Degree Overview

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Our pre-licensure BSN program educates students for generalist nursing practice, providing care for persons in the context of family and community. After successfully completing the program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination to be licensed as a registered professional nurse (RN).

Student nurse holding a clipboard.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Professional nursing education is grounded in science, mathematics and the humanities. As a freshman, your courses will focus on these subjects, which are the foundation for the critical thinking required in nursing practice. Nursing theory and clinical experiences are introduced during the sophomore year, giving you an opportunity to practice clinical skills in the School’s Simulation Center before entering clinical settings in the community. During your junior year, your nursing courses will address the health care needs of individuals in varying states of health during different stages of development. Senior year courses will synthesize your previous coursework.

Throughout the program, you will use critical thinking and data analysis skills to provide person and family-centered outcome-based care for individuals with complex health care needs across the lifespan and health illness continuum. The four-year BSN degree provides a foundation for graduate education and lifelong professional development.

Nursing student wearing protective face mask and gloves speaking to an out of focus patient.

Academic Information

Montclair State University’s School of Nursing is committed to student success. Students are admitted to our comprehensive four-year BSN program in their freshman year and complete a total of 120 credits to receive their degree. Graduates of the program are eligible for RN licensure.

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Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the four-year BSN program for the fall semester each academic year.

When you apply to the program, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions conducts a preliminary review to determine your general admissibility to the University. If you are a potential candidate for admission, your application is then forwarded to the School of Nursing Admissions Committee for final review and a decision on admission to the major.

We consider a number of factors in reviewing applications for admission. These factors include your academic performance in high school – particularly your high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants for admission are expected to complete a minimum of 16 units of college-preparatory coursework as follows:

  • 4 units of English
  • 3 units of mathematics (including algebra, geometry, and algebra II)
  • 2 units of the same world language
  • 2 units of a laboratory science
  • 2 units of social sciences
  • 3 additional units in any of the subject areas above

Students are recognized in the admissions process for pursuing a challenging curriculum beyond the minimum required, including, for example:

  • Mathematics beyond algebra II
  • Laboratory science beyond chemistry
  • A third or fourth year of a world language
  • Advanced Placement courses
  • Honors courses

Other factors considered in the review process include:

  • Two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors or employers
  • A well-written, thoughtful personal statement
  • Demonstration of extra-curricular activities such as community service, leadership in student organizations, athletics, performance and artistic activities
  • Experiences related to the health care field

Each application for admission to Montclair State University is reviewed individually. Decisions are made within the context of the whole applicant pool and the number of places available for the incoming class.

Prior to beginning clinical practica, all students are required to successfully pass a criminal background check and urine toxicology screening, which is performed by an external agency. Reports are sent confidentially to the School of Nursing. Fees will apply.