Claflin University students and campus life
Department of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Step into advanced practice and nursing leadership with Nurse Leader and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks.

Degree Type
Master of Science
Program Length
2 years (full-time)
Credit Hours
Graduate program
Delivery Format
Online / hybrid
Department
Department of Nursing
School
Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Career Outlook
Strong, growing demand
Location
Orangeburg, SC
Overview

Inside Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

The Master of Science in Nursing prepares nurses for advanced practice and leadership through Nurse Leader and Family Nurse Practitioner curricula.

Graduates move into advanced clinical, leadership, and educator roles across the healthcare system.

Student experience

Students in Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) learn in small, mentorship-driven classes, work closely with faculty on research and creative projects, and build a portfolio of real-world experience before they graduate.

What You'll Learn

  • 01Provide or lead advanced nursing care
  • 02Apply evidence-based practice at scale
  • 03Lead teams, programs, and quality improvement
  • 04Advance health equity and outcomes

Why This Program

  • Nurse Leader and FNP tracks
  • Flexible format for working nurses
  • Advanced practice and leadership pathways
Curriculum

What You'll Study.

Major Requirements

  • 01Foundational core sequence for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) major
  • 02Methods, theory, and applied coursework
  • 03Upper-division concentration courses
  • 04Capstone, portfolio, or senior research experience

General Education

  • 01First-Year Experience & University Seminar
  • 02Written and Oral Communication
  • 03Quantitative Reasoning & Natural Sciences
  • 04Humanities, Social Sciences & the Arts

Electives

  • 01Free electives toward the 120-credit degree
  • 02Optional minor or second concentration
  • 03Study away / experiential credit options
Sample four-year plan
Year One
  • University core & seminar
  • Introductory major foundations
Year Two
  • Major methods & theory
  • General education breadth
Year Three
  • Upper-division major courses
  • Internship or research
Year Four
  • Concentration electives
  • Capstone / senior experience

Downloadable curriculum sheet — coming soon

Career pathways

Where This Degree Takes You.

Common Job Titles

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Leader / Manager
  • Nurse Educator
  • Clinical Director
  • Quality Improvement Lead

Graduate School Options

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • Ph.D. in Nursing

Industry Sectors

  • Hospitals & Health Systems
  • Primary Care
  • Public Health
  • Higher Education
Salary outlook

Salary outcomes vary by role and region — connect with Claflin Career Services for current, verified data for this field.

Employment statistics

Add program placement rate and outcomes data

Experiential learning

Learn by Doing.

Real experience is built into the program — from internships and research to service learning and study abroad.

Internships

Placements with regional employers and partners connected to the Department of Nursing.

Undergraduate Research

Mentored, faculty-led research beginning as early as the first year.

Field Experiences

Site visits, practica, and community-based learning that apply classroom theory.

Service Learning

Projects that connect coursework to Orangeburg and the surrounding community.

Study Abroad

Global programs coordinated through the Office of Global Programs.

Faculty

Learn from Dedicated Scholars.

Portrait of Dr. Melissa Knight, PhD, RN, MSN, CNE

Dr. Melissa Knight, PhD, RN, MSN, CNE

Interim Associate Dean of Nursing • Assistant Professor of Nursing

Focus

Nursing leadership, community & population health

Student success

Outcomes That Speak for Themselves.

Sample spotlights — replace with real student & alumni stories.

“The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program gave me the mentorship and hands-on experience to step confidently into my career.”
Claflin Graduate
Add alumni name, class year & current role
“My professors knew me by name and pushed me to do work I didn't know I was capable of.”
Current Student
Add student name, classification & spotlight
Admissions

How to Apply.

Requirements

  • Completed Claflin University application
  • Official high school transcript (or college transcripts for transfers)
  • Self-reported test scores (test-optional pathways available)
  • Personal statement and any program-specific materials

Deadlines

  • Fall priority: November 1 — Spring priority: November 15
  • Rolling admission after priority dates while space remains
  • Financial aid: complete the FAFSA by the published priority date

Application Process

  1. 01Submit your free application online
  2. 02Send official transcripts and supporting documents
  3. 03Connect with your admissions counselor
  4. 04Receive your decision and financial aid package

Answer the call

Your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Journey Starts Here.

Take the next step toward a Claflin education — apply, request information, or schedule a visit today.