Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Apply?
Please see admissions requirements.
What is the minimum GPA for admission consideration?
You must have at least a 2.75 GPA and C+ or better in science courses to be considered for admission to the RN-BS Program.
Will all of my credits transfer?
The university will only accept transfer courses that apply to the BS in nursing up to maximum of 90 credits. You will be awarded 40 transfer credits for prior nursing courses after you complete the first online nursing course with a grade of C+ or better.
Are there a certain number of credits that must be taken at UMass Boston?
The university requires students to earn a minimum of 30 credits at UMass Boston in order to obtain a degree. The five six-credit nursing courses in the online RN to BS program meet this requirement.
I took my science classes 20 years ago. Will those classes still count?
The program does not have a time limit on accepting science credits.
How do I know what course I’ll need to take?
Please see:
How long is the program?
The actually length of the program will vary depending on the number of transfer credits that a student has upon entering the program and when they chose to complete any additional requirements. The required nursing courses will take five semesters including summers to complete. The online nursing courses will be offered fall, spring and summer semesters.
While my application is being processed are there classes I could be taking?
Yes. The program requires students to complete certain courses prior to beginning the sequence of online nursing courses. Please see plan of study.
Many registered nurses will need to take a separate pharmacology and nutrition course or a challenge examination. You may register to take the NLN examinations in pharmacology and nutrition at www.umb.edu/academics/cnhs/prospective/index.html. We accept a score of 50% or better to receive transfer credit for those courses.
What is the cost of the program?
Currently the cost of a six-credit nursing course is $1700.00 plus a registration fee of $50.00. There is also a one-time cost of $20.00 for headphones for the synchronized chat utilized in the nursing classes. The cost of books varies with the course.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid for online course is available for qualified students thru the University Financial Aid Office.
What are the academic standards for progression and graduation once I matriculate in the program?
The minimum passing grade for nursing and science courses is "C+". Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to progress each semester and to graduate.