Degree Programs
Bachelor’s degrees offer wider career opportunities to both aspiring and practicing nurses. With clinical experiences and innovative curricula, we’ll help you become a nurse leader—able to think critically, collaborate, innovate, and take advantage of the latest nursing research.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing—Traditional
The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a two-year course sequence that builds on a foundation of pre-nursing study to fulfill the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing—Accelerated
If you already have a bachelor’s degree or higher and are interested in making a career change to nursing, this fast-track professional program will take you there. You can earn a BSN in just 12 months. This highly selective program cultivates nurse leaders who are prepared to hit the ground running.
RN to BSN Online Program: BSN@Home
This low-residency program is designed to help RNs with diplomas or two-year degrees complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing without having to relocate. Most of the program is completed online. UW–Madison provides services like advising and financial aid, as well as a unique capstone practicum that gives students an integrative educational experience.
Other Options for Undergraduates
Early Entry PhD Option
This innovative program is designed for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a research career. Student get hands-on research experience with a faculty mentor. Programs of study are individually planned by the student and the advisory committee and take into consideration the students’ backgrounds, goals, and interests. Satisfactory progress in the Early Entry PhD Option (including maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher) guarantees admission to the PhD program.
BS to MPH Option
This unique degree option gives undergraduate nursing students the opportunity to seek early admission to the MPH program and enroll in selected MPH courses while completing requirements for the BSN. Students are able to complete both degrees (the BSN and the MPH) over five years (three years from admission to the nursing program). Graduates are prepared for a wide range of nursing and public health practice positions. Scroll down on the BSN Program page for more information.
School Nursing
We offer two routes to school nursing practice. Graduates of the 18-credit School Nurse Certification Program are eligible to apply for licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. BSN students may complete the program concurrently, and BSN@Home students may complete some of the requirements concurrently and the remainder after graduation. For RNs who need to take a community health course to become a school nurse, Nursing 470 is a 3-credit online course that meets this requirement.
Other Certificate Options
BSN students can pursue additional areas of interest by completing one of the 50-plus certificate options that UW–Madison offers in disciplines such as global health, gender and women’s studies, and Afro-American studies. Your advisor can help you explore the options.