Degree Completion Options
Nursing Degree Completion Option
Towson University offers an innovative and flexible Degree Completion Option which builds upon the strong foundation of diploma and associate level nursing programs. Students have two pathways that can be selected, based upon where they are within their own nursing education. Qualified students will receive the RN Articulation Model and follow one of two options: Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BS) or Associate-to-Bachelor (ATB).
RN Articulation Model
The Department of Nursing participates in a statewide RN articulation model. No more than half of the baccalaureate degree, with a maximum of 60 non-nursing units, will be accepted at Towson from a community college. Nursing units will not be transferred. However, individuals with an active unencumbered Maryland or compact RN license articulating to the baccalaureate level are awarded a minimum of 30 upper-level nursing units in the program.
Prerequisite Courses
The minimum number of units that must be completed at Towson is 30; this may vary depending on the number of credits transferred from the community college. To ensure successful progress through the Nursing major, students must complete the following prerequisite courses: General Chemistry (4 credits-theory and lab), Nutrition (3 credits) and Microbiology (4 credits-theory and lab). If these courses were not part of the associate degree, they must be completed prior to full acceptance into the Nursing major—which could add additional units to the option. A statistics course is needed prior to enrolling in Nursing Research NURS 435.
Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science Option (RN-to-BS)
To be eligible for admission, students must have graduated from a state-approved diploma or associate degree nursing program and be licensed as a registered nurse in Maryland or a compact state. Recent associate degree or diploma nursing graduates may be admitted pending successful completion of the NCLEX-RN. Students applying for admission to the Nursing major must either have been admitted to the university or be currently seeking admission to the university.
Students interested in this option should contact the Academic Advising Specialist or the Degree Completion Coordinator.
Eligibility and Screening
Admission to this option is determined by the Towson University Department of Nursing. RN students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. Only one grade below a grade equivalent of 2.00 is allowed in the non-nursing courses required for the option.
Associate-to-Bachelor Degree Option (ATB )
The ATB option is an undergraduate-level year-round option designed for students dually enrolled in a contracted partner community college. Current partners are Community College of Baltimore County (Essex and Catonsville campuses), Hagerstown Community College, Harford Community College, Cecil College, Carroll Community College, and Frederick Community College’s nursing programs.
Eligibility and Screening
Admission to this option is a collaborative decision between the Towson University Department of Nursing and the respective community college. Prospective students in the ATB option are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the community college’s required admission courses. Eligible students are recruited from those already accepted to the respective community college’s nursing program. Students are expected to follow a plan of study developed collaboratively between faculty and administrative members at both institutions.
