Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Education for Practice

The next generation of nurse leaders

Advance your nursing career, and your impact on patients, communities, and the future of healthcare, with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Our flexible, hybrid program is designed for working registered nurses who are ready to step into leadership, education, and advanced practice roles without pausing their careers. Through a dynamic, 39-credit curriculum, you’ll build expertise in evidence-based practice, healthcare innovation, systems leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration—skills that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

In this program, you’ll learn to translate research into practice, design engaging educational experiences, and lead initiatives that improve patient outcomes and organizational performance. Whether you’re guiding clinical teams, developing the next generation of nurses, or shaping policy, you’ll graduate prepared to influence change at every level of care.

“The master’s program helped my professional growth by further developing my advanced clinical expertise and leadership skills. I was challenged to look at complex clinical situations as well as to apply current and relevant evidence-based practices into clinical practice. I was encouraged to lead a culture of change focused on reducing disparities, while improving patient outcomes, and efficiency. These challenges have enhanced my ability to lead and teach” – 2024 Graduate 

An MSN opens the door to a wide range of career advancements, including roles such as:

• Nurse Educator in academic or clinical settings
• Clinical Nurse Leader or Care Coordinator
• Nursing Professional Development Specialist
• Healthcare Administrator or Nurse Manager
• Quality Improvement or Patient Safety Specialist
• Public Health or Community Health Leader
• Policy Advocate or Healthcare Consultant

As an MSN-prepared nurse, you’ll serve as a mentor, innovator, and advocate—elevating standards of care, strengthening the nursing workforce, and improving health outcomes in your community and beyond.

Rolling Acceptance of Application through:

• August 1st for Fall Semester
• December 1st for Spring Semester

Eligibility

• A 4-year nursing degree from an accredited program conferred prior to the start of the program
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Current, unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse
• For new baccalaureate graduates, admission will be conditional pending licensure by the end of the summer semester.

Networking, Experience and Flexibility

• The MSN curriculum provides you the opportunity to network with leaders in nursing around the state of Minnesota who are pursuing their leadership and FNP doctorates at CSB. You will be in the same courses as these exceptional leaders.
• The Practicum series and capstone course will provide an additional 520 clinical practice hours for you to expand your nursing knowledge and leadership skills, as you work alongside leading experts in specialty areas and nursing education.

“The MSN program has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new perspectives. Engaging with a variety of classmates, preceptors, and faculty members has exposed me to different viewpoints and approaches to nursing education and leadership. This has broadened my understanding and appreciation of the complexities within the healthcare and educational systems.” – 2024 Graduate  

• With your degree, you will find increased opportunities with increased pay in many areas of nursing. You will quickly feel more comfortable than your peers in these leadership roles. Networking may lead to professional opportunities.
• All graduate courses taken are hybrid in delivery, apart from the practicum hours. Each course conducts two synchronous meetings (in person or online) with the majority of the course delivery asynchronous online, with weekly assignments and discussion. Work, life, school balance is achievable.
• Earn your first certification! As a certified nursing educator. Course work will prepare you for one of three nurse educator certifications depending on your level of experience.

Who is this program for?

• Anyone who is committed to providing exceptional high quality nursing care and desires to expand their nursing knowledge, increase their leadership skills, learn about educating future and new nurses, and enter nursing practice with increased competence and confidence. You need not aspire to continue beyond the MSN, but many of you may choose a specialty later in your career and further your education. Regardless, this degree will open doors for advancement in any practice environment. Additional highlights of the program:

4 Plus 1 Option

Undergraduate students looking to get a jump start on their graduate education should click on the link below for more information about the graduate courses available your senior year.