field. The MSN degree programs allow them to pursue Nurse Educator or Nurse Practitioner careers. The impact that someone with an MSN can make on the overall health of communities is tremendous, and Alcorn State University wants to be at the forefront of that movement. The school also offers post-master's certificates.
- Campus: Lorman, Natchez, and Vicksburg, MS
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: NLNAC
- Tuition: $21,288/year in-state; $30,529/year out-of-state
- Minimum time commitment: 43 credit hours for FNP, 51 credit hours for GNP, 37 credit hours for NE, 55 credit hours for PMHNP
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: GRE, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, TOEFL if applicable, personal statement, BSN, RN
- Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Geriatrics Nurse Practitioner
72%
$7,785
75%
$7,785
- Acceptance Rate
- 39%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,074
- Institution Type
- Public
More About MSN Programs in Mississippi
As in other healthcare fields, nurses need a graduate degree to remain competitive in the workforce. Nurses who hold a master’s degree or doctorate are more successful at finding high-paying jobs after graduation.
Thees online nursing programs in Mississippi prepare candidates to become nurse educators, nurse practitioners, and nurse administrators. These programs offer flexible graduate courses for licensed nurses.
While all online nursing programs in Mississippi maintain slightly different admission requirements, most require applicants to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a valid RN license.
Salary and Job Outlook for MSN Students in Mississippi
A graduate degree has become a necessity in nursing, especially for nurse practitioners (NPs). An increasingly popular occupation, some 3,390 NPs work in Mississippi, with 200,600 employed nationwide. These practitioners work primarily in physicians’ offices, general medical and surgical hospitals, and outpatient care centers. The BLS projects jobs for NPs in Mississippi to increase by 7.1% from 2019-29, below the national average of 28.2%.
The average salary for an NPs hinges on variables, such as professional experience level and workplace. NPs in Mississippi make a mean annual income of $110,740, compared to the national mean annual wage of $111,840.
Earnings fluctuate depending on if an NP works in a metropolitan or rural location. Employers in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, earn a mean annual wage of $130,360, above the national average.
Nursing Resources for Mississippi
Mississippi Nurses Association
MNA is Mississippis leader for representing RNs and NPs. Along with CE and exam discounts, MNA holds conferences related to specific nursing fields and specialties.
Mississippi Association of Nurse Practitioners
Best for current and future NPs, MANP offers networking, leadership opportunities, and access to special conferences and meetings.
Mississippi Board of Nursing
The board grants licensure to LPNs, RNs, and NPs. These nursing types submit applications through the boards online portal.
Mississippi Organization for Associate Degree Nursing
M-OADN pushes associate degrees as an affordable way to become an LPN or RN.
Mississippi Nurses Foundation
Created to support nurses at every level, MNF creates and awards grants and scholarships, and offers CE and networking opportunities.
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