The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is accredited by the Virginia State Board of Nursing (VA-BON) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The undergraduate nursing program prepares students to deliver superior nursing care and provide leadership in nursing in the increasingly complex and challenging field of modern health care. Graduates are in demand as professional nurses in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health and other health care agencies. The program emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention, capitalizing on early detection of potential health problems, health maintenance in ambulatory and acute-care agencies, and preparation for the managerial responsibilities of nursing.

The School of Nursing offers various pathways to complete the BSN, with each meeting the BSN program objectives.

  • Direct entry 4-year BSN: A full-time program where students complete Mason Core and nursing prerequisites with nursing courses introduced in their freshman year.
  • Second-gate 2-year BSN: A full-time program that follows the completion of the Mason Core and nursing prerequisite requirements with students entering nursing courses in their junior year.
  • Accelerated second-degree BSN: A full-time, 12-month program for students holding a baccalaureate degree outside of nursing.
  • RN-BSN Program: An online, flexible program for US-based RN license holders to complete their BSN either full-time or part-time.
  • Co-Enrollment BSN Program: A flexible, online program that allows students to complete their BSN while concurrently enrolled in an Associates of Applied Science nursing degree (AAS Nursing) program at a partner community college.

Admissions

General Requirements

For admission into the 4-year direct entry BSN program, students must complete a Mason Application specifying Nursing as the intended major. For those applying to the second-gate traditional BSN program, there are two applications needing completion: the George Mason University Undergraduate Application and the BSN Application (currently enrolled Mason students need only apply using the BSN Application). The second-gate application for the traditional 2-year BSN pathway will only be available for fall 2022 and fall 2023; after fall 2023, Mason will only admit into the 4-year direct-entry BSN pathway for traditional students. Students admitted into the 4-year traditional BSN, 2-year second-gate BSN, and accelerated second-degree BSN will enter the program in the fall. Students admitted to the RN-BSN/Co-Enroll program may enter in the fall or spring semester.

Application to the BSN major is a competitive admission process. Prospective applicants are responsible to meet all BSN admission requirements at the time of application. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the nursing program and only allows an application to be considered. Students who are interested in pursuing a major in nursing are strongly encouraged to attend an information session provided by the CHHS Office of Student Affairs for advising prior to applying to the nursing major. See the CHHS undergraduate admissions website for the latest information on applications and deadlines.

4-year Traditional BSN Pathway Requirements

Incoming Freshmen

  • Applicant must be an incoming freshman student
  • Submission of the Mason Application
  • Specify Nursing as your intended major on the application
  • Respond to short answer prompts, which will be provided to you after you submit your Mason Application
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your high school coursework
  • Have a history of engagement in experiential learning opportunities
  • Success in math and science coursework

Change of Major/Transfer Students

Change of major and/or transfer students will enter the BSN program in year two of the curriculum. Prior to beginning year three coursework, applicants must complete all designated nursing prerequisites, NURS 103, NURS 113, and all 200-level NURS courses prior to beginning year three coursework.

Applicants for the BSN program must:

  • Submit a Mason Application for transfer students or a BSN application for current Mason students
  • Specify Nursing as your intended major on the Mason Application
  • Respond to short answer prompts, which will be provided to you after you submit your Mason Application for transfer students, or are included in the BSN Application for current Mason students.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in college-level coursework
  • Completed the following nursing prerequisities prior to start of the program with a  minimum GPA of 3.00 with a grade of C or higher.
Anatomy and Physiology 1
Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II
OR
Human Anatomy and Physiology
and Human Anatomy and Physiology
Chemistry 1
Chemical Science in a Modern Society (Mason Core)
Nutrition
Introduction to Nutrition (Mason Core)
Developmental Psychology
Developmental Psychology (Mason Core)
Statistics
Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core)

Additional eligibility requirements include a grade of C or better in all Mason Core courses and electives.

Acceptance into the BSN degree is a competitive admission process. Meeting the minimum BSN requirements does not guarantee admission into the nursing program

2-year Traditional BSN Pathway Requirements (Concentration closing Fall 2024)

To be eligible to apply for the traditional BSN program, applicants must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the designated nursing prerequisite coursework and must have earned a C or better in each of the following courses:

Anatomy and Physiology 1
Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II
OR
Human Anatomy and Physiology
and Human Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology
Introductory Microbiology
Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory
Statistics
Nutrition
Introduction to Nutrition (Mason Core)
Developmental Psychology
Bioethics
Bioethics (Mason Core)

Second-gate applicants must have completed two of the three science prerequisite courses (anatomy and physiology I, anatomy and physiology II, and microbiology) by the submission date of the BSN Departmental Application. Coursework in anatomy and physiology and microbiology cannot be more than five years old by the time of BSN enrollment. Additional eligibility requirements include a grade of C or better in all Mason Core courses and electives. All nursing prerequisites, Mason Core, and electives must be complete by the end of Mason's spring term before starting the program.

Application to the 2-year BSN program is a process involving two applications: the George Mason University Undergraduate Application and the BSN Departmental Application. (Currently-enrolled Mason students need only apply using the BSN Departmental Application.) Acceptance to the nursing program is contingent upon admission to the university. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. See the CHHS undergraduate admissions website for the latest information on applications and deadlines.

Application to the BSN degree is a competitive admission process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the nursing program and only allows an application to be considered in the review process.

The 2-year traditional BSN pathway is a full-time program beginning in the fall semester and is completed in two years (four semesters).

Accelerated, Second Degree BSN Pathway Requirements

The Accelerated, Second Degree BSN Pathway is designed for applicants already holding a bachelor's degree who are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree in nursing. This full-time accelerated program begins in the fall semester and is completed in 12 months.

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85 in their first degree. The non-nursing baccalaureate degree must be completed by the end of the spring semester of the year a student desires to be considered for fall admission.

Applicants to the second degree pathway must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the designated nursing prerequisite coursework and must have earned a C or better in each of the following courses:

Anatomy and Physiology
Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II
OR
Human Anatomy and Physiology
and Human Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology
Introductory Microbiology
Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory
Statistics
Nutrition
Introduction to Nutrition (Mason Core)
Developmental Psychology
Bioethics
Bioethics (Mason Core)

Applicants must have completed two of the three science prerequisite courses (anatomy and physiology I, anatomy and physiology II, and microbiology) by the submission date of the BSN Departmental Application. Course work in anatomy and physiology and microbiology cannot be more than five years old by the time of BSN enrollment.

Application to the BSN program is a process involving two applications: the George Mason University Undergraduate Application and the BSN Departmental Application. (Currently enrolled Mason students need only apply using the BSN Departmental Application.) Acceptance to the nursing program is contingent upon admission to the university. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. See the CHHS undergraduate admissions website for the latest information on applications and deadlines.

Application to the BSN major is a competitive admission process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the nursing program - it only allows an application to be considered in the review process.

RN-to-BSN Pathway Requirements

The Accelerated RN-to-BSN Pathway allows RNs to progress quickly through the program through online coursework while meeting the objectives of the undergraduate curriculum. On completion of the Mason Core requirements and designated nursing prerequisites, RN students can complete the BSN in two semesters of full-time study. The program can also be completed on a part-time basis.

RN students must satisfy all Mason Core requirements and designated nursing prerequisites. For some students, the Mason Core requirements (except ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core)) may be met by completing the Associate's degree (i.e., AA – Associate of Arts, AS – Associate of Science, or AA&S – Associate of Arts and Science) from the Virginia community college system with a qualifying GPA and specific admissions criteria. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS degree) does not waive Mason Core requirements. Contact Mason's general Office of Admissions for more information and see the Guaranteed Admission Agreement for details. RN-licensed students enrolled in the RN-to-BSN pathway are required to submit a copy of their current state-based/US license prior to the first day of class. RN-licensed students must maintain current licensure throughout the academic program.

Application to the BSN program is a process involving two applications: the George Mason University Undergraduate Application and the BSN Departmental Application. (Currently enrolled Mason students need only apply using the BSN Departmental Application.) Acceptance to the nursing program is contingent upon admission to the university. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. See the CHHS undergraduate admissions website for the latest information on applications and deadlines.

Students admitted with a prior bachelor's degree are required to complete at least 30 hours at Mason beyond the first degree. Students should meet with their academic advisor to review degree requirements.

Application to the BSN major is a competitive admission process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the nursing program - it only allows an application to be considered in the review process.

Mason Veterans Program in Nursing and Co-enrollment in Nursing Program

The Mason Veterans Program in Nursing and Co-enrollment in Nursing Program allow students to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree online while concurrently enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science nursing degree (AAS Nursing) program at a partner community college. Nursing classes in the CEP are offered online in seven-week and full-semester formats.

Students take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) after completing their AAS in nursing while enrolled in Mason’s BSN program. After a student passes the NCLEX and upon successful completion of NURS 336, students are awarded 33 nursing transfer credits toward their BSN degree. Students complete Mason’s BSN program the semester following graduation with the AAS degree.

Application Process

Admission to the Mason Veterans Program in Nursing or Co-enrollment in Nursing Program involves two applications: the George Mason University Undergraduate Application and the BSN Departmental Application. The BSN Departmental Application, instructions, and deadlines are available online. Please use the Transfer Search Engine to check course equivalency.

Eligibility Guidelines

To be eligible to apply for the Co-enrollment in Nursing Program, applicants must:

  • Receive admission to Mason
  • Provide a copy of a letter of admission to a pre-licensure nursing program at a partner community college
  • Provide proof of enrollment in a partner community college AAS-Nursing program (i.e., copy of an unofficial transcript)
  • Have completed all Mason nursing prerequisite courses at any regionally accredited institution with a grade of C (not C-) or better in EACH course by the completion of the AAS Nursing program at the partner community college
  • Mason Core and elective courses may be completed at any regionally accredited institution and can still be in progress at the time of admission.  These courses must be completed with a grade of C (not C-) or better in EACH course prior to completing the CEP. ENGH 302 must be completed at Mason.
  • Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at partner community college institution
  • Submit an online BSN departmental application and non-refundable fee through online payment system by the deadlines. See the CHHS undergraduate admissions website for the latest information on applications and deadlines.

In addition, to be eligible to apply for the Mason Veterans Nursing Program, applicants must be a veteran of the US military.

Policies

Degree Requirements

Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor's degrees, including the Mason Core requirements. For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.

Writing Intensive Requirement

Mason requires all students to complete at least one 300- or 400-level "writing intensive" course as designated by their department. Students majoring in nursing fulfill this requirement by successfully completing either NURS 465 or NURS 480.

Academic Grade Standards

The School of Nursing faculty has established the following policies for academic progression. These policies apply to all students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. Failure to follow the established guidelines may result in delayed curricular progression. Because of the sequential nature of the nursing curriculum, students may not be allowed to progress to the next NURS course on the plan of study if on academic probation, while a course is being repeated, or a grade of "IN" (incomplete) remains on their academic record. Students should meet with their academic advisor to establish a plan. Any requests for exceptions to the following policies must be submitted in writing to the Director of Nursing.

  1. Most nursing courses have prerequisites. Students who have not met the prerequisites will not be permitted to progress.
  2. All Designated Nursing Prerequisite courses must be successfully completed prior to entry into junior level nursing courses. Before enrolling in NURS 300 Nursing Care of Adults I, students should complete 60 credits on program of study. Junior level nursing courses must be completed prior to entry into senior level courses.
  3. A grade of C+ is required to pass a nursing major (NURS) course. Some NURS clinical courses are graded pass / fail with Satisfactory (S) being recorded on the final grade, including NURS 214, NURS 215, NURS 244, NURS 305, NURS 306, NURS 311, NURS 312, NURS 315, NURS 316, NURS 324, NURS 335, NURS 337, NURS 344, NURS 350, NURS 351, NURS 358, NURS 359, NURS 406, NURS 413, NURS 427, NURS 428, NURS 429, NURS 451, NURS 455, NURS 467, and NURS 469. A Pass / Satisfactory is required for all NURS courses using this assessment.
  4. Students have two attempts to earn a grade of C+ (77%) to successfully complete a nursing course. If a student does not successfully complete any one of the NURS courses in two attempts with a grade of C+ or higher (or S for clinical) they are terminated from the School of Nursing. They will have to change their program to a major outside of the School of Nursing.
  5. Students who earn a grade lower than C+ in more than one nursing course will not be permitted to continue in the nursing major.
  6. Any violation of the University drug and alcohol policies are grounds for termination from the nursing program.
  7. Students are expected to complete the program within four years but no more than six.

Professional Conduct Policy

All students in the School of Nursing are expected to adhere to the Professional Conduct Policy of the College of Health and Human Services.

Appeal Process

Although faculty members in the nursing program are generally the best judges of a student's professional performance, there may be times when a student believes a grade is unfair. Students in the School of Nursing wishing to appeal a grade are expected to follow the Mason guidelines for grade appeals.

NCLEX Readiness Preparation and Testing

Throughout the BSN program, all students, with the exception of RN-to-BSN students, participate in preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam through opportunities provided during nursing courses. These opportunities are included as integrated components of select courses and include practice NCLEX-style exams and content-specific testing. A final cumulative assessment exam is given toward the end of the program to provide the student with guidance about their chance for success on the licensing exam. A final course in critical thinking and test-taking strategies is required in the senior year, and remediation in select content areas may be required as a component of this course.

Special Requirements

Fees and expenses related to the nursing program include: skills laboratory fee, standardized testing and course materials, uniforms, stethoscope, name pin, books, CPR certification, health forms, health insurance, immunizations, and criminal background check fees. The availability of personal transportation to and from clinical agencies is required of all students. For a summary of all current fees and estimated expenses, see the School of Nursing website.

All BSN students are required to obtain a health clearance and complete the immunizations required by Mason as listed in the Student Health Services section of the Mason catalog. In addition, the BSN program has additional health and immunization requirements to meet the requirements of its clinical agency partners. See the Undergraduate Program, School of Nursing website for the most current information. Students are not allowed into any clinical setting without the completed immunization series as prescribed by Mason or the School of Nursing and may have an offer of admission withdrawn for inability to meet these requirements. The School of Nursing reviews health records and reserves the right to refuse admission or continued enrollment to any student who is unable to comply with these requirements.

All students must have CPR certification before entering the first clinical nursing course and maintain it through the remainder of the program. The American Heart Association Basic Life Support - Health Care Provider is required. On-line renewal of CPR certification is not accepted. Any cost incurred is the responsibility of the student.

All students must have current health insurance before entering the first clinical nursing course and maintain it through the remainder of the program. All students are required to have an active Mason e-mail account.

No student or faculty member will be discriminated against or denied admission to the nursing program for the sole reason that the student or faculty member has been exposed to, infected with, or diagnosed with HIV or HBV. All students are expected to practice Universal Precautions with all clients, and failure to do so will result in termination from the nursing major. In the event that a student is exposed to body fluids of a client during a clinical experience or practicum, procedures and appropriate reports are completed according to institutional and nursing policies. Information related to exposure or infection is confidential, and dissemination of such information is based on the need-to-know criteria that apply in health care situations. HIPAA and FERPA regulations apply. A complete and detailed HIV/HBV policy is available in the CHHS Office of Student Affairs.

RN-licensed students enrolled in the RN-to-BSN pathway are required to submit a copy of their current license prior to the first day of class. RN-licensed students must maintain current licensure throughout the academic program.

Banner Code: HH-BSN-NURS

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 120

Mason Core Requirements

Foundation Requirements
Written Communication
ENGH 101Composition (Mason Core) 13
Oral Communication
Any Mason Core Oral Communication course. 3
Information Technology
Any Mason Core Information Technology course3
Quantitative Reasoning
See Nursing Designated Prerequisites
Exploratory Requirements
Arts
Any Mason Core Arts course3
Global Understanding
Any Mason Core Global Understanding course 23
Literature
Any Mason Core Literature course3
Natural Science
See Nursing Designated Prerequisites
Social and Behavioral Sciences
See Nursing Designated Prerequisites
Western Civilization
Any Mason Core Western Civilization course3
Integration Requirements
ENGH 302Advanced Composition (Mason Core)3
Writing Intensive Course 3
Synthesis/Capstone Course 4
Total Credits24

Designated Nursing Prerequisites

Anatomy and Physiology
Select one of the following sequences: 18
Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Human Anatomy and Physiology
and Human Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology
BIOL 246Introductory Microbiology3
or BIOL 305 Biology of Microorganisms
BIOL 306Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory1
Chemistry
CHEM 103Chemical Science in a Modern Society (Mason Core) 24
Bioethics
PHIL 309Bioethics (Mason Core)3
Statistics 3
STAT 250Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) 43
Human Lifespan Development
PSYC 211Developmental Psychology (Mason Core) 53
Nutrition
NUTR 295Introduction to Nutrition (Mason Core) 63
Total Credits24-28

4-year Traditional BSN Pathway

HAP 360Introduction to Health Information Systems3
GCH 300Introduction to Public Health3
NURS 103Introduction to Professional Nursing3
NURS 113Population Health Nursing3
NURS 214Nursing Care of the Community I1
NURS 215Nursing Care of the Community II1
NURS 240Pharmacology for Nursing Practice3
NURS 241Essentials of Nursing Practice3
NURS 243Health Assessment for Nursing Practice3
NURS 244Clinical Management of Essentials of Nursing Practice2
NURS 300Nursing Care of Adults I2
NURS 306Clinical Management: Adults I2
NURS 311Nursing Care: Mental Health and Well-Being 2
NURS 314Clinical Management: Mental Hlth Well Being2
NURS 315Nursing Care of the Community III 1
NURS 316Nursing Care of the Community IV1
NURS 320Nursing Care: Women and Childbearing Families2
NURS 324Clinical Management: Women and Childbearing Families 2
NURS 331Nursing Care: Children and Adolescents2
NURS 335Clinical Management: Children and Adolescents 2
NURS 400Nursing Care of Adults II2
NURS 406Clinical Management: Adults II2
NURS 413Transition to Practice3
NURS 450Evidence Based Practice in Nursing 3
NURS 460Leadership in Nursing3
NURS 470Clinical Reasoning3
NURS 480Professional Issues in Nursing3
NURS 490Health Policy and Advocacy in Nursing (Mason Core)3
General Electives3
Total Credits68

2-year Traditional BSN Pathway (TBSN)

NURS 312Basic Nursing Care of Adults4
NURS 330Nursing Fundamentals3
NURS 334Nursing as a Health Profession and Discipline2
NURS 337Application of Nursing Fundamental Technologies1
NURS 343Pharmacology3
NURS 344Intermediate Nursing Technologies1
NURS 347Adult Pathophysiology and Nursing Care3
NURS 348Maternal-Newborn Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Nursing Care2
NURS 349Pediatric Pathophysiology and Nursing Care2
NURS 358Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Maternal/Infant Nursing2
NURS 359Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Pediatric Nursing2
NURS 388Problem-Based Clinical Inquiry3
NURS 410Nursing Care of Clients with Pathological Conditions3
NURS 425Comprehensive Health Assessment3
NURS 436Leadership and Management of Health Care3
NURS 451Advanced Clinical Preceptorship5
NURS 453Research in Nursing3
NURS 455Advanced Technologies in Nursing1
NURS 465Examination and Integration of Professional and Health Care Issues (Mason Core)3
NURS 466Community Health Nursing2
NURS 467Clinical in Community Health Nursing2
NURS 468Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing2
NURS 469Clinical in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing2
NURS 488Inquiry-Based Clinical Seminar2
NURS 491Critical Thinking and Analysis of Test Taking Strategies3
General Electives 110
Total Credits72

Accelerated, Second Degree BSN Pathway (SEC)

Students who are eligible for an alternative pathway to the BSN must meet the nursing course requirements for the pathway to which they have been admitted rather than those for the traditional BSN pathway. Candidates for the degree must present at least 120 credits via:

  • Mason Core requirements, to be satisfied by the initial degree and fulfilled through transfer credit.
  • Designated nursing prerequisites
  • Concentration requirements below

Concentration Requirements

NURS 305Application of Basic Nursing Techniques1
NURS 309Introduction to Basic Nursing Care3
NURS 310Application of Basic Nursing Care4
NURS 319Pathophysiological Basis for Nursing Care of Individuals and Small Groups4
NURS 334Nursing as a Health Profession and Discipline2
NURS 343Pharmacology3
NURS 350Application of Nursing Care for Individuals and Small Groups4
NURS 351Application of Intermediate Nursing Technologies1
NURS 419Pathophysiological Basis for Nursing Care of Individuals and Small Groups II4
NURS 425Comprehensive Health Assessment3
NURS 427Advanced Technologies for the Accelerated Pathway1
NURS 428Community Health Clinical for the Accelerated Pathway2
NURS 429Preceptorship for the Accelerated Pathway3
NURS 436Leadership and Management of Health Care3
NURS 440Community Health and Epidemiology3
NURS 453Research in Nursing3
NURS 465Examination and Integration of Professional and Health Care Issues (Mason Core)3
Total Credits47

Accelerated RN-to-BSN Pathway (RN)

Candidates for the degree must present at least 120 credits. A minimum of 30 credits must be earned at Mason to fulfill requirements for graduation. These include:

Mason Core and general electives57
Concentration-specific requirements24
ENGH 302Advanced Composition (Mason Core)3
Electives earned at Mason3
"Credit by Exam"33
Total Credits120

For some students, the Mason Core requirements (except ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core)) may be met by completing the Associate's degree (i.e., AA – Associate of Arts, AS – Associate of Science, or AA&S – Associate of Arts and Science) from an approved Virginia community college with a qualifying GPA and specific admissions criteria. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS degree) does not waive the Mason Core requirements. Contact Mason's general Office of Admissions for more information and see the Guaranteed Admission Agreement for details.

RN-to-BSN Pathway, Required Courses
ENGH 302Advanced Composition (Mason Core) 13
NURS 336Concepts in Professional Nursing as a Discipline3
NURS 425Comprehensive Health Assessment3
NURS 436Leadership and Management of Health Care3
NURS 440Community Health and Epidemiology3
NURS 434Vulnerable Populations3
NURS 453Research in Nursing3
NURS 457Introduction to Nursing Informatics3
NURS 465Examination and Integration of Professional and Health Care Issues (Mason Core)3
Elective3
Total Credits30
Credit by Exam33
Concepts in Professional Nursing as a Discipline 1
Total Credits33

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Sample Plan of Study 

Detailed four year plans can be found at https://chhs.gmu.edu/students/academic-advising