Online Q&A Hours
Online Q&A hours for prospective students are offered every Wednesday via Zoom between 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST. Email bsnapps@gmu.edu for login information.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students to deliver superior nursing care and provide leadership in nursing in the increasingly complex and challenging field of modern health care.
Graduates are in demand as professional nurses in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community and public health settings, and other health care agencies. The program emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention, capitalizing on early detection of potential health problems, health maintenance in ambulatory services, and preparation for the managerial responsibilities of nursing.
The School of Nursing offers various pathways to complete the BSN, all of which lead to completion of the objectives of the undergraduate program.
Traditional BSN
- Direct entry 4-year BSN: a full-time program where students complete Mason Core and nursing prerequisites with nursing courses introduced in their freshman year.
- Second-gate 2-year BSN: A full-time program that follows the completion of the Mason Core and nursing prerequisite requirements with students entering nursing courses in their junior year. This pathway no longer accepts applications.
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
A 12-month, full-time program for students holding a baccalaureate degree outside of nursing and have completed nursing prerequisite requirements. Learn more...
Co-enrollment BSN (Veteran and Non-veteran)
These pathways allow military veterans and other students currently enrolled in an Applied Associates of Science nursing degree (AAS Nursing) program at a partner community college to complete a BSN degree online while concurrently enrolled in their AAS program.
RN to BSN
A fully online BSN pathway which allows licensed registered nurses holding a US-based RN license to earn their BSN degree in as little as two full-time semesters. The program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis, with most classes offered in a seven-week format.
Program Specifics
Traditional and Accelerated Second Degree BSN programs must be completed on a full-time basis. Part-time and full-time options are offered for the Co-enrollment and RN to BSN programs. Traditional and accelerated pathway students enter the program in the Fall. Co-enrollment and RN applicants may enter in the Fall or Spring.
Application to the BSN program is a process involving two applications: the George Mason University Undergraduate Application and the BSN Departmental Application. Currently enrolled Mason students need only apply using the BSN Departmental Application. Acceptance to the nursing program is contingent upon admission to the university.
Application to the BSN program is a competitive admission process. Students who are interested in pursuing a major in nursing are encouraged to attend an Information Session to learn more about important application guidelines and requirements.
RN-licensed students enrolled in the RN-to-BSN pathway are required to submit a copy of their current license prior to the first day of class. RN-licensed students must maintain current licensure throughout the academic program.
The Virginia Board of Nursing requires that all nursing students have a background check completed when they enroll in a program in Virginia.
Throughout the BSN program, all students, with the exception of RN-to-BSN students, participate in preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam through opportunities provided during nursing courses. These opportunities are included as integrated components of select courses and include practice NCLEX-style exams and content-specific testing. A final cumulative assessment exam is given toward the end of the program to provide the student with guidance about their chance for success on the licensing exam. A final course in critical thinking and test-taking strategies is required in the senior year, and remediation in select content areas may be required as a component of this course.
Learn more about BSN degree requirements from the university catalog.