The Penn State School of Nursing
Programs of Study
The School of Nursing features a complete range of undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing.
Associate Degree
The associate degree program prepares graduates for the registered nurse licensure examination and for employment in a variety of acute and long-term care settings.
Revised BS Nursing Admission Process Effective Fall 2012
The 4-year general BS in Nursing Program is through first year admission only, effective with the incoming first-year class of Fall 2012. Students may not change majors into the four-year program.
Baccalaureate Degree
The baccalaureate degree program has three options for study:
- the B.S., for those students who are entering the four-year program of study for an initial professional degree
- the Second Degree program for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field
- and the RN to B.S. for RNs who wish to complete the B.S. degree.
Master’s Degree
The master’s programs include a general M.S. program with four emphasis areas: nursing education, nursing administration, community health policy and management, or clinical trials research, a BS-PhD program and options for advanced practice roles as a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner.
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program
The interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in nursing develops clinical scholars, faculty, and researchers who can teach and provide leadership through scientific inquiry and innovative practice. Individualized plans of study allow each student to develop depth of expertise and research capability within a specialized area that promotes career goals. The first two years of the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program are fully funded.
Summer 2012 MACaN (Minority Advanced Careers In Nursing) Application Available
Summer 2012 MACaN Application. For additional information, please contact Staja Booker, MACaN co-coordinator at sqb5261@psu.edu.
Outreach and Continuing Education Courses Available
The School of Nursing announces a new portal for online continuing education courses for nurses. These courses are offered continuously for Online CE. In addition, RNs can earn up to seventy contact hours in the school's state-of-the-art simulation lab. Learn more.
Diversity Statement
The faculty and staff of the School of Nursing value and are committed to fostering diversity in the classroom, the University, and the profession. By respecting differences in culture, age, gender, gender expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, differing abilities, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation, we enrich the learning environment; improve the practice and profession of Nursing; and enhance personal creativity and professional growth.
The School of Nursing also maintains a special relationship with The College of Health and Human Development.