UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies
UMKC’s MSN programs prepare you with the clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and specialized training to take the next step in your nursing career.
Call 816-235-1700 for more info.
Why Choose UMKC?
The UMKC Advantage
Graduates from our MSN program have a high certification pass rate. Our clinically expert faculty is engaged with students in their academic journey. UMKC is a Carnegie Research 1 (R1) Institution, which means that faculty conduct meaningful research at an impactful level and are excellent at mentoring students in research.
Flexible Year-Round Curriculum
Flexible Financial Aid
Our MSN program is highly affordable in states authorized to deliver it. We secure the in-state resident tuition rate for all degree-seeking students enrolled in our graduate nursing online programs, with opportunities for financial aid and scholarships available.
Hub of Innovation
UMKC’s Post-MSN Certificate program builds on 20+ years of online excellence, offering expert faculty, advanced technology, and a reputation as one of the nation’s top offerings according to U.S. News and World Report.
More Career Options
An online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies will lead you to professional growth, leadership, and social advocacy. The MSN-prepared Nurse Educator (NE) is prepared to lead nursing education and staff development programs, with an emphasis on curriculum development and program evaluation. The MSN-prepared nurse practitioner is ready to assume responsibility and accountability for promoting, assessing, diagnosing, and managing patient health.
These include the prescription of pharmacologic agents within a specialty area of clinical practice, such as:
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC PNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
How Does The Program Work?
UMKC support services are available to all distance education students. Every student is assigned an Academic Advisor and Faculty Mentor.
You will love learning from our highly qualified, clinically active faculty. We also offer plenty of opportunities for student-to-student interaction.
The Value of Real-World Experience
We understand the value of practical, real-world experience. While many online degrees struggle to offer this, at UMKC, we pride ourselves on offering more interactive experiences to our MSN students than any other program. Our faculty is current in clinical practice, providing a valuable resource to students.
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Call 1-(877) 959-6203 for more info.
Is Financial Assistance Available?
Yes! UMKC can help you fund your future.
Explore a range of financial support, including scholarships, grants, and loans through UMKC, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, and external agencies, so you can focus on what matters—achieving your goals.
How Are Classes Conducted?
Courses are primarily online, using the online learning management system Canvas, using the online learning management system Canvas, which easily accesses assignments, syllabi, and class materials. Learning is interactive and flexible, with a mix of live (synchronous) and self-paced (asynchronous) sessions. Some courses include scheduled chat/class times—usually Thursdays or Fridays—shared in advance. Clinical courses require occasional on-campus visits, which are announced early for planning. Faculty provide personalized support, and 24/7 tutoring is available through NetTutor.
We designed the graduate programs to give professionals flexibility.
How Do I Apply?
Are you convinced that the UMKC MSN program is right for you? Here is what you need to know to apply and enroll:
Admission Requirements
- BSN from a college or university nationally recognized by a nursing accrediting agency (CCNE or AACN).
- Current unencumbered licensure in the state where the student completes clinical requirements.
- The GPA required for admission is 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, calculated based on the last 60 hours of their BSN degree.
*Students may be admitted on probation with a GPA of 3.0-3.19
The following two courses are prerequisites to progression in the MSN program; however, they can be taken at UMKC along with your program of study:
- Graduate-level statistics course with a minimum grade of B.
- A free-standing undergraduate health assessment course with a minimum grade of B.
- Personal interviews will be required.
Application Deadlines
- October 16th, 2026 (for early decision/acceptance) to start coursework in Spring 2027.
- March 5th, 2027 (for regular acceptance to all programs EXCEPT Nurse Educator) to start coursework in Summer 2027.
- March 5th, 2027 (Fall 2026 start for Nurse Educator & Post-MSN Certificates ONLY) to start coursework in Fall 2027.