The undergraduate (or baccalaureate) Nursing Program offers the Bachelor of Science degree (BS) after the successful completion of four years of nursing curriculum. The program prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nursing Practice (NCLEX-RN). The baccalaureate nursing program prepares the learner as a generalist to practice within the ethical, legal framework of professional nursing. We believe graduates should be prepared to provide therapeutic and culturally congruent care in a variety of settings, to meet the current and future needs of global communities. Graduates are educated to become consumers of research, work collaboratively as a member of the health care team, and utilize emerging new technologies. The following concepts are essential to baccalaureate nursing education: culturally congruent care, research, professional role, and leadership. The generalist role of baccalaureate nursing education is the foundation for specific roles of graduate nursing education.

Click to view the program brochure (pdf).

Program Goals

The Department of Nursing goals are consistent with the mission of the University and reflect the philosophy of the nursing faculty. The Department of Nursing goals are:

  • To provide quality programs supportive of the learning needs of diverse learners so that they may accomplish their educational goals.
  • To provide an environment supportive of quality instruction, the use of technology, scholarly endeavors, and critical thinking.
  • To maintain faculty support systems and staff development programs that foster creativity and facilitate the faculty's contributions to higher education and the nursing profession.
  • To maximize opportunities for students and faculty to participate in the internal operations of the University so as to foster optimal communications and ensure maximum involvement in the development and maintenance of programs and services.
  • To engage in cooperative and collaborative relationships with regional communities that will promote health and nursing.

Freshman Admission:

(Fall semester admission only)

In order to be considered for direct freshman admission to the generic baccalaureate nursing program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must first be granted general admission to Bowie State University (BSU) and complete the required freshman placement testing. You will receive directions and preparation via the BSU Office of Admissions.
  • All high school seniors must have:

    • 3.0 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 based on math admission tests at BSU
  • Upon receiving general admission to the University and completing your freshman placement testing, students will then be directed to meet with a Nursing academic advisor to evaluate eligibility for direct freshman admission to the Nursing Program.

Please note: All admitted freshman nursing students must have a criminal background check (conducted in federal and state standards).

Sophomore and Transfer Student Admission:

(Fall semester admission only)

  • Transfer students must first be granted general admission to Bowie State University for the fall semester to become eligible candidates for the BSU Nursing Program. The Nursing Program application process commences each spring semester (March 1) and ADMITS students for each fall. We do NOT offer a SPRING ADMISSION.
  • All students must have completed the freshman year courses according to the curriculum progression plan. Students are required to have no less than a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a GPA of 2.5 in the science prerequisites. (See curriculum progression plan)
  • All students are required to be enrolled in NURS 101 during the spring semester
  • All candidates must complete the Nursing Program application (PDF located at: http://www.bowiestate.edu/community/tbsp.asp) during the spring semester to become a candidate for consideration. The Department of Nursing does not accept applications until March of each spring semester.  (See Below for the Fall 2009 Nursing Admission dates and deadlines!)
  • All transfer applicants must submit an official copy of transcripts of each institution attended with the nursing application. In addition, please note:

    • Science courses cannot be older than five years. You must submit copies of the (required) prerequisite science course descriptions from the college or university you have attended. Nursing courses are not transferable.

The Fall 2010 Traditional Nursing Admission process begins March 1, 2010! 

Applications will not be accepted until the aforementioned date!!

(Note: All admitted nursing students must have a criminal background check (conducted in federal and state standards).

Please understand that admission to the generic baccalaureate nursing program is highly selective. There are many more applicants than there is available space. While you may meet the criteria above, there may be more candidates that surpassed the criteria.

Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to send an email inquiry to our Nursing Academic Advisor: