Associate-to-Bachelor Degree Option (ATB)
The Associate-to-Bachelor's (ATB) degree completion option is a year-round, dual enrollment option designed for students admitted to the registered nurse (RN) associate degree program at one of our contracted community college partners. ATB partners as of 2025 include the RN programs at Carroll Community College, Cecil College, College of Southern Maryland (CSM), Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) [Essex and Catonsville campuses], Frederick Community College, Hagerstown Community College, Harford Community College, and Prince George's Community College (PGCC). Students typically begin the ATB option in the first term of the associate degree program or in the summer following the first or second term of the associate degree program, though start term options will vary by partner school. Students who begin ATB enrollment in their first term of the RN program are classified as ATB 1.0, and students who begin ATB enrollment after completing at least one term of the RN program are classified as ATB 2.0.
Eligibility and Screening
Admission to this option is a collaborative decision between the TU's Department of Nursing and the respective community college. Eligible students are recruited from those already accepted to the respective community college’s nursing program. ATB admission is offered for the fall, spring, and/or summer depending on the community college partner and the plan of study. ATB 1.0 applicants are required to have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale and/or a 3.00 GPA in the community college’s required admission courses. ATB 2.0 applicants are required to have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale and/or a 3.00 GPA in their community college nursing courses completed by the time of application. Additional prerequisite courses may need to be completed prior to starting the program if they were not already completed as part of the associate degree program. Select ATB plans may allow for students to complete outstanding prerequisites after starting the ATB option.
By applying to the ATB option, students grant permission to TU and the community college to share pertinent information related to admission, academics, enrollment, and degree progress. Enrollment and academic information will be shared as needed each term. ATB students are still responsible for submitting their own transcripts and maintaining regular communication with their advisors at both schools.
Enrollment Information
ATB students follow a set plan of study that was developed collaboratively between the faculty and administrators of both institutions. Students will be actively enrolled at both institutions through the completion of the associate degree in nursing (ADN). Students are responsible for adhering to all policies of both institutions while enrolled. The ATB option plan of study typically involves part-time enrollment. Students can refer to the plans of study for their community college on the ATB Admissions & Partnerships site.
Students must be successful in all program courses at both institutions in order to progress in their plan of study and continue in the ATB option. Students are assigned an advisor at both institutions to ensure success in completing the degree requirements at both schools.
After completion of the ADN and earning their RN license, students finish the remaining requirements toward the bachelor's degree at TU. This typically requires one or two more terms, though students may choose to extend their plan of study after consulting with their academic advisor. Students who choose to begin working as an RN after completion of the ADN are encouraged to extend their plan and spread their final courses out over more terms to ensure their success both as a student and as a new nurse.
Cost of Attendance
Students in the ATB option are charged tuition and fees and receive a bill from both institutions. Tuition and fees will be assessed by each school based on the student's credit load at their respective institutions each term.
For TU courses, students are charged the part-time tuition and fees according to how many TU units they are taking in any given term. For community college courses, they will be charged according to that school's tuition and fee rates. Students can estimate their overall cost of attendance by referring to the plan of study for their total enrollment at each institution each term.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Students enrolled in the ATB option can apply for all available federal and state undergraduate grant, scholarship, and loan programs. All federal and state financial aid is processed through the TU Financial Aid Office. ATB students' financial aid will be based on the total combined enrollment between both schools. Thee community college enrollment is reported on the TU transcript through placeholder units. For the purpose of financial aid eligibility, students must be aware that the ATB plan of study involves part-time enrollment (less than 12 units) for the majority of the program.
ATB students are also eligible to apply for departmental or institutional scholarships or grants at both institutions. Any institutional scholarships or grants from the partner community college will be reported to TU and counted against the total aid a student may receive.
Students interested in the ATB option should contact the Academic Program Manager at nursingdco@towson.edu.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Work | 60 | |
| NURS 333 | WRITING FOR EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE: ISSUES IN PROFESSIONAL NURSING | 3 |
| NURS 349 | HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND HEALTH PROMOTION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN | 4 |
| NURS 416 | DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN HEALTHCARE | 3 |
| NURS 435 | NURSING RESEARCH FOR EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE | 3 |
| NURS 460 | NURSING & HEALTHCARE IV: OLDER ADULTS | 2 |
| or NURS 486 | SEMINAR IN NURSING | |
| NURS 476 | PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING | 3 |
| NURS 484 | NURSING LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| NURS 489 | DEGREE COMPLETION PRACTICUM | 3 |
| Upper-Level Elective: a 300 or 400 level course at Towson University (must be in ethics if not previously taken) | 3 | |
| Upper-Level Elective: a 300 or 400 level course at Towson University (health related courses are encouraged) | 3 | |
| Upper-Level Nursing Units | 30 | |
| Proof of Maryland or Compact RN license | ||
| Total Units | 120 | |