Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Become a skilled and confident nurse with your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from George Mason. The program emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention, capitalizing on early detection of potential health problems, health maintenance in ambulatory services, and preparation for the managerial responsibilities of nursing. You’ll be prepared to deliver superior nursing care in the increasingly complex and challenging field of modern health care.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
You’ll learn and practice in upgraded labs and classrooms. George Mason’s College of Public Health is also home to the first interdisciplinary Virtual Reality and Simulation Lab in Virginia.
Small Class Sizes
Our 1:8 faculty-to-student ratio in clinical settings provides a close-knit learning environment with personalized attention for each student.
Nationally Ranked—Globally Respected
Ranked #3 in Virginia and #76 nationally among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report, our program will transform you into a well-trained nurse with a variety of in-demand skills.
Pathways
Traditional BSN
The direct entry 4-year BSN is a full-time program where students complete Mason Core and nursing prerequisites with nursing courses introduced in their first year.
Completion Requirements: Full-time
Semester Start: Fall
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
A 12-month, full-time program for students holding a baccalaureate degree outside of nursing and have completed nursing prerequisite requirements.
Completion Requirements: Full-time
Semester Start: Fall
Co-enrollment BSN (Veteran and Non-veteran)
These pathways allow military veterans and other students currently enrolled in an Applied Associate of Science nursing degree (AAS Nursing) program at a partner community college to complete a BSN degree online while concurrently enrolled in their AAS program.
Completion Requirements: Full-time or part-time
Semester Start: Fall or spring
RN to BSN
A fully online BSN pathway which allows licensed registered nurses holding a US-based RN license to earn their BSN degree in as little as two full-time semesters. The program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis, with most classes offered in a seven-week format.
Completion Requirements: Full-time or part-time
Semester Start: Fall or spring
NCLEX-RN Licensing Exam Prep
Throughout the BSN program, all students (with the exception of RN to BSN students), participate in preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. This preparation is included within select courses and offers practice NCLEX-style exams and content-specific testing.
A final cumulative assessment exam is given toward the end of the program to provide you with insight into your chances for success on the licensing exam. In your senior year, you’ll also take a course in critical thinking and test-taking strategies (remediation in select content areas may be required as a component of this course).
Admission Requirements
Application – The BSN program is a process involving these two applications:
- The George Mason University Undergraduate Application (Not required for currently enrolled Mason students)
- The BSN Departmental Application (Acceptance to the nursing program is contingent upon admission to the university)
Background Check – The Virginia Board of Nursing requires that all nursing students have a background check completed when they enroll in a program in Virginia.
RN to BSN-Specific – Students enrolled in the RN to BSN pathway are required to submit a copy of their current RN license prior to the first day of class. Students must maintain current licensure throughout the academic program.
Learn more about BSN degree requirements from the university catalog.
Outcomes
The graduate of the baccalaureate program in nursing will:
- Integrate liberal arts and sciences into evolving nursing knowledge to deliver holistic, innovative, person-centered care across the spheres of care for diverse populations.
- Facilitate interprofessional collaboration across diverse partnerships to implement and evaluate public health interventions, enhancing disease management through prevention and promotion, equity, and population health outcomes.
- Uses technology, data, and communication to guide decision-making and deliver safe, high-quality, evidence based, care aligned with best practices, regulatory standards, health policy and ethics.
- Apply critical thinking, clinical judgment, and collaboration to provide respectful, patient-centered care for diverse populations
- Exemplify authenticity, professionalism, leadership, self-reflection, advocacy, and lifelong learning to promote resilience, well-being, and a culture of caring.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is accredited by the Virginia State Board of Nursing (VA-BON) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Application to the BSN program is a competitive admission process. Students who are interested in pursuing a major in nursing are encouraged to attend an Information Session to learn more about important application guidelines and requirements.
Online Q&A hours for prospective students are offered every Wednesday via Zoom between 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST.