Joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): FAQ

The joint BSN program combines the College of Charleston's undergraduate experience with nursing education and clinical training through MUSC's College of Nursing. The four-year program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in nursing while helping address South Carolina's growing need for qualified nurses. 
The Joint BSN program is currently seeking approval from the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Students benefit from the full undergraduate experience at the College of Charleston alongside MUSC's College of Nursing expertise in health care and clinical education. The program brings these strengths together in a four-year program designed for students beginning their college education.

Students complete their undergraduate education at the College of Charleston with advanced nursing courses taught by MUSC College of Nursing faculty on the CofC campus.

You'll gain hands-on skill development and clinical training at MUSC and its affiliate training facilities around the state.

On your College of Charleston application, select “Nursing/Healthcare” as the major you are “most seriously considering” in the “Academic Interest”. By selecting Nursing/Healthcare, you are applying directly to the BSN program and will be considered for competitive direct admission.

Yes. Students who submitted their application before the BSN option became available can complete the BSN direct admission declaration form. You do not need to submit another College of Charleston application.

Please contact College of Charleston admissions to receive the BSN direct admission declaration form.

Yes. You may submit the form before or after receiving your Early Action or Early Decision admission decision, as long as you submit it by January 15, 2027.

The deadline for BSN direct admission consideration is January 15, 2027. Submit either your College of Charleston application with BSN selected or, if you already applied, the BSN interest form by that date.

Your BSN direct admission decision will come separately from your College of Charleston admission decision. 

BSN direct decisions are expected to release by the end of February 2027.  

Your general College of Charleston admission decision follows the Early Action or Early Decision timeline under which you applied. Your BSN decision follows the timeline for Regular Decisions.

Submitting the BSN interest form does not change a general admission decision you have already received.

No. For the initial BSN cohort, transfer students will be unable to apply for the joint College of Charleston | MUSC College of Nursing BSN program.

Yes. The program is designed to provide a four-year pathway for students beginning their college education.

No. No additional application materials are required for BSN direct admission consideration. If you already applied, the only additional step is to submit the BSN interest form. You must still complete all requirements for your general College of Charleston application.

First-year students offered direct admission must still meet program requirements to progress into the upper division. Direct admission does not waive those requirements.

To continue in the BSN program for upper-division nursing (Year 3), you will need to meet the following requirements: 

• GPA of 3.0 or higher (the competitive average is typically about 3.5 or above)
• Grade of "C" or better in all designated progression courses
• Proof of work/volunteer/military experience 
• Submission of two professional references
• Application and interview/essay evaluation

No. Admission to the College does not guarantee admission to BSN. Your application will undergo both the College of Charleston’s general admission review and a separate review for BSN direct admission. 

Yes. If you are offered general admission to the College, you may still attend the College of Charleston even if you are not selected for BSN direct admission. 

If you are not selected for direct admission, you still have options. You can pursue the pathway for competitive upper-division nursing in your sophomore year (a separate process and is not guaranteed), or choose another major that aligns with your goals.

Yes. Students who are not selected for direct admission may pursue the competitive admission pathway for upper-division nursing in their sophomore year. Admission through that pathway is a separate process and is not guaranteed. In these instances, admission will be determined by an advancement (index) score calculation that takes into account: cumulative & progression course GPA's, work/volunteer/military experience, and interview/essay. It is anticipated that at the time of application to upper division, competitive applicants will have a GPA ≥ 3.5.

Your BSN admission offer will include your commitment deadline and instructions. Review those instructions carefully, as BSN commitment expectations may differ from the College’s general enrollment timeline. 

Students build their academic foundation at the College of Charleston before progressing into nursing -focused education and clinical learning with the MUSC College of Nursing. The program's curriculum is designed to develop the scientific knowledge, clinical skills and professional judgement needed for nursing practice.

View Curriculum

An important part of your nursing education, clinical training generally begins during your third year. Clinicals are supervised hands-on practice where you will apply your classroom learning and lab skills in actual healthcare settings.

View Upper Division & Clinical Courses

Students participate in clinical training at MUSC hospitals and affiliates around the state. Clinical experiences may also occur outside of MUSC facilities, based on placement availability and type of clinical experience required.

In addition to meeting eligibility requirements to advance to upper-division nursing, nursing students may need to meet requirements related to health records, immunizations, background checks, training and other clinical placement policies.

Tuition and fees for the Joint BSN Program follow the College of Charleston's cost of attendance per academic year for undergraduate students. 

Upper-division and clinical nursing programs with MUSC may require specialized, out-of-pocket fees and supplemental expenses in addition to standard credit-hour tuition.

Yes. Nursing students may be eligible for a variety of financial aid options to help make earning your BSN degree more affordable. Start by completing the FAFSA to determine your eligibility, then explore funding sources to find the best fit for your goals and budget.

• Federal & State Aid: Grants and student loans may be available based on your FAFSA results.
• Scholarships: Institutional and external scholarships can help reduce your overall cost.
• Payment Plans: Flexible payment options allow you to spread out tuition over time.

The College of Charleston provides all administrative services for students in the joint BSN program including the processing of tuition and fee payments.

A BSN prepares graduates to pursue nursing careers in hospitals, clinics, community health organizations and other health care environments. Career opportunities depend on licensure, employer requirements and individual qualifications.

Yes. The College of Charleston | MUSC College of Nursing joint BSN degree prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), subject to applicable eligibility requirements.

South Carolina and the broader health care industry need qualified nurses. The College of Charleston/Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) BSN program helps prepare students to contribute to the state's health care workforce.

Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2026)