Bachelor of Science Program Overview

Curriculum | Madison Campus | Western Campus
Degree Requirements | Honors Option | Early Entry PhD Option in Nursing

Curriculum

The nursing program prepares women and men for careers in professional nursing. The foundations in general and professional education acquired in the program provide a basis for progressing to positions of increased responsibility, leadership, and enrolling in graduate programs in nursing programs.

The curriculum has three major components: general education, nursing, and electives. The general education component includes courses in the sciences, humanities, and social studies. The majority of these requirements are met in the first two years. The nursing component (junior and senior year) includes lectures, laboratory, and clinical courses. Nursing courses emphasize clinical decision-making and the application of theoretical knowledge from nursing and other disciplines. Clinical experiences are offered in both hospital settings and in community health settings. Elective courses in general education and in nursing permit students to pursue individual interests.

Students have the opportunity to complete the nursing component of the program at either UW-Madison campus or the Western Campus for Nursing located at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Upon successful completion of the nursing program at either location, students receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from UW-Madison School of Nursing.

A complete description of the School of Nursing baccalaureate program is available in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Undergraduate Catalog.

Madison Campus

The School of Nursing is located at the west end of campus in the Clinical Science Center (CSC). The CSC, in addition to the home of the School of Nursing, houses the Clinical Departments of the Medical School, the Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center and University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (UWHC). Nursing students on the Madison campus will soon be attending classes in the Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC). Clinical experiences are offered at UWHC and at local community hospitals, health agencies, and rural health facilities.

Western Campus for Nursing

The Western Campus option offers the upper-division nursing program at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Classes will be taught by Gundersen Lutheran nursing instructors in academic partnership with UW-Madison nursing educators. Nursing students will attend classes at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center (GLMC). The clinical component of the program will be offered at GLMC and La Crosse area healthcare facilities.

Degree Requirements

Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing: 124 Degree Credit Curriculum

75 credits at the intermediate or advanced level
3 credits of Ethnic Studies Required

General Education Requirements (65-71 credits):

Science (22 credits to include the following):

• Chemistry 108 or 103 (4-5 credits or equivalent)
• Anatomy 328 (3 credits or equivalent)
• Physiology 335 (5 credits or equivalent)
• Microbiology 101 or Biochemistry 501 (3 credits or equivalent)
• Pathology 404 (3 credits or equivalent)
• Pharmacology 401 (3 credits or equivalent)

Social Studies and Humanities (22 credits to include):

• Humanities (6 credits)
• Growth and Development (3 credits)
• Psychology 202 or equivalent (3 credits)
• Introductory Sociology (3 credits)
• 7 additional credits of Social Studies or Humanities

Math 112 or equivalent
Ethnic Studies (3 credits from any category above or nursing)
English 101 (3 credits required of students whose first college matriculation is prior to 5/20/96)
Communication A & B (Required of students whose first college matriculation is after 5/20/96)
Quantitative Reasoning A & B (Required of students whose first college matriculation is after 5/20/96)
Electives (21-27 credits or sufficient to complete 124 credits)

Nursing Credit Requirement (53-59 credits*)

A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or above.
Completion of the last 30 credits in residence.

*NOTE: Requirements are subject to curricular change. Consult with a nursing advisor regarding possible change.

Enrichment Opportunities

Honors Program Option

The School of Nursing has an honors program that provides special opportunities for high ability students who seek greater depth and challenge in their educational experience. The program includes enriched coursework and research involvement, as well as the opportunity to develop a mentoring relationship with a School of Nursing Professor. Students have the opportunity to enroll in special sections of courses and seminars that offer more challenging assignments and experiences. Honors students graduate from the university with a greatly enriched view of the world of nursing.

Early Entry PhD Option in Nursing

The Early Entry PhD Option in nursing is an innovative program designed for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a research career. With the assistance of a faculty advisory committee, Early Entry students plan an individualized program of study and research, drawing on existing undergraduate and graduate courses in nursing and related disciplines. The option consists of early and intensive research training, clinical practice and required and recommended course work. Three degrees are awarded to students who complete this option—a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS), granted by the UW–Madison School of Nursing; and a Master of Science in Nursing (MS) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), granted by the UW–Madison Graduate School.