RN to BS in Nursing

Program Information

Application Process

Submit an application via Cal State Apply and complete SDSU’s Supplemental Application. SDSU will accept Fall and Spring admission applications from October 1 – November 30.

For additional information and guidance on addmissions, check out the Admissions Contact Page to get in touch with a specialist at SDSU.

Need help with your Cal State Apply Application? View SDSU's Application Page for Transfer students for upcoming dates of Zoom Cal State Apply Transfer Workshops.
If you have questions about your application to CSU call (857) 304-2087 or visit the Cal State Apply Help Center.

See SDSU’s Transfer Admission Website for additional information.

Program Requirements

Minimum Admission Requirements

(NOTE: Applications are due in the Fall even if planning to start in the Spring.)

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Diploma from a regionally accredited school
• Students can start with eligibility for RN licensure pending NCLEX exam.
• Cumulative GPA: Minimum of 3.0
• Completion of the Following Courses, or their equivalents:
  • Human Anatomy with Lab, 4 semester units, minimum grade of C
  • Human Physiology with Lab, 4 semester units, minimum grade of C
  • Microbiology with Lab, 4 semester units, minimum grade of C
  • Chemistry (General Chem or-Organic Chem -or-Integrated Chem or- Inorganic Chem), minimum grade of C
  • Oral Communication 
  • Written Communication 
  • Critical Thinking 
  • Statistics, 3 semester units, minimum grade of C
  • General Education Requirements
    (See SDSU General Catalog or consult the SDSU Prospective Student Center at 619-594-6336 for General Education Requirement information)

Contact advisor for course equivalencies. 

Curriculum Overview

RN to BS Students first meet all requirements for completion of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing program from a regionally accredited program.

Curriculum (schedule of courses subject to change):

• NURS 312: Nursing Professionalism (3 units – offered Fall and Spring Semesters)
• NURS 307W: Research, Evidence Based Practice, and Writing for Nurses (3 units – offered Fall and Spring Semesters)
• NURS 320: Health Assessment and Health Promotion for RN to BS (4 units – offered Fall and Spring Semesters)
• NURS 415/415L: Community Health (5 units – offered Fall and Spring Semesters)
• NURS 458/458L: Leadership (5 units – offered Fall, Spring, and Summer)
• NURS 437: Transitional Care of Populations (6 units – offered Fall, Spring and Summer)
• 3 Upper Division GE's
  • Examples:
    NUTR 313: Contemporary Nutrition
    GERO 360: Diversity and Aging
    PHIL 330: Biomedical Ethics
    Popular Upper Division GE Courses for Nurses
    All Upper Division GE Courses
    

Program length may vary. Most RN to BS students can complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at SDSU within fifteen months.

SDSU Requirements

In addition to the nursing-specific coursework, all candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the requirements listed in the “Graduation Requirements” section of the SDSU General Catalog. For additional information on general education and graduation requirements, students must meet with an academic advisor in The Office of Advising and Evaluations.

The general education requirements do not apply to second baccalaureate students.

Please note: SDSU requires students to enroll in a minimum 6 units their first semester at SDSU.

Students who currently have a Bachelor's Degree in another field

Please refer to our Second Bachelors Open University page for more information

CROSS ENROLLMENT ADN STUDENTS

If you are a student at an area community college, and meet the requirements, you can take a course at SDSU toward your BSN while enrolled in your ADN program.

Learn More about Cross Enrollment

Cross Enrollment Video

IMPORTANT
If you are interested in applying for spring admissions, please email [email protected]

FAQ

• How long will the RN to BS in Nursing Program take?
  Most students will complete the program in twelve to fifteen months.
  
  
• What if I have my Bachelor’s Degree in another field?
  Second baccalaureate degree students are able to quickly move through our program, usually within 10 to 12 months because the general education courses are waived.
  You also may be eligible for our Master's degree program in the Leadership specialty. Please see our Graduate Program website.
• How much does it cost to attend SDSU?
  Cost depends upon if you are a full time or part time student. The RN to BS in Nursing program typically takes two semesters full time or three to four semesters part time depending upon the number of classes taken per semester. Please review the Tuition and Fee Schedule.