MSN vs. MAN

Nursing Students Post Graduate Nursing Q/A

What's the difference between having an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) and MAN (Master of Arts in Nursing)? Which one's better to take?

6 Answers

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

As a practical matter, there is no real difference that will probably ever matter, but technically ...

Each school chooses what to call it's degrees. Historically, degrees in the "art" of something emphasized the practice of a profession. Degrees in the "science" of something emphasized the academics of a discipline. Over the decades, the lines have blurred and most people don't even remember what the distinction is supposed to be anymore.

In some cases, a school with choose to offer one degree over the other depending on the rules established within that particular university for qualifying for the degrees and the governance of the program. For example, some universities may require that anyone getting a graduate degree in the "science" of something has to complete a thesis -- but to get an MA, a thesis is not needed. Or maybe that was true at some point in the past and the titling has remained even if the requirement is no longer there. etc. etc. etc.

techinically in what field did you graduate? isn't it bachelor of "science" major in nursing?.. i assume you did not graduated from a "bachelor of arts in nursing". so if you are going to proceed to a higher education, it must be in the field of "science" not unless you are b.a of nursing (b.a.n) and not b.s.n.

now master of science in nursing (m.s.n.) is more appropriate. of course the university/school has to be ched accredited.

i'd like to clarify this issue here..

masters of arts, i'm assuming in which ever field, has a broader scope - hence more focused on the theories and general knowledge in a certain discipline. the advantage here is that it is more generic in nature, so you can take what you've learned and apply it in a manner most suitable to the situation you land in.

so lets say you've taken up man, majoring in administration.. you learn about administration as a whole, but with special emphasis on the nursing field.. if you major in med-surg, you learn theories as a whole, but do not always have the actual application in the clinical area.. same goes with majoring in psych and maternal and child..

masters of science, the focus would be more specific on the practical skills needed for the discipline within the field. the advantage here lies in specializing in a certain area, and becoming an expert at it.

man requires a thesis, it has been like that ever since.. (in the philippines, at least..)

msn, however, i've been told by a friend, that the requirement would be to complete a certain number of internship hours in their chosen field of specialization, instead of a thesis.. but that is just in one university that offers msn in the philippines, i do not know about the rest..

it isn't a matter of which is more appropriate, it depends on the person's preference.. some nurses prefer to be all-around, and some want to have a certain expertise. either choice is a good choice, and either choice would definitely not be a wrong choice!

our service is always for the greater good. we all know our capabilities, and as nurses we are aware of what we can do to develop ourselves in order to perform better when it comes to our profession.

i hope i helped. :)

Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

I was told that as long as you earn a master's from a reputable school, the actual letters behind your name do not matter much. My school technically awards a MS (Master's in Science with a major in nursing) as opposed to a MSN. The degree is still recognized and respected by employers in my area.

Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

I am just wondering where in the US the degree MAN is offered. I've only seen MSN, MS, and MN as far as master's degree programs in the field of nursing.

Techinically in what field did you graduate? Isn't it BACHELOR OF "SCIENCE" major in Nursing?.. I assume you did not graduated from a "Bachelor of ARTS in Nursing". so if you are going to proceed to a higher education, it must be in the field of "science" not unless you are B.A of Nursing (B.A.N) and not B.S.N.

Now MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (M.S.N.) is more appropriate. Of course the university/school has to be CHED accredited.

I am a Master's of Arts student.. A thesis is actually required.

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