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The Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Notice to Prospective Applicants

In recent years there has been high student demand for this major. Students interested in this program should apply to the University during the initial filing period of the admissions cycle (October 1–November 30 for any fall semester; August 1–31 for any spring semester). A supplemental nursing application must be submitted by March 1 for the fall semester and by October 1 for the spring semester. Information on any current enrollment restrictions is available from the Admissions Office and from the department office sponsoring the major.

Prerequisites for Admission to the Nursing Major

  1. The cumulative grade point average for all college-level work must be a minimum of 3.0.
  2. The cumulative grade point average for the two science courses and the two Area A courses used to earn points on the supplemental nursing application must be a minimum of 3.0.
  3. The cumulative grade point average for all eight nursing prerequisites, once completed, must be a minimum of 3.0.
  4. All nursing prerequisites must be completed with grades of C or higher.
  5. At the time of application, at least two courses from Area A and at least two pre-requisite science courses must be completed, with the remaining courses in progress.

Pre-Nursing Core: 40-41 units

The following courses, or their equivalents, must be completed before admission to the General Option for the BSN or the Advanced Placement Option for RN to BSN.

General Education Area A Skills: 12 units

Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (B4) - MATH 105 is required for admission to the Nursing program (General Option and RN-BSN).

Science Foundation: 16 units

3 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Study of the structure of the human body, to include muscles, bones, heart, brain, ear, eye, and other systems, as well as a short look at development of the fetus. Lab work entails dissection of the cat and study of the human skeleton. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (001110)
Basic functioning of the organ systems of the human body, including the brain and nervous system; vision and hearing; heart and circulation; blood and immunity; respiration, digestion and metabolism; muscles; excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (001114)
Prerequisites: BIOL 103, BIOL 104, BIOL 162, or SCED 102; CHEM 107, CHEM 108, or CHEM 111.
Introduction to structure/function, metabolism, genetics, ecological interactions and pathogenic mechanisms of microorganisms. In addition, the roles of microorganisms in sanitation and in the food and biotechnology industries will be discussed. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001132)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Ready, Intermediate Algebra.
A survey of the principles of chemistry, primarily for students in agriculture, industry and technology, and pre-nursing. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001826)
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111 or equivalent.
A survey of organic chemistry emphasizing the structure, properties, and reactions of all major functional groups of organic molecules. Not applicable towards a degree in chemistry or biochemistry. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001828)
Prerequisites: GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Ready; second-year high school algebra; one year high school chemistry. (One year of high school physics and one year of high school mathematics past Algebra II are recommended.)
Principles of chemistry for students in science and engineering programs. Topics include atoms, molecules and ions, reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, bonding, chemical energy, gases, and solution chemistry. The laboratory sequence supports the above topics including both qualitative and quantitative experiments, analysis of data, and error propagation. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001816)

Concurrent Core: 12 units

See Concurrent Core below.

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Major Academic Plans page or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.

Students in the Advanced Placement Option for RN to BSN receive a detailed advising plan that outlines graduation requirements for this option. Advising is provided by the RN-BSN Advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

This major has approved GE modification(s). See below for information on how to apply these modification(s).

  • PSYC 101 is an approved major course substitution for Social Sciences (D).
  • NURS 303 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning.
  • NURS 477 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning.
  • NURS 475 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses.  The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

  • Any upper-division Writing (W) course.

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

All required courses must be passed with grades of C or higher.

Progression in the professional Nursing sequence depends upon maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in Nursing and grades of C or higher in all courses required for the Nursing major.

By policy, a student receiving a grade of C or less in a Nursing course may not progress in the Nursing program. The student may petition the School of Nursing Executive Committee to review the application of the policy in his/her situation, if serious and compelling conditions contributed to a failing grade.  Barring exceptional circumstances, students will not be allowed to repeat more than one course in the nursing program.

Course Requirements for the Major: 99-100 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Major Core Program

See Prerequisites to Admission to the Nursing Major above.

Concurrent Core: 12 units

The following four courses are required, but may be taken prior to admission or concurrently with the first semester of the Nursing program.

2 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
A study of the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children from conception through adolescence. The course examines genetic, biological, and environmental influences including cross-cultural issues. Scheduled observations are included. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (001442)
Introduction to concepts and problems in psychology. Topics include perception, learning, development, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and biological and social bases of behavior. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (007881)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Physiological, social, and psychological factors affecting food intake are examined, as well as relationships of nutrients to health throughout life. Sustainable food practices are explored. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (004273)
Prerequisites: BIOL 104, CHEM 108.
Physiological and chemical roles of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water in the functioning of the human body. Factors affecting the digestion of foods, use of nutrients, and the body's need for nutrients. 3 hours discussion. (004296)

Transfer students may use as transfer credit any lower-division course of comparable content. Consult the department to determine acceptable courses.

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
The course explores culture as the basis for understanding the human experience, including an examination of cross-cultural diversity. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (000492)
Case study examination of fundamental concepts, methods, and changing theoretical orientations of cultural anthropology. 3 hours lecture. (000507)
This course helps organize thinking about societies in general, the society we inhabit, and our place within it. Underlying questions are: Why do people have different values? Why do people act differently? Why is there inequality? And why and how does society; its values and norms, institutions, and groups influence our behavior. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (008933)

Major Option Course Requirements: 44-60 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.  Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.



General Option: 60 units

This option is for students who are just beginning in the nursing field. The curricular sequence meets all state requirements for initial RN licensure as well as Public Health Nursing certification. Students must be admitted to the General Option for the BSN (see supplemental admission criteria available from the department or at www.csuchico.edu/nurs/).

Professional Sequence

All courses must be taken in the sequence outlined.

Semester I

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
This course provides an introduction to the leadership role of the professional nurse in improving nursing practice. Students are introduced to the concepts of quality and safety in nursing in the context of evidence-based practice. The evidence-based approach to clinical care facilitates lifelong inquiry skills that will influence current nursing practice. Included is the development of skills to question clinical practice. These skills are then used to access best evidence for clinical decision making to deliver high quality care. 1 hour lecture. (021472)
Prerequisites: Nursing majors only.
This course is an introduction to nursing therapeutics underlying the basic skills and concepts in the practice of professional nursing. The focus is on concepts related to physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and cultural needs and mechanisms for maximizing health. Basic pharmacology is included. Emphasis is placed on the application of the nursing process in maintaining health for adults. 4 hours lecture. (006454)
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
This nursing practicum provides the clinical opportunity to apply the theory, concepts, and principles of nursing care presented in NURS 283 and NURS 285. Emphasis is placed on the application of the nursing process in the care of adults in acute care facilities. Clinical hours listed are hours per week. 12 hours laboratory. (006438)
Prerequisites: Nursing majors only.
This course introduces the student to theory needed for application of the nursing process with emphasis on skills useful in data gathering and analysis for completing a health assessment. Normal and abnormal physical, social, and cultural structure and function are explored. 3 hours lecture. (006461)

Semester II

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
Therapeutic nursing interventions and physical, emotional/spiritual, social, and cultural concepts related to common acute conditions of the adult. The nursing process is used in relating theories to caring nursing practice. 4 hours lecture. (006463)
Prerequisites: Nursing majors only.
Directed and supervised practice in the care of the acutely ill adult. Active application of the nursing process and nursing therapeutics in planning and implementing nursing care. Clinical hours listed are hours per week. 12 hours laboratory. (006444)
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
This course is designed to explore the use of informatics in nursing practice and its role in improving the care of clients. The student are introduced to the basic concepts of information technology as it supports decision making in the clinical setting. Major health information technology principles and competencies are introduced. Students also examine issues related to the protection of the privacy, confidentiality, and security of information in health care environments. Personal Health Records (PHRs), Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), usability, and consumer education are presented. 2 hours lecture. (021471)
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
This course provides an introduction to the leadership role of the professional nurse in improving nursing practice. This includes developing skills to question clinical practice and access best evidence to use when implementing clinical decision making in order to deliver high quality care. This evidence-based approach to clinical care will facilitate long term inquiry skills that will impact long range planning for the profession. 2 hours lecture. (021470)

Semester III

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
This course presents the theoretical basis for the practice of maternal-child nursing, including nursing knowledge basic to the professional nursing care of the mother/fetus, infants, children, fathers, and families in relationship to childbearing and childrearing. The study of normal childbearing/ childrearing families as well as high-risk families is included. Physiological adaptations and alterations during pregnancy and in the health of children are examined as well as the growth and development of the fetus and child through adolescence. The focus of the course is the promotion of optimum health and development for mothers, children, and families. 4 hours discussion. (006467)
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
Directed and supervised practicum which focuses on maternal-fetal-neonatal and child nursing and includes nursing of childbearing and childrearing families. Experiences are provided in various settings including hospitals, offices, clinics, homes, schools, and teaching centers, to provide students with the opportunity to apply concurrent knowledge and the nursing process to the health of pregnant women, their fetuses, neonates, and children. Emphasis is placed on the development of assessment skills, and the application of nursing knowledge for the effective delivery of nursing care. Clinical hours listed are hours per week. 9 hours laboratory. (006470)
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
Therapeutic nursing interventions and physical, emotional/spiritual, social, and cultural concepts related to common acute conditions of the adult. The nursing process is used in relating theories to caring nursing practice. This course builds on content taught in NURS 303. 3 hours lecture. (021473)
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
Directed and supervised practice in the care of the acutely ill adult. There is active application of the nursing process and nursing therapeutics in planning and implementing nursing care. A minimum of 24 hours of clinical must reflect care & identification of the unique needs of the elderly hospitalized adults. 6 hours laboratory. (021474)

Semester IV

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
Advanced nursing practicum, using human patient simulators to practice advanced nursing skills and critical thinking exercises applied to complex patient scenarios. 6 hours laboratory. (020976)
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
This course is designed to reinforce and promote synthesis of biophysical, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual concepts from previous courses in a holistic nursing approach for patients with complex problems. Case studies and research findings will be utilized for analysis of disruptions of structural integrity and the integration of nurisng knowledge. 2 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. (006552)
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
Supervised clinical practice using a laboratory model. This course is designed as a capstone to the nursing program and is to be taken concurrently with NURS 493. The student will provide care and practice advanced problem solving for patient(s) with complex health problems, incorporating research findings, current theory, and nursing science in addressing complex biophysical, psychosocial, and spiritual patient situations. Clinical hours listed are the average hours per week over the entire semester; actual clinical time is blocked into eight-week rotations. 6 hours laboratory. (006553)
Prerequisite: Nursing majors only.
This course enables students to analyze health policy theory and regulations to provide leadership in improving the health of populations. Students further explore research and evaluate change processes to gain an understanding of policy making decisions. 1 hour lecture. (021475)
Prerequisites: Nursing majors only.
The course focuses on the use of the nursing process as it relates to theories of physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual structure and function within environments in promotional, restorative, and rehabilitative management of the major maladaptive behaviors of individuals and groups. The intricate interrelationships of these factors in development and treatment of maladaptive behaviors is stressed. It includes the examination of psychiatric nursing roles within interdisciplinary treatment methods. Current mental and behavioral health research findings are incorporated. 3 hours lecture. (006505)
Prerequisites: Nursing majors only.
The course provides clinical experience which gives the student the opportunity to actualize the nursing process with individuals and groups of patients experiencing maladaptive behavior. Theoretical formulations from NURS 433 are used to facilitate this process. The interdisciplinary setting allows the student to examine and define the nursing roles within it. Clinical hours listed are the average hours per week over the entire semester; actual clinical time is blocked into eight-week rotations. 6 hours laboratory. (006506)

Semester V

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, Nursing majors only.
Introduction to the management and leadership roles of the professional nurse within the structure of an organization. The focus is on accountability for quality assurance in the provision of nursing care, interdisciplinary communication, and consultative and collaborative relationships. Legal authority for nursing practice and the impact of political and legislative processes are emphasized. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (006480)
Prerequisites: Nursing majors only.
This is a preceptored clinical practicum in the application of principles of leadership and management from NURS 422. Students use leadership/management theory as well as the basic and applied sciences and humanities from previous courses as the basis for planning and implementing nursing therapeutics for groups of acutely ill patients. There is an emphasis on critical thinking, team building, communication, priority setting, collaborative decision making, and advocacy. Clinical time is blocked into a 7-8 week rotation, for a total of 90 hours. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet preceptor's schedule. 9 hours laboratory. (006487)
Prerequisites: Nursing majors only.
This course is a synthesis of nursing and public health practice with the goal of promoting and preserving the health of populations. Emphasis is on establishing a caring presence in the community with responsibility to the population as a whole. Students will apply the nursing process and concepts to culturally diverse individuals, families, and communities in homes, community agencies, and schools to facilitate movement toward achievement of maximum potential for daily living. This course includes a service learning project. Clinical hours listed are hours per week. 9 hours laboratory. (006533)
Prerequisites: Nursing majors only.
This course provides an introduction to the specialty of public health nursing. Students examine the impact of epidemiological, social, ethical, cultural, political, economic, and legal factors on lifestyle and health. Students apply the principles of public health science combined with nursing knowledge and skills to address the disease prevention needs of individuals, families, and communities. 3 hours lecture. (020291)

Advanced Placement Option For RN to BSN: 44 units

This option is for students who have already completed an Associated Degree RN program. The curricular sequence meets the requirements for Public Health Nursing certification. The RN must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

RNs admitted to the Advanced Placement Option for RN to BSN must complete all eight nursing prerequisites, all lower division general education requirements, and have completed 70 transferable college units prior to being considered for admission. Students will receive 20 units of NCLEX credit in the final semester of the program.

Nursing Course Work

The following courses, or their equivalents, must be completed. RNs with sufficient background in a content area may challenge any of these courses, with permission of the school. Courses are delivered in a web-based format requiring a computer and Internet access.

8 courses required:

Courses must be taken in order listed.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Completion of RN program.
This RN-BSN bridge course assists the RN in self-assessing and furthering behaviors and skills likely to result in academic success for reentry learners. In addition, academic writing skills are emphasized. The course also examines key professional issues in nursing and explores professional roles assumed by the baccalaureate prepared nurse as leader and change agent. A personal career plan paper encourages personal reflection, short term and long term planning, goal setting, and recognition of the value of formal education and strategic planning in career development. An experiential approach to learning is emphasized. 4 hours lecture. (006460)
This course reviews academic grammar and composition including paragraphs, sentences, and punctuation. It provides information on how to organize and draft academic papers. The American Psychological Association (APA) style is taught including writing style for academic papers, paraphrasing, crediting sources of information, and APA formatting. Computer tools to assist in scholarly writing are discussed. The focus is providing students with the skills needed to transition to academic writing in the RN to BSN Program in all areas from discussion board topics to more formal professional papers. An orientation to the CSUC Miriam Library on-line services is provided. 2 hours lecture. (021764)
This course is designed to explore the use of informatics in nursing practice and its role in improving patient care. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of information technology as it supports decision making in the clinical environment. Students examine legal and ethical issues related to the protection of privacy and security of health information in the care environment. 3 hours lecture. (021763)
Prerequisite: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement.
This course provides an introduction to the leadership role of the professional nurse in improving nursing practice. The class provides the undergraduate student with a basic understanding of the research process and its application to evidence based nursing practice. Various types of research and research methods as well as data analysis and reporting methods are discussed. Ethical and legal consideration for the protection of human subjects are reviewed. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (020589)
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, RN-BSN majors only.
Introduction to the management and leadership roles of the professional nurse within the structure of an organization. The focus is on accountability for quality assurance in the provision of nursing care, interdisciplinary communication, and consultative and collaborative relationships. Legal authority for nursing practice and the impact of political and legislative process are emphasized. 4 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (006481)
This course examines ethical decision-making in professional nursing. The focus is on values clarification, ethical theory, ethical decision-making models, advocacy, and professional codes/standards of practice. Students examine and address ethical dilemmas and conflicting ethical obligations that occur in their roles as global citizens, care providers, members of a profession, inter-professional team partners, and designers and managers of care. 2 hours lecture. (021769)
This course provides an introduction to the specialty of public health nursing. Students examine the impact of epidemiological, social, ethical, cultural, political, economic, and legal factors on lifestyle and health. Students apply the principles of public health science combined with nursing knowledge and skills to address the disease prevention needs of individuals, families, and communities. 3 hours lecture. (020292)
This course is a synthesis of nursing and public health practice with the goal of promoting and preserving the health of populations. Emphasis is on establishing a caring presence in the community with responsibility to the population as a whole. Students will apply the nursing process and concepts to culturally diverse individuals, families, and communities in homes, community agencies, and schools to facilitate movement toward achievement of maximum potential for daily living. This course includes a service learning project. 9 hours laboratory. (021247)

Professional Standards

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a degree that signifies readiness for beginning professional nursing practice. The faculty recognizes a responsibility to both the students and potential patients to produce graduates whose attitudes and behavior indicate readiness for carrying out their professional functions. If, in the professional judgment of the Executive Committee of the School of Nursing, a student appears to be potentially unsafe/dangerous to patients or colleagues, the School will refuse to allow the student to practice in the clinical setting and will immediately be removed from the nursing program.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

  • You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
  • You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
  • Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  • Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  • Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
  • Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

Honors in Nursing

BSN General Option nursing students are eligible for Honors in the Major during the 4th semester of the program and then complete the 6 units of course work over the 4th and 5th semesters of the program. RN-BSN students become eligible with one year remaining in the program.

Catalog Cycle:21