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What is a Master of Science (MS) Degree?

Updated: October 14, 2024

If you’re considering a master’s degree, you have plenty of options. One important category of degrees is the Master of Science Degree(MS). At Barton College, we offer MS degree programs that can open exciting new doors. For example, our Master of Science in Nursing degree creates new opportunities for nurses who are ready to advance their careers. Here’s what you should know about a Master of Science Degree and what it can do for you.

What is a Master of Science Degree?

Any graduate degree focuses on a specific study area, delving deeper into the subject than you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in. That subject can be anything from business administration to philosophy.

Certain master’s degrees fall into one broad category – Master of Science. The degrees under this designation provide education and training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This includes data science, biology, mathematics, social work, behavioral science, and medicine.

MS programs generally include classroom instruction and/or laboratory research and may require a thesis or capstone project at completion. They usually take one to two years of full-time study and may be focused on preparing for a career in the field or further study in a Ph.D. program.

Specific Areas of Science to Focus On

You have many options to consider when choosing to pursue an MS. The possibilities include cybersecurity, environmental science, and social work, just to name a few.

One option that’s in high demand is an MS in Nursing. Barton College offers this degree to prepare students to become administrators or educators in the nursing field. You can be confident about our program because we are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

This MS program requires two years of full-time study. To be admitted, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and transcripts from the institution where you obtained that degree. They must show that you maintained a GPA of at least 3.0.

You also must have at least one year of clinical practice and be a registered nurse with an unrestricted license. If all these requirements are met, we invite you to complete a graduate application and begin your journey toward an MS in Nursing.

What are the Benefits of a Master of Science in Nursing Degree?

The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, and nurses are in high demand. Why should you make the effort if you don’t need an MS to work in nursing? Everyone has reasons for committing to an MS program, but here are some common themes.

New Opportunities

Some higher-level jobs in nursing are not available to nurses without an advanced degree. Jobs such as Nurse Administrator or Chief Nursing Officer may be off-limits if you don’t have an MS degree. Naturally, these jobs also come with higher pay.

Teaching

As a highly educated nurse, you have the potential to teach future nurses. You can pass on your academic and practical knowledge to a new generation of nurses.

Grow Your Expertise

You will dig deeper into the subjects that interest you, building a larger knowledge base from which to work. This will prepare you to serve your patients even more effectively and support fellow nurses in a leadership role.

Earn Your MS In Nursing at Barton College in Wilson, NC!

If you want to obtain your MS in Nursing degree, we invite you to contact us at Barton College. We work hard to offer flexible courses that fit into your busy life and to help our students find success. A higher degree in nursing will open new and exciting doors for you, and we would love to support your journey toward your dream career.

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