MS in Nursing vs MSN does this matter?

I'm inclined to think along the same lines as llg and Jolie. Usually, an MS degree in something other than nursing does not count as accepted qualification for teaching. However, an MS in Nursing does and so does an MSN.

In Michigan, there is only one university that still offers the MS in Nursing instead of the MSN and that school is the main campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. U of M as it's called around here has a very good reputation. In keeping with the tradition of their MS in Nursing, the institution does require completion of a thesis whereas the other institutions where the MSN degree is offered has removed the thesis requirement or at least, made it "optional".

I can understand why they require the degree to be in nursing. If the person is going to teach nursing, they should have an advanced education in nursing. Just because I took a couple of classes in political science while I was undergrad does not qualify me to teach political science in college even though I have a PhD (in nursing). A degree in one field should not qualify you to teach in another field. If you haven't studied the advanced material in nursing, you should not be considered an expert in the nursing discipline, though having practical experience does lead to practice expertise (though not academic expertise).

I apologize for my post - I wasn't clear. Yes, Jolie - you are right - my friend has an MS in education, not nursing. This is the problem. I should have been clearer.

Thanks for clearing that up. An MS in Nursing is "just as good as" and in some cases, considered "higher than" an MSN. But as I said in my previous post, I can understand why someone whose MS is in some other field can not be said to have a graduate degree in nursing.

Also be sure to examine the BON requirements for nursing faculty in your state. In Virginia, graduates with MSNs in Education cannot teach at BSN or above programs. Such graduates can only teach at diploma or associate degree programs. I know several people who did nursing education programs from Walden, Phoenix and Capella who cannot even get interviews for faculty positions at 4-year programs. Faculty at BSN programs in Virginia need to have graduate degrees (and certification) in the subject matter that they are teaching -- med-surg, psych, community health, administration, critical care, OB, etc.

Wow, I have both a MS from a college of nursing within a university setting and an MSN from a different university setting. Both highly regarded both with medical schools onsite. I received my MSN in 1992, and had the requirement of a master’s thesis. My MS waved my research requirement because of that and now requires others receiving the MS degree to have a research project that could be done in a group format. Today the MSN offers both options. Although the thesis was extremely painful (and I think they fooled with my head just because), I found it beneficial in my ability to apply research.

However, when I ask many healthcare professionals...my degree orders is MS, MSN. From the professional ranking the MS is more scientifically grounded (and I did have 3 more graduate science courses) and thus has more weight. Personally, I am not sure I buy that notion. Heck, sometimes I question why I did both, but here I am. I think I muddied the water even more.

Tracey

I am new to the board here. I am in the Master of Science Degree in Nursing Program at Walden and investigated the significance of the difference. After speaking with numerous people in academia (university level) here in California and at the CCNE (the accreditation body for Walden), I am a-okay with my choice. The greatest difference appears to be the semantics, and as an earlier poster said, the wording on the diploma. I do not know the implications in other states.

My program is challenging and I am learning a great deal. I will have an Education specialization upon completion of my degree at Walden.