At which campus can I study this program?
Direct Admission to the Major
Incoming first-year students who meet the program admission requirements are admitted directly into the major. Admission restrictions may apply for change-of-major and/or change-of-campus students.
For more information about the admission process for this major, please send a request to the college, campus, or program contact (listed in the Contact tab).
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in Nursing, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
Requirement | Credits |
---|---|
General Education | 45 |
Electives | 5-9 |
Requirements for the Major | 87-92 |
21-22 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 3 credits of GHW courses; 9 credits of GN courses; 3-4 credits of GQ courses; 6 credits of GS courses.
The Second or Additional Degree Option requires the completion of 60 credits of general education and prerequisite courses in the first degree program (prior to admission) and 60 credits of nursing courses completed after admission.
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Knowledge Domains
- Arts (GA): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)
- Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Requirements for the Major
Requirements for the Major must be completed prior to admission for students taking the Second Degree Option.
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Prescribed Courses | ||
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
BIOL 161 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture ![]() | 3 |
BIOL 162 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Laboratory ![]() | 1 |
BIOL 163 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lecture ![]() | 3 |
BIOL 164 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Laboratory ![]() | 1 |
HDFS 129 | Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies ![]() | 3 |
MICRB 106 | Elementary Microbiology ![]() | 3 |
MICRB 107 | Elementary Microbiology Laboratory ![]() | 1 |
NUTR 251 | Introductory Principles of Nutrition ![]() | 3 |
PSYCH 100 | Introductory Psychology ![]() | 3 |
Additional Courses | ||
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
CHEM 130 | Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry ![]() | 3 |
or CHEM 110 & CHEM 111 | Chemical Principles I ![]() and Experimental Chemistry I ![]() | |
SOC 1 | Introductory Sociology ![]() | 3 |
or SOC 5 | Social Problems ![]() | |
STAT 200 | Elementary Statistics ![]() | 3-4 |
or STAT 250 | Introduction to Biostatistics ![]() | |
Requirements for the Option | ||
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select an option | 57-60 |
1 | A grade of C or better per course is required for teacher certification. |
Requirements for the Option
General Nursing Option (57 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Erie, Fayette, Mont Alto, Schuylkill, Scranton, University Park
Students who begin the General Nursing Option at University Park must complete the degree at University Park.
Students may begin the General Nursing Option at any campus if they will complete the degree at Altoona, Erie, Fayette, Mont Alto, Schuylkill, or Scranton.
Due to restricted enrollment, the College of Nursing assigns the semester in which students enroll in the following Prescribed Courses and all course prerequisites must be successfully completed.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Prescribed Courses | ||
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
NURS 200W | Principles of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
NURS 225 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
NURS 230 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Nursing | 4 |
NURS 250 | Professional Role Dev I: Intro to Professional Issues in Nursing Practice and Nursing Informatics | 2 |
NURS 251 | Health Assessment | 3 |
NURS 301 | Nursing Care of the Adult Client Requiring Medical-Surgical Intervention | 4 |
NURS 305 | Introduction to Pharmacological Concepts | 3 |
NURS 306 | Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents | 3 |
NURS 310 | Therapeutic Nursing Care of the Older Adult Client in a Variety of Settings | 3 |
NURS 320 | Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family and Gynecological Client | 3 |
NURS 350 | Professional Role Development II: Ethics, Legal and Genetic Issues | 2 |
NURS 405A | Nursing Care of the Adult Client with Complex Health Problems: Part A | 4 |
NURS 405B | Nursing Care of the Adult Client with Complex Health Problems: Part B | 4 |
NURS 415 | Community and Family Health Nursing | 4 |
NURS 420 | Mental Health Nursing | 4 |
NURS 450A | Professional Role Development III: Leadership and Management | 2 |
NURS 450B | Professional Role Development III: Clinical Capstone | 3 |
Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
Select 3 credits at the 400 level from College-approved list in consultation with adviser | 3 |
Second Degree Option (60 credits)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Harrisburg
Students start and remain at the campus of admission for the entire program (Altoona or Harrisburg)
Due to restricted enrollment, the College of Nursing assigns the semester in which students enroll in the following Prescribed Courses and all course prerequisites must be successfully completed.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Prescribed Courses | ||
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
NURS 200W | Principles of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
NURS 225 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
NURS 230 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Nursing | 4 |
NURS 250 | Professional Role Dev I: Intro to Professional Issues in Nursing Practice and Nursing Informatics | 2 |
NURS 251 | Health Assessment | 3 |
NURS 301 | Nursing Care of the Adult Client Requiring Medical-Surgical Intervention | 4 |
NURS 305 | Introduction to Pharmacological Concepts | 3 |
NURS 306 | Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents | 3 |
NURS 310 | Therapeutic Nursing Care of the Older Adult Client in a Variety of Settings | 3 |
NURS 320 | Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family and Gynecological Client | 3 |
NURS 350 | Professional Role Development II: Ethics, Legal and Genetic Issues | 2 |
NURS 405A | Nursing Care of the Adult Client with Complex Health Problems: Part A | 4 |
NURS 405B | Nursing Care of the Adult Client with Complex Health Problems: Part B | 4 |
NURS 415 | Community and Family Health Nursing | 4 |
NURS 420 | Mental Health Nursing | 4 |
NURS 450A | Professional Role Development III: Leadership and Management | 2 |
NURS 450B | Professional Role Development III: Clinical Capstone | 3 |
NURS 495 | Nursing Study in Specialized Setting | 6 |
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee’s unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Altoona
Suzanne K. Kuhn
Associate Teaching Professor
Nursing Program Coordinator
Sheetz Family Health Center 106
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5114
skk6@psu.edu
Erie
Kimberly Streiff
Assistant Teaching Professor
Nursing Program Coordinator
139 Otto Behrend Science
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-7583
kws5659@psu.edu
Fayette
Melissa Miner, DNP, RN, CNE
Associate Teaching Professor
Nursing Program Coordinator
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4220
mbm12@psu.edu
Harrisburg
Ann Swartz, D.Ed., CRNP, CS
Associate Teaching Professor
Nursing Program Coordinator
Olmsted Building W314
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6514
als25@psu.edu
Mont Alto
Carranda Barkdoll
Assistant Teaching Professor
Nursing Program Coordinator
104F Sci-Tech
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6205
cmb207@psu.edu
Schuylkill
Marianne Adam
Associate Teaching Professor
Nursing Program Coordinator
Classroom Building 101-E
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6061
mta133@psu.edu
Scranton
Milton Evans
Associate Teaching Professor
Nursing Program Coordinator
4 Library Building
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2649
mme131@psu.edu
University Park
Undergraduate Advising Office
210 Nursing Sciences Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-2229
nursing@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2020-21 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contain suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).
General Nursing Option: Nursing, B.S.N. at University Park, Altoona, Erie, Fayette, Mont Alto, Schuylkill, and Scranton Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
BIOL 161*#† 1,2 | 3 | BIOL 163*#† 1,2 | 3 |
BIOL 162*#† 1,2 | 1 | BIOL 164*† | 1 |
ENGL 15 or 30H‡ | 3 | HDFS 129*† 2 | 3 |
PSYCH 100*† 2 | 3 | NUTR 251*† 2 | 3 |
NURS 100 (or other First Year Seminar - as required by campus)3 | 1 | General Education Course (GQ)‡ 2,4 | 3 |
General Education Course (GH)2 | 3 | CAS 100, 100A, 100B, or 100C‡ | 3 |
General Education Course (GA)2 | 3 | ||
17 | 16 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
CHEM 130 or 110 and 111* 4 | 3-4 | SOC 1 or 5* | 3 |
MICRB 106*† 2 | 3 | STAT 200 or 250*‡† 2 | 3-4 |
MICRB 107*† | 1 | NURS 225* | 3 |
NURS 250* | 2 | NURS 230* | 4 |
NURS 251* | 3 | General Education Course (GH)2 | 3 |
Elective | 2-3 | ||
14-16 | 16-17 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
NURS 305* | 3 | NURS 200W* | 3 |
NURS 301* | 4 | NURS 350* | 2 |
NURS 310* | 3 | NURS 306* | 3 |
General Education Course (GA)2 | 3 | NURS 320* | 3 |
Elective | 3 | ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D‡ | 3 |
16 | 14 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
NURS 405A* | 4 | NURS 450B* | 3 |
NURS 450A* | 2 | NURS 405B* | 4 |
NURS 415* | 4 | NURS 420* | 4 |
Elective | 3 | NURS 400-level Supporting Course* | 3 |
13 | 14 | ||
Total Credits 120-123 |
* | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
# | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
† | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
1 | BIOL 161, BIOL 162, and BIOL 163 are entrance to major courses for students not directly admitted to the Nursing program, who are applying for admission to the Commonwealth Campus Nursing programs through the Review Process. BIOL 161, BIOL 162, and BIOL 163 must be passed with a quality grade of C or better to progress to 200-level Nursing courses. |
2 | Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). Students should consult with their academic adviser to select appropriate courses. |
3 | Alternative First Year Seminar courses can be petitioned to fulfill this requirement. |
4 | MATH 21 is a prerequisite for CHEM 130 and STAT 200 or STAT 250. MATH 22 is a prerequisite for CHEM 110. If a student places higher than MATH 21 on the ALEKS Assessment Exam, any GQ may be scheduled. |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30H and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Program Notes:
- See College of Nursing Grading Scale and Academic Progression Policy in the BSN Handbook at https://www.nursing.psu.edu/student-handbooks/
- Scheduling Patterns: NURS courses are offered only in the semester indicated, except NURS 415 and NURS 420 are offered both Fall and Spring semesters
- Third and fourth years include 6-12 hours of clinical experience per week
- Students studying at University Park will spend third or fourth year at Hershey Medical Center
Second Degree in Nursing Option: Nursing, B.S.N. at Altoona and Harrisburg Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
NURS 250* | 2 | NURS 350* | 2 |
NURS 225* | 3 | NURS 301* | 4 |
NURS 230* | 4 | NURS 310* | 3 |
NURS 305* | 3 | NURS 415* | 4 |
NURS 251* | 3 | NURS 405A* | 4 |
15 | 17 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
NURS 320* | 3 | NURS 450A* | 2 |
NURS 306* | 3 | NURS 450B* | 3 |
NURS 420* | 4 | NURS 495* | 6 |
NURS 405B* | 4 | NURS 200W* | 3 |
14 | 14 | ||
Total Credits 60 |
* | Course requires a grade of C or better for the major |
‡ | Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education |
# | Course is an Entrance to Major requirement |
† | Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement |
Additional Notes:
- See College of Nursing Grading Scale and Academic Progression Policy in the Second Degree BSN Handbook at https://www.nursing.psu.edu/student-handbooks/
- All General Education and prerequisite courses are completed with first degree and prior to admission
- NURS 250, 251, 225, 230, 305 must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in NURS 301 and 310
- NURS 301 and 310 must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in NURS 306, 320, 405A, 405B, 415, 420
- Students may not enroll in NURS 450A, 450B and 495 until all other nursing courses are completed or in progress
- NURS 495 Nursing Study in Specialized Setting : 6 credits required in place of 3 credits of supporting courses and 3 credits of general electives; clinical immersion practicum
Career Paths
After earning a B.S.N. and successfully passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, Registered Nurses have the opportunity to enter into a stable and growing work force. Additionally, the Penn State B.S.N. degree creates a strong foundation for continuing into advanced nursing roles through a variety of graduate level nursing programs. The versatility of the B.S.N. degree provides graduates with the skills and background to pursue the career path that is right for them. Nurses have countless options to explore different specialties, advance into leadership roles, and continue with lifelong learning while providing high quality nursing care to their clients.
Careers
Demand for nurses continues to rise. The B.S.N. degree in Nursing is rapidly becoming the degree of choice for many healthcare facilities, rendering baccalaureate-educated nurses highly marketable. Graduates of the baccalaureate nursing program have a vast array of rewarding employment opportunities. Employment settings include:
- Trauma centers and community hospitals caring for the critically ill or injured
- Home health agencies providing medical care to homebound clients
- Rehabilitation and long-term care facilities
- Hospice agencies caring for people with terminal illnesses
- Schools or pediatric/neonatal units working with children and newborns
- Military bases
- Insurance agencies evaluating patient claims and teaching classes to insurance agents
- Travel and cruise ship nursing
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE NURSING, B.S.N. PROGRAM
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
A baccalaureate degree in nursing is typically required to pursue advanced degrees in nursing, which prepares the nurse for roles such as nurse educator, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, nurse administrator and nurse researcher. The College of Nursing at Penn State offers several advanced-degree options for B.S.N.-educated nurses. On-campus options are available for nurses interested in advanced clinical practice roles such as a Nurse Practitioner, or in research through the Ph.D. program. Several online options are offered to provide flexibility to working nurses across the country. These programs include M.S.N. degrees in Nurse Administration and Nurse Education and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree for nurses pursuing specialization in healthcare leadership.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES
Professional Resources
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the:
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
655 K Street, NW
Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
202-887-6791 - Phone
202-887-8476 – Fax
http://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING
Professional Licensure/Certification
Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.
Contact
Altoona
NURSING MAJOR
Sheetz Family Health Center 106
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-5114
skk6@psu.edu
http://altoona.psu.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/nursing/request-information
Erie
NURSING MAJOR
1 Prischak
4205 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6105
behrend-science@psu.edu
http://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-science
Fayette
NURSING MAJOR
2201 University Drive
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
724-430-4220
mbm12@psu.edu
https://fayette.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/nursing
Harrisburg
NURSING MAJOR
Olmsted Building W314
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6735
kqr1@psu.edu
http://harrisburg.psu.edu/behavioral-sciences-and-education/nursing/bachelor-science-nursing
Mont Alto
NURSING MAJOR
104F Sci-Tech
Mont Alto, PA 17237
717-749-6205
cmb207@psu.edu
http://montalto.psu.edu/directory/baccalaureate-nursing-program
Schuylkill
NURSING MAJOR
Classroom Building 101-E
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
570-385-6061
mta133@psu.edu
https://schuylkill.psu.edu/academics/degrees/bacc-degrees/nursing
Scranton
NURSING MAJOR
4 Library Building
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2649
mme131@psu.edu
https://scranton.psu.edu/academics/degrees/bachelors/nursing-degree
University Park
UNDERGRADUATE ADVISING OFFICE
210 Nursing Sciences Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-2229
nursing@psu.edu