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.
- 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). 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 College of Public Health Office of Student Affairs for advising prior to applying to the nursing major. See the BSN 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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology 1 | ||
| Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
OR | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Chemistry 1 | ||
| Chemical Science in a Modern Society (Mason Core) | ||
| Nutrition | ||
| Introduction to Nutrition (Mason Core) | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Lifespan Development (Mason Core) | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) 2 | ||
- 1
Courses cannot be more than five-years-old at time of enrollment in the program.
- 2
Or a statistics course in another discipline. STAT 250 fulfills the quantitative reasoning Mason Core requirement. If STAT 250 is not taken, an approved Mason Core Quantitative Reasoning course is required.
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:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology 1 | ||
| Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
OR | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Introductory Microbiology | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) 2 | ||
| Nutrition | ||
| Introduction to Nutrition (Mason Core) | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Bioethics | ||
| Bioethics (Mason Core) | ||
- 1
Courses cannot be more than five-years-old at time of enrollment in the program.
- 2
Or a statistics course in another discipline. STAT 250 fulfills the quantitative reasoning Mason Core requirement. If STAT 250 is not taken, an approved Mason Core Quantitative Reasoning course is required.
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 BSN 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:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
OR | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| Introductory Microbiology | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Statistics | ||
Any statistics course approved by program. | ||
| 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 BSN 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 RN-to-BSN Pathway is an online for US-based RNs to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through the of the Mason Core requirements, designated nursing prerequisites, and required nursing courses. RN students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time basis.
RN-licensed 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 (VCCS) 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 RN-to-BSN program requires 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 into the nursing program is contingent upon admission to the university. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the nursing program and only allows an application to be considered in the review process. See the BSN 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.
Mason Veterans Nursing Program and Co-enrollment Program in Nursing
The Mason Veterans Nursing Program and Co-enrollment Program (CEP) 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 are offered online in seven-week sessions each semester.
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.
Application Process
Admission to the Mason Veterans Nursing Program or Co-enrollment 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 Mason Veterans Nursing Program and Co-enrollment Program, applicants must receive admissions to Mason and provide the following:
- 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 BSN 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 Progression Policy and Grading Standards
The School of Nursing has established the following policy outlining the academic requirements and expectations for students enrolled in Mason’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathways. The policy aims to ensure that students maintain satisfactory progression throughout the program, including limitations on repeating nursing prerequisite courses and a minimum GPA requirement.
1. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above each semester to progress in the nursing program. Students who are at risk of exceeding the course repeat limit or whose GPA is negatively affected by course repeats will be required to meet with their academic advisors to develop an academic plan.
2. Students have one (1) semester to bring their GPA to the minimum 2.5 or they will be ineligible to continue in the nursing program.
3. Students must have a grade of “C” or higher in all nursing prerequisite courses: BIOL 124 or GCH 270, BIOL 125 or GCH 271, BIOL 246, BIOL 306, CHEM 103, NUTR 295, STAT 250, PHIL 309, PSYC 211.
4. No more than one (1) nursing prerequisite course can be repeated due to unsuccessful completion (C-, D, F). Nursing prerequisites include BIOL 124 or GCH 270, BIOL 125 or GCH 271, BIOL 246, BIOL 306, CHEM 103, NUTR 295, STAT 250, PHIL 309, PSYC 211.
5. Students have two attempts to earn a grade of C+ (77%) to successfully complete a NURS prefix 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 will be ineligible to continue in the nursing program.
6. Students who earn a grade lower than C+ (77%) in more than one (1) NURS course will be ineligible to continue in the nursing program.
7. A grade of C+ (77%) or higher is required to pass any course with a NURS prefix. Some NURS lab/clinical courses are graded pass/fail with Satisfactory (S) being recorded as the final grade. A Pass/Satisfactory is required for all NURS courses using this assessment. 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 312, NURS 314, 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.
8. 4-year Pathway only: Sophomore level nursing classes (NURS 103, NURS 113, NURS 214, NURS 215, NURS 240, NURS 241, NURS 244, NURS 243) must be successfully completed to progress into junior level nursing courses. Junior level nursing courses (NURS 300, NURS 306, NURS 311, NURS 314, NURS 315,NURS 316, NURS 320, NURS 324, NURS 400, NURS 406,) must be successfully completed prior to entry into senior level nursing courses.
9. 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 the program of study.
10. Any violation of the University drug and alcohol policies are grounds for dismissal from the nursing program.
11. 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 Public Health.
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 College of Public Health 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.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 120
Mason Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication | ||
| ENGH 101 | Composition (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| Oral Communication | ||
| Any Mason Core Oral Communication course. | 3 | |
| Information Technology | ||
| Any Mason Core Information Technology course | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| See Nursing Designated Prerequisites | ||
| Exploratory Requirements | ||
| Arts | ||
| Any Mason Core Arts course | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | ||
| Any Mason Core Global Contexts course 2 | 3 | |
| Literature | ||
| Any Mason Core Literature course | 3 | |
| Natural Science | ||
| See Nursing Designated Prerequisites | ||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | ||
| See Nursing Designated Prerequisites | ||
| Global History | ||
| Any Mason Core Global History course | 3 | |
| Integration Requirements | ||
| ENGH 302 | Advanced Composition (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Writing Intensive 3 | ||
| Mason Apex 4 | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
- 1
Non-native speakers of English with limited proficiency in the language may substitute ENGH 100 or ENGH 123 for ENGH 101. Students must attain a minimum grade of C in ENGH 100, ENGH 101 or ENGH 123, as well as in ENGH 302, to fulfill degree requirements.
- 2
Students are recommended to take GCH 205 for their Global Understanding requirement.
- 3
This program includes the writing intensive course as a part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 4
This program includes a Mason Apex course as a part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for the Mason Core.
Designated Nursing Prerequisites
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Select one of the following sequences: 1 | 8 | |
| Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| or | ||
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
| Microbiology | ||
| BIOL 246 | Introductory Microbiology | 3 |
| or BIOL 305 | Biology of Microorganisms | |
| BIOL 306 | Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | 1 |
| Chemistry | ||
| CHEM 103 | Chemical Science in a Modern Society (Mason Core) 2 | 4 |
| Bioethics | ||
| PHIL 309 | Bioethics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Statistics 3 | ||
| STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) 4 | 3 |
| Human Lifespan Development | ||
| PSYC 211 | Lifespan Development (Mason Core) 5 | 3 |
| Nutrition | ||
| NUTR 295 | Introduction to Nutrition (Mason Core) 6 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 24-28 | |
- 1
BIOL 124 and BIOL 125 fulfills Mason Core Natural Science requirement for students in the 2-year traditional BSN program only with the completion of BIOL 246 or BIOL 305 and BIOL 306.
- 2
Fulfills the Mason Core Natural Science with lab requirement. Students in the 2-year traditional BSN pathway do not complete this requirement.
- 3
Students in the Accelerated, Second Degree BSN Pathway (SEC) complete any statistics course.
- 4
Or a statistics course in another discipline with the approval of the advisor. STAT 250 fulfills the quantitative reasoning Mason Core requirement. If STAT 250 is not taken, an approved Mason Core Quantitative Reasoning course is required.
- 5
Or other approved Psychology course that fulfills Mason Core Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement.
- 6
Course fulfills Mason Core Natural Science Non-Lab requirement. Other nutrition transfer courses may meet this requirement as approved by the advisor. If NUTR 295 is not taken, an approved Mason Core Natural Science Non-Lab course is required.
4-year Traditional BSN Pathway
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HAP 360 | Introduction to Health Information Systems | 3 |
| GCH 300 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| NURS 103 | Introduction to Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 113 | Population Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 214 | Nursing Care of the Community I | 1 |
| NURS 215 | Nursing Care of the Community II | 1 |
| NURS 240 | Pharmacology for Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 241 | Essentials of Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 243 | Health Assessment for Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 244 | Clinical Management of Essentials of Nursing Practice | 2 |
| NURS 300 | Nursing Care of Adults I | 2 |
| NURS 306 | Clinical Management: Adults I | 2 |
| NURS 311 | Nursing Care: Mental Health and Well-Being | 2 |
| NURS 314 | Clinical Management: Mental Hlth Well Being | 2 |
| NURS 315 | Nursing Care of the Community III | 1 |
| NURS 316 | Nursing Care of the Community IV | 1 |
| NURS 320 | Nursing Care: Women and Childbearing Families | 2 |
| NURS 324 | Clinical Management: Women and Childbearing Families | 2 |
| NURS 331 | Nursing Care: Children and Adolescents | 2 |
| NURS 335 | Clinical Management: Children and Adolescents | 2 |
| NURS 400 | Nursing Care of Adults II | 2 |
| NURS 406 | Clinical Management: Adults II | 2 |
| NURS 413 | Transition to Practice | 3 |
| NURS 450 | Evidence Based Practice in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 460 | Leadership in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 470 | Clinical Reasoning | 3 |
| NURS 480 | Professional Issues in Nursing (Mason Core) | 3 |
| NURS 490 | Health Policy and Advocacy in Nursing (Mason Core) | 3 |
| General Electives 1 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 68 | |
- 1
General electives may not double count between Mason Core and Designated Nursing Electives. General electives may only double count with a minor or second degree. A course in sociology or anthropology is recommended.
2-year Traditional BSN Pathway (TBSN)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURS 312 | Basic Nursing Care of Adults | 4 |
| NURS 330 | Nursing Fundamentals | 3 |
| NURS 334 | Nursing as a Health Profession and Discipline | 2 |
| NURS 337 | Application of Nursing Fundamental Technologies | 1 |
| NURS 343 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 344 | Intermediate Nursing Technologies | 1 |
| NURS 347 | Adult Pathophysiology and Nursing Care | 3 |
| NURS 348 | Maternal-Newborn Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Nursing Care | 2 |
| NURS 349 | Pediatric Pathophysiology and Nursing Care | 2 |
| NURS 358 | Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Maternal/Infant Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 359 | Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Pediatric Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 388 | Problem-Based Clinical Inquiry | 3 |
| NURS 410 | Nursing Care of Clients with Pathological Conditions | 3 |
| NURS 425 | Comprehensive Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 436 | Leadership and Management of Health Care | 3 |
| NURS 451 | Advanced Clinical Preceptorship | 5 |
| NURS 453 | Research in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 455 | Advanced Technologies in Nursing | 1 |
| NURS 465 | Examination and Integration of Professional and Health Care Issues (Mason Core) | 3 |
| NURS 466 | Community Health Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 467 | Clinical in Community Health Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 468 | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 469 | Clinical in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 488 | Inquiry-Based Clinical Seminar | 2 |
| NURS 491 | Critical Thinking and Analysis of Test Taking Strategies | 3 |
| General Electives 1 | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 72 | |
- 1
General electives may not double count between Mason Core and Designated Nursing Electives. General electives may only double count with a minor or second degree. A course in sociology or anthropology is recommended.
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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GCH 300 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| NURS 305 | Application of Basic Nursing Techniques | 1 |
| NURS 309 | Introduction to Basic Nursing Care | 3 |
| NURS 310 | Application of Basic Nursing Care | 4 |
| NURS 319 | Pathophysiological Basis for Nursing Care of Individuals and Small Groups | 4 |
| NURS 334 | Nursing as a Health Profession and Discipline | 2 |
| NURS 343 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 350 | Application of Nursing Care for Individuals and Small Groups | 4 |
| NURS 351 | Application of Intermediate Nursing Technologies | 1 |
| NURS 419 | Pathophysiological Basis for Nursing Care of Individuals and Small Groups II | 4 |
| NURS 425 | Comprehensive Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 427 | Advanced Technologies for the Accelerated Pathway | 1 |
| NURS 428 | Community Health Clinical for the Accelerated Pathway | 2 |
| NURS 429 | Preceptorship for the Accelerated Pathway | 3 |
| NURS 436 | Leadership and Management of Health Care | 3 |
| NURS 453 | Research in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 465 | Examination and Integration of Professional and Health Care Issues (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 47 | |
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:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mason Core and general electives | 57 | |
| Concentration-specific requirements | 24 | |
| ENGH 302 | Advanced Composition (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Electives earned at Mason | 3 | |
| "Credit by Exam" | 33 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RN-to-BSN Pathway, Required Courses | ||
| ENGH 302 | Advanced Composition (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| GCH 300 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| NURS 336 | Concepts in Professional Nursing as a Discipline | 3 |
| NURS 425 | Comprehensive Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 436 | Leadership and Management of Health Care | 3 |
| NURS 434 | Vulnerable Populations | 3 |
| NURS 453 | Research in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 457 | Introduction to Nursing Informatics | 3 |
| NURS 465 | Examination and Integration of Professional and Health Care Issues (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Students must complete ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core), listed above under Mason Core requirements. Only students holding a previous baccalaureate degree are not required to take ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Credit by Exam | 33 | |
| Concepts in Professional Nursing as a Discipline 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 33 | |
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RN students will be awarded 33 nursing credits upon completion of NURS 336 Concepts in Professional Nursing as a Discipline.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Sample Plan of Study
Detailed four year plans can be found on https://publichealth.gmu.edu/students/academic-advising