MSN Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina MSN Programs

MSN programs in South Carolina are a great opportunity for nurses to take a career to the next level. Nursing is a rewarding career, regardless of one's education level, but the MSN creates even more rewarding career opportunities. This master's level degree allows one to focus in a specialty area, or even to become a nurse educator or administrator.

One of the main reasons why nurses enter into MSN programs in South Carolina is to have access to higher level nursing positions. While registered nurses need only have an associate's or bachelor's degree to become licensed, many positions are available only to nurses with a master's degree. Often, a master's degree also results in higher earning potential.

Online vs. Traditional Programs

Those who thrive in a classroom environment and prefer learning alongside other students may prefer a more traditional MSN program. These programs are more structured, and require students to attend classes at the scheduled time. For those who prefer learning in this way and can attend classes at one of the colleges or universities where they are offered should do so.

South University offers online MSN program, but has a physical campus in Columbia, SC. This campus offers the program with the option to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. This program requires students to complete 62 credits.

For those who need greater flexibility in order to balance getting an education with working full-time and having a family or social life, an online MSN program may be best. There are many online programs which offer the MSN in various specialty areas. As previously mentioned, South University is one example. Another example of an accredited online MSN program is that offered by Chamberlain College of Nursing.

Chamberlain College of Nursing offers the MSN in the following specialty areas: Educator, Executive, Healthcare Policy, and Informatics. This college also offers an MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program. Students must complete 36 credits and a 100 hour practicum, and this requirement is increased to 200 hours for those on the Informatics track. The MSN FNP degree track consists of 45 credits, with 625 practicum hours built in.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements depend on the specified program one is applying to, but the following is common:

  • BSN from accredited program with 3.0 minimum GPA
  • Official transcripts
  • Current, unencumbered RN license
  • TOEFL for those who do not speak English as a first language

Tuition

Tuition is different for each program, and often changes annually. Currently, tuition at Chamberlain College of Nursing is listed at $650 per credit hour, excluding fees. There is a discounted tuition rate of $550 per credit for alumni and military.

Additional Resources

MSN Schools Near You & Online in South Carolina

Charleston Southern University

  • 9200 University Boulevard Charleston, SC 29406
    Programs: BSN, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (843) 863-7000

University of South Carolina

  • University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208
    Programs: BSN, BSN to DNP, DNP, MSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nursing Administration, Nursing PhD, Psychiatric Nursing, Public Health Nursing, RN, RN to BSN
    (803) 777-7000