Degree Options
We are the largest school of our kind in the nation and one of the most respected multiprogram nursing schools in the world. Additionally, we’re the only school in Indiana to offer a full range of nursing programs, including the PhD and DNP. Please explore the various degree options we offer. Review the list of School of Nursing course descriptions.
Undergraduate programs
Our undergraduate programs are designed to meet the current and future challenges of nursing. However you envision your future in nursing, you can find an appropriate program at the School of Nursing. Our baccalaureate degree (BSN) programs are designed for students who wish to enter nursing for the first time, including a second degree option for anyone who has already earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
Registered nurses (RNs) who hold an associate degree (ASN) or a nursing diploma can pursue the RN to BSN option. For information on the RN to BSN Degree Completion Program including plans of study and course listing, visit the RN-BSN Web portal. (RNs who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing may be interested in the RN to MSN option or BSN to PhD degree.)
Our faculty and administrators are here to support you, to learn with you and from you, and to assist you in reaching your goals. Students also gain extensive hands-on practice experiences in nationally recognized health care institutions.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Second Degree BSN, Accelerated Track
RN to BSN Option
Graduate programs
Our graduate program—including master’s and post-master’s options—is one of the most comprehensive in the world, putting our students in high demand after they graduate. In 2011, U.S. News & World Report ranked us 15th in the nation out of hundreds of graduate nursing programs. Higher still were our rankings in adult health (3rd), mental health/psychiatric nursing (6th), and family nurse practitioner (11th).
Our master's program features eight tracks of study, three of which are distance accessible. The Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Education and Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing tracks are all distance accessible.
We continue to pursue ways to make our programs accessible to busy, career-oriented students, with expanding online course offerings and a weekend format for our nursing administration and community health majors. Additionally, students have the opportunities to be involved in research through our centers and institutes.
Master of Science in Nursing
RN to MSN option
Graduate certificates
Post-master’s options
Doctoral programs
The IU School of Nursing is the largest nursing school in the country to offer both PhD and DNP programs along with graduate and undergraduate studies. The PhD in Nursing Science program has two areas of concentration, clinical nursing science and health systems, and is focused on a career as a nurse scientist and researcher The DNP program is a practice-focused professional doctorate that leads with excellence in quality improvement and patient safety through evidence-based practice and translational science. Ranked 9th for NIH funding in 2010, the faculty at the IU School of Nursing have a proven track record of successfully funded research. Postdoctoral options are also available.
Need help deciding between a DNP and PhD for your doctoral program? This questionnaire will help you begin to think about the decision.
BSN to PhD option
PhD in Nursing Science
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Graduate certificates
Resources
Academic Advising
The Center for Academic Affairs provides advising and maintains records for students in the School of Nursing.
IUPUI Campus Bulletin 2010-2012
The academic bulletin lists the schools' policies and procedures governing students within each school including degree requirements, plans of study, and course descriptions.
Academic Information
Learn more about our academic resources.
Blocking Sheets
Undergraduate students must register for specific groups of classes. Review the appropriate blocking sheet to determine what classes you need.
Continuing Education
Learn more about the Office of Lifelong Learning's professional (non-academic credit) certificate programs, conferences, and Web-based courses.
Portfolio Review Process
You may be able to meet course expectations through prior learning or professional experience (not available for the PhD program).
Questionnaire: Doctoral Education
Which one is right for you ... PhD or DNP?
Requirements for All Students
Make sure that you have met all of these requirements prior to each semester (not necessary for the PhD program).
Technology Resources
Learn all the details about available technology resources for students including support contacts, minimum requirements for computing and Connect technologies, and RILO.
NOTE: PhD students, in particular, should note the Adobe Acrobat Connect (Breeze) requirements so that technology can be purchased to help ensure a successful academic experience.
