Where Community Cultivates Excellence in Nursing
Discover how the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing embodies the Wisconsin Idea through cultivating excellence in nursing practice, research, and health care in Wisconsin and beyond.
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A Message from the Dean
Welcome—and thank you for taking time to become familiar with the UW-Madison School of Nursing! As leaders in nursing education, we are clear in our purpose to improve the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations. This commitment is advanced through our research, scholarship, outreach, and initiatives. It is also evident in the curricula and instruction across our graduate and undergraduate degree programs, our certificate opportunities, and professional development offerings.
Visit Cooper Hall
The School of Nursing is housed in Signe Skott Cooper Hall, a $53 million LEED Silver educational facility on an expansive health sciences campus. With high-fidelity simulation labs, 25 research suites, an active-learning classroom complex, exercise spaces and an accessible auditorium, Cooper Hall showcases the power, impact and future of nursing. Cooper Hall occupies ancestral and contemporary Ho-Chunk land, a place their nation has called Teejop (day-JOPE) since time immemorial.
Why Study Nursing at UW–Madison?
What's the difference between UW–Madison's School of Nursing and other institutions? From the facilities to the community partnerships and policy opportunities, find out some of the things that make us unique.
History
Founded in 1924 as the first collegiate nursing program in Wisconsin, the School of Nursing serves nurses statewide throughout their careers. Our history demonstrates our commitment to health and wellness for all, as well as to the profession and professional education.
Board of Visitors
The Board of Visitors of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing is a group of leaders from the health care and business communities who provide strategic guidance to the school.
1000+
Student enrollment
9
Program & certificate options
98.6%
Graduation rate
Leaders in Research, Education, and Practice
The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing is the leading nursing research institution in Wisconsin and a crucial part of the state’s health care system. Situated in the health sciences sector of campus with the School of Medicine and Public Health and the School of Pharmacy, the School of Nursing collaborates with scientists and renowned researchers across the UW–Madison campus, the nation, and the world.
Translational in nature and grounded in practical application, research at the School of Nursing has an immediate impact on Wisconsin’s communities, hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes.
Academics
The school has an enrollment of more than 1,000 students and offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degrees, as well as continuing education and four certificate programs.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree in nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UW–Madison are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The University
UW–Madison, founded in 1849, is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive research universities. It is comprised of 13 schools and colleges that offer 232 undergraduate majors and certificates, as well as 250-plus master’s doctoral, and professional degree programs.
The Wisconsin Idea
The Wisconsin Idea is one of the longest and deepest traditions surrounding the University of Wisconsin and signifies that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
The Wisconsin Experience
The Wisconsin Experience, much like the Wisconsin Idea, sets us apart. While the Wisconsin Idea is about our students giving back, the Wisconsin Experience is how we, as a university, give back to our students.
Guiding Principles
Commitment to Wellness
The School of Nursing is committed to fostering a sustainable culture of wellness to improve population health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff through positive culture change and wellness initiatives.
2025-2030 Strategic Framework
Our mission is to develop nurse leaders, innovators, and advocates for the profession and society through research, education, practice, policy, and outreach.
Our vision is to make discoveries, enhance systems, and advance health and health equity for Wisconsin and beyond.
Commitment to Inclusive Excellence
The School of Nursing fosters an environment of inclusive excellence that values diversity among its students, faculty, and staff. We embrace a broad definition of diversity that recognizes the intersection of multiple factors and identities—including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, religion, age, and physical characteristics.
Inclusive Excellence Plan
Our Values
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Collaboration
We work together to advance common goals through active engagement, inclusion, and shared responsibility among all members of our communities.
Excellence
We embrace high professional standards for ourselves and our work.
Integrity
We hold ourselves and each other accountable. People can expect that we will do what we say we are going to do and that we will do the right thing.
Respect
Through our actions we honor diverse perspectives, experiences, contributions, and ways of knowing.
Innovation
We embrace creativity and the development and implementation of new ideas with the potential for positive impact.
Equity
We advocate for justice and inclusivity to address disparities and maximize equitable access to opportunities.