Master of Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing: What's the Difference?
Are you interested in a career in nursing? Are you currently in a nursing profession but want to earn new skills? The University of Lethbridge has the program for you!
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The nursing profession has been put to the test ‐ and passed with flying colours — in the face of the global pandemic.
Being part of such a valuable and employable cohort means possessing the skills necessary to succeed, adapt and evolve.
Whether you’re a veteran of the profession or just getting started, the University of Lethbridge offers two different master’s degrees: a Master of Nursing and a Master of Science with a major in Nursing.
If you’re currently a Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) or Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) in Canada and want to advance your practice by exploring new areas of nursing, the ULethbridge Master of Nursing (MN) is the degree for you.
Created for the lifelong learner, the MN program caters to those already in the nursing profession who have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BN, BScN) and are regulated members in good standing on the Registered Nurse, Psychiatric Nurse, Graduate Nursing Practitioner, or Nurse Practitioner Register list.
The MN, which students complete online on a full- or part-time basis, helps nursing professionals gain additional credentials to become leaders in nursing practice, education, and research.
Students can choose between three pathways in the MN. In each route, students complete common core Nursing courses, in addition to:
- Thesis: This route is well-suited for those who plan to pursue a PhD.
- Culminating Project: This is best for students who want to contribute to nursing practice on a topic of interest to them. Students choose their topic in consultation with their instructor. Upon completion, nurses and/or clients should be able to apply the project in a practice-based setting.
- Courses: In addition to the core Nursing courses, students complete nine credit hours of specialized Nursing and Health Sciences courses, as well as 12 credit hours of Addictions Counselling, Public Health, Health Services Management, and/or Nursing Practice Experience courses.
Unlike the Master of Nursing, an undergraduate degree in nursing is not required for entry into the Msc (Nursing) program, although many students do have a health care background. Students must find a supervisor for admission to the MSc (Nursing), take classroom-based courses on the Lethbridge Campus and complete a thesis. Students may take the program part-time (over 48 months) or full-time (over 24 months).
The MSc (Nursing) also offers optional paid co-op work terms, so students can earn a paycheque and take their learning beyond the classroom.
This degree is well-suited for international applicants who don’t hold a current Canadian RN license.
A Master of Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing seem pretty similar. So which one is best for you?
| | Master of Nursing | Master of Science in Nursing |
| Program length | Full-time: 2 years; part-time: 4-6 years | Full-time: 2 years; part-time: 4 years |
| Program format | Online | In-person |
| Do you need a nursing background? | Yes. You must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BN, BScN) and are currently a Registered Nurse, Registered Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse, or Graduate Nursing Practitioner. | No. You don’t need an undergraduate degree in nursing. |
| Program pathway options | MN students can choose one of three pathway options: course-based (coursework only), project option (coursework and project), or a thesis option (coursework and thesis). | All MScN students must complete coursework and a thesis. However, a co-op placement is optional. |
| Can international students apply? | Yes, but all applicants must hold a Canadian RN license. Internationally educated nurses who are not already registered in Canada should consult the College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta for details on how to obtain registration to practice in Alberta. | Yes. This degree is well-suited for international applicants who don’t hold a current Canadian RN license. |
Are you interested in a career in nursing? Are you currently in a nursing profession but want to earn new skills? The ULethbridge has the program for you!
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