What’s the difference between an MSN vs. BSN degree?

A BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. An MSN is a Master of Science in Nursing degree program. If you want to earn an MSN, you will first need to earn a BSN, or possess an undergraduate degree in another field and complete prerequisite course requirements as well as obtain a registered nurse (RN) license. Not all nurses have a BSN or an MSN. It’s possible to become a licensed nurse with an associate degree, which is a two-year degree program. However, those who opt for this pathway may find their employment and advancement opportunities are limited. This is why you’ll often find nurses with associate degrees returning to school to earn a four-year degree in order to enhance their qualifications. So, although it’s possible to become a nurse with a two-year degree, it may be preferable to earn a BSN degree. An MSN degree, may be required for nurses who desire career advancement and greater specialization opportunities.

BSN vs MSN: Degree Options and Salary Comparison

Q: What Are the Types of BSN Degrees?

Although it’s not common to select a BSN degree with a specific concentration, there are different types of BSN programs to consider. The BSN program that’s right for you will depend on whether you are seeking initial licensure to become a licensed nurse or whether you're already a practicing nurse but are seeking a bachelor's degree. Here are your options: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (leads to licensure), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (leads to licensure, accelerated — ABSN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (post-licensure, RN to BSN)

November 14, 2024 in [ Nursing & Healthcare ]

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Nursing is an occupation that can allow professionals to make a meaningful, positive difference in people’s lives. Once you earn a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), many specialization options are available. A master's degree in nursing (MSN) can present opportunities to specialize in areas such as nurse-midwifery or advanced practice nursing, as well as potential opportunities to position yourself for growth and potential career advancements.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in nursing, you’ll need to think carefully about your academic choices. Use this career planning guide to dig deep into the answers to common questions.

In This Article:

What’s the Difference Between BSN and MSN Nursing Programs?
MSN vs. BSN Salary
BSN vs. MSN Structure and Objectives: A Look at What You'll Study
What Are the Types of MSN Degrees?
What Are the Types of BSN Degrees?
How To Prepare for Your BSN Pre-Licensure Degree
Explore BSN and MSN Degree Options at GCU

What’s the Difference Between BSN and MSN Nursing Programs?

There are many nursing-related abbreviations to become familiar with, which can be a little confusing for aspiring nurses. Although mastering the medical terminology for patient care-related topics will take quite a bit of study, sorting out the differences in nursing credentials is simpler. The main difference between BSN and MSN programs is that the former is an undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree, while the latter is a graduate degree.

A BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. An MSN is a Master of Science in Nursing degree. If you want to earn an MSN, you will first need to earn a BSN or possess an undergraduate degree in another field and complete prerequisite course requirements as well as obtain a registered nurse (RN) license.

Not all nurses have a BSN or an MSN. It’s possible to become a licensed nurse with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which is typically a two-year degree program. However, those who opt for an ADN may find their employment and advancement opportunities are limited, as a bachelor's degree is often now the minimum requirement for employment.¹ For nurses who desire to position themselves to potentially pursue career advancement and greater specialization opportunities, an MSN degree may be required.

MSN vs. BSN Salary

In May 2023, registered nurses had a median annual wage of $86,070, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).² This can vary based on many factors, including nursing specialties, such as travel nursing or critical care nursing, years of nursing experience and the state you work in.

Salaries for MSN-prepared nurses are generally higher than for BSN-prepared nurses, but the salary can vary quite a bit among them. For example, nurse anesthetists are among the highest-paid nurses with a median annual wage of $129,480. Postsecondary nurse educators with an MSN make about the same as BSN-prepared RNs with a median annual wage of $86,530, also according to the BLS.⁴ However, the benefits of being an educator may include more typical working hours and a better work-life balance.⁵

BSN vs. MSN Structure and Objectives: A Look at What You’ll Study

An accredited pre-licensure BSN program will cover all the areas tested on the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the national licensing exam that all nurses must pass after earning an undergraduate degree proving entry-level competency in nursing.⁶

While working toward a pre-licensure BSN degree, you will study nursing across the full continuum of care — from patient assessments to follow-up care, pediatric to adult and public health to school nursing. You’ll also explore professional ethics, health policies and best practices in nursing.

Some of the specific topics you can expect to study as a nursing student include the following:

Behavioral health nursing
Health assessment
Adult health nursing
Leadership, ethics and policy in healthcare
Population/community health

These are just a few sample topics. You’ll have a mix of theory courses, labs and simulated nursing experiences during your time as a BSN student. You’ll also be assigned to multiple clinical rotations in which you will provide patient care under supervision of nurse faculty.

What Are the Types of MSN Degrees?

If you decide to earn an MSN, you’ll take a deeper dive into nursing theories and applications. You’ll refine your understanding of nursing research and sharpen your clinical skills in the advanced role.

At this level of education, you will also have the opportunity to choose a degree that has a specialization, which usually falls into one of two categories — clinical and non-clinical tracks. Let’s take a look at the most common specializations you can choose for a master’s degree and their brief job descriptions:

Common MSN Clinical Tracks:

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): An FNP cares for patients from infants to the elderly, across the continuum, treating routine health conditions and promoting health through preventative screenings, usually in the outpatient clinical setting or public health office.
Adult-Gerontology Acute-Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): AGACNPs care for mild, moderate and severe forms of illness in patients over the age of 18 — usually in a hospital or urgent care setting
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): A PMHNP provides mental health services and counseling to patients and families with psychiatric conditions, usually in outpatient clinical settings, inpatient mental health rehabilitation centers or virtually through secure telehealth platforms.

Common MSN Non-Clinical Tracks:

Nursing Education: This track focuses on teaching the next generation of nurses, as well as best practices for educating patients, families and communities. Practice areas are usually in academia and higher education but can also include nursing education in hospitals and specialty units.
Health Informatics: This area teaches advanced nurses how to collect and interpret healthcare data in a way that facilitates better decision-making and evidence-based nursing practices.
Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety: This focus incorporates diverse concepts into cohesive solutions to change policies and protect patients.

Before choosing an MSN degree program, think carefully about the type of advanced nursing role you’d like to pursue to meet your personal and professional goals.

What Are the Types of BSN Degrees?

There are multiple pathways to obtaining your BSN. The BSN program that’s right for you will depend on whether you are seeking initial licensure to become a licensed registered nurse or whether you're already a practicing nurse seeking a bachelor's degree. Here are your options:

Another option is the accelerated BSN (ABSN) degree. This program is designed for individuals who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree or some college credits and want to switch into a nursing career. This may be a good option as it can also allow you to build on your professional experience.

Practicing RNs with an associate degree in nursing can apply for enrollment in an RN to BSN program, which builds on their foundational nursing knowledge so they can continue working as a nurse while taking classes.

How To Prepare for Your BSN Pre-Licensure Degree

Now that you understand various abbreviations describing nursing education, it’s time to prepare for your postsecondary academic journey. If you’re in high school and planning on earning a BSN degree, you should schedule a meeting with your school counselor who can discuss whether you can add any relevant high school courses to your schedule that would help you prepare for your postsecondary education.

Nursing students can jumpstart their nursing knowledge by focusing on strong skills in mathematics and life sciences. The humanities are also important for well-rounded nurses who need to develop strong critical thinking skills, communication abilities and an understanding of cultural diversity.

In addition to your studies, look for ways to get involved with the nursing community. Volunteer at the first aid tent of a marathon or sporting event or take a summer job with a home health agency as a nurse aide.

Explore BSN and MSN Degree Options at GCU

With a tradition of nursing education excellence, the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions at Grand Canyon University is pleased to offer a variety of BSN and MSN degree programs. Whether you’re a high school senior exploring your baccalaureate degree options or an experienced nurse thinking of going for a higher degree, fill out the form on this page to learn more about the suitable degree options for you.

Chart Your Course in Nursing

Explore nursing degrees that open doors to diverse roles and greater impact in the healthcare industry.

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¹ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How To Become a Registered Nurse. Retrieved Aug. 29, 2024.

² The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses as of May 2023, retrieved Aug. 29, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Registered Nurses nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make not guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses apply to, the graduates’ experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

³ The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners as of May 2023, retrieved Aug. 29, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as registered nurses nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make not guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses apply to, the graduates’ experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

⁴ The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Nursing Instructors and Teachers as of May 2023, retrieved Aug. 29, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as registered nurses nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make not guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses apply to, the graduates’ experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

⁵ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Postsecondary Teachers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved Aug. 29, 2024.

⁶ National Council State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). About the NCLEX. Retrieved Aug. 26, 2024.

Approved and verified accurate by the associate dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on Nov. 4, 2024.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.