BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Become a Top-Tier Nurse.

Best Colleges BSN Programs 2024Ranked in the top 10 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, our entry-into-nursing BSN is a rigorous and nationally respected program that transforms students who are new to the field into top-tier nurses — professionals who can make an immediate and lasting impact in any health care setting.

This program requires at least 59 prerequisite credits.

Seamlessly transfer credits when you start with a Pre-Nursing track or undergraduate degree at one of our partner four-year universities.

Find out how your prerequisites transfer.

Before you begin the admissions process, you can submit copies of your unofficial transcript(s) to us for review, and an admissions counselor will advise you on your requirements for admission.

Do you currently attend a Maryland community college?

Visit our prerequisite course equivalencies page to identify equivalent courses that meet UMSON's prerequisite requirements.

The entry-into-nursing BSN program is offered at the University of Maryland, Baltimore and at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland. 

Before beginning your studies at UMSON, you must complete your first two years of undergraduate education at another accredited college or university, ensuring you fulfill the necessary prerequisites.

As a BSN student, you will learn from:

  • faculty who are leaders in their fields
  • scientists who are on the cutting edge of nursing research
  • expert clinicians with decades of experience.

While they're a diverse group, they have one main goal: Help you become an exceptional registered nurse. 

During your coursework, you will:

  • prepare for a nursing career across a broad spectrum of acute, chronic, and community-based settings
  • build your nursing competencies in state-of-the-art facilities
  • develop relationships with bright, driven students like you
  • take part in engaging clinical experiences that challenge you to succeed in real-life situations and teach you clinical decision making — simulation is integrated into all clinical courses. 

Once you've completed your degree, you will:

  • be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, qualifying you for positions in a variety of health care settings
  • be prepared to succeed in a wide range of health care environments
  • have the qualifications you need to pursue graduate studies.

The entry-into-nursing BSN curriculum features:

  • elective courses
  • reflective practice
  • community and clinical experiences
  • a focus on resiliency and wellness for workforce retention
  • a two-part professional development series in the first and four semesters, focused on wellness, mindfulness, and mental health
  • exploration of a breadth of career options.

The BSN curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, which focus on competency-based education (CBE). CBE is a student-centered approach that focuses on demonstrating knowledge, skills, and attitudes as students progress through their education. It prepares students to provide equitable care to diverse patient populations by encouraging cultural competence, understanding of social determinants of health, and the importance of addressing health care disparities. It also:

  • fosters personal responsibility
  • promotes equity by accommodating diverse learners
  • provides individualized learning through focused feedback
  • clarifies faculty expectations and enhances relationships between faculty and student
  • connects curriculum to real-world scenarios
  • fosters collaboration with shared goals
  • ensures practice readiness for a seamless transition into the workforce
  • promotes personal growth through motivation, collaboration, and lifelong learning

Nursing graduates with the competencies outlined in the Essentials will be well prepared to take the Next Generation NCLEX exam. CBE effectively develops critical thinking and judgment skills in graduates, enhancing their chances of passing the licensing exam and thriving in their nursing careers.

Program Snapshot: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Length

As little as 2 years

Format

In person
Full-time

Location

Baltimore or Rockville, Maryland

Tuition and Fees View overview

In State Tuition: $4,913.50/semester*
Out of State Tuition: $20,194.50/semester*

Credits

61

Accreditation Read Details

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

More Information:

Courses You'll Take

For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.

UMSON is leading nursing schools nationwide to reconceptualize its BSN curriculum to meet the new American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education Essentials and focus on competency-based education (CBE). CBE is a student-centered approach that focuses on demonstrating knowledge, skills, and attitudes as students progress through their education.  Below is the updated, enhanced curriculum for fall 2022 and beyond. 

A typical plan of study for full-time, upper-division BSN students enrolled:

  • NURS 342 and NURS 346 are corequisites and prerequisites to other courses.
  • All clinical courses must be successfully completed before moving to next semester.
  • NURS 356 is not required concurrent with other second semester courses but must be completed before or during 3rd semester.
  • View information on the Foundations of Interprofessional Education and Practice Course.
First Semester
Course Number/Title Credits
NURS 342: Professionalism 3
NURS 344: Health Assessment 3
NURS 346: Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Scholarship 3
NURS 347: Foundations of Nursing 3
NURS 349: Foundations of Nursing Clinical 4
Total 16**
Second Semester
Course Number/Title Credits
NURS 352: Pathopharmacology 3
NURS 354: Community and Population 3
NURS 356: Palliative Care 2
NURS 357: Care of the Adult 3
NURS 359: Clinical Care Across the Continuum 4
Total 15
Third Semester
Course Number/Title Credits
NELC: Elective 3
NURS 469: Pediatrics Clinical 2
NURS 471: Pediatrics 2
NURS 473: Reproductive Health  2
NURS 475: Reproductive Health Clinical 2
NURS 477: Psychiatrics 2
NURS 479: Psychiatrics Clinical 2
Total 15
Fourth Semester
Course Number/Title Credits
NELC: Elective 3
NURS 482: Professionalism 2
NURS 484: Systems Informatics 3
NURS 486: Complex Nursing Care 3
NURS 489: Practicum 4
Total 15
Total Credits 61
General Education & Prerequisite Courses 59
Total Credits for BSN Option 120

Prior Plans of Study

Prerequisites

Find out how your prerequisites transfer. 

If you have taken coursework in Maryland, the Articulation System for Maryland Colleges and Universities (ARTSYS) is an online evaluation system that can help you determine how courses taken at any two-year college in Maryland transfer to UMSON.

Before you begin the admissions process, you can submit copies of your unofficial transcript(s) to us for review, and an admissions counselor will advise you on your requirements for admission. Visit the Prerequisite Course Information Resources webpage to learn more about prerequisite requirement.


Prerequisite Courses

The following lower-division, pre-professional courses may be completed at any accredited college or university. 

Prerequisite Course Credits Helpful Course Tips
General Chemistry* 4 • Must include lab
• Must be general chemistry or higher (example: organic)
• Preparatory or introductory chemistry is not accepted
Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II* 8 • Must include lab

Microbiology* 4 • Must include lab
Human Growth and Development 3 • Must be a lifespan course covering conception
through death
• Child/adolescent psychology is not acceptable
Statistics 3 • Must be a 100-level or higher statistics course
Nutrition 3 • Must be a human nutrition course
English Composition I and II or Creative Writing/Literature 6 • Introductory-level English and one higher-level course fulfills this requirement
• English as a second language is not accepted
Psychology 3 • Any course from the psychology department
Sociology 3 • Any courses from the sociology department
College Algebra 3 • College algebra or higher, such as pre-calculus or calculus
• Intermediate/preparatory algebra is not accepted
Social Sciences 3 • Anthropology, behavioral science, criminal justice, economics, geography, history, international relations, legal studies, sociology, political science, psychology, social work, women's/cultural studies
Arts and Humanities 9

• Courses must come from at least two of these disciplines: art history, classics, communications,dance, history, humanities, film and media studies, foreign language (to include American sign language), linguistics, literature, music studio/visual art, philosophy, religious studies, speech, theatre, women’s/cultural studies

General Electives 7 • Any additional courses, academic in nature, that are not below the 100 level
• English as a second language, orientation, and nursing courses
are not accepted

Bold: Applicants who have already earned a bachelor’s degree are required to complete only these prerequisite courses.

* These courses must have been taken in the past 10 years.

General Notes:

  • Applicants who have not earned a bachelor’s degree are required to complete all 59 prerequisite credits.
  • Courses may be taken online.
  • No course can be used to fulfill more than one requirement.
  • All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to enrollment at UMSON. 
  • Accepted students must submit proof of enrollment for any outstanding prerequisite courses. Documentation must be received by June 1 for students admitted for Fall and Sept. 1 for students admitted for Spring. Acceptable documentation includes an official transcript, unofficial transcript or a letter from the registrar’s office stating that you are enrolled for those courses. Failure to provide documentation of coursework in progress may result in the cancellation of your admission. Proof of enrollment documentation can be uploaded on your student portal. All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to enrollment at UMSON
  • Final transcripts and scores must be submitted one week prior to classes starting.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your nursing education is an important investment. Financial aid and scholarships can help make your goals a reality.

UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your undergraduate education.

Type of Aid Award
Federal Financial Aid various award amounts
Merit Scholarships $2,500 per semester, or $10,000 total
(You are automatically considered for a merit scholarship upon submitting a completed application for enrollment in an UMSON academic program.)
Donor-Funded Scholarships $500-2,000 per semester
(offered during the fall and spring semesters)
Conway Scholarship 50 - 75% scholarship: in-state tuition, fees, and books based on need
Clinical Scholars Program $5,000-$15,000 in exchange for an 18-36-month work commitment at University of Maryland Medical Center or Sinai Hospital
(available during your final semester)

 

Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships


All students receiving funds through the University must:

  • be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program
  • complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year by UMB's award priority deadline
    • FAFSA Submission period: Oct. 1 (of the previous year) through Feb. 28
    • FAFSA School code: 002104

The UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education is available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.


Contact Us:

UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office
410-706-0489 | nrsscholarships@umaryland.edu

UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office
410-706-7347 | aidtalk@umaryland.edu

 

Academic Partnerships

To help you get ahead, we've partnered with schools in Maryland to offer academic pathways that will simplify your busy life.

I want to ... At a ... You'll choose ...
get started in a pre-nursing track
four-year university Undergraduate Guaranteed Seat Partnerships
earn an Associate Degree in Nursing community college Dual-Admission Partnership
earn an undergraduate degree in a different field
four-year university Dual-Degree Partnerships

BSN Admission Information

In this section:

UMSON is leading nursing schools nationwide to reconceptualize its BSN curriculum to meet the new American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education Essentials.


Deadlines:

For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the deadlines listed below.

Completed applications received after the priority deadline are reviewed on a space-available basis.

Fall 2024 Timeline
Priority Deadline  Dec. 15, 2023
If your online application and all supplemental application materials are received by this date, your application will be reviewed immediately for priority consideration for admission decisions and scholarships.
Deadline Feb. 1, 2024
Completed applications received after the deadline are reviewed solely on a space-available basis. Only those who complete an application by this deadline will be eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required) and the Conway Scholarship (additional application required). This deadline does not impact eligibility for federal financial aid.
Application Review Rolling basis beginning in February
Admissions Decisions Announced Rolling basis beginning in February

Qualifications:

  • an overall GPA of 3.0
  • a science GPA of 3.0 (chemistry, anatomy and physiology I and II, microbiology)
  • a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university; otherwise, you are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate English proficiency (learn more).
  • a TEAS score of proficient or higher, overall and in each sub-category, which is a minimum of 58.7%. The TEAS is waived for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.

Prerequisite Coursework:

Applicants are required to complete 59 credits of prerequisite course work from an accredited institution.

Prior to applying, applicants must complete a minimum of:

  • two of the following science prerequisite courses:
    • General Chemistry with Lab*
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab*
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab*
    • Microbiology with Lab*

* These courses must have been taken in the past 10 years.

  • one of the following prerequisite courses: 
    • Human Growth and Development
    • Statistics
    • Nutrition

Additionally, applicants can have no more than four courses in progress at the time of application.

See more information on BSN Prerequisite Requirements.

Accepted students must submit proof of enrollment for any outstanding prerequisite courses. Documentation must be received by June 1 for students admitted for Fall and Sept. 1 for students admitted for Spring. Acceptable documentation includes an official transcript, unofficial transcript or a letter from the registrar’s office stating that you are enrolled for those courses. Failure to provide documentation of coursework in progress may result in the cancellation of your admission. Proof of enrollment documentation can be uploaded on your student portal. All prerequisite courses must be complete prior to enrollment at UMSON. Applicants must submit final grades one week prior to classes starting.


Application Materials and Instructions:

Materials

Submission Guidelines

Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee.

Start your application now via the Admissions Dashboard.

The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:

  • submit your online application and fee
  • submit/request any supplemental documents
  • check your application status.

You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date. We recommend that you continue to log in for regular updates.

One recommendation. Your recommendation must come from a professor who can attest to your academic performance. Only the first recommendation received will be considered. 

Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard.

 

 

 

Essay. Please submit a concise essay (200-word limit for each essay prompt). Your essays will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee so we may learn more about you; it also serves as a writing sample. Please respond to the two essay prompts:

  • Prompt 1: What do you think is the nurse's role in promoting social justice and health equity?
  • Prompt 2: Describe a challenge you face in your life and the strategies taken to overcome the challenge.

If there is additional information regarding your academic history that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee, please submit an additional essay (200 word limit) via the Additional Supplemental in this section.

Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission.

Prerequisite Course List. Download and complete the Prerequisite Course List. Prerequisite courses must be taken at regionally or nationally accredited schools. ACE credits are not accepted.

Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution.

  • Official AP, CLEP and IB scores must be submitted if being used for prerequisite credit. To use AP scores you must have scored a 4 or higher.
  • If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your official transcript evaluated.

Returning students are not required to submit UMSON transcripts; we will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application.

Please note that UMSON is listed two ways in the Academics area. Please make sure you choose one of the following:

  • Maryland Baltimore, Univ of
  • UMB- School of Nursing

Failure to list all schools attended on the application and to submit the corresponding transcript(s) may make you ineligible for admission.

Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu.

Official Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Scores. You are required to successfully complete this nursing entrance exam through the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI).

FAQs regarding the TEAS can be found here.

For more information or for any registration issues, contact ATI at 1-800-667-7531.

 

Select University of Maryland, Baltimore when you take your test, or contact ATI to have your scores submitted to UMB.

Official scores need to be received by UMB no later than:

  • September 1 to be considered for spring

  • February 1 to be considered for fall admission. 

 

Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. 

Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission.


Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S:

  • If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
  • If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.

More information.


If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.

Transfer of Credit by Examination

What credit by examinations do you accept?

The University of Maryland School of Nursing recognizes the following proficiency examination programs for credit:

  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • International Baccalaureate Exams (IB)

Required tests scores, credits, and transfer equivalency are determined by UMSON. Credits earned through AP, CLEP, or IB may be used to fulfill UMSON prerequisite coursework requirements.

How do I know if my score can be used, and how do I request a score?

Advanced Placement (AP) 

UMSON will award credit on the scores listed on the AP Transfer Equivalencies for UMSON Chart.

Request your score.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

UMSON will award credit on the scores listed on the CLEP Transfer Equivalencies for UMSON Chart.

Request your score.

International Baccalaureate Exams (IB)

UMSON will award credit on the scores listed on the IB Transfer Equivalencies for UMSON Chart.

Request your score.

Can I use a score that falls below the requirement?

No. Scores that fall below the listed requirements cannot be used towards credit.

My previous school accepted a score below your requirement so I did not have to take the course. Will UMSON?

No, if you did not meet UMSON’s minimum requirements you will need to take an appropriate course to satisfy the prerequisite.

My scores are listed on my transcript, do I still need to send an official AP, CLEP, or IB transcript?

Yes. Credit will not be awarded without an official AP, CLEP, or IB transcript.

How long does it take for an AP/CLEP/IB score to be received?

It often takes more than 10 business days. If your score is archived it takes much longer. It is best to make your request early.

Where do I submit my credit by exam transcript?

Official transcripts are required if requesting to use towards UMSON prerequisites. All AP, CLEP, or IB scores should be sent to:

University of Maryland School of Nursing
655 West Lombard St., Suite 102
Baltimore, MD 21202

I requested my official score be sent to UMSON a while ago but it still hasn’t arrived and now the deadline has passed. Can my application still be reviewed? 

No, we require all transcripts by the deadline. It is recommended you request your score early to avoid this.

Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes for Students Enrolled Fall 2022 and Later

  • Integrate knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences to enrich nursing knowledge and practice.
  • Implement the nursing process to provide person-centered, holistic nursing care.
  • Advance equity in all health care settings using principles of social justice, advocacy, and collaboration, both intra- and interprofessionally.
  • Engage in scholarly inquiry to identify best evidence to deliver effective, innovative, and ethical nursing care.
  • Incorporate quality improvement principles to promote a culture of safety.
  • Coordinate care that anticipates and meets the needs of diverse populations, informed by an understanding of nursing practice, health policy, and social determinants of health.
  • Integrate information management and patient care technologies to provide equitable and safe care for individuals and communities.
  • Use self-reflection and feedback from others to promote personal well-being, leadership capacity, and lifelong professional development.
  • Develop a nursing identity guided by principles of ethics, legal responsibility, emotional intelligence, and social justice to ensure excellence in nursing practice.
  • Recognize and appreciate the unique aspects of being human within person-centered nursing practice with an emphasis on equity, cultural humility, and compassion.

Program Outcomes for Students Enrolled between Fall 2014 and Spring 2022

  • Combine theoretical knowledge from the sciences, humanities, and nursing as a foundation to professional nursing practice that focuses on health promotion and prevention of disease for individuals, families, communities, and populations.
  • Use the nursing process to manage care for individuals, families, communities, and populations integrating physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, and environmental considerations. Integrate competencies in leadership, quality improvement, and patient safety to improve health and promote interdisciplinary care.
  • Use the research process through translation of evidence-based findings to advance professional nursing and the delivery of health care.
  • Incorporate information management and patient care technology in the delivery of quality patient-centered care.
  • Integrate knowledge of health care policy from social, economic, political, legislative, and professional perspectives to influence the delivery of care to individuals, families, communities, and populations.
  • Employ interprofessional communication and collaboration to ensure safe, quality care across the lifespan.
  • Use principles of ethics, legal responsibility, and accountability to guide professional nursing practices across the lifespan and across the health care continuum.
  • Accept personal accountability for lifelong learning, professional growth, and commitment to the advancement of the profession.
“I chose nursing because I can practice, I can travel, I can educate, and I can get into policy. There are so many avenues to have an impact as a nurse, and we have a unique opportunity to change people’s perspectives and challenge their biases.” Read more. Julie Factor
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