Joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Joint BSN Courses & Curriculum

• Year 1: Foundations

  Year 1: Fall

  • BIOL 111 & Lab/BIOL 101 & Lab:
    A foundation course for science majors emphasizing the concepts of structure and function in biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels. Topics include biochemistry, biochemical and molecular evolution, cell function, respiration, photosynthesis, genetics and molecular biology.

  • ENGL 110: Develop effective writing and critical thing skills through drafting, revising, research and analysis. Practice rhetoric strategies and apply feedback to communicate effectively across a variety of contexts. (Satisfies the first-year writing general education requirement.)
    
    
  • Foreign Language (1 of 4): Complete the 202-level or its equivalent or demonstrate proficiency at that level of an approved course satisfying the foreign language general education requirement.

  • FYE Intro to Nursing: Explore the foundations of professional nursing, including critical judgment, compassionate care, ethics, communication and evidence-based practice. Develop reflective practice, resilience and professional goals while building skills for holistic, person-centered care.
    
    
  • Math (1 of 2) MATH 104 Elementary Statistics: Master probability concepts, descriptive statistics, binomial and normal distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. (Satisfies first year three credits of math/logic general education requirement)

  Year 1: Spring

  • BIOL 112: Evolution, Form, and Function of Organisms & Lab: Explore evolution and the major groups of organisms, emphasizing their structure, form, and function.
    - Or -
    BIOL 102: Concepts and Applications in Biology II & Lab: Explore organism anatomy and physiology, ecology, evolution, biodiversity, and conservation biology. Examine how scientific methods and discoveries help explain contemporary biological and environmental issues.
  • Math (2 of 2)- MATH 250: Statistical Methods I: Develop foundational statistical skills in descriptive statistics, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Apply statistical methods and software to analyze data and interpret results.
    
    
  • Foreign Language (2 of 4) - Complete the 202-level or its equivalent or demonstrate proficiency at that level of an approved course satisfying the foreign language general education requirement.
  • Humanities (1 of 4): Select from a list of approved courses satisfying the humanities general education requirement

  • Social Science (1 of 2) PSYC 103: Introduction to Psychological Science: Explore the scientific study of human behavior, including research methods, brain function, sensation and perception, learning, memory, social psychology, and psychological disorders.
    
    
  • History (1 of 2): Complete one course in pre-modern history and one course in modern history from the list of approved courses satisfying the history general education requirement. 

• Year 2: Scientific Base

  Year 2: Fall

  • BIOL 221 & Lab: Human Anatomy and Physiology I: Study the structure and function of the human body's nervous, muscular, skeletal, and cardiac systems, exploring both gross anatomy and microscopic structures through lectures and laboratory experiences.
    
    
  • Humanities (2 of 4): Select from a list of approved courses satisfying the humanities general education requirement.

  • Foreign Language (3 of 4) - Complete the 202-level or its equivalent or demonstrate proficiency at that level of an approved course satisfying the foreign language general education requirement.

  • Humanities (3 of 4): Select from a list of approved courses satisfying the humanities general education requirement.

  • BIOL 225: Human Microbiology: Explore the microorganisms that cause infectious diseases, how infections spread, and the role of normal microflora in human health. Develop foundational skills in infection prevention and the use and interpretation of laboratory tests to help diagnose infectious diseases.

  • History (2 of 2): Complete one course in pre-modern history and one course in modern history from the list of approved courses satisfying the history general education requirement. 

  Year 2: Spring

  • BIOL 222 & Lab: Human Anatomy and Physiology II: Study the structure and function of the human body's vascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems through lectures and laboratory experiences.

  • Foreign Language (4 of 4) - Complete the 202-level or its equivalent or demonstrate proficiency at that level of an approved course satisfying the foreign language general education requirement.

  • Humanities (4 of 4): Select from a list of approved courses satisfying the humanities general education requirement.
    
    
  • Social Science (2 of 2) PSYC 224: Lifespan Development
    Examine human development from conception through the end of life, exploring physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes over time. Consider key developmental theories and research findings that explain how people grow and change.
    
    
  • PBHL 257: Principles of Nutrition: Explore essential nutrients, current dietary guidelines, and the relationship between food choices and long-term health. Apply nutrition and activity assessments to support health-conscious decisions and understand how lifestyle choices influence disease risk.

• Year 3: Nursing Core

  Upper-division nursing courses follow a structured sequence. Students must successfully complete all coursework in one semester before progressing to the next. Courses in each semester build on the knowledge and skills developed in previous semesters.

  Year 3: Semester 5

  NURSU 315: Health Assessment*
  Develop skills in comprehensive health assessment across the lifespan, including collecting and interpreting patient data to guide clinical decisions. Emphasize patient safety, compassionate communication, and equitable, evidence-based care.
  
  NURSU 451: Pathophysiology-Pharmacology I
  Explore the principles of pharmacology and pathophysiology to support safe, effective medication administration. Develop skills in dosage calculations, identifying medication-related risks, and applying evidence-based practices to promote patient safety.
  
  NURSU 461: Foundations & Gerontologic Nursing*
  Develop critical-thinking and clinical judgment skills while learning foundational nursing practices for adult and older adult patients. Apply health assessment findings, pathophysiology concepts, and communication skills in hospital-based clinical settings.

  Year 3: Semester 6

  NURSU 452: Pathophysiology-Pharmacology II
  Build on foundational pharmacology and pathophysiology knowledge to strengthen medication administration skills and promote patient safety. Advance competency in dosage calculations, medication risk management and the use of healthcare technologies and resources.
  
  NURSU 464: Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
  Develop skills in formulating clinical questions, evaluating research, and applying evidence to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes. Collaborate to analyze research findings and communicate evidence-based recommendations that advance nursing knowledge and quality of care.
  
  NURSU 454: Medical-Surgical Nursing I*
  Apply clinical judgment, health assessment, and nursing knowledge to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex medical needs. Through classroom learning and clinical practice, develop skills in managing symptoms, preventing complications and promoting recovery in acute care settings.

  NURSU 387: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing*
  Explore the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that influence mental health and psychiatric disorders. Develop skills in mental health assessment, therapeutic communication and evidence-based interventions to provide culturally responsive care.
  
  *Clinical Courses

   

• Year 4: Launch Your Career

  Year 4: Semester 7

  NURSU 409: Population-Focused Nursing*
  Explore strategies to improve population health through health promotion, disease prevention, and attention to social determinants of health. Apply principles of health equity, risk reduction, and interprofessional collaboration across diverse healthcare settings.

  NURSU 417: Women's Health*
  Explore women's health across reproductive health, pregnancy, birth, and newborn care, considering physical, emotional, and social needs. Develop assessment, communication, and advocacy skills to provide safe, compassionate, evidence-based care for women and families.

  NURSU 405: Nursing Care of Children and Their Families*
  Explore pediatric nursing practices that address children's health needs across developmental stages and healthcare settings. Develop clinical judgment and communication skills to provide safe, compassionate, evidence-based, and family-centered care.
  

  NURSU 472: Professional Practice Seminar II*
  Build on foundational nursing competencies while exploring systems thinking, quality improvement, and patient safety. Strengthen clinical judgment, reflective practice, and professional development through continued work on a professional ePortfolio.

  IP 711: IP Foundations & TeamSTEPPS
  Develop foundational skills in interprofessional collaboration, teamwork and communication to improve patient care and population health outcomes. Explore professional roles and evidence-based strategies for effective healthcare teams.
  
  IP Elective (Concentration)
  Explore a selected concentration through an interprofessional learning experience that expands understanding of collaborative healthcare practice.
  *IP courses may be offered in a different semester, depending on upper division start date.

  Year 4: Semester 8

  NURSU 372: Healthcare Systems and Policy
  Examine how healthcare systems and public policy influence nursing practice, patient care, and health outcomes. Explore healthcare policy, advocacy, leadership, and the social, economic, and environmental factors that shape access to and delivery of care.
  
  NURSU 376: Leadership and Management in Nursing
  Develop essential nursing leadership and management skills, including clinical prioritization, delegation, communication, and ethical decision-making. Explore ways to promote patient-centered care, collaborate across healthcare teams, and improve care delivery.
  
  NURSU 455: Medical-Surgical Nursing II Synthesis Practicum*
  Build advanced clinical judgment and critical-thinking skills while caring for patients with complex medical needs, including an introduction to critical care. Integrate assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice to develop individualized care plans and support patient recovery.
  
  NURSU 473: Professional Practice Seminar III
  Explore interprofessional practice and collaboration through a selected focus area, such as palliative care, telehealth, mental health, or population health. Integrate professional nursing competencies and complete a professional ePortfolio demonstrating learning and development.

  *Clinical Courses