Established in 1958, the Department of Nursing at Southeast Missouri State University began as an Associate of Arts program, graduating its first class of seven in 1960. A baccalaureate program was established in 1968 as a registered nurse completion program. The generic baccalaureate program was approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing in 1973. The MSN program was established in 1993 and graduated its first student in May 1995. The MSN program was the first graduate nursing program in the southern half of Missouri. Over the years the department has grown to 20-plus faculty, nearly 250 admitted students, and more than 400 pre-nursing students.
The mission of the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Nursing is to educate baccalaureate and masters graduates to practice nursing within the context of knowledgeable caring. The Department influences the health of the region and beyond by providing graduates who have demonstrated intellectual, personal and professional growth and who can integrate theoretical knowledge, experiential learning and an interdisciplinary foundation. Faculty encourage graduates to pursue a career of life long learning.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing and master’s degree in nursing at Southeast Missouri State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Department of Nursing
Southeast Missouri State University
One University Plaza
MS 8300
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Office of the Chairperson
(573) 651-2585
BSN Program
(573) 651-2585
RN to BSN Online Program (Current Students)
(573) 986-6413
RN to BSN Online Program (Prospective Students)
(573) 651-2766
MSN Program
(573) 986-6413
Nursing Deptartment Fax Number
(573) 651-2142
Contact