Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science Option (RN-to-BS)

The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science (RN to B.S.) degree completion option offers a pathway to a bachelor's of science degree for licensed RNs who have already completed their associate degree in nursing. This is a flexible option designed to meet the needs of working RNs. A majority of the courses in the RN to B.S. option may be completed online, though the practicum course taken in the final term requires an in-person clinical component. The program can be completed at a pace that suits a student's individual needs. After admission, students in this option will work with an academic adviser to design a plan of study based on their individual needs and goals. Year-round, part-time enrollment is recommended for working RNs. Enrollment in summer or minimester terms may be required depending on course availability. Full-time enrollment and in-person courses cannot be guaranteed for the purposes of meeting financial aid eligibility or student visa requirements. Students seeking full-time enrollment and/or in-person courses should contact the Department of Nursing prior to applying for admission.

Eligibility and Screening

Admission to this option is determined by the Department of Nursing. Students typically begin the RN to B.S. option in the fall or spring term, though summer admission may be an option depending on the student's eligibility and course availability. 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. Students may apply in the final term of their associate degree program. Any offers of admission will be contingent upon successful completion of the associate degree and obtaining RN licensure via successful completion of the NCLEX-RN.

Students applying for admission to the Nursing major must either have been admitted to TU or be currently seeking admission to TU. RN students are required to have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. Additional prerequisite courses may be required if they were not completed as part of the associate degree in nursing. For priority admission consideration, students should apply and submit official transcripts by the deadline of January 15th for fall admission or August 15th for spring admission. Applications may be accepted after the deadlines based on space availability. Students interested in applying after the deadlines must contact the Department of Nursing to confirm if applications are still being accepted.

For current screening requirements, visit the RN to B.S. in Nursing site. Students interested in this option should contact the Academic Program Manager at nursingdco@towson.edu.

Degree Requirements 

Transfer Work60
NURS 333WRITING FOR EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE: ISSUES IN PROFESSIONAL NURSING3
NURS 349HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND HEALTH PROMOTION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN4
NURS 416DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN HEALTHCARE3
NURS 435NURSING RESEARCH FOR EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE3
NURS 460NURSING & HEALTHCARE IV: OLDER ADULTS2
or NURS 486 SEMINAR IN NURSING
NURS 476PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING3
NURS 484NURSING LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT3
NURS 489DEGREE COMPLETION PRACTICUM3
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 Units30
Proof of Maryland or Compact RN license
Total Units120