Q: Does Bowie State University (BSU) offer degree-producing nursing programs?

A: Yes. BSU offers the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in nursing (BS and MS). These programs are accredited by both the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Q: I am a graduating high school student and desire to pursue nursing as my major. Can I go directly into the nursing program?

A: As an entering college freshman, you will designate nursing as your area of interest only after meeting the entrance criteria. DIRECT ADMIT entry into the BS nursing program can be attained by the high school student who has achieved:

• 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in high school math (algebra, geometry, algebra II, pre-calculus)
• 3.0 GPA in high school sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, or other advanced science courses)
• Eligibility to enroll into MATH 141 (pre-calculus) on math admission tests at BSU

Otherwise, you will remain ineligible until you meet the qualifications to apply to the program.

Q: I am a freshman student and was not eligible for direct admission into the nursing program. When can I submit my application for candidacy?

A: Normally, freshman students can apply to the BS nursing program during their second semester of freshman year after completing the prerequisite courses outlined in the BS Nursing Progression Plan. Candidates are required to have no less than a 2.75 cumulative GPA along with a 2.5 GPA in the science prerequisites. Please note that the selection process is highly competitive and there will be more applicants than space available.

Q: Can a transfer student to the University be accepted into the BS nursing program?

A: Yes. The transfer student must receive general admission to BSU as a full-time, degree-seeking student for the fall semester. Transfer students are encouraged to apply to the Accelerated BS Nursing Program during each spring semester pending completion of all prerequisite courses. Accelerated BS applicants must have no less than a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA in the science prerequisites. Additionally, transfer students are required to provide supplemental documentation stipulated within the nursing application. Science courses may be no older than five years from the date of acceptance into the nursing program. Core nursing courses will not be transferred into the program (please refer to the Traditional BS Nursing Program menu link).

Q: How long will it take a student to complete the BSU nursing program?

A: For all traditional freshman students, it will take four years to complete the nursing program. For all Accelerated BS transfer or second-degree students, it will take 18 months to complete from the point of admission to the nursing program. For those interested in the RN to BS Program, it is a two-year commitment. The graduate nursing program requires a two- to three-year commitment, depending on your program role.

Q: Does BSU offer a special BS program for Licensed Practical Nurses?

A: No, the BSU Department of Nursing does not offer an LPN to BS program. LPN applicants are treated as general college students pursuing the traditional undergraduate degree in nursing.

Q: Does BSU offer a part-time BS nursing program?

A: No. The undergraduate nursing program at BSU is full-time. Students are expected to complete the entire program in four years.

Q: Can an individual test out of the nursing prerequisite or core courses based on knowledge or prior experience?

A: No. Coursework must be completed in a didactic and/or clinical setting because of the nature of the program.

Q: Is there a program for licensed Registered Nurses (RN) to earn a bachelor's degree?

A: Yes. The BSU Department of Nursing offers the RN to BS Program track. This upper-division curriculum provides academic and experiential programs that assist RNs to expand their knowledge base and pursue advanced study. The admission requirements for this program are:

• Licensure as a Maryland RN.
• Must receive general admission to BSU as degree-seeking student.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Submission of the completed Department of Nursing application packet no later than July 15 for fall semester admission(per consultation with an academic advisor).
• Successful completion of nursing prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher.

Q: Can a student with an international degree gain admittance to the nursing degree program?

A: Yes. Students must have their foreign transcripts evaluated by the World Education Services (WES) or a similar certifying agency. The student must receive general admission to BSU. Upon admittance to BSU, the student will then become eligible to apply to the nursing program provided mandatory course prerequisites are satisfied.

Q: Can a second-degree student pursue the BS nursing program?

A: Yes. The student must receive general admission to BSU as a full-time, degree-seeking student declaring nursing as a major. General education prerequisites completed by the second-degree applicant will be waived. All 2nd Degree students are encouraged to pursue the Accelerated BS Nursing Program track.  The student will meet with a nursing academic advisor to determine eligibility for applying to the program.

Q: How can an individual get additional information about the nursing degree program?

A: All prosective candidates can also contact the BSU Department of Nursing at  (301) 860-3210 to learn more about our program tracks.  Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to send an email inquiry to our Nursing Academic Advisor:

• Mr. Kenneth Dovale