MSN vs. DNP: Which Should You Earn
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Dec 16, 2025
Highly trained nurses are essential to the success of our health care system. With the growing shortage of both registered nurses (RNs) and physicians, the need for nurses with postgraduate degrees is on the rise. Data from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners predicts a 46% increase in nurse practitioner jobs between 2023 and 2033, as these nurses are well-positioned to bridge the gap in care services between doctors and RNs.
Earning a postgraduate degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), can be instrumental in preparing graduates for the demands of nursing leadership. By completing a postgraduate degree, nurses can enhance their clinical skills, transition into roles that address the shortage of qualified care providers, and advance in their careers.
But which program is the best choice? Read on for an MSN vs. DNP comparison.
What Is an MSN?
An MSN is a postgraduate degree that emphasizes the theoretical side of higher-level nursing. For nurses interested in careers in research, administration, or academics, an MSN can be a great choice. While an MSN includes practical medical training, its focus on soft skills, leadership, and management can make it the right fit for students looking to pursue upper-level management, administrative, or educational roles.
What Is a DNP?
A DNP is considered a terminal degree for nurses. After completing a DNP, nurses can often work more independently, on more advanced cases, or in specialized areas of nursing. This is particularly true for those in states where nurse practitioners do not require physician oversight (full practice authority states). As such, a DNP may be the optimal choice for those seeking to become advanced practice nurse practitioners or nursing specialists, lead departments, direct nursing programs, or transition into executive-level roles.
Nurses with an MSN who choose to pursue an advanced practice specialization can also consider an MSN to DNP program.
MSN vs. DNP: How Are They Different?
Choosing between an MSN vs. DNP program comes down to a nurse’s goals, their chosen area of nursing, the type of facility they would like to work in, and any specialized training required for their career of choice.
Duration and Curriculum
Differences in MSN and DNP program duration and curriculum are based on a student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time) and completed level of education. Both programs generally require students to have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) before enrollment.
Typically, an MSN program is a two-year, full-time commitment, with a curriculum that includes practical nursing training as well as research and nursing theory. Courses featured in an MSN may cover areas such as:
-
Advanced nursing theory
-
Pathophysiology
-
Pharmacology
-
Health care policy
-
Health care research
-
Health promotion
DNP programs typically require a four-year, full-time commitment, but this can vary based on the program and previous education. The curriculum for a DNP is typically less focused on research and more on clinical practice, often allowing nurses to specialize in a specific type of practice, such as by age group or disease. DNP courses may cover areas such as:
-
Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
-
Health care practice foundations
-
Advanced assessment
-
Translational research
-
Health care informatics
-
Diagnosis and management
Career Outcomes
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing between MSN vs. DNP programs is the role that clinical practice or patient-facing care will play in a nurse’s career. While both degrees can open doors to leadership roles, career opportunities can shift depending on the program and nursing specialization.
MSN Careers
With research and academic theory playing such a prominent role, an MSN can often be a good choice for graduates seeking careers in research, academia, administration, or advocacy.
Some MSN careers and their salaries include:
-
Director of nursing: Payscale reported a median annual salary of around $102,200 as of April 2025.
-
Nursing administrator: As of May 2024, Payscale reported a median annual salary of around $96,500.
-
Nurse educator: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers earned a median annual salary of $80,780 as of May 2023.
-
Nursing researcher: According to Payscale, as of May 2025, the median annual salary for a clinical research nurse was approximately $79,500.
DNP Careers
DNP programs are typically more focused on nursing practice and patient care, ensuring students build more advanced clinical skills and knowledge. A DNP is the primary choice for students who want to complete advanced training in a focused area of medicine, work in specialty health care facilities, or pursue executive-level roles.
Examples of DNP careers and their salaries include:
-
Chief nursing officer: According to the BLS, top executives in health care, including chief nursing officers, earned a median annual salary of $194,400 as of May 2024.
-
Medical and health services managers: As of May 2024, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $117,960 for medical and health services managers.
-
Family nurse practitioner: The BLS reported that, as of May 2024, nurse practitioners earned a median annual salary of $129,200..
-
Clinical nurse specialist: According to Payscale, the median annual salary for clinical nurse specialists was around $105,100 as of May 2025.
Become a Health Care Leader with an Advanced Nursing Degree
Completing an advanced degree can be an excellent way for nurses to take the next step in their careers and make themselves eligible for senior-level roles. Depending on their goals, understanding the differences between MSN vs. DNP programs can be incredibly important.
The University of Tulsa offers an online Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice (FNP, DNP) degree program that equips current RNs with the knowledge and skills necessary for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure or leadership roles in administration or education. Nurses with an active RN license and a BSN from an accredited nursing program can complete this flexible program in three years.
TU also offers an MSN program for RNs who want to become nurse leaders and educators.
Discover how you can become a leader in health care with an advanced nursing degree from TU.
Recommended Readings
How an MSN Can Prepare You For Advanced Nursing Practice
Types of Nurses and Their Salaries
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, About the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
American Nurses Association, “Understanding the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree”
Indeed, “MSN vs. DNP: Definitions, Differences and Tips”
Payscale, Average Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Salary
Payscale, Average Clinical Research Nurse Salary
Payscale, Average Director, Nursing Salary
Payscale, Average Nurse Administrator Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
